DE10111597B4 - Occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, with an interior trim part in which an airbag outlet opening is formed, which is closed by means of a cover device in the non-activated basic state of the occupant protection device, with an airbag module arranged behind the cover device, which has at least one airbag and at least one correspondingly associated gas generator, wherein the cover device is formed by at least one cover flap which is connected to a rearwardly displaceable component via at least one traction device in such a way that when this component is moved backwards away from the airbag outlet opening in the activated state of the occupant protection device via the at least one traction device, a pulling force is generated can be applied to the at least one cover flap in such a way that it is around an edge-side hinge while releasing the airbag outlet opening in the direction away from the vehicle interior r area and by tearing along a cover flap edge area that adjoins the hinge area and is designed as a predetermined breaking point can be pulled inward behind the interior trim part and the at least one airbag through the airbag outlet opening in the vehicle interior in front of the ...

Description

The invention relates to an occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

One from the EP 0 867 346 A1 known occupant protection device for a motor vehicle has an interior trim part, in which an airbag outlet opening is formed. This airbag outlet opening is closed in the non-activated basic state of the occupant protection device by means of two cover flaps. Behind the covering device, an airbag module of an airbag and a gas generator is arranged. The cover flaps adjoin one another with edge regions in an adjoining region. At the edge regions of the cover flaps adjoining the opening edge region, pins are provided here which protrude on both sides of the cover flaps and are guided in correspondingly formed grooves on the opening edge region of the airbag outlet opening. The gas generator is connected to each cover flap via a hinged rod connection, wherein each of the tie rods is articulated on the one hand to the housing of the gas generator and on the other hand at the opening edge side edge region of the cover flaps, so that a hinged lever connection between the gas generator and the cover flaps is formed. In the case of activation of the occupant protection device, gas is injected into the airbag via the gas generator, as a result of which it presses against the still closed cover flaps. As a result, a reaction force acts on the gas generator in the opposite direction to the direction of the airbag exit. Thereby, the inflator is displaced rearwardly, that is displaced away from the airbag outlet opening to the rear, so that the gas generator via the two tie rods, the two cover flaps from the Airbagaustrittöffnungsrandbereich starting inward and backward approximately along the inside of a projecting from the Airbagaustrittöffnungsrandbereich approximately vertically to the rear Housing wall of a housing of the occupant protection device pulls. In this case, the two inner edge regions of the two cover flaps, which adjoin one another in their closed position in the adjoining region, are guided by the pins on the curves provided by the grooves. As a result, the airbag outlet opening is released for the further exit of the airbag so that it can inflate through the airbag outlet opening in front of the interior trim part in the passenger compartment.

In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the tensile force is applied to the tie rods by means of rotary pistons, which can be rotated by the gas of the gas generator via separate flow openings.

In a further alternative embodiment, the displacement of the tie rods via linear piston-cylinder arrangements is carried out with oppositely driven piston. Instead of the tie rods here Zugseile are used. The compressed gas for the linear piston cylinder arrangements can be generated by the filling gas of the gas generator.

Further alternatively, the gas generator is partially surrounded by a displaceable, trough-like component, in which the stationary gas generator blows in the case of activation gas and thus displaced away from the rear airbag outlet opening, whereby on the trough-like component arranged pulling means a tensile force on the respective associated cover flaps can be applied. The gas outlet openings on the gas generator are in this case mounted so that first only gas is blown to the trough-like component and only after a certain displacement of the trough-like component associated gas bag is inflatable by releasing a corresponding gas channel. This is to ensure that the cover flaps are opened first, and only then the airbag itself is filled with gas.

A disadvantage of all these embodiments is that to release the airbag outlet opening through the airbag flaps a total of relatively complicated mechanics in conjunction with slide guides and lever assemblies and joints is required, so that such occupant protection device is relatively complex and therefore expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the tensile force to be applied for opening the airbag flaps is relatively high overall in such a construction, so that correspondingly strong, large and / or high-performance components are required, which in turn is expensive and expensive. Furthermore, such a use of complex sliding guides and lever or joint connections leads overall to a relatively large volume of construction, so that such a structure is less well suited, in particular for cramped installation situations.

The airbag outlet opening is here also formed in a carrier layer of the interior trim part, which has a common surface layer as outer skin together with the cover flaps toward the vehicle interior. The carrier layer is formed from a relatively stable inner skin and a foam material. However, when the occupant protection device is activated and the cover flaps are retracted, there is the risk that the outer skin will detach from the carrier layer, in particular from the foam material, which may result in individual parts of this outer skin being unfolded by the airbag during deployment. also the foam material outwards towards the vehicle occupants be taken with it, so that there is a risk of flying around individual loose particles that can pose a potential hazard to the vehicle occupants.

To avoid this is out of the WO 99/61288 already known occupant protection device for a motor vehicle, in which the outer skin is connected to a fabric material in the region of the covering, which is hung in a first embodiment during the foaming between the outer skin and the inner skin on a projecting from the inner skin toward the outer skin fishing hook, so that there is a better connection between the outer skin and the inner skin, which is intended to prevent the outer skin from detaching when the covering device is opened. As an alternative to this relatively complex and in particular afflicted by the hanging during foaming with certain uncertainty determination of the fabric material via one or more fishing hooks, the determination of the free end of the fabric on the inner skin via conventional fastening means, such. B. gluing, riveting or screwing provided. While bonding due to the lower adhesion to the inner skin compared to a screwing or riveting a certain risk of separation at the high tensile forces occurring in the activation case, the riveting or screwing on the inner skin cause a material weakening, possibly leading to an undefined opening and breaking behavior can. This type of attachment to the inner skin is thus possibly problematic. Otherwise, an identical structure, as he already mentioned above in connection with the EP 0 867 346 A1 has been described. This also results in the above in connection with the EP 0 867 346 A1 already described disadvantages with respect to the complex mechanics.

A structure with a less expensive mechanism is already in the generic DE 299 12 825 U1 which discloses an occupant protection device for a vehicle having an interior trim part in which an airbag outlet opening is formed, said airbag exit opening being closed in the non-activated base state of the occupant protection device by means of a cover device. Behind the covering device, an airbag module is arranged, which has at least one airbag and at least one correspondingly associated gas generator. The covering device is formed by at least one cover flap, which is connected via traction means with a rückwärtsverlagerbaren component, which is at a in the activated state of the occupant protection device directed away from the airbag outlet opening Rüchwärtsverlagerung this component on the traction means a tensile force on the at least one cover flap can be applied, causing them with the release of the airbag outlet opening in the direction of the vehicle interior away around a marginal hinge area and tearing along a subsequent to the hinge area, designed as a predetermined breaking point Abdeckklappen edge region behind the Innenverkleidungsteil pulled inside and the at least one airbag through the airbag outlet opening in the vehicle interior before the Interior trim part is inflatable.

Specifically, here the gas generator and the airbag is housed in a housing, which housing is mounted so that it can move backwards against the ejection direction of the airbag. On the housing designed as sheets traction means are provided. The covering device is here formed by two cover flaps which adjoin one another in a central abutment region. Each of these cover flaps is associated with a metal sheet, wherein the two sheets each have a first portion with which they are attached to the housing side wall. An adjoining middle section of the metal sheets is at an angle to the first sheet metal section such that the two middle sheet metal sections extend towards each other towards the adjoining region and are connected to the latter in the adjoining region of the two cover flaps. Starting from the adjoining area, in which the two cover flaps are connected to one another under a weakening of material, end sections of the sheets then extend embedded in the respective cover flap in the direction of the hinge area over the entire cover flap surface.

When activating the gas generator, the housing is displaced backwards, wherein as a result of the force exerted by the sheets on the cover flaps pulling the cover in the adjoining area of the two cover flaps and in the further adjacent to the hinge portion to the side edge portion of the cover tears, causing the two Cover flaps are swung inwards. Once the sheets are stretched, these form together with the cover flaps an ejection shaft for the airbag. As an alternative to the sheets, other traction means, such as belts made of textile or other materials, can be used.

A disadvantage of such a construction is that the inwardly directed pivoting of the cover flaps, the airbag deployment can be adversely affected, so that it must be ensured in any case that the airbag outlet opening is fully released before the deployment process. This can lead to an overall relatively high time delay during inflation of the airbag. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that in such a structure until the complete release of Airbagaustrittöffnung a total of a large displacement path for the housing is required before the airbag exhaust opening is released for the inflation of the airbag. Such a long displacement path is regularly in vehicles, such. B. in the instrument panel area or in the steering wheel area due to a given there limited installation space is not available, so that the structure just described there may not be accommodated.

From the post-published DE 100 45 187 C1 is an instrument panel is known in which a the outlet opening for a gas bag occlusive cover is connected to a flexible traction means and pulled in the case of triggering inward. The base plate is recessed in the region of the cover and pulled inwards at the edge of the outlet opening to form a projection. In the region of the cover, a door plate is provided instead of the base plate, to which a bolt and the traction means guided between the bolt and the projection are attached.

The DE 199 04 328 A1 describes an occupant protection device in which a wall outlet opening for an airbag is closed by a wall cover connected to a tension element. Upon activation of the airbag, the wall cover is movable to release the wall outlet opening in an area behind the outlet wall.

In the US 5 135 253 A an airbag system for an instrument panel is described. When the airbag is triggered, the cover for the outlet opening of the airbag is pivotable about at least one hinge line.

The object of the invention is to provide an alternative occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, with which the release of the airbag outlet opening can be made in a quick and simple manner and without large displacement paths of individual components.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

According to claim 1, the airbag outlet opening is formed in a carrier layer of the interior trim part, which has a common surface layer as the outer skin together with the covering device to the vehicle interior. In the region of the at least one cover flap, at least one outer skin connecting means is connected to the outer skin, wherein the at least one traction means is formed by the at least one outer skin connecting means, which is guided from the at least one cover flap starting to the rückwärtsverlagerbaren component and fixed there. The at least one cover flap, in an inner cover flap area lying between the hinge area and an opposite partial area of the cover flap area, has an attack area designed as a predetermined breaking area in which the outer skin connecting means engages in such a way that upon a backward displacement of the component via the at least one outer skin panel. Connecting means a tensile force on the at least one cover flap in the attack area can be applied. It is thereby achieved that the at least one cover flap buckles at the beginning of the backward displacement in the attack area and the at least one cover flap divided into a hinged region near first cover flap part and in a hingingfernfernes second cover flap part, so that the hinge region distant second cover flap part in the further course of pivoting the at least one cover flap articulated is held on the hinge area inwardly behind the inner trim part pivotable first cover flap part.

Advantageously, a faster opening and release of the outlet opening is achieved with such a structure, since here the hinge region near the first cover flap part can be relatively quickly pulled out of the deployment area of the inflating airbag. The hinged area remote second cover flap part hinged on this hinge region near first cover flap part, on the other hand, does not obstruct the deployment process of the inflating airbag, or does so only imperceptibly, because it can easily be folded out of the deployment area of the airbag by the inflating airbag. By the outer skin-connecting means is ensured that this front second hinge region remote cover flap part is held at the rear, hinge region near the first cover flap part and not torn off.

Another particular advantage of this structure according to the invention is that hereby also the displacement of the rückverlagerbaren component can be significantly reduced, since for a release of the airbag outlet opening in contrast to the generic state of the art, a smaller displacement of the rückwärtsverlagerbaren component is required. Thus, such an occupant protection device is particularly suitable for a variety of installation situations with cramped installation conditions.

A particularly advantageous opening kinematics results when the engagement region according to a preferred embodiment extends approximately parallel to the hinge region. Further advantageously, the attack area as a linear attack area thereby overall also extend over the entire width of the cover continuously. Thereby the reliability of the occupant protection device according to the invention is again substantially increased, in particular with regard to the rapid release of the airbag outlet opening, since a defined and controlled buckling of the cover flap in the attack area is made possible. Alternatively, however, depending on the installation situation, a possibly more or less obliquely extending over the respective cover flap attack area conceivable or this attack area may also be formed if necessary via spaced apertures.

In principle, there are various possibilities for arranging the engagement region in the region between the hinge region and the partial region of the cover flap edge region lying opposite this region. It is true that the tensile force to be applied by the outer skin connecting means is all the less as the engagement region is offset closer to a partial region of the cover flap edge region opposite the hinge region. However, it should be noted in this case that the further this attack area is just offset to this opposite partial area of the cover flap edge region, the hinge region near the first cover flap part has a greater Einschwenkradius delaying the rapid release of the airbag outlet opening. A good compromise with a sufficiently rapid release of the airbag outlet opening from the first pivot region near cover flap part and with relatively little force application is given according to a particularly preferred embodiment, when the attack area approximately in a central region between the hinge region and the opposite portion of the cover flap edge region runs. In principle, however, it is also possible, in particular if a high tensile force can be provided by the dimensioning of the rückverlagerbaren component and the tensile force transmitting outer skin connecting means to move the attack area closer to the hinge area, as a result, a particularly rapid release of the airbag outlet opening in the way described above is possible according to the invention.

The attack area is formed in a particularly preferred embodiment as a predetermined breaking range by a made from the back of the cover ago ago material weakening. This material weakening can be done for example by a precise incision in a conventional manner.

In principle, there are various possibilities to form the covering device and thus the at least one cover flap. According to a preferred embodiment with a particularly good cover flap-opening kinematics, however, it is provided that the at least one cover flap is formed approximately rectangular.

In principle, it is possible that only one cover flap is provided. However, a particularly quick and easy opening of the airbag outlet opening is given when the covering device comprises two cover flaps, which adjoin the edge regions opposite the respective hinge regions in a preferably central abutment region, wherein the outer contour of the cover flaps is defined by material weakenings. Preferably, the two cover flaps are connected to each other in the adjoining area and a material weakening is provided in this adjoining area. With such a construction, the covering device and in particular the cover flap geometry can be advantageously designed with regard to a functionally reliable opening behavior.

The rückwärtsverlagerbare component can be z. B. be formed by the airbag module itself or by a part of this airbag module. For example, the gas generator for this purpose in a rückwärtsverlagerbares, z. B. blow tub-shaped component of the airbag module, which is shifted back so long until the airbag outlet opening is released so far that the airbag can be deployed unhindered. For this purpose, a flow connection from the gas generator in the airbag can be provided in a conventional manner.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the outer skin is designed as slush skin. In such a slush skin, a fabric layer can be pressed as outer skin connecting means in the still gelled state of the slush skin, so that this fabric layer bakes on cooling the slush skin with this for a very good grip.

The outer skin connecting means is preferably formed by a one-piece fabric layer which extends over the entire surface of the respective cover flap and which is guided from the attack area to the rückwärtsverlagerbaren component.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement area on a cover flap from the associated hinge area is further offset toward an edge region of the cover flap opposite the hinge area as an attachment point of one end of the outer skin connecting means assigned to this cover flap on the rearwardly displaceable component, so that the outer skin Connecting means at fully backward displaced component preferably extends approximately rectilinearly between the attachment point and the attack area and is tensioned. With such a structure, a pivoting of the cover flaps is made possible with particularly advantageous opening kinematics, whereby in addition it is ensured that the respective cover flap is pivoted inward about the hinge area and not downwards or possibly even into the deployment area of the inflating airbag is pulled.

For a particularly advantageous rectilinear force application of the outer skin connecting means as traction means in the attack region of the respective cover flap is provided that the outer skin connecting means with the free end, at least during the reverse displacement of the rückwärtsverlagerbarem component is permanently fixed thereto, while it adjoins the cover flap End region is so releasably determined on the accordingly designed with oblique outer surfaces component that this releasable attachment in the course of the backward displacement sections in accordance with the distance traveled displacement path is releasable. Such a rectilinear force application as possible achieves a particularly advantageous opening kinematics with targeted and controlled pivoting of the respective cover flap.

In the case of two cover flaps and the formation of the outer skin connecting means as a fabric layer, this may in principle be formed in one piece so that the fabric layer is guided around the rückwärtsverlagerbare component in an at least partial contact connection and with a first free end to the attack area of the first cover and a second free end is led to the attack area of the second cover flap. Alternatively, however, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the one or more outer skin connecting means with the rückwärtsverlagerbaren component releasably connectable. This gives a simplification and increased flexibility in the assembly and disassembly of the structure, which are also feasible with a small part of effort.

Such a connection can be realized particularly quickly and simply by means of a snap connection. Alternatively, however, there are also other suitable fastening means, such as a clip, latching or screw connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the covering device and / or the carrier layer is constructed from a relatively stable inner skin and a foam layer, preferably an energy absorption foam layer. In this case, a polyurethane foam is preferably used as the energy absorption foam material. With such a structure, an additional energy absorbing effect is given by the interior trim part in an impact thereon. The layer thickness of the foam layer is in an advantageous embodiment, approximately 10 mm, while the relatively stable inner skin has approximately a thickness of about 3 mm. By contrast, the outer skin regularly has a material thickness of about 3 mm. The material thickness of the outer skin is approximately 1 mm or smaller.

Furthermore, a plurality of preferably approximately the same height and approximately vertically projecting ribs can be arranged on the stable inner skin of the cover device, which serve as spacers for the outer skin connecting means during the manufacturing process, so that the outer skin connecting means assigned to each outer skin region, preferably fabric layers, can be placed. With such ribs, the manufacturing process is simplified as a whole, since when assembling the forms in which on the one hand the outer skin and on the other hand the stable inner skin are arranged, for. As the tissue layers are automatically positioned correctly, d. H. in a plant on the outer skin. The outer skin can then be heated after joining the molds or even be heated, d. H. are still in the gelled state, so that the outer skin connecting means, preferably a fabric layer, bakes with the outer skin. Subsequently, the space between the outer skin and the inner skin can be foamed under foaming of the ribs.

The hinge region of the at least one cover flap is preferably formed by a material weakening or articulation in the form of film hinges and / or kinks. Such articulation points can be produced in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner with high reliability.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hinge areas of the cover flaps during the activation of the occupant protection device can be formed or from the outset already designed so that these not connected to the rückwärtsverlagerbaren component traction means by the inflating airbag in a conventional manner in the passenger area to release the Airbagaustrittöffnung are aufdrückbar. Such a security aspect is particularly effective when z. B. due to an assembly error, the connection of the traction means to the rückwärtsverlagerbare component in the context of assembly is not done. The solutions known from the above-mentioned prior art keep the cover flaps closed in such a case, so that it could possibly lead to a blasting of the trim part after triggering the occupant protection device, which in turn could lead to an uncontrolled flying around of sharp-edged parts.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the articulation points are formed in the opening edge region of the airbag outlet opening in the region of the carrier layer of the interior trim part. Such production is simple and inexpensive to perform.

Basically, there are various ways to form the rückwärtsverlagerbare component, such. B. with separate cylinder-piston assemblies or rotary piston assemblies, in the gas from the inflator is inflated. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, however, it is provided that the gas generator of the airbag module is arranged stationary and at the beginning of the activation gas only in the rückwärtsverlagerbare component, preferably in a trough-shaped cylinder element of the airbag module einfläst such that by its rearward displacement over the traction means connected thereto the Tensile force can be applied to the covering device. After a backward displacement of the component in its end position and thus simultaneously achieved full release of the airbag outlet opening gas is then injected into the at least one airbag. This can be done in a well-known manner z. B. via a released in the end position of the component channel. With such a structure, a high reliability of the occupant protection device is ensured as a whole, since the airbag is inflated only when the airbag outlet opening is fully released, d. H. the cover flaps are in their open position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the occupant protection device comprises a sensor device coupled to the airbag module, with the z. B. in the event of a collision of the vehicle with another vehicle, the airbag module is activated in a timely manner.

Furthermore, there are basically different ways to form the outer skin bonding agent. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, as has already been explained in detail above, the outer skin bonding agent is formed as a fabric material, which is preferably a polyvinyl chloride-impregnated fabric material. With such a fabric material, it is ensured, in particular in the case of an outer skin made of polyvinyl chloride, that a good connection of the fabric material to the skin formed as a slush skin can be achieved.

Furthermore, there are fundamentally different possibilities for arranging the interior trim part on the motor vehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the interior trim part is an instrument panel, wherein the airbag module can then preferably be a passenger airbag module. Basically, such a structure but also in conjunction with other interior trim parts is possible, such. B. in conjunction with a hub cover of a steering wheel, which requires an overall relatively compact structure.

Reference to a drawing, the invention is explained in detail.

Show it:

1 a schematic sectional view through an interior trim part with an occupant protection device according to the invention in the non-activated state,

2 a schematic sectional view of the 1 alternative embodiment,

3 a schematic sectional view of an interior trim part with an occupant protection device according to the invention in the activated state at the beginning of the inflation process,

4 a schematic sectional view of an interior trim part with an occupant protection device according to the invention in the activated state with fully inflated airbag,

5 a schematic plan view of an instrument panel in the passenger area with an occupant protection device according to the invention, and

6 a very schematic representation of acting as a traction fabric layer.

In the 1 is a schematic sectional view through an interior trim part 1 , with an occupant protection device according to the invention 2 shown, wherein the interior trim part 1 For example, an instrument panel of a motor vehicle.

The occupant protection device 2 is in the 1 in the non-activated ground state 3 shown.

The interior trim part 1 has a carrier layer shown here only extremely schematically 4 on, in which an airbag outlet opening 5 is trained in the in the 1 shown, not activated ground state 3 the occupant protection device 2 by means of two in a central opening area adjacent to each other or there to form a tear line interconnected cover flaps 6 . 7 is closed.

The cover flaps 6 . 7 and the carrier layer 4 are each made of a relatively stable inner skin 8th and a foam layer 9 , Preferably, an energy absorption foam layer of polyurethane foam, constructed, which is here, however, shown only very schematically and by way of example.

The carrier layer 4 and the cover flaps 6 . 7 point to the vehicle interior 10 towards a common surface layer as the outer skin 11 on, which is preferably designed as slush skin. In the field of cover flaps 6 . 7 is also in each case a fabric layer 12 . 13 as outer skin bonding agent with the outer skin 11 connected or pressed into this.

Like this from the 1 It can be seen further behind the cover flaps 6 . 7 an airbag module 14 arranged, the one in the ground state 3 folded airbag 15 and a stationary gas generator associated therewith 16 having. This airbag module 14 further comprises a gas generator 16 associated, rückwärtsverlagerbares, tub-shaped component 17 at which the free ends of the fabric layers 12 . 13 preferably by means of a snap connection 18 like this in the 1 only extremely schematically and exemplified, are defined.

The cover flaps 6 . 7 point in one between a hinge area 22 . 23 and a subsection opposite thereto 20 . 21 the cover flap edge region lying inner cover flap area designed as a predetermined breaking area attack area 26 . 27 on, in which the respectively assigned fabric layer 12 . 13 acts as traction means, wherein the fabric layers 12 . 13 from the connection area with the outer skin 11 starting in the attack area 26 . 27 to the backward displaceable component 17 are guided, where the free ends, as has already been described above, z. B. by means of the snap connection 18 are definable.

As this particular from the 5 , which shows a plan view of a here shown by way of example only passenger area of an instrument panel, it can be seen runs the attack area 26 . 27 who is in the representation of 5 dashed lines are drawn approximately parallel to the hinge areas 22 . 23 and extends over the entire width of the cover flaps 6 . 7 , which are formed approximately rectangular. Affixed to the hinge area 22 . 23 following the outer contour of the cover flaps 6 . 7 defining cover edge areas 28 . 29 are as well as the material weakening in the adjoining area 19 the two cover flaps 6 . 7 shown by solid lines. In the area of the cover flap margins 28 . 29 as well as in the adjoining area 19 can for a defined opening behavior of the cover flaps 6 . 7 Material weaknesses are provided in a conventional manner, but this is not shown here for reasons of clarity.

Like this in turn from the 1 it can be seen that are designed as predetermined breaking range attack areas 26 . 27 on the cover flaps 6 . 7 through one of the back of the cover flaps 6 . 7 formed made material weakening, which are formed here by way of example by an incision.

In the presentation of the 1 are the two attack areas 26 . 27 from the hinge areas 22 . 23 seen closer to the adjoining area 19 the two cover flaps 6 . 7 as offset in the embodiment according to 2 the case is where the attack areas 26 . 27 approximately in a middle region between the respective hinge region 22 . 23 and the adjoining area 19 run.

The fabric layers forming the traction means 12 . 13 can be different from the attack area 26 . 27 the cover flaps 6 . 7 proceeding to the backward displaceable component 17 be guided like this from the 1 and 2 it can be seen where each alternative fabric layer guides are shown. So is both in the 1 as well as in the 2 each lying above the center line tissue layer 12 from the attack area 26 starting directly to the assigned attachment point 30 on the component 17 guided.

In contrast, at below the midline in the 1 and 2 illustrated alternative fabric layer guide the fabric layer 13 with a contact with a free tissue layer finish 32 towards the cover 7 towards the end area 33 in accordance with oblique and / or angled outer surfaces 34 . 35 designed rückwärtsverlagerbaren component 17 releasably fixed.

In case of activation of the airbag module 14 and thus the occupant protection device 2 via a sensor device, not shown here, the rückwärtsverlagerbare component 17 in the direction of the airbag outlet opening 5 shifts away, as exemplified and schematically in the 3 is shown, whereby on the acting as traction fabric layers 12 . 13 a tensile force on the cover flaps 6 . 7 in the attack area 26 . 27 is applied. Due to this tensile force, the cover flaps 6 . 7 already at the beginning of the backward displacement in the attack area 26 . 27 the cover flaps 6 . 7 one, with the cover flaps 6 . 7 in a hinge region near first cover flap part 36 . 38 and in a hinge region remote, second cover flap part 37 . 39 be divided, in such a way, that the hinging region remote second cover flap part 37 . 39 in the course of the pivoting of the cover flaps 6 . 7 hinged at the respective around the hinge area 22 . 23 inside behind the interior trim part 1 pivotable first cover flap part 36 . 38 is held.

Like this from the 3 it can be seen further, by the opposite of the attack area 26 . 27 staggered arrangement of attachment points 30 . 31 achieved that the fabric layers 12 . 13 at almost or completely backward displaced component preferably approximately rectilinearly between the attachment point 30 . 31 and the attack area 26 . 27 are lost and tense. As a result, an advantageous opening kinematics with a targeted and controlled pivoting of the hinge region near first cover flap parts 36 . 38 achieved. In particular, in the in the representations in the 1 and 2 Below the center line shown tissue layer guide with releasable attachment of the end portion 33 on the outer surfaces 34 . 35 is for a in the course of the backward displacement always approximately rectilinear force attack the fabric layer 13 partially released according to the distance covered displacement of their releasable attachment, which is not shown here for the individual intermediate sections here.

Of the 3 can also be found that with this inventive structure of the occupant protection device 2 the airbag outlet opening 5 very quickly from the unimpeded airbag deployment obstructing hinge area near first cover parts 36 . 38 can be released, and indeed already after a relatively small displacement of the zurückverlagerbaren component 17 , The loosely at this hinge area near, first cover flap parts 36 . 38 hinged hinge area remove second cover flap parts 37 . 39 hinder the unfolding process of the airbag 15 not, because, like this from the 3 it can be seen, this from the unfolding airbag 15 effortlessly in the direction of the arrows 40 can be folded away, as these due to their articulation on the cover flap parts 36 . 38 the unfolding process of the inflating airbag 15 almost no resistance. In the further course of the inflation, these second cover flap parts 37 . 39 like this from the 4 can be seen through the inflated airbag 15 essentially to the pivoted-in, the airbag outlet opening 5 releasing first cover flap parts 36 . 38 be pressed.

About the fabric layers 12 . 13 in the area of the outer skin 11 the second cover flap parts 37 . 39 it is ensured that these second cover flap parts 37 . 39 at each associated hinge region near the first cover flap part 36 . 38 be held so that they are not taken by the inflating airbag in the direction of the vehicle occupant out.

These fabric layers extend, as can be seen from the 5 can be seen over the entire cover flap area. The fabric layers 12 . 13 can each be integrally formed, ie according to the representation z. B. the 1 approximately T-shaped, ie flat between the outer skin 11 and the foam layer 9 extend while passing through to the attack area 26 . 27 guided section 24 the fabric layer 12 . 13 extends there substantially over the entire attack area length, as shown in the 6 schematic and exemplary of the fabric layer 12 is shown. In the further course, the component which can be displaced backwards can be used 17 guided part then a dilution range 25 be executed narrower.

The gas generator 16 of the airbag module 14 is here arranged stationary, wherein preferably at the beginning of the activation gas only in the rückwärtsverlagerbare component 17 blown. It may further be provided that only when the gas generator 16 after a backward displacement of the component 17 in its end position and thus simultaneously achieved sufficient release of the airbag outlet opening 5 Gas in the airbag 15 blows.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Interior trim part

2

Occupant protection device

3

ground state

4

backing

5

Airbag exit opening

6

cover flap

7

cover flap

8th

inner skin

9

foam layer

10

Vehicle interior

11

shell

12

fabric layer

13

fabric layer

14

airbag module

15

air bag

16

inflator

17

component

18

snap

19

abutting section

20

subregion

21

subregion

22

hinge area

23

hinge area

26

attack range

27

attack range

28

Cover flaps edge area

29

Cover flaps edge area

30

fastening point

31

fastening point

32

free end

33

end

34

exterior surfaces

35

outer surface

36

hinge area close, first cover flap part

37

hinge area remote, second cover flap part

38

hinge area close, first cover flap part

39

hinge area remote, second cover flap part

40

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Claims (23)

Occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, having an interior trim part, in which an airbag outlet opening is formed which is closed in the non-activated ground state of the occupant protection device by means of a cover, with an airbag module arranged behind the cover device, the at least one airbag and at least one corresponding associated gas generator, wherein the covering device is formed by at least one cover flap, which is connected via at least one traction means with a rückwärtsverlagerbaren component that at a activated in the occupant protection device from the airbag outlet opening directed backward displacement of this component on the at least one traction means a tensile force can be applied to the at least one cover flap such that it releases the airbag outlet opening in the direction away from the vehicle interior to an edge side hinge region as well as being torn inward behind the inner lining part along a hinge edge region adjacent to the hinge region and designed as a predetermined breaking point, and the at least one airbag is inflatable through the airbag outlet opening in the vehicle interior in front of the inner lining part, characterized in that the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) in a carrier layer ( 4 ) of the interior trim part ( 1 ) is formed, which together with the at least one cover plate ( 6 . 7 ) to the vehicle interior ( 10 ) a common surface layer as the outer skin ( 11 ), that in the region of the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) at least one outer skin bonding agent ( 12 . 13 ) with the outer skin ( 11 ), that the at least one traction means by the at least one outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) formed by the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) proceeding to the backward displaceable component ( 17 ) is guided there and can be specified that the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) in one between the hinge area ( 22 . 23 ) and an opposing subarea ( 20 . 21 ) of the cover flap edge region inner cover flap area designed as a predetermined breaking area attack area ( 26 . 27 ), in which the outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) acts in such a way that upon a backward displacement of the component ( 17 ) via the at least one outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) a Zugkaft on the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) in the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) can be applied in such a way that the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) at the beginning of the backward displacement in the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) and thereby the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) in a hinge region near the first cover flap part ( 36 . 38 ) as well as in a hinging area remote second cover flap part ( 37 . 39 ), so that the hinging area remote second cover flap part ( 37 . 39 ) in the further course of pivoting the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) hinged around the hinge area ( 22 . 23 ) inwardly behind the interior trim part ( 1 ) pivotable first cover flap part ( 36 . 38 ) is held. Occupant protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) approximately parallel to the hinge area ( 22 . 23 ) runs. Occupant protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) as a linear attack area over the entire width of the cover ( 6 . 7 ) runs continuously. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) in an approximately central area between the hinge area ( 22 . 23 ) and this opposite portion of the cover flap edge region extends. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) as a predetermined breaking area through one of the back of the cover ( 6 . 7 ) made ago material weakening, preferably an incision is formed. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) Is formed approximately rectangular. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the Cover device two cover flaps ( 6 . 7 ), which in a preferably central abutment area ( 19 ) with the respective hinge areas ( 22 . 23 ) adjoin adjacent edge regions, wherein the outer contour of the cover flaps ( 6 . 7 ) is defined by material weakenings. Occupant protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that the two cover flaps ( 6 . 7 ) in the adjoining area ( 19 ) Are connected to each other and there is provided a material weakening. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rückwärtsverlagerbare component ( 17 ) through the airbag module ( 14 ) or a part thereof. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the outer skin ( 11 ) is a slush skin. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means by a one-piece fabric layer ( 12 . 13 ) is formed over the entire surface of the respective cover ( 6 . 7 ) and from the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) proceeding to the backward displaceable component ( 17 ) is guided. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) on a cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) from the associated hinge area ( 22 . 23 ) seen further to a hinge area ( 22 . 23 ) opposite subregion ( 20 . 21 ) of the cover flap edge region is offset as an attachment point ( 30 . 31 ) of an end ( 32 ) of this cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) associated skin bonding agent ( 12 . 13 ) on the backward displaceable component ( 17 ) such that the outer skin bonding agent ( 12 . 13 ) with completely rearwardly displaced component ( 17 ) preferably approximately rectilinearly between the attachment point ( 30 . 31 ) and the attack area ( 26 . 27 ) runs and is taut. Occupant protection device according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) with the free end ( 32 ) at least during the backward displacement of the backward displaceable component ( 17 ) is indissolubly fixed to this and attached to the cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) following end region ( 33 ) so on accordingly oblique and / or angled outer surfaces ( 34 . 35 ) designed backward displaceable component ( 17 ) is releasably determined that this detachable fixing in the course of the backward displacement for an always approximately rectilinear attack of the outer skin bonding agent ( 12 . 13 ) on the cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) in sections according to the distance traveled by the component ( 17 ) is releasable. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) with the backward displaceable component ( 17 ) are releasably connectable, preferably by means of a snap connection ( 18 ). Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the outer skin connection means ( 12 . 13 ) during the manufacturing process of the outer skin ( 11 ) is connectable with this, preferably in the case of a trained as Slush skin outer skin ( 11 ) is pressed into this in the still gelled state, wherein the outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) is preferably a polyvinyl chloride-impregnated fabric material and the outer skin ( 11 ) is made of polyvinyl chloride. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the covering device ( 6 . 7 ) and / or the carrier layer ( 4 ) from a relatively stable inner skin ( 8th ) and a foam layer ( 9 ), preferably an energy absorption foam layer, preferably a polyurethane foam layer. Occupant protection device according to claim 16, characterized in that on the relatively stable inner skin ( 8th ) of the covering device ( 6 . 7 ) a plurality of, preferably approximately equally high and approximately vertically projecting ribs are arranged spaced from each other, during the manufacturing process as spacers for the outer skin connecting means ( 12 . 13 ) serve such that the outer skin bonding means ( 12 . 13 ) can be placed. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge region ( 22 . 23 ) of the at least one cover flap ( 6 . 7 ) is formed by a material weakening or articulation in the manner of a film hinge and / or an articulated joint. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge areas ( 22 . 23 ) of the cover flaps ( 6 . 7 ) can be formed or formed in such a way that they can not be displaced with the component ( 17 ) ( 12 . 13 ) by the inflating airbag ( 15 ) in a conventional manner to the outside in the passenger area ( 10 ) to Release of the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) are aufdrückbar. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation points ( 22 . 23 ) in the opening edge region of the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) in the region of the carrier layer ( 4 ) of the interior trim part ( 1 ) are formed. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas generator ( 16 ) of the airbag module ( 14 ) is stationary and at the beginning of the activation gas only in the rückwärtsverlagerbare component ( 17 ), preferably a trough-shaped cylinder element of the airbag module ( 14 ) blows in such a way that by its rearward displacement over the traction means connected thereto ( 12 . 13 ) the tensile force on the covering device ( 6 . 7 ) and that the gas generator ( 16 ) after a backward displacement of the component ( 17 ) in its end position and thus simultaneously achieved full release of the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) Gas in the at least one airbag ( 15 ) is inflatable. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occupant protection device ( 2 ) one with the airbag module ( 14 ) coupled sensor device. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior trim part ( 1 ) is an instrument panel.

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