DE102009021278A1 - Airbag i.e. front airbag, module housing for use in vehicle, has base material and auxiliary material material-fittingly connected, where auxiliary material forms reinforcement for outer wall and exhibits higher stability than base material - Google Patents

Abstract

The housing (1) has an outer wall (2) provided with a base material (4) and an auxiliary material (5) e.g. metal, where the base material and the auxiliary material exhibit different material properties. The base material and the auxiliary material are material-fittingly connected, where the auxiliary material forms a reinforcement for the outer wall. The auxiliary material exhibits higher stability than the base material. The auxiliary material forms an elongated insert (6) as a band and/or fiber and/or cord and/or wire and/or sheet metal and/or as a mat. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing an airbag module housing.

Description

The The invention relates to an airbag module housing, wherein the airbag module an outer wall having a base material and a Complementary material, wherein the base material and the additional material have different material properties, and wherein the Base material and the additional material cohesively are connected. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation the airbag module housing.

such Airbag module housings are adapted to an airbag and to include a gas generator in your interior and / or it to protect against damage from the outside. The airbag module housing thus have properties that deformations and / or to prevent crack formation on the airbag module housing. These properties are mostly due to the use of fiber composites, z. B. of high quality polyamide with a glass fiber content of 40%, guaranteed. There are also airbag module housing known by more reinforcements Provide stability.

The font DE 101 09 057 A1 , which is probably the closest prior art, discloses a housing for an airbag module, wherein the edge of the gas passage opening in the interior of the housing is at least partially reinforced with respect to the surrounding wall.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a weight and cost reduced Airbag module housing to provide the functionality and longevity is guaranteed.

These Task is by an airbag module housing according to the features of the main claim and by a method according to the features of the claim 14 solved. Preferred or advantageous embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and / or the attached figures.

According to the invention an airbag module housing proposed, preferably suitable for integration in a vehicle and / or trained is. In particular, it may be for a front airbag and / or be designed a side airbag. The air bag module housing has an outer wall which has an interior of the airbag module housing, the inner wall (s), one or more gas generators and / or Airbag / sacks, etc. may have, surrounds, and / or the the interior to the outside, d. H. towards the vehicle, delimits.

The Outer wall comprises a base material and a supplementary material, wherein the base material is preferably a larger one Surface of the outer wall occupies. The basic material and the filler material have different material properties on. For example, the base material and the additional material not identically formed, and / or they have a different one chemical composition and / or have different mechanical Properties on.

The Base material and the additional material are cohesive with each other connected. In particular, it is a non-releasable Compound held together by atomic and / or molecular forces becomes. For example, the base material and the additional material be glued together. Forms according to the invention the additional material a reinforcement for the outer wall. Under reinforcement is in particular the reinforcement of the outer wall understood by the additional material, wherein the reinforcement to a higher load capacity of the airbag module housing, in particular the outer wall of the airbag module housing, leads. Preferably, the filler material has a larger one Resistance to environmental influences as the basic material.

conventional Airbag module housing, which is mostly completely off Fiber composites, such as high quality polyamide with a glass fiber content of About 40%, have been produced, although over years proven millionfold, but also bring significant disadvantages with himself. The fiber composite material has a significant Weight and a high material price. These factors are in primarily for high costs and a relatively high weight, the airbag module housing responsible. As airbag module housing usually areas with high and low stresses, especially when an airbag module is activated, become the physical ones in the low stress areas Properties of the fiber composite material are not and / or not complete exploited. The material costs are increased unnecessarily and the airbag module housing build unnecessarily heavy. The use of the additional material as a reinforcement for the base material and the at least partial waiver of fiber composites, may in some embodiments result in a raw material cost and lead component cost reduction of up to 20% and / or can the weight of the airbag module housing be up to 35% reduce. Positive side effects of weight reduction the air bag module housing are a lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional material has a higher stability than the base material, preferably it ensures a longer shelf life. In particular, the additional material has a higher pressure and / or tensile strength on, and / or it has a higher modulus of elasticity than the base material.

A possible embodiment of the invention provides that the base material and / or the additional material is a plastic, preferably a polymeric plastic, which usually consists of long molecular chains is formed with repetitive basic units. Of the Base material can be made from a simple mass plastic with low Commodity price, such as As polypropylene, exist. In particular exists he made of a fiber-free material. The additional material is preferably polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, kevlar, a fiber composite, etc.

Of the Use of a base material of inexpensive and lightweight Plastic in combination with a supplementary material that has a higher Stability than the base material guaranteed also lower raw material costs and reduced weight.

In Another possible embodiment, the additional material Made of metal, in particular if the airbag module housing and / or the outer wall and / or individual areas of the outer wall are exposed to very large loads. Optionally usable are all metallic materials, but preferably light metals, such as As aluminum and / or titanium and / or magnesium or alloys hereof, which is a relatively small one Have density and are easily formed.

In a possible development is the additional material at least one insert, which is arranged in the outer wall is. Preferably, the insert is a stiffening and / or Stabilization and / or filling of one or more Areas and / or sides of the outer wall. As pages of Outside wall are optionally a front and a back, a left and a right side surface, as well as a bottom side and to name an exit side.

In an implementation of the invention is the insert preferably arranged in the high-stress areas. High demands occur, for example, in the areas of Airbag module housing on which a vulnerability, z. B. have an opening, and / or an outlet channel form for the activated airbag, and / or the near arranged to an exit side and / or at the edge of the exit side are.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert with the Base material overmoulded. To encapsulate the deposit in a Tool inserted in an injection molding machine, which the Shape and the surface structure of the finished airbag module housing, in particular the outer wall, determined. The base material, preferably the plastic granules of the base material, is in an injection unit of the injection molding machine plasticized and injected into the tool in which the insert is inserted. The plasticized base material surrounds the insert and forms a cohesive with this after a cooling process Unit which is the at least partially outer wall of the airbag module housing forms.

The In one embodiment, the insert comprises a fiber material with fibers, the fibers on average longer than 5 mm, preferably longer than 7 mm, in particular longer than 9 mm. Preferably, the fiber has a high durability against tensile stresses on.

In a conceivable embodiment, the insert is elongated educated. In this case, its longitudinal extent is preferable larger than their transverse extent and significantly greater than their height and / or thickness.

A possible implementation of this embodiment provides the insert (s) are parallel and / or perpendicular to a reject direction the airbag module is / are arranged. The deposit (s) can / may but also be arranged diagonally to the committee direction.

In a preferred embodiment are multiple deposits formed together like a net, in particular form a plurality of elongated Deposits with each other a net.

there can be at least one deposit in the network in parallel and at least an insert perpendicular, z. B. to the reject direction of the airbag module housing, be arranged. It is also conceivable that several diagonal to the reject direction running deposits form a network with each other, and / or that at least one diagonal insert with at least one parallel and / or at least a perpendicular to the Committee direction extending insert net-like is arranged. In particular, the deposits are one above the other and / or arranged in several parts by z. B. in the injection molding machine individually inserted one above the other. Cross over the deposits and / or intersect in this arrangement at least once and / or they together form at least one angle between them.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, a single insert is formed like a net, that is, the network or a part thereof is formed from an insert, which is integrally formed. Preferably, the insert or the net was made in one piece. The net can also consist of several deposits that with mutually positively and / or positively and / or materially connected, for example by screwing, gluing and / or welding.

optional the network has one or more parallel and / or vertical and / or diagonal mesh components and / or mesh legs, wherein cross over the net components and / or the mesh legs at least once and / or cut and / or form at least one angle between them.

Especially indicates the net, which consists of several deposits or a single one Deposit is formed, stitches on, which are optional on a regular basis arranged and / or the same size and / or the same shape could be.

In Another option is that the meshes of the net may be irregular be educated, d. h., They have z. B. a different Size and / or shape, and / or the individual Meshes are at different distances and / or angles to each other arranged.

In In a preferred embodiment, the network extends over at least one, preferably over several, in particular over all sides of the airbag module housing.

A another possible embodiment or supplement The invention is a sheet-formed insert, the forms a sheet material. The sheet material can have a wide variety of shapes and / or geometries. So In particular, it is possible that the sheet material has a circular and / or a polygonal shape and / or is angular and / or round at its edges and / or has single or multiple radii.

Preferably is the sheet material suitable and / or formed amplify any openings on the air bag module housing, by surrounding the opening flat, the Surface material also single or multiple breakthroughs can have. For example, it may be through the opening which introduced a gas generator in the airbag module housing will strengthen.

moreover is it possible in an inventive Execution at least one elongated and / or at least one planar insert and / or at least one net-like insert to arrange in the outer wall. The at least one elongated and / or the at least one flat insert and / or the at least one net-like Insert are preferably non-positively and / or positive and / or material fit to a Part connected. Optionally, they can also be multi-piece and / or arranged one above the other.

optional the deposits are in one area and / or in several areas interconnected and / or at least partially superimposed arranged. It is also possible that the at least an elongated insert and / or the at least one planar Insert and / or the at least one net-like insert independently arranged in the outer wall are, so do not touch each other. For example, reinforce several oblong deposits a side surface of the Outside wall by forming a net. In addition, one reinforces flat insert the opening through which the gas generator is introduced into the airbag module housing.

In A preferred embodiment is / are the insert (s) arranged in each side of the outer wall, reinforcing it So the front and the back, the left and right Side surface and the bottom and outlet side.

It is also conceivable, only one side with at least one insert to reinforce or multiple pages with at least one Stabilize insert.

In Another possible training is the deposit (s) only in a specific area and / or section of the respective Arranged side, or they extend / extend over the entire page.

Preferably is the deposit as a limp band, z. B. as a textile tape and / or as a rigid band, z. B. as a metal band and / or as a plastic strip. The deposit can also as a fiber, z. As glass fiber, and / or as a cord and / or wire with optionally be formed different diameters. Farther Can it be considered a plan and / or curved and / or 3D-deformed and / or contoured sheet and / or as a mat, e.g. As a Textile and / or plastic mat, be formed.

One Another object of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an airbag module housing, in particular an outer wall the airbag module housing, preferably the airbag module housing and / or the outer wall according to the previous Description or according to one of the preceding claims.

At the beginning of production, the areas of the airbag module housing which are subjected to a high load during the activation of an airbag module are defined. Preferably, a finite element method (FEM) is used tion analysis carried out at the time of activation of the airbag module. The FEM is a computational simulation, in which the airbag module housing is divided into elements in finite and / or finite number, in particular while the complete airbag module housing is modeled as a network, wherein the network forms the elements.

Subsequently Optionally, a topology optimization can be carried out on the basis of the FEM, in which the geometry of the airbag module housing is described and assign a density to each finite element in the design space. about mathematical methods allow the loads on the airbag module housing, such as B. stresses and deformations that occur during activation, to calculate.

One The result of topology optimization is a skeletal model the airbag module housing, the areas high and / or highest Visible loads and / or spares areas with low load.

In a next step will be one or more deposits, preferably the one or more deposits from the previous one Description or according to the previous claims, made. For example they are sprayed, poured, woven, etc.

The Geometry of the insert / s is in a same and / or similar Geometry of the high-stress areas formed, and / or the insert (s) has a geometry that is suitable and / or designed to reinforce the areas of high stress. Preferably, the geometry of the insert / s is based on the model the topology optimization.

In a further step will be the insert (s) in the tool the injection molding machine, the shape and surface texture the finished airbag module housing, in particular the outer wall, determined, inserted and overmoulded with the base material. The base material, preferably the plastic granules of the base material, is in an injection unit of the injection molding machine plasticized and injected into the tool in which the insert is inserted. The plasticized base material surrounds the insert and forms a cohesive with this after a cooling process Entity that, at least in part, the outer wall of the Airbag module housing forms.

Further Features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent the following description of preferred embodiments the invention. Showing:

1 a perspective view of an airbag module housing

2 also a perspective view of an airbag module housing

3 a section through the outer wall 1

4 a skeletal model of an airbag module housing 1 in perspective view

An embodiment of the invention is in 1 shown. It shows a perspective view of an airbag module housing 1 , the Z. B. is arranged for integration into a dashboard of a vehicle for a front airbag.

The airbag module housing has an outer wall 2 on, with the outer wall 2 a front side 2a , a back, a left side surface 2 B and a right side surface, and a bottom side and an exit side 2c having. The exit side 2c is arranged in the direction of the reject direction (according to arrow A) and has an edge region on which fastening recesses are arranged. The outer wall 2 has an opening 3 on, by which a gas generator can be introduced into the airbag module housing.

The outer wall 2 includes a basic material 4 and a supplementary material 5 , where the basic material 4 and the additional material 5 are cohesively connected to each other.

The additional material 5 forms oblong deposits 6 ; 7 ; 9 , where an insert 6 perpendicular to the reject direction (as indicated by arrow A) on the front 2a is arranged. Continue to run three deposits 7 on the front side 2a parallel to the reject direction (according to arrow A). The vertical insert 6 and the parallel deposits 7 cross each other and form a network with each other and / or are arranged and / or formed like a net.

Around the opening 3 is a flat insert 8th arranged, which has a circular opening, which the opening 3 releases.

By the deposits 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 a higher stability, in particular a higher tensile and / or compressive strength and / or a higher modulus of elasticity than the base material 4 have, they form a reinforcement for the outer wall 2 , The reinforcement is in particular a weak point of the airbag module housing, such as the opening 3 arranged, and / or it is located on one side of the outer wall 2 , in particular in a place that may be exposed to particularly high loads.

Optionally, an embodiment of the invention may include one or more inserts 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 on the exit side 2c have, in particular in the edge region of the exit side 2f , the z. B. upon activation of an airbag, can be exposed to the highest loads.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the net-like insert extends 6 ; 7 over the bottom side to the back.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is in 2 shown, wherein corresponding or identical parts in the figures are each provided with the same reference numerals.

2 shows a variant of the airbag module housing 1 out 1 , The air bag module housing 1 is like in 1 formed, but it points to the left side surface 2 B and / or on the right side surface in each case a diagonally to the reject direction (according to arrow A) directed deposit 9 on.

3 shows a section through the outer wall 2 out 1 and / or out 2 , Shown is the basic material 4 and the additional material 5 that is an insert 7 forms, with the additional material 5 with the base material 4 is encapsulated on both sides. The outer wall 2 is therefore considered as a cohesive unit of base material 4 and additional material 5 educated.

4 shows a skeletal model of an airbag module housing 1 in a perspective view, the z. B. using a finite element method (FEM) and a subsequent FEM Topologieoptimierung was created.

The Model visualizes areas of the airbag module housing, the upon activation of an airbag module high and / or very high Loads, such. B. strong deformations and / or high pressure and / or tensile stresses. Areas where low loads occur are not shown in the model and / or left out.

The air bag module housing 1 is preferably made in a tool of an injection molding machine, wherein the not shown and / or recessed areas of the model only of a base material 4 are made, preferably made of a bulk plastic, such. As polypropylene, and / or in particular comprises a fiber-free material.

From a supplementary material 5 that has a higher stability than the base material 4 and preferably consists of polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, kevlar and / or a fiber composite material, is / are in accordance with the visualized, skeletal areas shown, one or more deposits 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 prepared.

The deposit / n 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 Thus, they are made in such a way that they detail and / or schematically simulate the skeletal model, ie the geometry of the particularly stressed areas of the airbag module. Similarly, the geometry of the insert / n 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 from the 1 and or 2 be determined and made.

At the deposit 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 It can be a single one-piece insert 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 and / or several individual, superimposed in the tool deposits 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 act.

The deposits 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 are inserted into the mold of the injection molding machine and with the base material 4 encapsulated on both sides, so that they form a cohesive unit that the outer wall 2 at least partially.

The deposit / n 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 assume the function of stiffening and / or stabilization and / or filling of the outer wall 2 one. In this case, the insert / s on at least one, preferably on several, in particular on all sides of the outer wall 2 be arranged.

1

Airbag module housing

2

outer wall

2a

front

2 B

left side surface

2c

exit side

3

opening

4

base material

5

additional material

6

vertical inlay

7

parallel inlay

8th

area inlay

9

diagonal inlay

10

inner space

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10109057 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Airbag module housing ( 1 ), comprising an outer wall ( 2 ), which is a basic material ( 4 ) and an additional material ( 5 ), wherein the base material ( 4 ) and the additional material ( 5 ) have different material properties, wherein the base material ( 4 ) and the additional material ( 5 ) are materially connected to each other, characterized in that the additional material ( 5 ) a reinforcement for the outer wall ( 2 ). Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional material ( 6 ) a higher stability than the base material ( 5 ) having. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base material ( 4 ) and / or the additional material ( 5 ) is a plastic, preferably a polymeric plastic. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional material ( 5 ) is a metal. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional material ( 5 ) at least one deposit ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) formed in the outer wall ( 2 ) is arranged. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) is located primarily in high-stress areas. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) with the base material ( 4 ) is sprayed over. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) comprises a fiber. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 9 ) is elongated. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall ( 2 ) has a reject direction (according to arrow A) to which the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 9 ) is arranged vertically and / or parallel and / or diagonally. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) and / or multiple deposits ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) is formed net-like. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 8th ) is formed flat. Airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) is formed as a band and / or fiber and / or cord and / or wire and / or sheet metal and / or as a mat. Method for manufacturing an airbag module housing ( 1 ), in particular the outer wall ( 2 ) of the airbag module housing ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that • regions are defined with high stress, preferably a FEM stress analysis and / or a topology optimization is carried out in the load case in the airbag module housing • at least one insert ( 6 ; 7 ; 8th ; 9 ) is made in a same and / or similar geometry of the high stress areas and / or has a geometry that is suitable and / or adapted to reinforce the high stress areas, preferably selectively.