DE102009029711A1 - Air bag arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises a layered material layer covering the air bag and lying not connected to further material layers in an opening region - Google Patents

Abstract

Air bag arrangement comprises a layered material layer (6) covering the air bag (5) and lying not connected to further material layers in an opening region. Preferred Features: The layered material layer is formed as a decorative foil or fabric. The foil has a spatially structured and/or deep-drawn shape.

Description

The The invention relates to an airbag arrangement for a vehicle with an airbag, which is formed and / or arranged in an activation case through an opening area of converted to a compact state in an expanded state to be, with a Sichtmateriallage, which the airbag in the compact Condition in the opening area covered and a visible side forms, wherein the Sichtmateriallage of a pliable material consists.

airbag systems are used to secure occupants of a vehicle in an accident and include one or more airbags - also air bags called - which in the activation of the airbag system be inflated explosively by means of a gas generator and from a collapsed state to a pillow-like, expanded state to be transferred. For the backup of a passenger in the vehicle have become meanwhile Airbag systems established in the dashboard. A driver is joining a collision, however, often by a steering wheel of the Vehicle integrated airbag protected, which together is arranged with controls in the steering wheel.

at the design of an airbag system, the airbag flap comes a special Meaning too, as these open quickly during the expansion of the airbag must be and at the same time not injure the inmates. moreover If the airbag flap is not activated, the airbag flap must be in such a way Insert into the environment that neither an optical nor a haptic impairment is perceived.

For example, the document discloses WO 2007/141107 A1 an airbag device for a motor vehicle. The integrable airbag device has an inflatable airbag, a receptacle with outlet opening for the airbag and a flexible protective cover, which covers the airbag in the region of the outlet opening. The protective cover comprises at least two flexible, flat protective elements, which are respectively fixed to the receptacle, which communicate with each other via at least one separable tear line and which flank the gas bag during inflation at least during a first period of expansion. This airbag device is conventionally installed in a dashboard.

The publication WO 2002/14117 A1 , which is probably the closest prior art discloses an occupant protection device for a vehicle, which is integrated in a dashboard. The occupant protection device has a dimensionally stable carrier part and a cover connected thereto, preferably formed from a foamed intermediate layer and a decorative layer and a gas bag inflatable by means of a gas generator, wherein the gas bag is arranged as a folding package between the carrier part and the cover. From the description it follows that the gas bag is additionally secured in the carrier part with a flexible film, so that the overall result is a three-layer system foil-foam layer decorative layer for the cover.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a novel airbag assembly to propose for a vehicle.

These The object is achieved by an airbag arrangement having the features of the claim 1 solved. Preferred or advantageous embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying figures.

in the Within the scope of the invention, an airbag arrangement is proposed which is suitable and / or designed for a vehicle. The Airbag arrangement comprises at least one, optionally also several, Airbags - also called air bags - which in an activation case, such as in an accident of the Vehicle, be converted from a compact state to an expanded state can. In this case, the airbag passes through an opening area therethrough. In the compact state, the airbag can, for example rolled or folded, in particular as a flat package, be arranged. In the expanded state, the airbag is powered by a gas generator, which optionally also forms part of the airbag arrangement, filled with a harmless gas, so this one Making safety pillow for a passenger.

The Airbag assembly includes a Sichtmateriallage which the airbag covered in the opening area in the compact state and forms a visible side. Under a visible side is under the Invention visible from the occupant and / or touchable Surface understood. The visual material situation consists of a limp material, wherein in the context of the invention between limp and rigid materials is distinguished. Under a limp material is preferably a dimensionally unstable, to understand form-labile or non-dimensionally stable material, which at the lengths and widths used by this application has no inherent stability in a plane state, but, for example, similar to a lobe.

One possible measurement method for a flexible material is to keep a material strip of 10 cm length and 3 cm width in a flat state at one end horizontally. If the angle between the horizontal and the connecting line between the breakpoint and the free end of the material strip is greater than 30 degrees, preferably greater than 45 degrees and in particular greater than 60 degrees, the material is referred to as pliable.

According to the invention suggested that the Sichtmateriallage in the opening area unconnected on further pliable material layers and / or directly is disposed adjacent to the airbag and / or rests. unconnected means, in particular, that the visual material layer is not glued to the neighboring material layer is. Also an air gap is conceivable. In particular, between the Sichtmateriallage and the Airbag only flimsy material layers or no further material layers provided.

at This embodiment is an airbag assembly for created a vehicle, which is characterized by a significant weight reduction due to the limp and thus preferably thin Material of the view material layer or of the further material layers distinguished. In particular, between airbag and Sichtmateriallage preferably dispensed with any rigid plastic carrier. Compared with classic types of airbag arrangements is here a weight reduction of 5% to 40% depending on the comparison model possible.

One Another useful advantage, it follows that by the use the limp material to the expansion of the airbag accelerating mass is reduced as the visual material torn open and pushed to the side and pressed like a rag can. By reducing the accelerated mass it is possible to one side to use smaller gas generators and on the other side to achieve improved airbag kinematics.

at A preferred embodiment of the invention is the view material layer as a decorative film or a decorative fabric, in summary, as a decor carrier to designate, trained. For example, on the visible side the decor carrier structuring, such as Leather scars or the like, introduced or molded.

The View material situation is - in particular to production costs to save - single layered. In other embodiments the visual material layer can also have multiple layers, which fully or partially connected to each other are, as long as the property of the Biegeschlaffheit the Sichtmateriallage is satisfied.

at a concretization of the invention, the view material layer is preferred formed from thermoplastic olefins (TPO) or elastomeric material (TPD). Preferably, the thickness of the visual material layer is less than 4 mm, in particular smaller than 3 mm and in particular smaller than 2 mm realized. The latter dimensions support again the desire to accelerate the masses of the visual material situation low in the case of expansion.

at possible embodiments of the invention will the material of the view material layer from a flat, flat semi-finished used. In a preferred embodiment of Invention, the material of the view material layer is formed, for example deep-drawn, so that a spatially structured intermediate is formed. The shaping can, for example, by a thermal supported deep drawing process can be achieved. The structured Intermediate product is, for example, cup-shaped, torus or donut-shaped (also in Kringelform) or in arbitrary other forms, such as octahedral, etc. formed. By this development, it is possible that the Sichtmateriallage not only covering and clamping flat areas, but also that through the structured intermediate also complex geometries of the airbag skin and / or membrane-like coated and / or can be covered.

at a possible concrete embodiment of the invention has the Sichtmatteriageung weakening areas, which during the transfer of the airbag in the expanded State represent break points. The weakening areas For example, as a scratch, a non-through Cut or a material material change formed be. This concretization has the advantage that in the case of expansion the Sichtmateriallage not uncontrollably opens, but along the predetermined weakening ranges. Here it is possible that the weakened areas arranged so are that form predetermined hinge lines around the torn segments can change the view material situation.

It is particularly preferred when the Sichtmateriallage with the airbag or with a protective film of the airbag as another material layer in the compact state immediately and / or physically full surface or at least in parts in contact.

In a first possible embodiment of the invention, the view material layer is directly on the airbag, this alternative represents a minimum of accelerated mass of the cover of the airbag. In another alternative of the invention are Sichtmateriallage and airbag at least in some areas directly to each other, wherein in the remaining non-contact the areas for example filler is introduced for a contour compensation.

Instead of An immediate physical contact can also be minimum distance of, for example, less than 2 mm, preferably be provided less than 1 mm, for example for the Case that between Sichtmateriallage and airbag a conservative Plastic film, protective film, foam layer o. Ä. As another Material layer or layers is arranged or are.

at a possible development of the invention is between the Sichtmateriallage and the airbag at least one more pliable Layer arranged as a further material layer. The layer can be continuous be formed, but this layer is preferably part of the area interrupted realized. For example, this layer is considered a Mesh, ribs - even single ribs - or honeycomb structure educated.

at A particularly preferred development is the further layer formed as one or more foam layers, which are preferred with the Sichtmateriallage and with the airbag directly and / or physically in contact. Through this foam layer is it possible to face the visual material situation the airbag partially or even over the entire surface support. In this way, contour errors, which is due to an inaccurate fit of the contour of the view material layer and the airbag can be filled out. For example, it is possible that foam ribs in Folded folded airbags are arranged.

It However, it is preferred that the foam layer or layers Overall, a maximum thickness less than 5 mm in the range between Visible material layer and airbag have. In other words, is the distance between the sight material layer and the airbag at least 70%, preferably at least 80% and in particular at least 90% of the opposite surfaces are smaller than 5 mm formed.

at possible embodiments is the airbag assembly in a dashboard on the driver and / or passenger side of a Vehicle integrated and / or integrated, the dashboard a optional component of the airbag assembly forms. In other possible Embodiments is the airbag assembly in a steering wheel integrable and / or integrated, with the steering wheel an optional Part of the airbag assembly forms.

at An advantageous possibility for integration is the view material layer with the steering wheel or with the dashboard cohesively connected and forms together with this or this module housing. The steering wheel or the instrument panel can be in one piece or else be formed in several parts, it may be, for example, at the steering wheel around a central body with attached Act steering ring. The cohesive connection takes place for example via an adhesive bond or a welded joint. Particularly preferably, the layer of visual material is structured Intermediate formed, so that the Sichtmateriallage in the built-in Condition is about the contour of the steering wheel or the Dashboard forms uplifting form. In an advantageous Further development of the invention, the airbag as a module insert used in the module housing and bolted, for example.

at another embodiment of the invention form the Airbag and the Sichtmateriallage together a module insert, wherein the view material layer in the module insert material fit, for example, by welding or gluing, attached is. This module insert is for use in the steering wheel and / or suitable and / or trained in the dashboard.

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

1 a schematic sectional view of two possible embodiments of airbag assemblies as embodiments of the invention;

2 a schematic plan view of the airbag assemblies in the 1 in the closed or expanded state;

3 a schematic sectional view of two further airbag arrangements as further embodiments of the invention:

4 a schematic plan view of the airbag assemblies in the 3 , also in the closed or opened state;

5 a schematic sectional view of the airbag assembly in the 3 and 4 during installation.

each other corresponding or identical parts have each other in the figures corresponding or identical reference numerals obtained.

The 1 shows in a highly schematic sectional view of an airbag assembly 1 which is in a steering wheel 2 a vehicle is integrated. More specifically, the illustrated 1 on the left and on the right side two different variants of the airbag assembly 1 whose different design features can be combined as desired in further embodiments.

The steering wheel 2 shows a central region, which may optionally be arranged eccentrically offset in the middle or in alternative embodiments and in which the airbag assembly 1 is included. The airbag arrangement 1 includes a carrier 3 , which is formed in the example shown as a plate, a gas generator 4 that is for the expansion of one on the wearer 3 arranged airbags 5 is trained. Preferably, the carrier form 3 , the gas generator 4 and the airbag 5 a prefabricated, interconnected unit. The airbag 5 is in this example with standing folds, so wrinkles, which are perpendicular to the surface extension of the steering wheel 2 are aligned.

The cover of the airbag 5 via a decorative film 6 , which is designed as a view material layer and its free top 7 visible or accessible by the driver. The decorative foil 6 For example, it is formed as a plastic film, in particular of thermoplastic olefin (TPO) or elastomer (TPE) and has a thickness of less than 3 mm. The decorative foil 6 is made of a limp material, which is so slack in the lengths used that it collapses automatically.

The decorative foil 6 is brought into a structured form, in this case a cup shape, by means of a thermoforming process, so that the decorative film 6 the airbag 5 cup-shaped like an adjacent skin encloses.

In the embodiment on the left side of 1 is the cup-shaped decorative foil 6 at its free edge encircling with a housing 8th cohesively connected, which on or on the carrier 3 is arranged and connected to this. The cohesive connection takes place via a circumferential welding area 9 , On the left side of the 1 embodiment shown thus can the airbag assembly 1 as a self-contained module comprising the airbag 5 and the decorative foil 6 , as a modular unit in the steering wheel 2 used and attached. The decorative foil 6 is in this embodiment immediately without intermediate layer or only slightly z. B. by a protective film spaced on the airbag 5 on.

In contrast, the embodiment on the right side of the 1 an embodiment in which the free edge of the decorative sheet 6 directly with the steering wheel 2 over a welding area 9 is welded. In this embodiment form steering wheel 2 and decorative foil 6 a module housing into which the prefabricated unit consisting of airbag 5 , Gas generator 4 and carriers 3 , is used.

In both embodiments, it can be seen that the decorative film 6 above the level of the adjacent area of the steering wheel 2 rises and protrudes as cup-shaped elevation. The welding area 9 is designed for example as an ultrasonic welding area.

In the embodiment on the right side are between the decorative sheet 6 and the airbag 5 foam layers 10 arranged, which are advantageously used when the airbag 5 has complex geometries, so that the decorative film 6 must be fully or partially supported in terms of height and / or area. The foam support may be in addition to the embodiment as a layer, as ribs, single ribs or honeycomb or waffle-shaped layer, etc. executed. Such foam layers 10 may also be provided in the embodiment on the left side. However, it is advantageous if the foam layers 10 are only partially executed, so that the decorative film 6 and the airbag 5 at least partially in physical contact. The foam layers 10 are also formed slippery.

The 2 shows a schematic plan view of the decorative film 6 from the 2 on the left in a closed and on the right in an open state. With the aim of the crack course and thus the flap division of the decorative film 6 to be able to control are in the decorative film 6 linear weakening areas 11 brought in. As weakening methods, lasers, cutting or scratches, with different weakening depth or residual strength, can be used. It may also be sufficient to weaken only an initial area, the decorative film 6 from this initial area on and then uncontrollably further tears. In the embodiment shown, the decorative film 6 a round shape, with the weakening areas 11 are arranged so that cake piece-like segments 12 in the tearing of the decorative film 6 form. The bending slit of the material is in particular designed so that these cake-piece segments 12 flap-like and an opening area for the airbag 5 can share.

The 3 shows two further embodiments of the invention, wherein, in contrast to the previous examples, the decorative film 6 is stretched membrane-like and a module insert, consisting of a carrier 3 a gas generator 4 and an airbag 5 , is attached from the bottom, for example via a screw connection. Also in this embodiment, it is possible that between the airbag 5 and the decorative foil 6 foam layers 10 . in particular designed as foam ribs, are arranged, as indicated on the right side drawing.

As is clear from the 4 which gives analogously to the 2 a schematic plan view of the airbag assembly 1 in the 3 shows, fold in this embodiment, the segments 12 the decorative foil 6 cake-like outward and stay there limp. Also in this embodiment are weakening areas 11 to control the tearing process in the decorative foil 6 brought in.

The 5 shows the embodiments of the 3 during assembly, again the insertion of the module insert in the steering wheel 2 and decorative foil 6 formed module housing is shown.

Instead of the steering wheel 2 can the airbag arrangements 1 the previous figures are also installed in instrument panels and / or instrument panels, in particular on a passenger side of the vehicle, or in other trim parts of the vehicle.

1

An air bag assembly

2

steering wheel

3

carrier

4

inflator

5

air bag

6

decorative film

7

free top

8th

casing

9

welding area

10

foam layer

11

weakened areas

12

segments

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

• WO 2007/141107 A1 [0004]
• WO 2002/14117 A1 [0005]

Claims (14)

Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) for a vehicle with an airbag ( 5 ), which is designed and / or arranged to be transferred in an activation case by an opening area from a compact state to an expanded state, with a view material layer ( 6 ), which the airbag ( 5 ) in the compact state in the opening area and a visible side ( 7 ), wherein the visual material layer ( 6 ) consists of a pliable material, characterized in that the view material layer is arranged in the opening area unconnected to another pliable material layers and / or directly adjacent to the airbag and / or rests. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the visual material layer ( 6 ) is formed as a decorative sheet or a decorative fabric. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the decorative film ( 6 ) has a spatially structured and / or deep-drawn form. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visual material layer ( 6 ) is formed of thermoplastic olefins or elastomeric material. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visual material layer ( 6 ) Weakening areas ( 11 ), which predetermined breaking points during the transfer of the airbag ( 5 ) in the expanded state. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visual material layer ( 6 ) in a compact state of the airbag ( 5 ) optionally over the entire surface or at least in sections directly on the airbag ( 5 ) or on a protective film of the airbag ( 5 ) rests. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further layers of material as one or more foam layers ( 10 ) is formed, which with the Sichtmateriallage ( 10 ) and / or with the airbag ( 5 ) or its protective film are preferably in direct and / or physical contact. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the or the foam layers ( 10 ) have a total thickness of less than 5 mm. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the visible side ( 7 ) and the airbag in the compact state is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm and in particular less than 1 mm. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this for integration into a dashboard is trained. Airbag arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, characterized in that this for integration in a steering wheel ( 2 ) is formed and / or in the steering wheel ( 2 ) is integrated. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the visual material layer ( 6 ) with the steering wheel and / or with the instrument panel ( 2 ) is integrally connected and together with this or this forms a module housing. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the airbag ( 5 ) is inserted as a module insert in the module housing. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the airbag ( 5 ) and the visual material layer ( 6 ) together form a module insert, which can be inserted into a receptacle and / or inserted.