DE102009031615A1 - Air bag arrangement for use in e.g. motor vehicle, has airbag formed such that head chamber is filled with gas by region of thorax chamber, where direction of main gas flow corresponds to and/or parallel to thorax chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (1) has an airbag (2) for filling with gas (19), and a chamber e.g. thorax chamber (5), filled with the gas and including a region (8) and a wider region (9) in direction (10). Another chamber e.g. head chamber (6), connects to the thorax chamber in another direction (11), that is directly deviated from the former direction. The airbag is formed in such a manner that the head chamber is filled with the gas by the region of the thorax chamber, where direction of main gas flow corresponds to and/or parallel to the thorax chamber. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing an air bag arrangement.

Description

The The invention relates to an airbag arrangement with an airbag, in the airbag has a first chamber which has a first area and at least one further region in a first direction, and wherein the airbag has a second chamber that abuts connecting the first chamber in a second direction, wherein the second chamber is over the first region of the first chamber is filled with gas, the main gas flow direction the second direction corresponds. The invention further relates a method for manufacturing the airbag assembly.

One Airbag is often used as a side airbag in a motor vehicle used and has the task of occupant protection in a side impact to ensure the motor vehicle. The airbag can be divided into different chambers, with the different Chambers of the airbag have different tasks: How to protect z. B. a thorax chamber the upper body, a Pelviskammer the pelvic region and a head chamber the head of the occupants. It is Also known to carry side airbag systems with integrated head protection.

Such as B. from the Scriptures DE 199 30 157 A1 which is probably the closest prior art, is known to flow in such air bags in a side impact of the motor vehicle, the gas from a gas generator in the thorax chamber and then propagates in the direction of the head chamber via one or more flow channels.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an air bag assembly to provide an air bag that provides effective, robust and timely positioning ensured the airbag.

These The object is achieved by an airbag arrangement with the characteristics of Claim 1 and a method for manufacturing the airbag assembly with the features of claim 15 solved. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and / or the attached figures.

The Solution according to the invention is an airbag arrangement in a mobile, such as a motor vehicle, an airplane, a Ship or the like. Such an airbag arrangement ensures u. a. in a rear, front and / or side impact of the mobile the occupant protection.

The Air bag assembly has an air bag or more air bags for filling with gas, z. B. from a gas generator or from several gas generators, on. The airbag - also airbag generally known as a front, rear, side, bottom or ceiling airbag inter alia to protect the driver, the passenger or persons in the back seat (s). The airbag can be side, central, at the top or bottom a seat may be arranged, wherein the seat u. a. around a front seat or a back seat can act.

Prefers For example, the airbag assembly is laterally inboard as a side airbag system a side back of the seat installed. In this embodiment it is further preferred if the expansion or reject direction of the airbag parallel to the forward direction of the seat and / or the vehicle.

Of the Airbag has a first gas-fillable chamber, wherein the first chamber has a first region and at least one another area that points in a first direction, that is for example, next to the first area is arranged.

Of the Airbag also has a second chamber, which adjoin the first chamber connects in a second direction, wherein the second direction is deviating from the first direction. The first and second direction are different in yours Alignment by an intermediate angle of preferably at least 30 degrees, especially at least 60 degrees, in particular more than 80 Degree. The second chamber preferably communicates with the first chamber in direct and / or direct flow connection.

According to the invention the second chamber over the first area of the first chamber filled with gas, the main gas flow direction of second direction and / or this is rectified.

The Main gas flow direction and the second direction are preferably within an angle of less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees and in particular less than 15 degrees. In a preferred Training, the main gas flow direction extends from the first area the first chamber directly towards the second chamber. Under main gas flow direction It is preferably understood that the gas flow into the second chamber is greater as the gas flow in the one or more areas of the first chamber is formed and / or that or the other areas at least partially, preferably for the most part, ie more than 50%, are filled through the second chamber and / or that the second chamber the other areas fluidically upstream.

A flow connection in the main gas flow direction can, for. For example, one or more line / s, flow channel (s), valve (s), and / or via the mere physical connection between the first and second chambers.

In an optional embodiment, the gas fills the first Area of the first chamber partially or completely and spreads direct way over the flow connection priority in the second direction towards the second chamber out. The second chamber is preferably partially or completely filled with gas, before the second area of the first chamber is filled with gas.

By the described arrangement of the chambers to each other and the so related flow communication becomes the gas flow guide improved. By dividing the first chamber into several areas, the second chamber only or significantly over the first area of the first chamber is filled with gas, becomes a preference of the second chamber over the reached further areas of the first chamber and thus on the Expansion order of the chambers or areas influenced. The airbag is thus faster and more robust in the right position brought or unfolded or unrolled and then completely filled with gas, resulting in a better or faster protection.

The Areas of the first chamber have z. B. a common shell on, at least in sections flow-related and / or physically and / or physically completely or partially, by a separation such. B. by a fixed or adhesive bond, through a seam, through a gap, by a grid or net, etc., are separated from each other. The Areas may vary in their dimension, dimension and Different form, the first area preferably larger is considered the second area.

Especially the separation by one to the second direction is the same or similar reached aligned dart in the first chamber, which in a preferred embodiment, the gas flow channel in the direction narrowed the second chamber. By this measure, the Extension of the airbag in a horizontal direction limited to the installation position in a first deployment phase. In addition, by the narrowing the speed of the gas in Direction of the second chamber increases, so that their unfolding is preferred.

The first chamber of the airbag preferably serves as a thorax airbag, which protects the upper body of the occupant. she is preferably designed so that its extension in the second Direction is greater than in the first direction. This ensures that the entire upper body, from the waist to the shoulders, is protected.

The second chamber of the airbag preferably serves as a head airbag, which protects the occupant's head. It is for example formed bowl-shaped, the bowl shape has an inner curvature. The the inside vault having outer side of the second chamber is designed or essentially designed to absorb the impact of the head.

By the invention is advantageously enabled, the second chamber as a head airbag due to the improved gas flow guide of the airbag and the associated faster and more effective Filling larger design than conventional curtain airbags. So far, the size of conventional head airbags limited, since the risk of getting stuck in the expansion z. B. on the seat belt, the risk of slow development or ineffective positioning.

The The protection potential of many head airbags conventional is so often only on one load case, namely on a right-angled one Penetration of a barrier at a medium-sized person (50% dummy). The protective effect of persons whose Body size outside the size window of a 50% dummies lies or in persons who are the normal sitting position leave is reduced. By the possibility of the second Design chamber larger and simultaneously overcome the previously described difficulties becomes more comprehensive protection for inmates of different Body sizes and seating positions achieved.

In One possible embodiment is on the side the shell of the airbag, which is opposite to the forward direction of the seat and or of the vehicle, one at the transition the first chamber to the second chamber arranged trough, an incision, a notch or the like - summarizing below called trough - trained. This hollow prevents that the airbag at and / or after filling with gas on the occupant's shoulder, on the restraint belt or on both get stuck and / or hindered. In order to becomes an early, fast and effective development promoted the airbag.

In order to ensure the desired shape of the second chamber already in the at least partially filled state, the second chamber may have a means for shaping, the z. B. is designed as a tether or as another formbegrenzendes or shape shaping means. The means for shaping is preferably a separate component which is connected to the outside and / or inside of the second chamber, wherein the connection by a solid and / or adhesive Connection can be made.

to Stabilization of the second chamber, the first chamber can be a means for stabilization, in particular a seam, a plate, an air gap or any other suitable support element. The stabilization means extends from the first chamber from z. B. arcuate to the second chamber and forms in a preferred embodiment, a semicircular Area, which preferably can be filled with gas via the second chamber is. The predetermined position of the second chamber is through the means of stabilization in the second direction are better respected, d. H. it is prevented that the second chamber z. B. drops and / or tilts to the side.

additionally to the first and second chambers, the airbag assembly one or have several more chambers, which differ in their function, size, Form, arrangement and / or Aufblasfolge can differ. Thus, the other chamber (s) can, for example, the Function of a pelvis airbag to protect the pelvic region and / or a leg airbag to protect the legs of an occupant. The filling of the further chamber (s) is preferably carried out almost simultaneously with the filling of the first area the first chamber.

The Production of the airbag arrangement comprises in a preferred embodiment an at least sections / s curling and / or folding of the second Chamber against the first direction and / e at least partially / s Curling and / or folding of the second chamber counter to the second direction. Furthermore, at least sectionwise rolling and / or folding the first chamber against the first direction. Finally, this is done Packaging and installation of the airbag in an airbag chamber in the seat back or at a predetermined location of the mobile.

Of the Airbag has a rolled-up and / or folded state Roll on, with the roll from the rolling of the first chamber and consists of two rolls of the second chamber. The opening the roll is, for. B. when installing as a side airbag in the side rest a seat, against a nearest lateral Side of the side rest directed. This will do that Unwinding and / or unfolding the scroll on a window that nearest to the seat backrest.

at a possible embodiment unfolds partly due to the inflowing gas, first the first area the first chamber, being about a quarter to a third of the roll of the first chamber unrolled. Especially the unrolling of the first chamber takes place until reaching the doffer, which separates the first area and the second area. The darts preferably has in this partially unfolded state of the airbag a barrier effect for the gas in the direction of the other Areas. He prevents the gas continues in the second Area spreads and creates on the other hand a flow connection in the direction of the second chamber. Thereby he supports in particular the possibly simultaneous unrolling of the two rolls the second chamber and makes a sudden unfolding of the second chamber in the second direction possible. Preferably followed by expanding the still, if any, rolled-up first portion of the first chamber and the unfolding the second area of the first chamber.

The Unrolling the roll of the airbag z. B. on one who Side seat backrest nearest window or the corresponding vehicle wall. The rolling on the window supports the by the partial unrolling of the first chamber resulting flow connection in the direction of the second chamber, with the gas over the flow connection propagates in the main gas flow direction. The sudden unfolding of the second chamber is also so guaranteed.

Further Features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent the following description of a preferred embodiment the invention, as well as the attached figures. Showing:

1 a schematic vertical longitudinal section in the direction of travel of a vehicle of an airbag arrangement according to the invention in the activated state, wherein chambers, areas and gas flow direction of an airbag according to the invention are shown;

2 likewise a schematic vertical longitudinal section in the direction of travel of a vehicle of an airbag arrangement according to the invention in the activated state, wherein the rolling directions for the production of the airbag arrangement are shown.

each other corresponding or identical parts are in the figures each with provide the same reference numerals.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is in 1 illustrated, which is a vertical longitudinal section in the direction of travel of a vehicle by an airbag assembly 1 with an airbag 2 shows. The airbag 2 is in the inactivated state laterally in a side rest 3 a vehicle seat installed, the air bag 2 in the 1 is shown in an activated state.

The airbag 2 includes a closed shell 4 whose longitudinal extent (according to arrow B, 2 ) is about 2.5 times larger than its transverse extent (according to arrow A, 2 ). Furthermore, the airbag 2 a first chamber 5 , a second chamber 6 and a third chamber 7 on, with the chambers 5 . 6 . 7 are divided according to a function assigned to them. The first chamber 5 is the thorax chamber 5 , where the chest chamber 5 the protection of the upper body of an occupant serves. The second chamber 6 is the head chamber 6 , where the head chamber 6 is provided for the protection of the head of an occupant. The third chamber 7 is the Pelvic Chamber 7 , where the pelvic chamber 7 ensures the protection of the pelvic region of an occupant.

The thorax chamber 5 has a first area 8th and a second area 9 up, moving in a first direction 10 to the first area 8th connects, taking the first direction 10 in the direction of the transverse extent (according to arrow A) of the airbag 2 is directed. The thorax chamber 5 is centered between the head chamber 6 and the pelvis chamber 7 arranged, with the head chamber 6 in a second direction 11 (according to the arrow) to the thoracic chamber 5 followed. Here is the second direction 11 directed in the direction of the longitudinal extent (according to arrow B). The Pelvic Chamber 7 closes against the second direction 11 to the thorax chamber 5 at.

The case 4 the thorax chamber 5 has opposite to the forward direction of the seat and or the vehicle, arranged at the transition of the thorax chamber to the head chamber trough 20 on. This prevents snagging on the occupant's shoulder and / or on a restraining belt when inflation of the airbag 2 after activation of the airbag assembly 1 is done. The hollow 20 thus promotes an early, rapid and effective deployment of the airbag 2 ,

In addition, the airbag has 2 a gas generator 12 on, with the gas generator 12 on the side of the shell 4 is arranged, which is the thorax chamber 5 bounded on the side opposite to the first direction 10 is arranged.

The first area 8th and the second area 9 the thorax chamber 5 be through a separation seam 13 separated. This extends from one in the first direction 10 in the edge area on the shell 4 arranged first point 14 , which is approximately between the passage of the chest chamber 5 to the Pelvic Chamber 7 is arranged. The separation seam 13 extends obliquely to the horizontal center of the airbag 2 and extends in a vertical extent approximately to the transition of the thorax chamber 5 to the head chamber 6 ,

The second area 9 the thorax chamber 5 optionally has an additional stabilizing seam 15 on. The stabilization seam 15 extends arcuately or semicircular from one in the first direction 10 in the edge area on the shell 4 the thorax chamber 5 arranged second point 16 to one in the first direction 10 in the edge area on the shell 4 the head chamber 6 arranged third point 17 and forms a semicircular area 21 , Through the stabilization seam 15 will prevent the head chamber 6 in the direction of the chest chamber 5 sinks and / or tilts to the side.

Furthermore, the head chamber 6 a tether 18 on, with the tether 18 in the middle of the head chamber 6 is arranged and with the shell 4 connected in two areas, in particular sewn. The tether 18 has the task, upon activation of the airbag assembly 1 the head chamber 6 to bring into a predetermined shape, wherein the predetermined shape is bowl-shaped. The bowl-shaped form has an inside curvature which serves to cushion the impact of the occupant's head.

• 1. Füllen der Pelviskammer 7 und des ersten Bereichs 8
• 2. Füllen der Kopfkammer 6
• 3. Füllen des zweiten Bereichs 9

Upon activation of the airbag assembly 1 , z. B. by an impact of the vehicle, first, the first area of the thorax chamber 5 until reaching the separation seam 13 and the pelvis chamber 7 with gas 19 filled. After that, the head chamber 6 inflated. Last is the second area 9 the thorax chamber 5 over the head chamber 6 filled. In this case, upon activation of the airbag arrangement flows 1 first gas 19 from the gas generator 12 in the first area 8th the thorax chamber 5 one. On the one hand, the gas is spreading 19 in the first direction 10 out, creating a primary inflation of the first area 8th the thorax chamber 5 until the separation seam 13 he follows. Because the separation seam 13 a further spread of the gas 19 in the first direction 10 locks and the gas in the first area of the chest chamber 5 The pelvic chamber evolves at the same time 7 against the second direction 11 (opposite arrow E). On the other hand, the gas flows 19 , guided by the separation seam 13 , in a resulting main gas flow direction in the direction of the head chamber 6 , causing the head chamber 6 is suddenly unfolded. During or after the head chamber 6 is inflated / is, the gas flows 19 from the head chamber 6 out in the of the stabilization seam 15 formed semicircular area 21 and in the second areas 9 the thorax chamber 5 , Through the separation seam 13 is thus on the Aufblasfolge of the airbag 2 acted as follows:

• 1. Fill the Pelvic Chamber 7 and the first area 8th
• 2. Fill the head chamber 6
• 3. Fill the second area 9

As reflected by the 2 is explained in the manufacture of the airbag 2 the Pelvic Chamber 7 in the second direction 11 into the interior of the thorax chamber 5 inverted in the direction of arrow E, so that the end region is approximately flush with the bar C. The invagination supports the primary inflation of the first area 8th the thorax chamber 5 and the pelvis chamber 7 by putting that in the first area 8th the thorax chamber 5 incoming gas 19 the first area 8th until the separation seam 13 fills, while the pelvis chamber 7 emerges and inflates at the same time.

Furthermore, the head chamber 6 of the airbag 2 in production contrary to the first direction 10 partially, ie between one quarter and three quarters of the transverse extent (according to arrow A) of the shell 4 roll up. Subsequently, the complete curling of the head chamber 6 against the second direction 11 to the bar D. Partial curling of the head chamber 6 causes a targeted guidance of the gas 19 in the second direction 11 in the head chamber 6 into it, making the counter to the second direction 11 rolled-up head chamber 6 is suddenly inflated and in the second direction 11 and subsequently in the first direction 10 aligns.

The final step in manufacturing involves rolling up the thorax chamber 5 against the first direction 10 , This is the chest chamber 5 starting from the second area 9 , over the first area 8th , to the gas generator 12 rolled. The curling of the chest chamber 5 specifically supports the spread of the gas 19 in the second direction 11 through a kind of fireplace effect. Thus, the main gas flow direction is from the thorax chamber 5 in the head chamber 6 (in the direction of the second direction 11 , as indicated by arrow).

The manufacture of the airbag 2 creates a roll whose opening is against the nearest lateral outside of the side rest 3 the vehicle seat is directed to a roll on one of the side back 3 to allow the nearest car window. The rolling on the motor vehicle window also supports the spread of the gas 19 in main gas flow direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Air bag assembly

2

air bag

3

siderest

4

shell

5

First Chamber / thorax chamber

6

Second Chamber / head chamber

7

third Chamber / Pelviskammer

8th

first Area

9

second Area

10

First direction

11

Second direction

12

inflator

13

separation seam

14

first Point

15

stabilizing seam

16

second Point

17

third Point

18

tether

19

gas

20

trough

21

A semicircular Area

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 19930157 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) comprising an airbag ( 2 ) for filling with gas ( 19 ), with one with gas ( 19 ) fillable first chamber ( 5 ), the first chamber ( 5 ) a first area ( 8th ) and at least one other area ( 9 ) in a first direction ( 10 ), with a second chamber ( 6 ), which belong to the first chamber ( 5 ) in a second direction ( 11 ), the second direction ( 11 ) deviating from the first direction ( 10 ), characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) is formed so that the second chamber ( 6 ) over the first area ( 8th ) of the first chamber ( 5 ) with gas ( 19 ) is fillable, wherein a main gas flow direction of the second direction ( 11 ) and / or this is rectified. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) is designed as a side airbag, and / or that the airbag ( 2 ) laterally in a side rest ( 3 ) of a motor vehicle can be arranged and / or arranged. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first area ( 5 ) and the wider area ( 6 ) a common shell ( 4 ) and within the envelope ( 4 ) a separation, in particular a separation seam ( 13 ) comprising the first area ( 5 ) and the wider area ( 6 ) at least partially separates fluidically and / or physically and / or physically from each other. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation ( 13 ) the gas ( 19 ) primarily from the first area ( 8th ) in the main gas flow direction into the second chamber ( 6 ) steers. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber ( 5 ) formed as a thorax airbag of a motor vehicle and / or that the second chamber ( 6 ) is designed as a head airbag of a motor vehicle. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag is designed such that it during and / or after filling with gas ( 19 ) a trough ( 20 ), wherein the trough ( 20 ) is adapted to prevent snagging of the airbag to a restraining belt. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber ( 5 ) at least one stabilizing agent ( 15 ) of the second chamber ( 6 ), wherein the means for stabilization preferably as a seam ( 15 ) is trained. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second chamber ( 6 ) at least one shaping agent ( 18 ), wherein the means for shaping ( 18 ) preferably as a tether ( 18 ), which is adapted to the expansion of the second chamber ( 6 ) in a predetermined form. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second chamber ( 6 ) is designed so that it is filled with gas during and / or after filling with gas ( 19 ) resembles and / or corresponds to the shape of a bowl. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first chamber ( 5 ) in addition to the second chamber ( 6 ) at least one further chamber ( 7 ). Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) is formed so that first the first area ( 8th ) of the first chamber ( 5 ), then primarily the second chamber ( 6 ) and then the second area of the first chamber ( 9 ) with gas ( 19 ) is filled. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) is designed so that it forms a single or multiple rolling and / or folding in the unexpanded state. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the airbag ( 2 ) in the side rest ( 3 ) is arranged such that the opening of the rolling against the nearest lateral outside of the side rest ( 3 ) is directed and / or rolling on the motor vehicle side wall takes place. Airbag arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the separation seam ( 13 ) is formed so that at the transition of the airbag ( 2 ) from the non-expanded state to an expanded state, the flow path between the first region and the second region through the partition (FIG. 13 ) is closed. Method for producing an airbag arrangement ( 1 ), according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manufacture is characterized by the following steps in the order described: Curling and / or folding the second chamber ( 6 ), wherein the curling and / or folding counter to the first direction ( 10 ) takes place at least in sections; Curling and / or folding the second chamber ( 6 ), wherein the curling and / or folding counter to the second direction ( 11 ) he follows; - Optional invagination of the third chamber ( 7 ) in the second direction ( 11 ) - rolling and / or folding the first chamber ( 5 ), wherein the curling and / or folding counter to the first direction ( 10 ) he follows.

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