DE102009038442B4 - Airbag device with a motor vehicle-side support member, a gas generator module and a gas bag module - Google Patents

Abstract

Airbag device (2) with a motor vehicle-side support member (4), in which an outlet opening (18) for a gas bag (36) is provided, wherein the outlet opening (18) on the rear side (14) of the support member (4) arranged firing channel housing (16 ) associated with a firing channel (32) having at least one recess (22), a gas bag module (34) having at least one inflatable folded gas bag (36) and is disposed within the firing channel (32), wherein the gas bag module ( 34) is fastened to the firing channel housing (16) and / or the supporting part (4) such that the recess (22) is closed by a section (50) of the gas bag module (34) in such a way that leakage of the unfolding gas bag (36 ) is prevented by the recess (22), and a gas generator module (52) having a gas generator (54) for inflating the airbag (36) and which is outside the airbag module (34) and outside of the firing channel (16), dadu characterized in that the gas generator module (52) on the firing channel housing (16) and / or the support member (4) is fixed, in the firing channel housing (16) further from the recess (22) separate gas passage opening (46) is provided via the the gas bag (36) is inflatable by the gas generator (54).

Description

The present invention relates to an airbag device with a motor vehicle-side support member, in which an outlet opening is provided for a gas bag, wherein the outlet opening is associated with a disposed at the back of the support member firing channel housing with a firing channel having at least one recess, a gas bag module, the at least one inflatable folded gas bag and is disposed within the firing channel, wherein the gas bag module is fixed to the firing channel housing and / or the support member, that the recess is closed by a portion of the airbag module such that leakage of the unfolding gas bag prevented by the recess is, and a gas generator module having a gas generator for inflating the gas bag.

Airbag facilities are for example from the DE 102 49 375 A1 , of the DE 10 2004 005 555 A1 , of the DE 103 43 012 A1 , of the DE 103 54 560 A1 and the GB 2 346 847 A known.

So is out of the DE 10 2006 057 503 A1 an airbag device for motor vehicles is known, which has a motor vehicle side support member, which is designed as a dashboard, wherein in the motor vehicle side support member is provided an outlet opening for a deploying airbag. The outlet opening is assigned to a arranged at the back of the support member firing channel housing with a firing channel. The known firing channel housing in this case has a recess opposite the outlet opening, so that the firing channel housing is not completely closed. It can also be said that the firing channel is not completely surrounded by the firing channel housing. In addition, the known airbag device on an inflatable, folded airbag, which is disposed within the firing channel. The gas bag is secured to the firing channel housing in such a way that the recess in the firing channel housing is closed by a section of the gas bag in such a manner that leakage of the unfolding gas bag through the recess is prevented. Alternatively, the known document proposes a flexible protective cover for the inflatable, folded gas bag, in which case the protective cover is secured to the firing channel housing and the support member such that the recess in the firing channel housing is closed by a portion of the flexible protective cover. Both embodiments thus have the advantage that the firing channel housing alone does not have to completely surround the firing channel, so that the weight of the airbag device is reduced. Furthermore, the known airbag device has a gas generator for inflating the gas bag, which is arranged together with the gas bag within the firing channel and beyond within the gas bag or the flexible protective cover, so that the gas generator together with the gas bag and the protective case if present coherent airbag module forms.

The well-known airbag device has proven itself insofar as it has a relatively low weight, which is due to the recess in the firing channel housing, which is then covered by a portion of the airbag or a portion of the flexible protective cover. However, it has been shown that a repair or maintenance of the airbag device and the associated possibly necessary replacement of the gas generator or the gas bag is expensive. Thus, an exchange of the gas generator is required, for example, when the contact pins of the squib of the gas generator in the assembly of the plug for electrically connecting the same, damaged.

A similar airbag device is further from the DE 197 04 684 A1 However, an airbag module and a gas generator module are provided, wherein the gas generator module is arranged outside of the airbag module and outside the firing channel. The inflator module nevertheless attached to the gas bag module uses the already existing recess in the firing channel housing, which is closed by a portion of the gas bag module, in addition as a gas passage opening. This airbag device has proven itself, but has a relatively complex structure and a cumbersome gas guide.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an airbag device of the generic type, which has a particularly low weight, a simple structure and a simplified gas guide.

This object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The airbag device according to the invention for a motor vehicle o. Ä. First, a motor vehicle side support member, which is, for example, a part of the body, an interior trim part, a vehicle pillar, a roof frame, a cross member, a dashboard, a support frame, a steering wheel o. Ä. Can act. In the motor vehicle side support part, an outlet opening for an airbag is provided, wherein the outlet opening may initially be covered by a rupturable cover. The said outlet opening is a at the back of the support member arranged shot channel housing associated with a firing channel. Under the back of the support member in this case, for example, that side of the support member to understand, which has a direction opposite to the outlet direction of the gas bag. The firing channel housing does not completely surround or surround the firing channel. In the firing channel housing rather at least one recess is provided. In addition, the airbag device according to the invention has an airbag module which has at least one inflatable, folded airbag and is arranged within the firing channel in the firing channel housing. In order to ensure that the deploying gas bag of the gas bag module emerges through the outlet opening in the carrier part and not through the recess in the firing channel housing, the gas bag module is attached to the firing channel housing and / or the supporting part such that the recess is closed by a section of the gas bag module is that leakage of the unfolding gas bag is prevented by the recess. Depending on the size of the recess in the firing channel housing can also be said that the firing channel housing is formed only rudimentary, while the majority of the firing channel is closed by the aforementioned section of the airbag module, so that the airbag device according to the invention may be particularly lightweight. Furthermore, the airbag device has a gas generator module, which has a gas generator for inflating the gas bag. The gas generator module comprising the gas generator is arranged outside the gas bag module - thus also outside the gas bag. In order to improve the accessibility of the gas generator module and thus its maintenance, repair and replacement, the gas generator module is arranged outside the firing channel. The inflator module is further attached to the firing channel housing and / or the support member. In order to achieve the shortest possible connecting path between the gas generator of the gas generator module and the gas bag of the gas bag module, a gas passage opening separate from the recess is provided in the firing channel housing of the airbag device, via which the gas bag can be inflated by the gas generator. A complicated gas flow between the gas generator and the gas bag is thus avoided, whereby the susceptibility of the airbag device can be reduced, and the same design effort is reduced. By the gas generator module, which has the gas generator, is arranged outside of the gas bag module and thus outside the gas bag, the gas generator module of the airbag device according to the invention on a much better accessibility, so that the maintenance, repair or replacement costs can be significantly reduced. Thus, in particular, the replacement of the gas generator module is simple if, for example, the connections to the gas generator have been damaged during the production of a plug connection with a connecting cable during assembly.

In a preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, the gas generator module is detachably attached to the firing channel housing and / or the supporting part independently of the gas bag module. As a result, the maintenance, repair and replacement costs are further reduced, especially since the gas bag module may remain despite the removal or replacement of the gas generator module to the firing channel housing and / or the support member. The assembly of the airbag device can be made more flexible in this embodiment, especially since the inflator module can be attached independently of the gas bag module to the firing channel housing and / or the support member, especially since the gas bag module and the gas generator module can be installed both temporally and spatially separated from each other. However, this embodiment does not exclude that a fastening means, which serves the attachment of the gas generator module to the firing channel housing and / or the support member, at the same time also serve to attach the airbag module to the firing channel housing and / or the support member, which may be preferred, such as this will be described later with reference to a further advantageous embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention.

In one embodiment, it has been found to be particularly advantageous if the gas generator module is attached to a side remote from the firing channel of the firing channel housing, especially as this short connection paths between the inflator module outside the firing channel housing and the airbag module can be realized within the firing channel housing. In addition, the motor vehicle-side support member is relieved, which is particularly advantageous if it is the vehicle-side support member is a thin-walled dashboard or interior trim part of the motor vehicle.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, which is based on the embodiment described above, fastening means for fastening the gas generator module to the firing channel housing are provided, which are accessible and detachable from the side remote from the firing channel. This has the advantage that the installer can bring the corresponding tool for releasing the fastening means from the outside to the firing channel housing and does not have to pass through the firing channel, in which the gas bag module is arranged. In this way, the gas generator module is particularly easy to dismantle without There is a risk of damaging the gas bag module or its protective cover or gas bag. Thus, the tool guide is considerably simplified at a disassembly of the gas generator module.

In order to achieve a uniform distribution of the gas emerging from the gas generator for inflating the gas bag of the gas bag module, the gas generator module in a further advantageous embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention further comprises a diffuser, reference being made in this regard to the known diffusers of the airbag devices according to the prior art can. In this embodiment, however, it is preferred if the diffuser or at least a portion of the diffuser in the gas passage opening, particularly preferably through the gas passage opening in the shot channel housing in the firing channel and / or the gas bag extends, especially as this is a particularly uniform distribution of the Gas generator gas generated within the gas bag of the gas bag module is possible. Should the diffuser or diffuser section extend into or through the gas passage opening, it is further preferred if the gap remaining between the diffuser or diffuser section and the edge of the gas passage opening is made as small as possible or even closed with the aid of a seal in order to escape to prevent the gas from the Schusskanalgehäuse.

In order to be able to carry out a particularly simple installation of the gas generator module on the firing channel housing, in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, a protruding support device is provided on the firing channel housing, via which the gas generator module is supported or supportable on the firing channel housing. In order to reduce the manufacturing effort in this embodiment, the support means for supporting the gas generator module is preferably formed integrally with the firing channel housing.

In order to achieve a secure hold of the gas generator module to the support device and to allow easy mounting of the same on the support means, the support means in a further preferred embodiment of the invention airbag device to the gas generator module facing receiving contour which is adapted to the outer contour of the gas generator module substantially , In this embodiment, the support means is preferably formed to circumferentially enclose the cylindrical inflator module through an angle of at least 130 °, whereby the aforementioned advantages are particularly prominent.

In a further preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, the support device has at least one bearing block, on which the gas generator module is supported or supported in a planar manner. Thus, the flat support on the bearing block ensures a particularly secure and permanent positioning of the gas generator module, even if it is ignited or activated. The resulting forces can be transmitted by the flat support particularly safe to the firing channel housing or the vehicle-side support member, without causing a displacement of the gas generator module relative to the support member. In this embodiment, it has proven to be advantageous if the bearing block preferably extends over at least 50%, more preferably over at least 100% of the length of the gas generator module in order to ensure a particularly secure support thereof.

In order to achieve a secure support of the gas generator module on the one hand and a lightweight construction of the support means on the other hand, the support means in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention airbag device at least two bearing blocks on. The two bearing blocks are particularly preferably arranged spaced from each other. In this embodiment, the gas generator module can in turn be supported flat on the respective bearing blocks or be supported. However, in order to reduce the size of the bearing blocks, which likewise achieves a reduction in the overall weight of the airbag device, the at least two bearing blocks are preferably formed rib-like, wherein the gas generator module is preferably each supported or supported linearly on the at least two bearing blocks.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, provided at least two bearing blocks of the support means, the diffuser or a portion of the diffuser extends between the bearing blocks to the gas passage opening in the firing channel housing. In this embodiment, the gas exiting from the gas generator and swirling via the diffuser gas can be directed particularly uniformly and purposefully into the gas bag of the gas bag module, in particular if the section of the diffuser extending between the bearing blocks and to the gas passage opening is provided with corresponding outlet openings.

In principle, the diffuser or diffuser section which extends into the gas passage opening and optionally beyond it could accurately position the gas generator module on the support device during assembly cause. However, under certain circumstances, this may be undesirable, which is the case in particular when the diffuser or the diffuser section extending into the gas passage opening is designed to be relatively thin-walled and thus susceptible to damage. For this reason, a further preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention further comprises an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the gas generator module supported on the support device about its longitudinal axis between the support device and the gas generator module. To make the production of an airbag device with said anti-rotation device particularly simple, the anti-rotation device is preferably formed by a projection on the one hand and a recess on the other hand, in which engages the projection. Thus, for example, a projection or a depression may be provided on the outer contour of the gas generator module, while a depression or a projection is provided on the receiving device contour facing the gas generator module.

In order to be able to reliably exclude damage to the section of the diffuser extending into the gas passage opening in the aforementioned embodiment, in a further particularly preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, the backlash of the aforementioned anti-rotation device is less than that through the section of the air passage opening extending into the gas passage opening Diffusers granted backlash. In this case, the torsional backlash of the anti-rotation device should preferably be tuned such that the said diffuser section does not abut against the edge of the gas passage opening by rotating the gas generator module about its longitudinal axis in the context of the torsional backlash of the anti-rotation device in order to be able to exclude damage to the diffuser particularly reliably.

In order to enable a loss-free transmission of the gas generated by the gas generator in the gas bag of the gas bag module, the gas bag in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention airbag device to the gas passage opening facing the gas inlet opening, the edge of which is attached to the firing channel housing. In this case, the edge of the gas inlet opening is preferably formed by a fastening ring, which has a greater rigidity than the material of the gas bag, so that a particularly simple attachment of the same to the firing channel housing is possible.

In order to reduce the number of fastening means in the aforementioned embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, the edge of the gas inlet opening of the gas bag is attached in a further preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention with the same fastening means on the firing channel housing, which also serve to attach the inflator module to the firing channel housing. This not only simplifies the construction of the airbag device but also reduces its weight. The fastening means, which likewise effect a fastening of the gas generator module and of the gas bag module, may be, for example, through bolts which extend through the wall of the firing channel housing.

In order to ensure in the embodiment described above that a removal or removal of the gas generator module from the firing channel housing does not also cause a simultaneous release of the gas bag module, said fastening means are in a further preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention designed or arranged such that for removing the inflator module not all fasteners must be solved. Here, for example, the attachment of the gas generator module by means of a relatively flexible clamp is conceivable or preferred in which the clamp is fastened by means of two screws on the firing channel housing, wherein dissolved and removed for releasing the gas generator module only one of the two screws and then twisted said clamp or must be bent in order to remove the gas generator module.

In order to protect the gas bag of the gas bag module during assembly from damage, the gas bag module in a further advantageous embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention further comprises a flexible protective cover for the gas bag. The said flexible protective cover can enclose the gas bag completely or partially. In addition, the protective cover may preferably comprise the section of the gas bag module which covers the recess in the firing channel housing, as is the case in a further preferred alternative embodiment.

As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, in which the section of the airbag module covering the recess in the firing channel housing is enclosed by the protective cover, the section of the airbag module covering the recess in the firing channel housing is formed by a section of the airbag in a further preferred embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention. This has the advantage that a leakage of the unfolding gas bag through the recess in the firing channel housing can be excluded particularly safe, especially the gas bag a material that is much more tear-resistant than the flexible protective cover.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention, the outlet opening in the supporting part is covered by a cover having a predetermined tear line. Such a cover may for example be formed integrally with the support member. In addition, the predetermined tear line can be arranged such that the cover is pivoted when tearing the predetermined tear line about a pivot axis relative to the support member, wherein the cohesion between the cover and the support member is maintained in the region of the pivot axis. In this embodiment, it is further preferred if the tensile strength of the gas bag attached to the firing channel housing and / or the supporting part and / or the protective cover attached to the firing channel housing and / or the supporting part is higher than the tensile strength of the predetermined tear line.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a side view of a first embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention in a sectional view,

2 a side view of a second embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention in a sectional view,

3 a partial view in the direction of arrow A of 1 or 2 for illustrating a first fastening variant of the gas generator module to the firing channel housing and

4 a partial view in the direction of arrow A of 1 or 2 for illustrating a second fastening variant of the gas generator module to the firing channel housing.

1 shows a first embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention 2 , The airbag device 2 has a motor vehicle side support member 4 on. The motor vehicle-side support member 4 is in the illustrated embodiment as interior trim part 6 , more precisely as a dashboard 8th , formed, although according to the invention any support member 4 in question, which is suitable to absorb the forces occurring during deployment of the gas bag described in more detail later.

The supporting part 4 or the interior trim part 6 has a vehicle interior 10 facing front 12 and a vehicle interior 10 opposite rear side 14 on. At the back 14 is a firing channel housing 16 arranged. The one-piece with the supporting part 4 trained and made of plastic firing channel housing 16 is substantially tubular in the illustrated first embodiment and one of the vehicle interior 10 facing outlet opening 18 in the supporting part 4 assigned, through which an unfolding gas bag, which will be described later, in the exit direction 20 can move. In addition, in the firing channel housing 16 a the vehicle interior 10 or the outlet opening 18 opposite recess 22 provided, which could thus also be referred to as an opening.

The outlet opening 18 for the unfolding gas bag is through a cover 24 covered and thus against the vehicle interior 10 locked. However, the cover faces 24 , which are integral with the supporting part 4 is formed, at least one predetermined tear line 26 on, along which the cover 24 from the supporting part 4 solves when the gas bag with the application of a corresponding tensile force on the predetermined tear line 26 unfolded. In addition, the cover points 24 a desired pivot axis 28 on top of that the cover 24 with release of the outlet opening 18 can be pivoted without the cover 24 completely from the supporting part 4 solves. How out 1 also seen, support ribs extend 30 between the back 14 of the supporting part 4 and the outside of the firing channel housing 16 to the firing channel housing 16 to stiffen or secure to the support member 4 support. The outside of the firing channel housing 16 can also be considered that side of the firing channel housing 16 be designated, which within the Schusskanalgehäuses 16 trained firing channel 32 Facing away from the targeted deployment of the gas bag.

The airbag device 2 also has an airbag module 34 on, within the shotgun housing 16 surrounded shot channel 32 is arranged. The gas bag module 34 has an inflatable, folded airbag 36 and one the gas bag 36 at least partially enclosing, flexible protective cover 38 on. While the flexible protective cover 38 in the illustrated embodiment, the protection of the folded airbag 36 from damage, the gas bag points 36 a gas inlet opening 40 on, by an annular attachment part 42 is enclosed. That the edge of the gas inlet opening 40 forming annular fastening part 42 is at the shotgun 32 facing inside 44 the firing channel housing 16 attached so that the gas inlet 40 of the gas bag 36 a gas passage opening 46 in the firing channel housing 16 facing or assigned.

In addition, the gas bag module 34 Furthermore, on which the recess 22 surrounding edge 48 the firing channel housing 16 attached that recess 22 through a section 50 of the gas bag 36 of the gas bag module 34 is closed. The attachment of the gas bag 36 on the firing channel housing 16 can be done in any way, but in the case of maintenance should be particularly quickly solved again, which can be effected for example by a hook or a clip connection. In any case, it prevents the recess 22 closing section 50 of the gas bag 36 of the gas bag module 34 that the unfolding gas bag 36 against the exit direction 20 through the recess 22 can escape. Thanks to the section 50 becomes the firing channel housing 16 or the firing channel 32 closed, without that a complicated or completely closed Schusskanalgehäuse 16 that the weight of the airbag device 2 would increase significantly is necessary.

The airbag device 2 further comprises a gas generator module 52 with a cylindrically shaped gas generator 54 that of a diffuser 56 is at least partially enclosed. The gas generator 54 or by the gas generator 54 generated gas is used to inflate the gas bag 36 of the gas bag module 34 , The gas generator module 52 So the diffuser 56 and the internal gas generator 54 are substantially cylindrical with a longitudinal axis 58 formed, with the longitudinal axis 58 preferably transversely to the outlet direction 20 extends. The gas generator module 52 is outside the airbag module 34 and thus neither inside the gas bag 36 still within the flexible protective cover 38 arranged. In addition, the gas generator module 52 also not within the firing channel housing 16 or the firing channel 32 arranged. The gas generator module 52 is rather at one of the firing channel 32 opposite outside 60 the firing channel housing 16 attached. To attach the gas generator module 52 at the the shot channel 32 opposite outside 60 the firing channel housing 16 to effect are fasteners 62 provided, which are formed in the present example of screws, each one side of a flexible clamp 64 that the gas generator module 52 engages behind and against the outside 60 the firing channel housing 16 presses on the firing channel housing 16 establish. How out 1 can be seen, the screw heads of the fasteners 62 from the the shot channel 32 opposite outside 60 the firing channel housing 16 accessible and thus detachable.

By the gas generator module 52 outside the firing channel 32 and outside the gas bag 36 or the flexible protective cover 38 is arranged, this is particularly accessible and can be easily repaired, maintained or even removed, with the gas generator module 52 independent of the gas bag module 34 removable on the firing channel housing 16 or / and the supporting part 4 is attached, like this 1 evident. Due to this separation of gas generator module 52 and gas bag module 34 is also a spatially and temporally separate shoring of said modules 34 . 52 possible.

On the one hand, the independence between the gas bag module 34 and the inflator module 52 during assembly, to ensure repair or maintenance and on the other hand to reduce the number of fasteners required, this is the edge 48 the gas inlet opening 40 of the gas bag 36 forming annular fastening part 42 with the same fasteners 62 on the firing channel housing 16 attached, which is also the attachment of the gas generator module 52 on the firing channel housing 16 serve. However, to ensure that the annular attachment part 42 continue on the firing channel housing 16 remains attached when the gas generator module 52 is loosened and removed are the fasteners 62 arranged such that for removing the gas generator module 52 not both fasteners 62 have to be solved. In the present example, this is done via the flexible clamp 64 causes, especially for detachment or removal of the gas generator module 52 only one of the two fasteners 62 must be solved to the flexible clamp 64 then deformed such that the gas generator module 52 without loosening the other fastener 62 from the firing channel housing 16 can be removed. In this way, the attachment of the fastening part remains 42 due to the remaining one fastener 62 receive.

The diffuser 56 also has a diffuser section 66 on, over that of the gas generator 54 Generated gas in the gas bag 36 of the gas bag module 34 flows. This diffuser section 66 extends in the attachment state of the gas generator module 52 transverse to the longitudinal axis 58 the gas generator module 52 in the gas passage opening 46 in the firing channel housing 16 and beyond that, into the firing channel 32 and the gas bag 36 of the gas bag module 34 , The gas passage opening 46 and the diffuser section 66 are matched to one another in such a way that between the diffuser section 66 and the edge of the gas passage opening 46 remaining gap (no reference numeral) formed as small as possible or even with the aid of a seal (not shown) is closed in order to escape the gas from the firing channel housing 16 to prevent.

To the gas generator module 52 very safe and easy to install on the Firing channel housing 16 it is on the outside 60 the firing channel housing 16 a protruding support device 68 provided, via which the gas generator module 52 on the outside 60 the firing channel housing 16 is supported, wherein the support means 68 integral with the firing channel housing 16 is trained. How out 1 can be seen, the support means 68 a the gas generator module 52 facing receiving contour 70 essentially on the outer contour 72 the gas generator module 52 is adjusted. That's the recording contour 70 formed in the present example substantially circular section, so that a receptacle for the substantially cylindrical gas generator module 52 given is. The support device 68 or their recording contour 70 is in this case to the cylindrical gas generator module 52 adapted that the support device 68 the gas generator module 52 in the circumferential direction over an angle α of at least 130 ° encloses to a secure receiving the gas generator module 52 to enable.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS 3 and 4 two different embodiments of the aforementioned support means 68 for the gas generator module 52 described.

In the embodiment according to 3 has the support device 68 two longitudinally spaced bearing blocks 74 . 76 on, which are formed like ribs and where the gas generator module 52 with its outer contour 72 each supported linearly. How out 3 as can be seen, the diffuser section extends 66 of the bearing blocks 74 . 76 supported gas generator module 52 between the bearing blocks 74 . 76 or is arranged between, to the gas passage opening 46 in the firing channel housing 16 to get. Basically, it could be through the gas passage opening 46 extending diffuser section 66 an anti-rotation of the support device 68 supported gas generator module 52 around its longitudinal axis 58 cause. Should the said diffuser section 66 However, have a relatively low strength, so should a contact of the diffuser section 66 with the edge of the gas passage opening 46 be avoided. For this reason, an anti-rotation device is also provided 78 for preventing rotation of the support means 68 supported gas generator module 52 around its longitudinal axis 58 between the support device 68 and the inflator module 52 intended. The anti-rotation device 78 sets itself from a lead 80 on the one hand, in the present example on the outer contour 72 the gas generator module 52 is provided, and a recess 82 on the other hand together, in which the projection 80 engages in the radial direction, wherein the recess 82 in the support device 68 or the bearing block 76 the support device 68 is provided. In this case, the torsional backlash of the anti-rotation device 78 less than that in the gas passage opening 46 extending diffuser section 66 granted torsional play, so that the diffuser section 66 is protected from damage. In any case, the anti-rotation device granted 78 a safe and accurate positioning of the gas generator module 52 at the support device 68 during and after assembly.

4 shows a second embodiment of the support device 68 from 1 or 2 , Also in the second embodiment is again a bearing block 84 provided, the support means 68 formed. However, the bearing block is 84 designed in this second embodiment in the manner of a storage bed on which the gas generator module 52 over its outer contour 72 is supported flat. How out 4 can be seen, the bearing bracket extends 84 over at least 100 of the length of the inflator module 52 to ensure safe support of the same. Basically, the bearing block should 84 over at least 50 the length of the gas generator module 52 extend to achieve a relatively secure support. With regard to the further features of the support device 68 in the second embodiment variant, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment variant 3 which applies accordingly.

2 shows a second embodiment of the airbag device according to the invention 2 which is essentially the embodiment of 1 so that only the differences will be discussed below, like reference numerals will be used for the same or similar parts, and the foregoing description of FIGS 1 . 3 and 4 otherwise applies mutatis mutandis.

In the embodiment according to 1 it might turn out to be disadvantageous that the firing channel housing 16 is particularly large and thus relatively heavy. For this reason, the firing channel housing 16 in the second embodiment 2 by corresponding enlargement of the recess 22 reduced so that essentially that part of the firing channel housing 16 remains on which the gas generator module 52 and the attachment part 42 of the gas bag 36 are attached. In contrast to the first embodiment, the firing channel housing 16 thus no longer tubular, one can speak rather of a one-sided firing channel wall.

Also in this second embodiment, the gas bag module 34 one the gas bag 36 at least partially enveloping flexible protective cover 38 on, on the one hand on the annular attachment part 42 on the firing channel housing 16 and on the other side at the back 14 of the supporting part 4 is attached. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes the flexible protective cover 38 that section 50 , the recess 22 in the firing channel housing 16 covers and thus leakage of the unfolding gas bag 36 through the recess 22 prevented. Alternatively, could also be a section of the gas bag 36 of the gas bag module 34 the section 50 Train the recess 22 covers or closes, as already with reference to the first embodiment according to 1 was explained.

In both embodiments according to the 1 and 2 ensures the firing channel housing 16 along with the section 50 of the gas bag 36 or the section 50 the protective cover 38 a closed firing channel 32 for targeted deployment of the gas bag 36 towards the cover 24 and beyond through the exit opening 18 , In both embodiments, the tear strength at the firing channel housing should be 16 or / and supporting part 4 attached gas bag 36 and / or at the firing channel housing 16 or / and supporting part 4 attached protective cover 38 higher than the tensile strength of the predetermined tear line 26 in the cover 24 be an exit of the unfolding gas bag 36 in the exit direction 20 to ensure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

airbag device

4

Motor vehicle side support member

6

Interior trim part

8th

dashboard

10

Vehicle interior

12

front

14

back

16

Firing channel housing

18

outlet opening

20

exit direction

22

recess

24

cover

26

Intended tear line

28

Target swivel axis

30

support ribs

32

firing channel

34

Airbag module

36

airbag

38

flexible protective cover

40

Gas inlet opening

42

annular attachment part

44

inside

46

Gas passage opening

48

edge

50

section

52

Inflator module

54

inflator

56

diffuser

58

longitudinal axis

60

outside

62

fastener

64

flexible clamp

66

diffuser section

68

support means

70

Up Silhouette

72

outer contour

74

bearing block

76

bearing block

78

anti-rotation

80

head Start

82

deepening

84

bearing block

α

circumferential angle

Claims (14)

Airbag device ( 2 ) with a motor vehicle side support part ( 4 ), in which an outlet opening ( 18 ) for a gas bag ( 36 ) is provided, wherein the outlet opening ( 18 ) one on the back ( 14 ) of the supporting part ( 4 ) arranged shot channel housing ( 16 ) with a firing channel ( 32 ), the at least one recess ( 22 ), an airbag module ( 34 ), the at least one inflatable folded airbag ( 36 ) and within the firing channel ( 32 ), wherein the gas bag module ( 34 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) and / or the supporting part ( 4 ) is attached, that the recess ( 22 ) through a section ( 50 ) of the gas bag module ( 34 ) is closed such that leakage of the unfolding gas bag ( 36 ) through the recess ( 22 ) and a gas generator module ( 52 ), which has a gas generator ( 54 ) for inflating the gas bag ( 36 ) and the outside of the airbag module ( 34 ) and outside the firing channel ( 16 ), characterized in that the gas generator module ( 52 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) and / or the supporting part ( 4 ), in the firing channel housing ( 16 ) further one of the recess ( 22 ) separate gas passage opening ( 46 ) is provided, over which the gas bag ( 36 ) by the gas generator ( 54 ) is inflatable. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas generator module ( 52 ) independent of the gas bag module ( 34 ) detachable on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) and / or the supporting part ( 4 ) is attached. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas generator module ( 52 ) at one of the firing channel ( 32 ) facing away ( 60 ) of the firing channel housing ( 16 ) is attached. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening means ( 62 ) for attaching the gas generator module ( 52 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) provided by the firing channel ( 32 ) facing away ( 60 ) ago accessible and are solvable. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas generator module ( 52 ) further comprises a diffuser ( 56 ), wherein the diffuser ( 56 ) preferably in the gas passage opening ( 46 ), particularly preferably through the gas passage opening ( 46 ) in the firing channel ( 32 ) and / or the gas bag ( 36 ) extends. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a projecting support device ( 68 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) is provided, via which the gas generator module ( 52 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) is supported, wherein the support means ( 68 ) preferably in one piece with the firing channel housing ( 16 ) is trained. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the support means ( 68 ) a the gas generator module ( 52 ) facing receiving contour ( 70 ) substantially to the outer contour ( 72 ) of the gas generator module ( 52 ), the support means ( 68 ) the cylindrical gas generator module ( 52 ) preferably over an angle (α) of at least 130 ° in the circumferential direction encloses. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the support device ( 68 ) at least one bearing block ( 84 ), on which the gas generator module ( 52 ) is extensively supported or supportable, wherein the bearing block ( 84 ) preferably over at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 100%, of the length of the gas generator module ( 52 ). Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the supporting device ( 68 ) at least two bearing blocks ( 84 ; 74 . 76 ), which are preferably formed rib-like and where the gas generator module ( 52 ) is preferably respectively linearly supported or supportable, wherein the diffuser ( 56 ) particularly preferably between the bearing blocks ( 84 ; 74 . 76 ) to the gas passage opening ( 46 ). Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that an anti-rotation device ( 78 ) for preventing rotation of the support device ( 68 ) supported gas generator module ( 52 ) about its longitudinal axis ( 58 ) between the support device ( 68 ) and the gas generator module ( 52 ) is provided, preferably from a projection ( 80 ) on the one hand and a depression ( 82 ) on the other hand, into which the projection ( 80 ) engages, wherein the torsional backlash of the anti-rotation device ( 78 ) particularly preferably less than that in the gas passage opening ( 46 ) extending section ( 66 ) of the diffuser ( 56 ) granted backlash is. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas bag ( 36 ) one of the gas passage opening ( 46 ) facing gas inlet opening ( 40 ) whose edge on the firing channel housing ( 16 ), wherein the edge of the gas inlet opening ( 40 ) preferably with the same attachment means ( 62 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ), which is also the attachment of the gas generator module ( 52 ) on the firing channel housing ( 16 ), the fastening means ( 62 . 64 ) are particularly preferably designed such that for removing the gas generator module ( 52 ) not all fasteners ( 62 ) must be solved. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas bag module ( 34 ) a flexible protective cover ( 38 ) for the gas bag ( 36 ), wherein the protective cover ( 38 ) preferably the recess ( 22 ) in the firing channel housing ( 16 ) covering section ( 50 ) of the gas bag module ( 34 ). Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the recess ( 22 ) in the firing channel housing ( 16 ) covering section ( 50 ) of the gas bag module ( 34 ) of a section ( 50 ) of the gas bag ( 36 ) is formed. Airbag device ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening ( 18 ) in the supporting part ( 4 ) by a predetermined tear line ( 26 ) ( 24 ), wherein the tensile strength of the on the Schusskanalgehäuse ( 16 ) and / or supporting part ( 4 ) attached gas bag ( 36 ) and / or on the firing channel housing ( 16 ) and / or supporting part ( 4 ) attached protective cover ( 38 ) preferably higher than the tensile strength of the predetermined tear line ( 26 ).

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