DE102012208040A1 - Air bag module for motor car, has generator filling gas bag with gas, and gas generating agent activating function in gas bag, projecting by aperture of gas bag casing into inner chamber of gas bag and opening vent hole of gas bag - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (2) has a gas bag (15) comprising a gas bag casing (16) that limits an inner chamber of the gas bag. A gas generator fills the gas bag with gas, which is projected by an aperture (18) in the gas bag casing into the inner camber of the gas bag. A gas generating agent (6) activates a function in the gas bag and projects by another aperture of the gas bag casing into the inner chamber of the gas bag. The gas generating agent opens a vent hole of the gas bag and releases a catch tape or fills the gas bag with gas and/or coolant. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing an air bag module.

Description

The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for producing an airbag module according to claim 16.

Such an airbag module is for example from the DE 10 2010 039 895 A1 known. The DE 10 2010 039 895 A1 describes an airbag module with an airbag having an airbag cover that defines an interior of the airbag. This airbag module also comprises a gas generator for filling the gas bag with a gas which projects through a first opening in the airbag envelope into the interior of the airbag, and a further gas source for filling an inflatable element arranged in the interior of the airbag. The gas source is attached to the outside of a module housing.

The invention has for its object to provide a generic airbag module for a motor vehicle, wherein the gas source is variably arranged and in which the gas source is protected against undesired external influences.

This object is achieved by an airbag module with the features of claim 1.

Thereafter, the airbag module on an airbag with an airbag cover, which limits an interior of the airbag. In addition, the airbag module comprises a gas generator for filling the gas bag with a gas which projects through a first opening in the gas bag envelope into the interior of the gas bag, and another gas generating means for activating a further function in the gas bag. The airbag module is characterized in that the further gas generating agent projects through a second opening in the gas bag envelope into the interior of the gas bag.

The further gas generating agent may be provided, for example, to trigger the opening of a vent opening in the airbag shell, the release of a tether or the filling of the gas bag with a gas or with a coolant. The airbag module may have more than one further gas generating agent. This plurality of gas generants may drive different or the same of the aforementioned functions.

The first opening and the second opening of the airbag cover are arranged spaced from each other. The spacing is achieved by a portion of the airbag skin that separates the first and second openings of the airbag skin.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the airbag module also has a generator carrier. The generator carrier serves to hold the gas bag and the gas generator. The generator support is provided with at least two openings: a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is adapted to receive the inflator and the second opening is adapted to receive the at least one further gas generant. Further openings of the generator carrier can serve, for example, to accommodate additional additional gas generating agents or other components to be fastened.

In particular, the gas bag envelope has at least the same number of openings as the generator carrier, that is, at least one first opening and at least one second opening. In this case, the first and the second opening of the generator carrier and the airbag envelope are each arranged so that they overlap and each form a passage opening.

According to a further development, the airbag module has a fastening device for fastening the further gas generating agent. The fastening device is suitable for securing the further gas generating agent to the generator support and the airbag cover. According to a variant, the airbag module comprises a plurality of fastening devices which are suitable for fastening the further gas generating agent to the gas bag envelope or to the generator carrier. That is, according to this variant, two fastening devices are used for the separate attachment of the further gas generating agent to the generator support and to the gas bag envelope.

The fastening device may have a flat base with a receiving opening. Preferably, the receiving opening is substantially circular and the flat base is substantially annular. However, other forms for the receiving opening and the flat base are conceivable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the gas bag envelope is sewn to the fastening device. As a result, slippage of the airbag shell with respect to the fastening device during and after assembly of the airbag module is avoided.

Concretely, the fastening device may comprise at least a first and a second locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism is adapted to fix the further gas generating agent to the fastening device. The second locking mechanism is suitable for fixing the fastening device to the generator support. If the airbag cover between the generator carrier and a flat base of the Fastening device is arranged, the gas bag envelope is clamped in a region between the generator support and the flat base of the fastening device. According to a variant, the fastening device has further locking mechanisms, for example for separate fixation of the gas bag envelope and generator carrier.

The fastening device may comprise a flat base as a support for the locking mechanisms. The flat base is designed, for example, annular and has a receiving opening for receiving the further gas generating means. However, the planar base can take other forms. According to one embodiment, the first and second locking mechanisms extend substantially perpendicular to the planar base defining a major plane. In this case, the first and the second locking mechanism may extend in the same direction from the planar base or in opposite directions from the planar base.

In one embodiment, the first locking mechanism has at least one (positive locking) locking means. The number of locking means is selectable depending on the design requirements. According to a variant, each latching means comprises at least one latching hook and at least one latching lug, which cooperate for fixing the further gas generating agent. In this case, the at least one latching lug and the at least one latching hook extend in opposite directions from the flat base and substantially perpendicular to the main plane.

According to a development, the first locking mechanism has a plurality of locking means, wherein these are arranged (regularly or irregularly) around the receiving opening. According to a variant, the latching hooks and the latching lugs of the latching means are in each case arranged offset relative to one another around the receiving opening. According to a further variant, the latching hooks and the latching lugs of the latching means are each arranged at the same position around the receiving opening.

The second locking mechanism advantageously has at least one locking element which is suitable for connecting the fastening device to the generator support. The number of locking elements is selectable depending on the design requirements. According to a variant, the at least one locking element has a bayonet closure element which cooperates with a generator-side complementary bayonet closure element. According to a further variant, the at least one locking element has a (form-fitting) latching means. The locking means of the second locking mechanism is for example of the same type as the locking means of the first locking mechanism.

According to a development, the second locking mechanism has a plurality of locking elements, which are arranged at (regular or irregular) intervals around the receiving opening.

According to the number, shape and distribution of the locking elements of the second locking mechanism, the generator support has at least one opening in order to fix the further gas generating agent to the generator support via the fastening device. The at least one breakthrough is adapted to receive the at least one locking element in a through-channel and to lock by means of at least one recess. The number of recesses is preferably two; however, other values are possible. According to a variant, a breakthrough is suitable for receiving two or more or all locking elements of a fastening device.

Advantageously, the gas bag envelope has the same number, shape and distribution of openings as the generator carrier. Thus, it is possible to also bring about a fixation of the airbag shell to the fastening device.

The invention also relates to a method for producing an airbag module according to the invention. This method comprises the following steps. In a first step, an airbag cover with a fastening device, which is adapted to receive a further gas generating agent sewn. In a second step, the further gas generating agent is fastened by latching to the fastening device. In a third step, the unit of airbag skin, fastening device and further gas generating agent is attached to a generator support by positive engagement and / or by frictional connection.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of parts of an airbag module;

2 a perspective view of a fastening device for attachment of a further gas generating means on the airbag module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

3 a perspective view of the fastening device 2 together with an airbag cover;

4 a perspective view of the unit consisting of fastening device and airbag cover 3 together with another gas generant;

5 a section through a generator support, the fastening device, the airbag cover and the other gas generating agent 4 wearing;

6 a detailed view of the in 5 Locking element of the fastening device shown, which cooperates with an opening of the generator carrier; and

7 a representation after 5 but with a fastening device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In 1 is a partial view of an airbag module 2 shown. The airbag module 2 includes a generator carrier 4 , an airbag 15 (shown only partially), a gas generator (not shown) and another gas generant 6 ,

The generator carrier 4 serves to hold the gas bag 15 , the gas generator and the further gas generant 6 in a module housing, which eg the generator carrier 4 and an associated cover (not shown). The generator carrier 4 includes a floor 8th and one of this (substantially perpendicular) projecting, in the exemplary embodiment circumferential boundary wall 10 , The cover closes the open, that is, the floor 8th opposite side of the generator carrier 4 off, leaving the gas bag 15 in the folded state is located within the module housing. When inflating the gas bag 15 The cover is released from the generator carrier 4 or tears open the cover and clears the way for the expanding gas bag 15 , The floor 8th of the generator carrier 4 is provided with a first opening 12 and a second opening 14 , The first opening 12 serves to accommodate the inflator, and the second opening 14 serves to accommodate the further gas generant 6 ,

The gas bag 15 is in the embodiment on an inner side of the generator carrier 4 attached. He has an airbag cover 16 on top of an interior of the gas bag 15 limited. The gas bag 15 is suitable to be filled with gas that exits the gas generator, so that the airbag cover 16 unfolds and the gas bag 15 expanded to protect a vehicle occupant from the module housing. The airbag cover 16 is provided with a first opening 18 and a second opening 20 on. The first opening 18 and the second opening 20 the airbag cover 16 are so (spaced from each other and through a portion of the airbag cover 16 separated from each other), that they are advantageously each with the first opening 12 and the second opening 14 of the generator carrier 4 come to cover. Thus, the first openings form 12 . 18 of the generator carrier 4 and the airbag cover 16 together a passage opening for the gas generator and the second openings 14 . 20 of the generator carrier 4 and the airbag cover 16 together a passage opening for the further gas generating agent 6 and thereby serve to receive the gas generator or the further gas generating agent 6 ,

The gas generator typically comprises a housing and is filled with a cold gas and / or a chemical substances for producing a hot gas and provided with outlet openings through which gas can escape from the interior of the gas generator. The gas generator protrudes in the usual way through the first opening 18 the airbag cover 16 , a so-called injection opening, into the interior of the gas bag 15 into it, so that exiting from the outlet openings of the gas generator gases directly into the interior of the gas bag 15 reach. The gas generator extends through the first opening 12 of the generator carrier 4 and is at this about not further explained here fastening means, such as screw, rivet or locking elements, which also for fastening the airbag cover 16 at the generator carrier 4 can be provided attached.

The other gas generant 6 is provided to another specific function in the gas bag 15 trigger. This function may include, for example, (i) opening a vent in the airbag skin, which is closed by a cover 16 be, (ii) the release of a tether, which different areas of the airbag cover 16 interconnecting and / or (iii) filling the airbag 15 with gas in addition to the gas generator or the filling of the gas bag 15 with a coolant.

The other gas generant 6 is at least partially within the airbag skin 16 arranged. It extends for this purpose through the second opening 14 of the generator carrier 4 and through the second opening 20 the airbag cover 16 , The other gas generant 6 is by means of a fastening device 22 at the generator carrier 4 and on the airbag cover 16 attached. In this case, the fastening device passes through 22 the airbag cover 16 and the generator carrier 4 ; and it lies on one side of the airbag cover 16 to the generator carrier 4 turned away. The airbag cover 16 is located in sections between the generator carrier 4 and a flat base 28 the fastening device 22 ,

A first embodiment of the fastening device 22 is in 2 shown schematically. Accordingly, the fastening device 22 a first locking mechanism 24 for fixing the further gas generant 6 on the fastening device 22 and a second locking mechanism 26 for fixing the fastening device 22 at the generator carrier 4 and on the airbag cover 16 on. Furthermore, the fastening device 22 the already mentioned flat basis 28 as a support for the first and the second locking mechanism 24 . 26 on, with the area-based 28 Defined in the embodiment, a main level. The flat base 28 is designed ring-shaped. It has a substantially circular receiving opening 30 which is responsible for receiving the further gas generant 6 is provided and an inner edge 32 Are defined. The flat base 28 is also by an outer edge 34 limited.

The flat base 28 is according to a synopsis of 1 . 2 . 3 and 4 with a first page 36 the generator carrier 4 facing and with a second side 38 the generator carrier 4 away. Both sides 36 . 38 extend substantially parallel to the main plane. The first and second locking mechanisms 24 . 26 stand from the flat base 28 from; they each extend in the exemplary embodiment substantially perpendicular to the main plane.

The first locking mechanism 24 has three (positive locking) locking elements, each having a latching hook 40 and a catch 42 include. In the exemplary embodiment, the latching hooks 40 and the detents 42 at the inner edge 32 the flat base 28 arranged. The locking hooks 40 extend from the first page 36 the flat base 28 , and the locking lugs 42 extend from the second side 38 the flat base 28 , According to a modification, the arrangement of the latching hook 40 and the detents 42 be the other way around. The locking hooks 40 and the detents 42 are each at (regular) intervals around the receiving opening 30 distributed around. Here are the locking hooks 40 and the detents 42 arranged offset from one another. The locking hooks 40 and the detents 42 are suitable for the further gas generant 6 to engage behind corresponding projections provided and thus at least axially, that is, to fix perpendicular to the main plane. The locking hooks 40 extend through the second opening 14 . 20 of the generator carrier 4 and the airbag cover 16 ,

The second locking mechanism 26 has four locking elements 44 on. The locking elements 44 are in the embodiment on the outer edge of the planar base 28 arranged. The locking elements 44 extend from the first page 36 the flat base 28 , The locking elements 44 are at (regular) intervals around the receiving opening 30 distributed around. The locking elements 44 are executed here as bayonet closure elements.

Both the airbag cover 16 as well as the generator carrier 4 are with breakthroughs 46 according to the number, shape and arrangement of the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 Mistake. The locking elements 44 each attack through the breakthroughs 46 therethrough. The breakthroughs 46 the airbag cover 16 Here are simple holes that are used to perform the locking elements 44 are provided. The breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 wise, as in the 5 and 6 can be seen, a functional shape, which is suitable to cooperate with a bayonet closure element to form a bayonet closure. Every breakthrough includes this 46 of the generator carrier 4 a passageway 48 that on the flat base 28 the fastening device 22 opposite side by two recesses 50 is radially widened. The recesses 50 extend to the surface of the generator carrier 4 that the airbag cover 16 turned away. The breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 are suitable to the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 the fastening device 22 initially in a Vorfixierposition, that is, after simply inserting the locking elements 44 to record, as in 5 and 6 shown. The breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 are also suitable for rotation of the locking elements 44 from the Vorfixierposition in a fixing position (not shown) and back to allow. The depth of the recesses 50 it takes steadily in a direction of rotation R of the Vorfixierposition in the fixing position of the locking element 44 off, leaving the locking element 44 can be held by adhesion in the fixing position, wherein the flat base 28 the fastening device 22 to the gas bag cover 16 and the generator carrier 4 is pressed.

The fastening device 22 is made of a metal. The metal is preferably steel such as DX52, DX53, DX54 or the like. The fastening device 22 is a stamped and bent part and is produced by means of a stamping and bending process.

Based on 3 to 6 The following is a method for assembling an air bag module 2 described according to the first embodiment.

In a first step, the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 the fastening device 22 through the appropriately provided breakthroughs 46 the airbag cover 16 guided; and it will be the first page 36 the fastening device 22 with an inside of the airbag cover 16 brought to the plant. Subsequently becomes the fastening device 22 with the gas bag cover 16 sewed ( 3 ).

In a second step then the further gas generating agent 6 in the second opening 20 the airbag cover 16 from that of the fastening device 22 introduced opposite side, as in 4 represented with the help of an arrow. This deforms the locking hooks 40 of the first locking mechanism 24 elastic. The other gas generant 6 will stop against the latches 42 pushed. The locking hooks 40 take their original resting position. The other gas generant 6 is now by means of the first locking mechanism 24 on the fastening device 22 and thus also on the sewn with the fastening device airbag cover 16 attached.

In a third step, the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 into the breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 from the side, the recesses 50 the breakthroughs 46 turned away, introduced. This will be an outside of the airbag cover 16 and the generator carrier 4 brought to the plant ( 5 ). The locking elements 44 are now first in a Vorfixierposition that in 6 is illustrated. The Vorfixierposition is a position in which the locking elements 44 only through the breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 have been passed through. In the prefixing position, it is possible to use the generator carrier 4 from the gas bag cover 16 by pulling out the locking elements 44 from the breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 to separate. For subsequent fixation, the locking elements 44 rotated in the direction of rotation R (by substantially 90 °) and brought into the fixing position. Along the direction of rotation R takes the depth of the recesses 50 from, such that by turning the locking elements 44 the latter axially in abutment against the generator carrier 4 to be brought. By traction, the locking elements remain 44 in the fixing position. In the fixing position of the locking elements 44 becomes the generator carrier 4 against the airbag cover 16 and the airbag cover 16 against the flat base 28 the fastening device 22 pressed. The conditional by the production and necessary for the assembly game of generator carrier 4 , Airbag cover 16 and fastening device 22 becomes ineffective.

7 shows the fastening device 22 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 have no bayonet closure elements but latching hooks. Accordingly, the breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 as passageways 48 with at least one each the passageway 48 on the airbag cover 16 opposite side widening recess 50 designed. The at least one recess 50 serves to receive the latching hook in the fixing position of the locking element 44 , The at least one recess 50 can be any shape, so does not necessarily have a changing depth. According to a variant, the openings of the generator carrier 4 no additional recess 50 but only a passageway 48 on. For tightening the airbag cover 16 and generator carrier 4 act the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 as a latching hook of the flat base 28 as a catch against.

The method for assembling an airbag module 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the method according to the first embodiment in the third step. Accordingly, there are the locking elements 44 directly in the fixing position as soon as the locking elements 44 the second locking mechanism 26 into the breakthroughs 46 of the generator carrier 4 introduced and the airbag cover 16 and the generator carrier 4 have been brought to the plant. A rotation of the locking elements 44 not necessary.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

airbag module

4

generator support

6

Another gas generant

8th

ground

10

boundary wall

12

First opening of the generator carrier

14

Second opening of generator carrier

15

airbag

16

Airbag covering

18

First opening of the airbag cover

20

Second opening of the airbag cover

22

fastening device

24

First locking mechanism

26

Second locking mechanism

28

Flat base

30

receiving opening

32

Inner edge

34

Outer edge

36

First page

38

Second page

40

latch hook

42

locking lug

44

locking

46

breakthrough

48

Through channel

50

recess

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010039895 A1 [0002, 0002]

Claims (16)

Airbag module for a motor vehicle, with - a gas bag ( 15 ), which an airbag cover ( 16 ), which has an interior of the gas bag ( 15 ), - a gas generator for filling the gas bag ( 15 ) with a gas passing through a first opening ( 18 ) in the airbag cover ( 16 ) in the interior of the gas bag ( 15 ), and - another gas generant ( 6 ) for activating a function in the gas bag, characterized in that the further gas generating agent ( 6 ) through a second opening ( 20 ) of the airbag cover ( 16 ) in the interior of the gas bag ( 15 ) protrudes. Airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that the further gas generating agent ( 6 ) for opening a vent opening of the gas bag ( 15 ), for releasing a tether or for filling the airbag ( 15 ) is provided with a gas and / or a coolant. Airbag module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first opening ( 18 ) and the second opening ( 20 ) of the airbag cover ( 16 ) spaced apart and by a portion of the airbag shell ( 16 ) are separated from each other. Airbag module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the airbag module ( 2 ) a generator carrier ( 4 ) for holding the gas bag ( 15 ) and the gas generator, wherein the generator carrier ( 4 ) a first opening ( 12 ) and a second opening ( 14 ), and the gas generator extends through the first opening ( 12 ) of the generator carrier ( 4 ) and the other gas generant ( 6 ) through the second opening ( 14 ) of the generator carrier ( 4 ) extends therethrough. Airbag module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the airbag module ( 2 ) a fastening device ( 22 ) for attachment of the further gas generant ( 6 ) on the generator support ( 4 ) and / or on the airbag cover ( 16 ) having. Airbag module according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) with the airbag cover ( 16 ) is sewn. Airbag module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) a first locking mechanism ( 24 ) for fixing the further gas generant ( 6 ) on the fastening device ( 22 ) and a second locking mechanism ( 26 ) for fixing the fastening device ( 22 ) on the generator carrier ( 4 ) and / or on the airbag cover ( 16 ) having. Airbag module according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening device ( 22 ) a planar base ( 28 ) having a receiving opening ( 30 ) for receiving the further gas generant ( 6 ), and that the first and the second locking mechanism ( 24 . 26 ) from the planar base ( 28 ) stand out. Airbag module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first locking mechanism ( 24 ) at least one latching means for fixing the further gas generating agent ( 6 ) on the fastening device ( 22 ) having. Airbag module according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one latching means at least one latching hook ( 40 ) and at least one latch ( 42 ), wherein the at least one latching hook ( 40 ) and the at least one latch ( 42 ) extend opposite to each other. Airbag module according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first locking mechanism ( 24 ) has a plurality of latching means which are spaced from each other about the receiving opening ( 30 ) are arranged around. Airbag module according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the second locking mechanism ( 26 ) at least one locking element ( 44 ) for fixing the fastening device ( 22 ) on the generator carrier ( 4 ) and / or on the airbag cover ( 16 ) having. Airbag module according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one locking element ( 44 ) is a bayonet closure element or a locking means. Airbag module according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the second locking mechanism ( 26 ) a plurality of locking elements ( 44 ) spaced apart around the receiving opening (FIG. 30 ) are arranged around. Airbag module according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the generator carrier ( 4 ) and / or the airbag cover ( 16 ) at least one breakthrough ( 46 ), which is suitable, a locking element ( 44 ) and thus the further gas generant ( 6 ) via the fastening device ( 22 ) on the airbag cover ( 16 ) and / or the generator carrier ( 4 ) to fix. Method for producing an airbag module according to one of Claims 5 to 15, characterized by the following steps: - sewing on of an airbag cover ( 16 ) with a fastening device ( 22 ) which is capable of producing another gas generant ( 6 ), - locking the further gas generating agent ( 6 ) on the fastening device ( 22 ), and - Positioning and securing the unit from airbag cover ( 16 ), Fastening device ( 22 ) and other gas generants ( 6 ) on a generator support ( 4 ).

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