DE19946477B4 - Airbag assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An airbag arrangement for motor vehicles with at least one inflatable airbag (12) for engagement with a curved surface (14) of a device (13) in a motor vehicle, wherein
- The airbag (12) consists of a plurality of tubular modules (16) whose inflated air bag (12) of the curved surface (14) facing peripheral partial surfaces (22, 23, 24) together form a contact surface of the airbag (12) whose course at least is approximately adapted to the curved surface (14), wherein
- In inflated air bag adjacent modules (16) lie flat against each other, and
- The modules (16) for adapting the contact surface to the curved surface via at least one connection point (26) are connected to each other such that the size of the curved surface (14) facing peripheral partial surfaces (22, 23, 24) on the arrangement and design the connection point (26) variable and thus the course of the contact surface of the airbag (12) to the curved surface (14) is adjustable.

Description

The The invention relates to an airbag arrangement for motor vehicles with at least an inflatable airbag.

such Airbag arrangements are known and serve the vehicle occupants to protect in an accident.

In the US 5,513,877 an airbag assembly is described with an airbag, which is arranged in the folded state in the instrument panel. When inflated, the airbag bears against the side of the instrument panel facing the vehicle interior. The shape of the airbag in the inflated state is predetermined by the length of a plurality of catching or holding lines arranged inside the airbag.

Other airbag arrangements, which serve in particular for the protection of the knees of a driver and / or passenger, are in the documents DE 298 07 424 U1 and JP 09-123662 A described.

It is the problem underlying the invention (task), an airbag assembly of the above to create said type, the airbag defined on inflation Way quickly and safely brought into a predetermined protective position and in particular in the area of an instrument panel of the vehicle in such a way usable is that the legs and in particular the knees of the driver and / or passenger are well protected in the event of an accident.

The solution This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the airbag is for abutment with a curved surface of a Device is provided in a motor vehicle, wherein the airbag from several tubular Modules consists, whose inflated airbag facing the curved surface Peripheral part surfaces together a contact surface form the airbag whose course adapted at least approximately to the curved surface is, with inflated air bag adjacent modules flat to each other lie, and the modules for adjusting the contact surface to the curved surface over at least a connection point are connected to each other such that the size of the curved area facing peripheral surfaces over the Arrangement and design of the junction changeable and thus the course of the contact surface of the airbag to the curved surface adaptable is.

The Modular construction according to the invention allows the airbag in the inflated state any To give shape. Due to the tubular design of the modules By inflating the airbag is a multi-unit protective pad created by appropriate training of the compounds optimally adapted to the course of the respective curved surface between the modules can be.

Of the Course of the contact surface, those of the curved ones area facing peripheral surfaces of the modules is formed by the dimensions of these peripheral surfaces in Circumference dependent. It takes the curvature the contact surface with decreasing circumferential length the peripheral surfaces to.

If two adjacent modules on linear, in the longitudinal direction extending connecting points are connected to each other, then is the course of the contact surface given by the relative position of the connection points in the room. For modules that are inflated the same size and shape have, lie the line-shaped connection points in an area, the course of which that of the curved surface of the vehicle device equivalent. The circumferential lengths the peripheral surfaces can but also z. B. by the provision of planar or more parallel extending linear Connection points are specified. Through such joints is achieved that in the inflated state, the modules to each other flat lie. The relation between the circumferential lengths that of the curved surface facing Peripheral part surfaces and the remaining peripheral surfaces of the modules can on this Way to be targeted.

Prefers it is when inflated air bag, the contact surface in such a way stronger as the curved one area the device is curved is that the air bag is pressed onto the curved surface. hereby is achieved that the airbag optimally clings to the curved surface. If the airbag to any existing in the car concave surfaces should be adjusted, then in principle the contact surface at blown air bag may also be less curved than the concave surface.

There the connections between the tubular modules are designed such that when inflated airbag adjacent modules lie flat against each other, can be that way the ratio between the curved surface facing and from the curved one area remote peripheral surfaces establish. Furthermore is thereby formed by the curved surface of the facing peripheral partial surfaces contact surface of the Airbag adapted more closely to the course of the curved surface.

It is preferred if the modules are aligned at line or strip-shaped connection points are sewn together. The seams may each extend substantially over the entire module length.

A Particularly preferred use of the airbag assembly according to the invention relates the protection of the legs and in particular the knees of a driver and / or Passenger of the vehicle. For this purpose, the airbag is in the folded Condition preferably on a footwell facing the bottom the instrument panel mounted. At this point, the airbag assembly occurs not disturbing in appearance, which in particular also from an aesthetic point of view is advantageous. In the inflated state of the airbag is the Instrument panel then starting from the bottom of the tubular modules covered according to the course of the vehicle interior facing side of the instrument panel next to each other. serves the airbag assembly as a driver airbag, so the inflated extends Airbag preferably up to a steering column panel, for this purpose preferably a module two separate and spaced from each other arranged hose sections which, with inflated air bag at the side of the steering column cover arranged and with an underlying, just below the steering column cover extending module are connected.

preferred embodiments The invention are also in the dependent claims, the description and indicated in the drawing.

The Invention will now be described by way of example with reference to FIGS Drawing described. Show it:

1 1 is a schematic side view of an airbag arrangement mounted in a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention with the airbag fully inflated;

2 a view accordingly 1 an airbag assembly according to another embodiment of the invention with fully inflated airbag, and

3 a plan view of the arrangement of 2 with not completely inflated airbag.

In 1 is partly an instrument panel 13 a motor vehicle shown, which is a vehicle interior facing curved surface 14 having. Furthermore, in 1 a steering wheel 48 , a steering column panel 38 as well as partially a leg of a driver 46 shown. By a dashed line is a windshield 36 indicated the vehicle.

At a footwell facing the bottom 34 the instrument panel 13 an airbag arrangement according to the invention is provided which partially in the instrument panel 13 is integrated. The airbag assembly includes a housing 44 in which a gas generator 32 for inflating an airbag 12 is arranged. The airbag 12 is shown in fully inflated and its predetermined protective position engaging state.

The airbag 12 has in this embodiment, three in the inflated state tubular modules 16 on, which run parallel to each other in a horizontal direction transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Furthermore, the airbag includes 12 a section 56 inside the case 44 arranged and with the gas generator 32 fluidically connected. The length of the case 44 and thus of the section 56 corresponds to the length of the tubular modules 16 , In this respect, the airbag section 56 also an at least approximately tubular air bag module, which in contrast to the modules 16 however within the housing 44 is arranged. The airbag section 56 consists of two at two connection points 26 sewn together sections by backflow-inhibiting devices 28 z. B. in the form of one-way or check valves fluidly connected to each other. The facilities 28 and connection points 26 are in 1 indicated only schematically.

The modules 16 of the airbag 12 are at also only schematically indicated connection points 26 sewn together so that in the illustrated inflated state of the airbag 12 neighboring modules 16 lie flat against each other. The same applies to the connection between the in 1 lower module 16 and in the case 44 arranged section 56 of the airbag 12 , The connection points 26 can extend over the entire length of the modules 16 extend. But it is also possible in the longitudinal direction of the modules 16 broken joints 26 provided.

The connection points 26 between the modules 16 . 56 can each be formed by a plurality of parallel line-shaped seams or by a flat, strip-shaped seam.

By connecting the modules 16 between each other and the lower module 16 with the section 56 in the manner according to the invention is the airbag 12 self-supporting and is in the inflated state, the shape of the airbag 12 established. Through the flat adjacent modules 16 . 56 gets the airbag 12 in the inflated state dimensional stability awarded. When inflating is the airbag 12 therefore strives to be by the way of the formation of the connection points 26 certain shape and position in the room.

Through the connection points 26 are the circumferential lengths of the curved surface 14 facing peripheral surfaces 22 . 23 . 24 the modules 16 established. Such as B. in each case in the 1 middle module 16 and the lower module 16 It can be seen that each is the curved surface 14 facing peripheral surface 23 respectively. 22 in the circumferential direction of the respective module 16 shorter than the remaining peripheral area. This creates the course of the curved surface 14 corresponding curvature of the airbag 12 or from its from the peripheral surfaces 22 . 23 . 24 formed contact surface.

Consequently, according to the invention by appropriate connecting or sewing the modules 16 . 56 , ie by suitable arrangement and design of the connection points 26 , the airbag 12 targeted to the respective circumstances in the vehicle - at the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the instrument panel 13 - Be adapted that in the inflated state of the peripheral surfaces 22 . 23 . 24 formed contact surface on the course of the curved surface 14 the instrument panel 13 is adapted.

At height of the driver's legs 46 is the instrument panel 13 through the adjacent tubular modules 16 of the airbag 12 fully padded. In the embodiment of 1 is the bottom module 16 at the level of the shins 54 the driver arranged while the middle module 16 at the level of the knees 52 the driver 46 runs.

The upper module 16 includes two in the inflated state of the side of the steering column cover 38 located hose sections, of which in 1 the left in the direction of travel hose section 42a is shown. The airbag arrangement according to the invention can also be used on the passenger side of a vehicle. Then all modules can 16 be carried out continuously in the longitudinal direction.

Due to the illustrated arrangement of the modules 16 and in particular the provision of the upper module 16 is ensured that in an accident, the knee 52 of persons with long legs through the airbag 12 are protected.

The airbag 12 extends in the inflated state, starting from the bottom 34 the instrument panel 13 initially opposite to the direction of travel in the direction of the driver's seating area 46 , then around a lower edge 58 the instrument panel 13 around and then the course of the curved surface 14 the instrument panel 13 continue following upwards towards the windscreen 36 up to the height of the steering column cover 38 ,

The instrument panel 13 gets from the inflated airbag 12 thus encompassed contour contour.

For optimal protection for the driver 46 transverse to the direction of travel to ensure extending the two lower tubular modules 16 each across the entire width of the driver's seating area 46 facing section of the instrument panel 13 ,

Also the modules 16 among themselves are at the connection points 26 through in 1 only schematically indicated backflow-inhibiting devices 28 z. B. fluidly connected in the form of disposable or check valves. By such means 28 becomes during and after inflation of the airbag 12 a gas flow back towards the gas generator 32 inhibited or throttled or prevented. As a result, needs by the gas generator 32 only a comparatively low filling pressure to be provided.

Preference is given in each case between two modules 16 . 56 a plurality of longitudinally spaced backflow inhibiting means 28 intended.

The housing 44 could also be in another place in the instrument panel 13 be integrated, for. B. at the level of in 1 middle airbag module 16 , In this case, the gas generator would be 32 z. B. to the middle module 16 connected so that the neighboring modules 16 over the middle module 16 be inflated. This would be the airbag 12 So starting from an intermediate module 16 both up and down in each case unfold such that it in the inflated state on the curved surface 14 is applied.

In 2 and 3 is shown a further embodiment of an airbag arrangement according to the invention, which is also on the driver side of an instrument panel 13 is arranged. The hose-like modules 16 have a pillow-like shape in this embodiment. The peripheral areas 22 . 23 . 24 the modules 16 form a contact surface whose course that of the curved surface 14 the instrument panel 13 corresponds, ie in this embodiment, the instrument panel 13 from the inflated airbag 12 Contoured contoured.

As in the embodiment of 1 is also according to the variant 2 and 3 the airbag 12 in the folded state in a below the instrument panel 13 arranged housing 44 housed partially in the instrument panel 13 is integrated. The in 2 not shown gas generator is in a within the instrument panel 13 located area of the housing 44 arranged.

As in particular from the top view of 3 The modules are 16 not connected over their entire length, but the joints 26 ends in front of the end faces of the modules 16 ,

The top view of 3 shows in particular the division of the upper tubular module 16 in two tube sections 42a . 42b that comes with a the dimensions of the steering column cover 38 corresponding distance from each other on an underlying continuous module 16 are arranged, with the steering column cover 38 in the middle between the tube sections 42a . 42b is arranged.

In 3 is the airbag 12 shown in a partially inflated state in which the modules 16 have not yet reached their final protective position. The comparison with the fully inflated state of the airbag 12 performing 2 shows that the middle module 16 in the final protection position immediately below the steering column fairing 38 runs, so that the two tube sections 42a . 42b at the level of the steering column cover 38 are located. The steering column cover 38 is therefore laterally and down completely from the inflated airbag 12 padded.

According to the invention, the connection points 26 between the modules 16 as well as between one in the housing 44 arranged airbag section 56 and the adjacent module 16 be designed such that the of the peripheral surfaces 22 . 23 . 24 formed contact surface with inflated and uninfluenced air bag 12 is more curved than the curved surface 14 the instrument panel 13 , Because the inflated airbag 12 strives for that through the connection points 26 occupy predetermined position in space, is achieved by this stronger curvature that the airbag to the curved surface 14 is pressed and thus an optimal adjustment of the airbag 12 to the curved surface 14 is guaranteed.

12

air bag

13

Facility, dashboard

14

curved surface, side the instrument panel

16

module

22

Peripheral part surface

23

Peripheral part surface

24

Peripheral part surface

26

junction

28

backflow inhibiting Facility

32

inflator

34

bottom

36

Windshield

38

cowl

42a, 42b

hose section

44

casing

46

driver

48

steering wheel

52

knee

54

shin

56

section of the airbag

58

lower edge the instrument panel

Claims (16)

Airbag arrangement for motor vehicles with at least one inflatable airbag ( 12 ) for engagement with a curved surface ( 14 ) an institution ( 13 ) in a motor vehicle, wherein - the airbag ( 12 ) of several tubular modules ( 16 ), whose inflated airbag ( 12 ) of the curved surface ( 14 ) facing peripheral surfaces ( 22 . 23 . 24 ) together a contact surface of the airbag ( 12 ), whose course at least approximately to the curved surface ( 14 ), wherein - with inflated airbag adjacent modules ( 16 ) lie flat against each other, and - the modules ( 16 ) for adapting the contact surface to the curved surface via at least one connection point ( 26 ) are connectable to each other such that the size of the curved surface ( 14 ) facing peripheral surfaces ( 22 . 23 . 24 ) on the arrangement and design of the joint ( 26 ) and thus the course of the contact surface of the airbag ( 12 ) to the curved surface ( 14 ) is customizable. Airbag arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that when the airbag is inflated ( 12 ) the contact surface is stronger than the curved surface ( 14 ) of the institution ( 13 ) is curved, that the airbag ( 12 ) on the curved surface ( 14 ) is pressed. Airbag arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when inflated airbag ( 12 ) the contact surface is curved concavely and around the curved surface ( 14 ) is laid around. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized gekennzeich net that the modules ( 16 ) at their longitudinal sides at line or strip-shaped connection points ( 26 ) are connected to each other, in particular sewn, wherein preferably the connection points ( 26 ) each extend substantially over the entire module length. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules ( 16 ) are interconnected such that the airbag ( 12 ) is self-supporting in the inflated state. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules ( 16 ) in particular in the region of their ends and / or at connection points ( 26 ) are fluidically connected with each other. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the airbag is inflated ( 12 ) the modules ( 16 ) extend approximately in a horizontal plane transverse to the direction of travel. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises an instrument panel ( 13 ) and the curved surface facing the vehicle interior side ( 14 ) of the instrument panel ( 13 ). Airbag arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the airbag ( 12 ) in the folded state on a footwell facing the underside ( 34 ) of an instrument panel ( 13 ) is mounted. Airbag arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a housing ( 44 ) for receiving the folded airbag ( 12 ) and a preferred in the housing ( 44 ) arranged gas generator ( 32 ) for inflating the airbag ( 12 ) at least partially into an instrument panel ( 13 ) are integrated. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the airbag is inflated ( 12 ) a module ( 16 ) just below a steering column fairing ( 38 ). Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one module ( 16 ) two separate and spaced hose sections ( 42a . 42b ) which, when the airbag is inflated ( 12 ) at the side of a steering column cover ( 38 ) and in particular with an underlying, just below the steering column cover ( 38 ) extending module ( 16 ) are connected. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the airbag is inflated ( 12 ) at least one module ( 16 ) extends approximately over the entire width of the driver or passenger area of the vehicle. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the airbag is inflated ( 12 ) a module ( 16 ) below a knee position, especially at tibial height, and a module ( 16 ) at about knee height of a driver sitting in a normal sitting position ( 46 ) or co-driver and another module ( 16 ) above the latter module ( 16 ) runs. Airbag arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules ( 16 ) in the inflated state have the same size and shape. Method for producing an airbag which is attached to a curved surface of a device ( 13 ) in a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: - providing a plurality of tubular, inflatable modules ( 16 ); - then producing the airbag by connecting the modules ( 16 ) via at least one connection point ( 26 ), so that the modules together form a contact surface of the airbag, wherein - the connection point ( 26 ) is configured and arranged such that the course of the contact surface of the airbag ( 12 ) to the curved surface ( 14 ) is adjusted.