DE202005019014U1 - Airbag module for a vehicle restraint system - Google Patents

Abstract

Airbag module for a Vehicle restraint system with a gas bag, at least one gas generator for inflating the Gas bag and at least one disposed in the gas bag interior gas flow distributor for the targeted splitting of a gas flow generated by the gas generator, wherein the gas flow distributor in the gas bag interior so with the gas generator connected to that with the gas flow distributor in flow communication is, characterized in that the gas generator (2) by a Airbag opening (14) projects into the gas bag (3, 13) and with the edge of the gas bag opening (14) at least partially connected.

Description

The The invention relates to a gas bag module for a vehicle restraint system according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is known in gas bag modules for Vehicle Restraint Systems Gas distributor to use that of a gas generator of the Module in the event of triggering Distribute generated gas in a specific way and a defined inflation allow the gas bag. Such gas flow distributors are in particular in gas bag modules used with multi-chamber gas bags, For example, side or curtain gas bags. These gas bag types have several Chambers, which are arranged partially spaced from each other, so that in a non-directional flow of gas from the gas generator a defined inflation of the airbag chambers is not guaranteed would.

For example is known from US 2003/01 97 357 A1 a gas flow distributor, the gas flowing from a gas generator distributed to two outflow channels. About these Outflow channels is the gas is directed specifically into associated airbag chambers.

Furthermore, in the EP 1 340 656 A2 an airbag device described in which a gas flow distributor is connected to a gas generator and allows a targeted distribution into two chambers of a side airbag. Here, the gas flow distributor is connected to the outflow side of the gas generator, wherein the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly is disposed within the gas bag. The gas flow distributor may have outflow openings with different cross sections, whereby the two airbag chambers can be inflated with defined different pressures.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gas bag module with a gas flow distributor, the can be produced in a simplified manner.

These Task is solved by an airbag module with the features of claim 1.

After that is an airbag module for a vehicle restraint system provided that a gas bag, at least one gas generator for Inflating the gas bag and at least one inside the gas bag arranged gas flow distributor for the targeted division of a Gas generator comprises generated gas stream. Here is the gas flow distributor in the gas bag interior so connected to the gas generator that this in fluid communication with the gas flow distributor stands. The gas generator protrudes through an airbag opening into the gas bag and is with the edge of the gas bag opening at least partially connected.

Herewith is a particularly simple installation of the gas flow distributor on one Gas generator possible, because the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly are pre-assembled can, i. the assembly of the gas flow distributor on the gas generator can independently from the rest Components of the gas bag module done, for example, on another location, even from another manufacturer. To Connecting the gas flow distributor with the gas generator will this Assembly through the gas bag opening introduced into the gas bag and the edge of the gas bag opening connected to the gas generator.

The The fully assembled gas bag module then has one inside the gas bag connected to the gas generator gas flow distributor, wherein the Gas generator protrudes with a section in the gas bag. Of the outside the gas bag located portion of the gas generator, for example with a part of the vehicle body or with a component a vehicle seat are connected to the gas flow distributor-gas generator assembly to hold.

The Connection of the edge of the gas flow opening, through which the gas generator protrudes into the gas bag, can in many ways take place, for example, along the entire circumference of the gas generator or only in sections. Also for the design of the airbag opening can be different Variants may be provided, e.g. a gas bag trunk through which the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly introduced into the gas bag is and with the gas generator with the gas bag trunk outside embracing Clamp is connected.

Thereby, that the connection between the gas flow distributor and the Gas generator located inside the gas bag, the requirements are the tightness of this connection lower. Is the gas generator sufficiently tightly connected to the edge of the airbag opening, the plays Tightness of the gas flow distributor-gas generator connection a minor role. This allows a particularly simple pre-assembly of the gas flow distributor with the gas generator, since no special tightness requirements are met have to. In this case, the gas flow distributor, for example, simply with a Wire clamp on the gas generator or arranged on this one Connection area to be clamped.

It should also be noted that the connection of the edge of the gas bag opening with the gas generator can also be done indirectly, at For example, via a further component of the gas bag module, in particular a holder or flange, with which the gas generator is connected. In this case, the edge of the airbag opening may be partially or exclusively connected to the holder of the gas generator.

One Another advantage of mounting the gas flow distributor in the gas bag interior is that the gas bag or the gas bag inner wall no additional protection or sacrificial layers must have, since the gas flow distributor itself the gas bag inner wall sufficient from damage from the gas generator outflowing Gases protects.

Of the Gas flow distributor can be on many different Be made way, for example, in one piece a plastic material. But he can also use different metal elements, about half-shells, be composed.

In In any case, the gas flow distributor is designed to be of the Gas generator specifically divides generated gas, i. in defined Direction and quantity in the gas bag forwarded. He has i.a. over at least two outflow channels, off which the gas is directed directed into the gas bag, in particular towards different chambers of the gas bag.

Prefers If the gas generator is an elongated gas generator, which is connected in the axial direction with the gas flow distributor. An elongated one Gas generator is for example a tube gas generator, the standard in gas bag modules is used. Such a tubular gas generator may be at one end outflow or have a single outflow opening, the connection to the gas flow distributor being axial with this end the gas generator is carried out so that the gas flow distributor and the Gas generator in axial flow connection stand.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the gas bag module is the Airbag opening formed tubular for receiving the gas generator. such tubular Gas bag openings, for example realized by known per se and already mentioned above gas bag that offer the advantage of being in a particularly simple and easy way safe way to be connected to the gas generator. Especially is at a hose-shaped trained gas bag opening the edge of which can be connected in a simple manner to the gas generator. For example in that a clamp or other clamping means the scope of tubular opening completely or partially engages around and the edge of the airbag opening clamp the gas generator.

A Clamp connection between the edge region of the gas bag opening and The gas generator generally provides a particularly preferred connection of the gas bag to the gas generator, since they are particularly easy to implement and yet tightly executable is.

Especially is advantageous if the connection of the edge of the airbag opening with the gas generator is almost gas-tight, so that no or only little of the gas flowing into the gas bag through the gas bag opening escapes the gas bag. Such a gas-tight closure of the Airbag opening offers in particular the advantage that the connection between the Gas flow distributor and the gas generator itself not necessarily must be done in a particularly dense manner. This requires pre-assembly gas flow distributors and gas generator should not be tight; it is sufficient that the connection of the gas flow distributor with the Gas generator is mechanically stable, creating a particularly simple Assembly of the gas flow distributor on the gas generator is possible.

at a use in a gas bag module whose gas bag has several chambers has, the gas flow distributor is preferably designed so that it has at least two outflow channels. These Allow outflow channels a directed distribution of the effluent gas from the gas generator on the chambers of the gas bag. The outflow channels can be, for example, hollow cylindrical being educated, being over the cross section of the channels each flowing through Gas quantity can be defined.

Of the Gas flow distributor points over it In addition, it preferably has a substantially hollow cylindrical design inflow on. This inflow area stands with outflow openings the gas flow distributor in communication, via which the gas in the gas bag is forwarded. The inflow area of the Gas flow distributor can simultaneously be designed so that over him the connection to the gas generator takes place, for example by plugging or Clamping a section of the inflow area to a section of the gas generator.

For a special efficient and easy installation of the gas flow distributor on the gas generator have the gas flow distributor and the gas generator preferably corresponding Attachment structures on, about the gas flow distributor and the gas generator connected to each other are. This is a particularly simple and safe installation the gas flow distributor on the gas generator possible since coordinated Attachment structures are provided. In particular, this can an automated pre-assembly of the gas flow distributor-gas generator assembly respectively.

Farther the gas flow distributor is advantageously via a crimp or flare connection connected to the gas generator. This represents a particularly simple one and cost-effective to be realized connection possibility of gas flow distributor and gas generator. Here is the gas flow distributor made of metal, for example of a thin sheet, formed and has a connection portion for connecting to the gas generator on, the by crimping (crimping) or bending (flanging) with is connected to a portion of the gas generator. In particular, special can do this Structures both on the gas generator and on the gas flow distributor be formed, which allow the crimping or crimping.

Farther is preferably provided that the gas flow distributor by clamping connection connected to the gas generator, which is another easy to manufacture Represents connection between gas flow distributor and gas generator. For example, the gas flow distributor with a wire clamp on be clamped to the gas generator.

Farther the gas flow distributor is advantageously designed to a Arrest locking clip for connection to the gas generator. advantageously, the gas flow distributor to perpendicular to the inflow direction extending bores, received in the arms of a locking clip are. For example, a section of the inflator structures, e.g. Grooves, in which engages the locking clip and thus connecting the gas generator to the gas flow distributor.

advantageously, is the gas flow distributor of two interconnected half shells educated. These half-shells are made of metal, for example, the above a welded connection with each other are connected. This represents a particularly cost-effective option to produce a gas flow distributor, wherein the production of two Half shells a particularly flexible shape of the gas flow distributor possible is.

Farther the gas flow distributor preferably has a fastening means to Attaching the gas flow distributor to a vehicle body. As a result, for example, directly to a pre-assembled gas flow distributor gas generator module a fastener available placed the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly on a Component of a vehicle, in particular the vehicle body, to fix. The attachment means may be, for example include a retaining tab that is located outside the airbag and connectable to a part of the vehicle body. These Retaining tab is connected to the gas flow distributor and is for example via the gas bag opening for Pick up the gas generator or through a separate opening led out of the gas bag.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the Gas flow distributor formed of a dimensionally stable material, such as from a plastic injection molded part or from a metal. hereby on the one hand is an efficient production of the gas flow distributor possible, On the other hand, the formation of the gas flow distributor from a dimensionally stable material the advantage of a gas flow from the gas generator safe and defined in terms of direction and gas flow divide.

Of the Gas flow distributor is further preferably designed so that he has several outlets has, which have substantially the same cross sections. It However, it may also be provided that at least two outflow openings have different cross sections. By choosing the cross section an outflow opening can the flow, with which the gas flows out of the gas flow distributor, set become. When using the gas flow distributor according to the invention in one Multi-chamber gas bag, for example, each airbag chamber a specific Outflow opening of the Gas flow distributor can be assigned, depending on the cross section of a transfers certain amount of gas to the appropriate chamber. Thereby Is it possible, to fill different chambers of a gas bag individually with gas, so that different chambers of a gas bag are filled with different gas pressures can.

This is particularly interesting in airbags that have a variety of Have airbag chambers, such as curtain gas bags, the for protecting a window area of a vehicle along the same Vehicle longitudinal side are arranged. In a particularly advantageous embodiment The invention is therefore provided that the gas bag as curtain airbag is formed, wherein at least one gas flow distributor approximately in the center of the curtain gas bag with respect to its longitudinal side is arranged. This arrangement corresponds to the so-called "mid-mount" arrangement, in which a front portion of the curtain gas bag in front of the vehicle B-pillar and a Rear area of the curtain gas bag in the rear of the vehicle behind the vehicle B-pillar is arranged.

For example, the gas flow distributor can be arranged so that it is located approximately in the area of the vehicle B-pillar and divides the gas generated by the gas generator so that a part in the front area and a part in the rear of the curtain gas bag is passed. In this case, the gas flow distributor can be designed so that the amount of gas generated by the gas generator is evenly distributed to the gas bag areas. It is however if possible, to provide a fixed, non-uniform distribution of the gas quantity to different areas of the curtain gas bag.

As a general rule It is known that gas generators can be formed thrust neutral, i. via outflow openings to the effluent of gas, which are arranged on the gas generator such that the total impulse of the outflowing Gas is zero. This avoids that the gas generator itself in the event of an accident, moving like a bullet through the vehicle.

In addition to a thrust neutral gas generator can be provided that the Gas flow distributor is made of a plastic, which in case of a vehicle fire melts, leaving from the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly only the gas generator left remains, which poses no danger from the thrust-neutral execution.

Additionally or as an alternative to the prescribed "mid-mount" arrangement, the gas flow distributor also at the beginning or end of a curtain gas bag in relation to it long side be arranged. This represents the so-called "rear-mount" arrangement, with the various chambers of a curtain gas bag with that of one Gas generator filled gas filled can be. The arrangement of gas flow distributor and gas generator in the rear or front area of a curtain gas bag can also in addition to a gas generator mounted in the center of the curtain gas bag take place, i. the gas bag module has both in the beginning or End region of the curtain gas bag as well as in its center region a gas flow distributor gas generator assembly on.

The The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures described. Show it:

1a a gas generator connected to a gas flow distributor,

1b the gas distributor gas generator arrangement of 1a which is arranged in the middle of a gas bag,

1c the gas flow distributor gas generator arrangement of 1a which is arranged in an end region of a gas bag,

2a a gas flow distributor formed from a plastic prior to connection to a gas generator,

2 B the gas flow distributor of 2a which is fastened to the gas generator by means of a locking clip,

3a a gas flow distributor formed of metal prior to connection to a gas generator,

3b the gas flow distributor of 3a which is connected by crimping with the gas generator,

4a two half shells for forming a gas flow distributor, which can be fastened to a gas generator,

4b the two half shells of 4a in the connected state and attached to the gas generator.

The 1a shows a gas flow distributor 1 , with a cylindrical gas generator 2 an airbag module is connected in the axial direction. From the gas generator 2 escaping gas flows directly into the gas flow distributor 1 one.

The gas flow distributor 1 has two outflow openings 1a and 1b on top of that in the gas flow distributor 1 incoming gas is distributed. About the outflow openings 1a . 1b there is a directed outflow of the respective partial gas streams. The gas flow distributor 1 thus allows the targeted distribution of an inflowing gas flow in two directions, for example, to fill different chambers of a gas bag (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the outflow openings 1a . 1b identical cross-sections on, so that the gas flow from the gas flow distributor 1 evenly on the two outflow openings 1a . 1b is distributed. In principle, it is of course also possible to configure the outflow openings of a gas flow distributor in such a way that a gas flow from the gas flow distributor is distributed unevenly such that different gas flows are present in the outflow openings.

The 1b shows the from a gas flow distributor 1 and a gas generator 2 existing assembly of 1a standing at a gas bag 3 is arranged. At the gas bag 3 It is a multi-chamber gas bag, the several chambers 3a to 3d having.

The 1b shows a section of a side airbag (curtain airbag), which can be arranged on a vehicle along a vehicle side. In the variant of 1b is the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly in the middle of the gas bag 3 in relation to its longitudinal extent connected to this. The gas bag opening 14 is tubular, wherein the edge of the tubular gas bag opening 14 by means of a clamp 15 connected to the gas generator.

The gas flow distributor 1 is so inside the gas bag 3 positioned that from the gas generator 2 incoming gas is distributed in two main directions A, B. Thus, that is from the gas generator 2 generated gas in the event of triggering on two main areas of the gas bag 3 distributed. These main areas constitute a front and a rear area of the gas bag 3 where the gas bag 3 so fastened in a vehicle is that the front main area (formed by the two chambers 3a . 3b ) is arranged in front of the vehicle B-pillar, while the rear main area (formed by the chambers 3c . 3d ) is located behind the vehicle B-pillar.

Another variant, the gas flow distributor gas generator arrangement of 1a to mount on a gas bag, shows the 1c , In this variant, the gas flow distributor gas generator assembly with a rear portion of a gas bag 13 connected. Here is a gas flow distributor 1 inside the gas bag 13 while a gas generator 2 partly outside the gas bag 13 located and with a section through the gas bag opening 14 in the gas bag 13 protrudes.

The gas bag opening 14 is analogous to 1 b tubular, wherein the edge of the tubular gas bag opening 14 also by means of a clamp 15 connected to the gas generator. The gas distributor 1 is so inside the gas bag 13 arranged that from the outflow openings 1a and 1b outgoing gas evenly on two chambers 13a . 13b of the gas bag 13 is distributed.

The 1c shows a section of the rear of the airbag 13 , At the gas bag 13 it is similar to in 1b a side airbag can be arranged along a vehicle side. In contrast to 1b However, the gas flow distributor gas generator arrangement is not centered, but at the end of the gas bag 13 arranged so that these are in the assembled state of the gas bag 13 would be located in the rear of the vehicle. This corresponds to the so-called "rear-mount" mounting In an analogous manner, the gas flow distributor-gas generator arrangement could also be mounted at the beginning of a curtain gas bag, so that it would be in the mounted area in the front area of a vehicle.

In principle, it is possible to provide, for example, in the case of longer curtain gas bags, a plurality of gas flow distributor gas generator arrangements, so that, for example, a centrally mounted gas flow generator according to the 1b with a arranged in the end region of the gas bag gas generator according to the 1c can be combined.

The 2 - 4 show various embodiments of the gas flow distributor and various variants of a connection with a gas generator. The gas flow distributor 1 of the 2a is made by injection molding of a plastic. The gas flow distributor 1 has two outflow openings 1a and 1b on top of that through the inflow opening 1c from the gas generator 2 incoming gas is distributed (in the direction of arrows C and D). In the area of the inflow opening 1c forms the gas flow distributor 1 beyond a connecting element 27 for connecting the gas flow distributor 1 with the gas generator 2 out, the two perpendicular to the axis of the inlet 1c running holes 25 includes. The holes 25 serve to receive a locking clip 26 ,

By means of the locking clip 26 is the gas flow distributor in a simple manner to the gas generator 2 attachable by inserting a cylindrical connecting portion 2a of the gas generator 2 in the inflow opening 1c of the gas flow distributor 1 poor 26a . 26b the locking clip 26 into the holes 25 of the connecting element 27 Gas flow distributor 1 be introduced. The poor 26a . 26b the locking clip 26 grab into a groove 2 B of the gas generator connection area 2a a, whereby the gas flow distributor can be stably connected to the gas generator.

The connected state shows the 2 B , It can be seen that the gas flow distributor 1 with the gas generator 2 is connected so that both are in axial flow communication with each other. The connection is made by means of in the Arretierklammer 26 whose arms 26a . 26b through the holes 25 of the connecting element 27 are guided. An upper end protrudes 26a the locking clip 26 out of the hole and can be folded in the direction of the lower hole (indicated by the arrow E).

2c shows the arrangement of 2 B , the upper end 26a the locking clip 26 towards the other arm 26b the locking clip 26 is bent over. By bending the upper arm of the Arretierklammer 26 is a slipping out of the locking clip from the mounting holes 25 prevented. In addition, over the bent end 26a the locking clip 26 a protective cap 28 arranged, which is a bending back of the bent end 26a prevented, so that with the arrangement shown a secure connection of the gas flow distributor 1 with the gas generator 2 is realized.

In the embodiment of the 3a is the gas flow distributor 1 formed from metal and has a connecting portion formed as a flow area 1c on, over which the gas flow distributor 1 axially with a longitudinally extended gas generator 2 can be connected so that from the gas generator 2 escaping gas into the gas flow distributor 1 can flow in. The inflow area 1c of the gas flow distributor 1 is designed so that it by crimping with a on the gas generator 2 arranged connection area 2a can be connected. The technology for producing a crimp connection is known per se, so that will not be discussed further here.

The 3b shows the gas flow distributor 1 of the 3a by crimping with the gas generator 2 connected is. Before crimping, the connection area of the gas generator becomes 2 in the inflow region of the gas flow distributor 1 introduced. By applying pressure in the direction of arrows F1 and F2 becomes the inflow 1c of the gas flow distributor 1 connected to the gas generator.

In the 4a are two half-shells 40a and 40b shown to form a gas flow distributor. The two half shells 40a . 40b For example, welding may be used with each other and by crimping or crimping with a gas generator 2 get connected. For this purpose, the two half shells 40a . 40b tubular connection areas 40c . 40d on, which also has a tubular connection area 2a smaller diameter of the gas generator 2 be able to record. The half-shells 40a . 40b are formed so that they form two exhaust ports in the assembled state analogous to the gas flow distributors of the preceding figures.

The 4b shows the two half shells 40a . 40b of the 4a in assembled condition, being a gas flow distributor 40 form. The gas flow distributor 40 has two outflow openings 40e and 40f on. Next is the 4b to infer that a connection area 40g of the gas flow distributor 40 via a correspondingly formed connection region of the gas generator 2 pushed. The connection area 40g of the gas flow distributor 40 is with the connection area of the gas generator 2 crimps, creating a strong connection between the gas flow distributor 40 and the gas generator 2 is made.

It should be noted that in the 2 - 4 illustrated embodiments of the connection between a gas flow distributor and a gas generator particularly easy to produce connections relate, which are particularly efficient and inexpensive executable. These variants are not necessarily intended to provide a gas-tight connection between a gas flow distributor and a gas generator. This is not absolutely necessary if the gas generator projecting into the airbag through an airbag opening is tightly connected to this airbag opening.

1, 40

Gas flow distributor

1c

inflow

2

inflator

2a

connecting area at the gas generator

2 B

communicating

3, 13

airbag

1a, 1b, 40e, 40f

outflow

3a-3d, 13a, 13b

Airbag chambers

14

Airbag opening

25

mounting holes

26

locking clip

26a, 26b

poor a locking clip

27

connecting element

28

protective cap for connecting element

40a, 40b

shells a gas flow distributor

40e, 40f

outflow

40g

connecting area at the gas flow distributor

Claims (20)

Airbag module for a vehicle restraint system having an airbag, at least one gas generator for inflating the airbag and at least one arranged in the gas bag interior gas flow distributor for selectively dividing a generated gas stream from the gas generator, wherein the gas flow manifold is connected in the gas bag interior with the gas generator that this with the gas flow manifold is in fluid communication, characterized in that the gas generator ( 2 ) through an airbag opening ( 14 ) in the gas bag ( 3 . 13 ) protrudes and with the edge of the gas bag opening ( 14 ) is connected at least in sections. The gas bag module according to claim 1, characterized by an elongate gas generator ( 2 ), which in the axial direction directly with the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) connected is. The gas bag module according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas bag opening ( 14 ) is tubular. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge of the airbag opening ( 14 ) by means of a clamping connection with the at least one Gas generator ( 2 ) connected is. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge of the airbag opening ( 14 ) so with the at least one gas generator ( 2 ), that the gas bag opening ( 14 ) is sealed substantially gas-tight. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) at least two outflow channels ( 1a . 1b . 40e . 40f ) having. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) has a substantially hollow cylindrical inflow region ( 1c ) having. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) and the gas generator ( 2 ) Attachment structures ( 1c . 2a . 2 B . 25 . 40c ), via which they are connected to each other. The gas bag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) via a crimping or crimping connection with the gas generator ( 2 ) connected is. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) via clamping connection with the gas generator ( 2 ) connected is. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) a connecting element ( 27 ) with holes perpendicular to the direction of flow ( 25 ), into the arms ( 26a . 26b ) a locking clip ( 26 ) are received, via which the gas flow distributor is connected to the gas generator. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) of two interconnected half-shells ( 40a . 40b ) is formed. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas generator ( 2 ) is connectable to a part of a vehicle body. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) a fastening means for fixing the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) on a vehicle body. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) is formed of a dimensionally stable material. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) is formed from a plastic injection molded part or a metal. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) several outflow openings ( 1a . 1b . 40e . 40f ), which have substantially the same cross sections. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) several outflow openings ( 1a . 1b . 40e . 40f ), wherein at least two of the outflow openings ( 1a . 1b . 40e . 40f ) have different cross sections. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas bag ( 3 . 13 ) is formed as a curtain airbag, the longitudinal side along a vehicle side can be arranged, and at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) is arranged approximately in the middle of the curtain gas bag with respect to its longitudinal side. Airbag module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas bag ( 3 . 13 ) is formed as a curtain airbag, the longitudinal side along a vehicle side can be arranged, and at least one gas flow distributor ( 1 . 40 ) is arranged at the beginning or end of the curtain gas bag with respect to its longitudinal side.