DE202016001600U1 - Device for holding a gas bag, gas bag and vehicle safety system - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for holding a gas bag in a non-inflated state in a predefined arrangement with a holding band (10) on which a closure means (11) is arranged to form a loop, wherein the closure means (11) at least one closing element (12) with at least one Undercut (13) and at least one closure opening (14) which is formed in the holding band (10), wherein the closing element (12) is guided in the closed state through the closure opening (14) and the undercut (13) the edge of the closure opening (14 ) engages behind.

Description

The invention relates to a device for holding a gas bag in the non-inflated state in a predefined arrangement. The invention further relates to an airbag and a vehicle safety system.

Airbags, z. B. called a curtain air bag, are used as a side impact protection to protect vehicle occupants in a side impact or rollover. The gas bag is first prepared (in the uninflated state, that is to say before activation) in a rolled and / or folded arrangement and is then arranged at a specific position on the roof frame of the vehicle. In order to hold the gas bag in this predefined (rolled and / or folded) arrangement, and to enable the assembly, adhesive tapes are known to be used, which are wound in several places around the rolled or folded gas bag in a wrap around to cause the rolled and / or folded ones to fall apart Prevent arrangement.

However, there is the problem that the adhesive tapes can lose holding power due to material aging, so that the gas bag or airbag unintentionally releases from the rolled or folded arrangement and the mounting on the vehicle or the inflation behavior upon activation are negatively influenced. In addition, the selection of the adhesive is subject to strict requirements to avoid that the adhesive starts to burn when the gas bag is activated. If the splices come into direct contact with the gas bag, this can damage the coating of the gas bag.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for holding a gas bag, which ensures a reliable and long-term stable fixation of the gas bag in its predefined arrangement. The invention is further based on the object of specifying a gas bag with such a device and a corresponding vehicle safety system.

With regard to the device for holding the gas bag, this object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1, with a view to the gas bag by the subject of claim 8 and with regard to the vehicle safety system by the subject of claim 12.

The invention is based on the idea to provide a device for holding a gas bag in the non-inflated state with a tether on which a closure means is arranged to form a loop. The closure means has in particular at least one closure element with at least one undercut and at least one closure opening. The closure opening is formed in the tether. The closing element is guided in the closed state through the closure opening. The undercut engages behind the edge of the closure opening.

To form the loop, which in use fixes the non-inflated airbag disposed therein, the tether is looped, i. H. the ends of the tether are superimposed, and fixed in this position by the closure means. For fixing the loop-shaped holding band, the closing element is guided through the closure opening, so that the undercut engages behind the edge of the closure opening and prevents opening of the loop.

As a result, a mechanical, secure connection is created, which manages without adhesive connections and applies sufficient holding force for fixing the gas bag in the non-inflated state. The gas bag is thus positioned briefly and safely over the long term.

The invention is particularly well suited for holding head gas bags, also called curtain airbags in their respective predefined arrangement. The invention is not limited to such airbags, but is applicable to other airbags to be fixed in a rolled or folded position. For example, but not exclusively, the invention is applicable to side airbags (Toraxairbags), knee airbags, but also to frontal airbags.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The closing element preferably has an arrowhead-shaped (double) hook (harpoon hook). As a result, the undercut of the closing element is realized in a particularly effective manner, which engages behind the edge of the closure opening in the closed state. In other words, the arrowhead-shaped hook is guided in the closed state through the closure opening, so that the hook ends engage behind the edge of the closure opening and form the desired mechanical connection.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of closure elements are provided, which are arranged fir-tree-shaped. The fir tree-shaped arrangement of the closing elements expands the scope of the device, which can be adapted to different sizes of gas bags or to different types of gas bags. Additionally or alternatively, several Shutter openings may be provided which are arranged in parallel. As in the case of the plurality of closing elements, the diameter of the loop can be set variably by means of a plurality of closure openings and adapted to different gas bag sizes or gas bag types.

The holding strap and / or the closure means may have a predetermined breaking point. This facilitates a defined tearing of the device.

The tether may have at least one printable area. Warnings, barcodes or other technical information may be applied to this printable area.

Preferably, the holding band and / or the closure means are formed from a plastic material or a textile material for a gas bag. As a plastic material, for example, the plastic material used for known soft ramps can be used. Soft ramps are elements that help deploy the airbag through the belt fitting on the B-pillar.

According to the independent claim 8, the invention relates to a gas bag for a vehicle safety system with a device according to the invention for holding the gas bag.

Preferably, the tether is fixed to the gas bag. This has the advantage that the tether is prevented from slipping, in particular from moving along the airbag.

For example, the tether can be sewn to the gas bag, creating a particularly secure and stable connection is created. It is also possible, alternatively or additionally, to connect the holding strap and the gas bag in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, for example, the tether can be guided by a loop on the gas bag, which fixes the tether in the axial direction of the airbag, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the airbag. The term "form-fitting" is to be understood broadly and includes connections that arise through the interaction of at least two connection partners. The connection partners can not solve without or with interrupted power transmission.

According to the independent claim 12, the invention relates to a vehicle safety system with a gas bag according to the invention, d. H. with an airbag which is fixed by a device according to the invention. The gas bag is connected to a gas generator.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with further details with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

In these show:

1 : A top view of a device for holding a gas bag according to an embodiment of the invention;

2a a device according to another embodiment with a single closing element;

2 B a device according to another embodiment with a plurality of closing elements;

3 a device according to a further embodiment with a plurality of closing elements in the holding position;

4 a device according to an embodiment of the invention in the holding position, wherein the device is connected to the gas bag or is fixed to the gas bag; and

5 An arrangement of an airbag and a device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the device is connected to the gas bag.

1 shows an inventive embodiment of a device for holding a gas bag. The device is shown in the open state and lies flat on a base. In the closed state or in the closed state, the device forms a loop in which the folded or rolled airbag is arranged and fixed in its predefined (rolled and / or folded) arrangement.

The device has a tether 10 on. The tether 10 is formed strip-shaped. In the example according to 1 the strip-shaped tether is substantially rectangular. Other geometries of the tether are possible. The tether 10 is elongated. The device further comprises a closure means 11 on. The closure means 11 serves to the tether 10 to fix in the loop shape.

The closure means 11 allows a mechanical or positive closure of the tether 10 , For this purpose, the closure means 11 at least one closing element 12 on. In the example according to 1 are several closing elements 12 intended. It is also possible to have a single closing element 12 be provided, such as in 2a shown. The closing element 12 is integral with the tether 10 educated. In other words, the tether goes 10 in the closing element 12 above. The closing element is also substantially strip-shaped and can as Extension of the tether 10 be considered. The closing element 12 is at the end of the tether 10 arranged. Another spatial arrangement of the closing element 12 is possible, so that the closing element 12 and the tether 10 overlap in sections. The closing element 12 forms an undercut 13 , The undercut 13 is in the example according to 1 specifically as an arrowhead shaped (double) hook 15 educated. Other geometries of the closing element 12 are possible, in particular an Aubbausung with only one undercut or a one-sided hook (fishhook-like) is conceivable. The arrowhead-shaped (harpoon-like) hook 15 points two in the direction of the tether 10 inclined hook ends pointing in one direction from the tether 10 converge. This results in the 1 arrow shape shown the hook 15 , The slope of the outer edge of a hook 15 to the longitudinal axis L of the device 1 is less than 60 °, in particular 10 ° -46 °, and preferably 15 ° -25 °. As a result, a fast threading of the hook in the respective provided closure opening 14 possible.

As in further 1 to recognize, the closure means 11 several closing elements 12 , in the specific embodiment, three closing elements 12 on. The closing elements 12 are each as arrowhead shaped hooks 15 educated. The hooks 15 are successively in the longitudinal direction L of the tether, that is arranged serially. The hooks 15 each have the same geometry and size. It is also possible to combine different sized and / or differently shaped hooks. At the free end of the last hook 15 , ie the hook 15 , the farthest from the tether 10 is removed is a head start 17 designed for threading the closing element 12 serves.

The closure means 11 has one or, as in the concretely illustrated embodiment, a plurality of shutter openings 14 on, in the tether 10 are formed in parallel. The width of the respective shutter openings 14 is preferably smaller than the width of the hooks 15 so that's through hooks 15 formed undercuts 13 the edge of the respective closure opening 14 engage behind when the device is brought into the closed position or in the closed state. The number of shutter openings 14 can be varied and depends on whether the device is to be used for gas bags of different sizes or different gas bag types. The same applies to the number of closing elements 12 , It is therefore possible to design the device so that it has only one closure opening 14 and / or only one closing element 12 having. In addition, it is possible to design the device so that it has a closure opening 14 and several closing elements 12 having. In addition, it is possible to design the device so that it has several shutter openings 14 and a closing element 12 having. Finally, it is possible to design the device such that the plurality of closure openings 14 and several closing elements 12 having.

As in 1 represented, for each gas bag type or provided for the respective mounting locations of a particular airbag closure opening 14 be marked in color (see hatched box of a certain shutter opening 14c ). Of course, more than one mark up to the same or different markings of certain or all shutter openings are possible.

In the 2a and 2 B various examples of devices are shown which have a different number of closing elements 12 and shutter openings 14 exhibit. As shown in the figures, it may be desirable to have the closure openings 14a . 14b different lengths and / or wide form. As a result, predetermined breaking points can also be formed. The closure opening (s) is / are preferably transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the tether 10 educated.

In 3 is the arrangement of gas bag 16 and device for holding the gas bag in the closed state shown. It is good to see that the closing elements 12 through a closure opening 14 are guided, with the hooks 15 the edge of the shutter opening 14 engage behind. In addition, (in 4 and 5 ) shown in accordance with two preferred embodiments of the invention that the device for holding the airbag and the airbag are positively connected with each other. In the first preferred embodiment according to 4 this is done by a U-shaped or rectangle-like cutout on the edge of the airbag, between its edges 19a . 19b around the folded or rolled airbag along its outer circumference extending tether 10 passed through. In a variant of this embodiment, only incisions in the airbag fabric are formed at the location of the edges and the airbag material between these cuts is pushed away / folded over by the retaining band. In the second preferred embodiment according to 5 this is done by a bridge-like loop 18 of the airbag through which the tether extending around the folded or rolled airbag along its outer circumference 10 passed through. As a result, in each case a lateral fixation of the retaining band 10 achieved so as to avoid the tether 10 along the longitudinal extent of the gas bag can be moved. In particular by means of a through the edges 19a . 19b a recess 20 , or by the incisions, which when folding the intermediate gas bag material as edges 19a . 19b act or define, limit the edges 19a . 19b a displacement of the tether 10 in a longitudinal direction G of the airbag 16 ,

It is also possible to connect the gas bag and the device or the tether with each other, in particular to sew or to weld.

It is also possible to form the gas bag and the device or the retaining strap in one piece, in particular to cut out the device at an edge of the gas bag protruding from the underlying material web already during the cutting of the gas bag.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

10

tether

11

closure means

12

closing element

13

undercut

14

shutter opening

14a

short closure opening

14b

long shutter opening

15

hook

16

airbag

17

head Start

18

loop

19a, 19b

Edges of a recess on the gas bag

20

recess

L, G

longitudinal direction

Claims (13)

Device for holding a gas bag in a non-inflated state in a predefined arrangement with a holding strap ( 10 ) to which a closure means ( 11 ) is arranged to form a loop, wherein the closure means ( 11 ) at least one closing element ( 12 ) with at least one undercut ( 13 ) and at least one closure opening ( 14 ), which in the tether ( 10 ), wherein the closing element ( 12 ) in the closed state through the closure opening ( 14 ) and the undercut ( 13 ) the edge of the closure opening ( 14 ) engages behind. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing element ( 12 ) with an undercut ( 13 ), and preferably has a fishhook-shaped hook, or that the closing element with at least two undercuts ( 13 ), and preferably two oppositely oriented hooks ( 15 ), which are arrowhead-shaped, has. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of closing elements ( 12 ) are provided, which are arranged in the longitudinal direction (L) successively on the closure means, wherein preferably the closing elements ( 12 ) are arranged like a fir tree. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of closure openings ( 14 ) in the longitudinal direction (L) successively on the tether ( 10 ) are arranged, and / or wherein these are preferably arranged in parallel, wherein preferably the closure openings ( 14 ) are formed slit-shaped, preferably substantially transversely to a longitudinal direction (L) of the device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tether ( 10 ) and / or the closure means ( 11 ) has a predetermined breaking point. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tether ( 10 ) has at least one printable area. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tether ( 10 ) and / or the closure means ( 11 ) of a plastic material or a textile material for a gas bag ( 16 ) are formed. Airbag, in particular overhead gas bag, for a vehicle safety system having a device according to Claim 1. Airbag, in particular head gas bag, for a vehicle safety system having a device for receiving a device according to claim 1, wherein the device preferably has a recess ( 20 ) in the edge region of the airbag ( 16 ) whose edges ( 19a . 19b ) a displacement of the tether ( 10 ) in a longitudinal direction (G) of the gas bag ( 16 ) limit. Airbag according to claim 8, characterized in that the tether ( 10 ) is formed integrally with the gas bag or that the tether on the gas bag ( 16 ), in particular sewn or welded, is. Airbag according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the tether ( 10 ) and the gas bag ( 16 ) are positively connected, in particular by means of a recess ( 20 ) in the edge region of the airbag ( 16 ) whose edges ( 19a . 19b ) a displacement of the tether ( 10 ) in a longitudinal direction (G) of the gas bag ( 16 ) limit. Vehicle safety system with an airbag ( 16 ) according to one of claims 8 to 11, which is connected to a gas generator. Vehicle safety system according to claim 12, further comprising a sensor for detecting a triggering case and / or evaluation electronics for generating a trigger signal for the gas generator.

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