DE202017105555U1 - Inflation protection to prevent damage when inflating a gas bag - Google Patents

Abstract

Inflation protection for preventing damage when inflating a gas bag (1) for a vehicle occupant restraint system, characterized in that at least one protective element (4, 4A) is provided, which is designed such that the protective element (4, 4A) the folded gas bag (1) and / or at least partially surrounds the gas generator (3) connected to the gas bag (1).

Description

The present invention relates to an inflation protection for preventing damage when inflating a gas bag by a gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system.

A vehicle occupant restraint system may be known to comprise an inflatable airbag, such as a side airbag, which may be formed, for example, as a thorax airbag and / or a curtain airbag, and a gas generator for inflating the airbag in the activation case. Such airbags prevent in particular in a side impact injury to the vehicle occupant at the shoulder or head area. However, it is theoretically conceivable that the airbags could be damaged during inflation or during deployment at the inflation region, for example, by sharp objects, sharp edges, protrusions on the vehicle body or the like. In order to avoid this, it would be desirable in some cases that the vehicle-side environment of the inflatable region or the arrangement position of the airbag would be adjusted accordingly to avoid this theoretical damage. However, this appears not only structurally complex, but also costly.

The present invention has for its object to provide an inflation protection to prevent damage when inflating a gas bag.

This object is achieved according to the invention with regard to an inflation protection by the features of claim 1, with regard to a gas bag module by the features of claim 12 and in terms of a vehicle occupant restraint system by the features of claim 13. Advantageous and claimed developments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description and the drawings.

According to the invention, an inflation protection for preventing damage during inflation of a gas bag by or with a gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system is proposed. In order to reliably prevent damage to the gas bag and / or the gas generator during inflation, it is provided that at least one protective element is provided, which is designed such that the protective element at least partially surrounds the folded gas bag and / or the gas generator connected to the gas bag.

In this way, the inflation area is at least partially covered by the proposed inflation protection. In particular, the area in which the folded gas bag is in contact with the gas generator and the area adjacent thereto, in particular as far as they are claimed by an inflation process, ie z. B. against a (in a (real or imaginary) installation state) adjacent object, such as a vehicle body can be pressed. Accordingly, the inflation region also includes in particular the region which starts at the outlet port or at the outlet opening (s) of the gas generator and extends from the latter. By covering the inflation area, the gas bag is shielded from, for example, edged or pointed projections, which may be present, for example, on the vehicle body), so that damage is reliably prevented. The fact that the potentially endangered inflating area is (at least substantially) covered means that the inflation protection proposed according to the invention can be used independently of the differently executed vehicle bodies or vehicle interior designs. Thus, the inflation protection according to the invention can be used or implemented advantageously for each airbag independently of the arrangement position in the vehicle and also independently of the vehicle type. However, it is also conceivable to adapt to the specific circumstances of the respective object or installation space.

Due to the intended arrangement of the protective element of the proposed Aufblasschutzes damage, for example, by a sharp or edged projection on the vehicle body not only during inflation, but also before inflation safely prevented.

In the Aufblasschutz invention can be provided, for example, that the protective element is dimensionally stable. Dimensionally stable hereby means to a certain extent rigid, at least in the non-activated state of the airbag module, with deformations in accordance with corresponding forces, in particular during or through the activation, are not excluded. In this hard variant can be used as a material for the protective element a correspondingly robust plastic or similar stable but deformable material.

An alternative embodiment of the invention may provide that the inflation protection as a protective element comprises a flexible element, for example a film or a fabric material, in particular an airbag material, the like, which is at least partially wound around the gas bag and / or the gas generator. In this soft variant, preferably a flexible but robust, tear-resistant plastic film or fabric, for example made of HD polyethylene or the like can be used. The soft variant has the advantage that it allows a certain flexibility with respect to the outer shape, in particular with a small installation space in the vehicle.

Preferably, the proposed inflation protection is used to prevent damage in a side airbag, in particular as a thorax but also as a so-called curtain or Seitenkopfairbag running gas bag.

A secondary aspect of the invention is based on also providing an airbag module with an airbag and a gas generator as well as with the inflation protection according to the invention, resulting in the already described and other advantages.

Another subsidiary aspect of the present invention is based on proposing a vehicle occupant restraint system with the gas bag module according to the invention and with a sensor unit for detecting circumstances that trigger an activation case of the gas generator and an electronic processing unit for defining the activation case based on the circumstances detected by the sensor unit. In the proposed vehicle occupant restraint system already described and other advantages.

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Aufblasschutzes;
• 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf die erste Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Aufblasschutzes;
• 3 eine dreidimensionale Ansicht des Aufblasschutzes gemäß 1 und 2 im an einem gefalteten Gassack und einem Gasgenerator montierten Zustand vor der Aktivierung des Rückhaltesystems;
• 4 eine schematische Schnittansicht im montierten Zustand des erfindungsgemäßen Aufblasschutzes vor der Aktivierung des Rückhaltesystems gemäß 3;
• 5 eine schematische Schnittansicht in einem frühen Zustand/Zeitpunkt kurz nach Aktivierung des Rückhaltesystems beim Aufblasen des Gassackes gemäß 3;
• 6 eine schematische Schnitteinsicht in einem späteren Zustand/Zeitpunkt beim Aufblasen des Gassackes gemäß 3;
• 7 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Aufblasschutzes;
• 8 eine dreidimensionale Ansicht des Aufblasschutzes gemäß 7 im an einem gefalteten Gassack und einem Gasgenerator montierten Zustand vor der Aktivierung des Rückhaltesystems;
• 9 eine schematische Schnittansicht im montierten Zustand des erfindungsgemäßen Aufblasschutzes vor der Aktivierung des Rückhaltesystems gemäß 8;
• 10 eine schematische Schnittansicht in einem frühen Zustand/Zeitpunkt kurz nach Aktivierung des Rückhaltesystems beim Aufblasen des Gassackes gemäß 8; und
• 11 eine schematische Schnitteinsicht in einem späteren Zustand/Zeitpunkt beim Aufblasen des Gassackes gemäß 8.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a Aufblasschutzes invention;
• 2 a schematic plan view of the first embodiment of the invention Aufblasschutzes;
• 3 a three-dimensional view of the inflation protection according to 1 and 2 in the mounted on a folded gas bag and a gas generator state before the activation of the restraint system;
• 4 a schematic sectional view in the assembled state of the invention Aufblasschutzes before activation of the restraint system according to 3 ;
• 5 a schematic sectional view in an early state / time shortly after activation of the restraint system during inflation of the airbag according to 3 ;
• 6 a schematic sectional view in a later state / time when inflating the airbag according to 3 ;
• 7 a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the invention Aufblasschutzes;
• 8th a three-dimensional view of the inflation protection according to 7 in the mounted on a folded gas bag and a gas generator state before the activation of the restraint system;
• 9 a schematic sectional view in the assembled state of the invention Aufblasschutzes before activation of the restraint system according to 8th ;
• 10 a schematic sectional view in an early state / time shortly after activation of the restraint system during inflation of the airbag according to 8th ; and
• 11 a schematic sectional view in a later state / time when inflating the airbag according to 8th ,

In the 1 to 6 By way of example, a first embodiment variant of an inflation protection according to the invention is shown, while the 7 to 11 show a second possible embodiment of the inflation protection.

Regardless of the respective embodiments, an inflation protection according to the invention for preventing damage, in particular when inflating a gas bag 1 through a gas generator 3 proposed for a vehicle occupant restraint system. The inflation protection has at least one protective element 4 . 4A which is arranged such that the protective element at least partially surrounds the folded gas bag and / or the gas generator connected to the gas bag, so that at least the inflation region of the gas bag 1 is covered at least in sections.

The 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the inflation protection, in which the protective element 4 is executed dimensionally stable, that it (self-supporting) a U-shaped receiving portion 5 for at least partially receiving the airbag 1 and / or the gas generator 3 forms. The protective element 4 is preferably designed as a plastic extruded profile. In particular, it may be with a feedthrough opening 6 for a crab or rail 7 of the gas generator 3 be executed. For vehicle-side attachment to the vehicle body 2 or in the vehicle interior, the protective element 4 at least one fastening strip 8th exhibit; this can be equipped as a terminal block and / or with mounting openings and / or projections. It is also conceivable that the inflation protection exclusively for attachment to the gas generator module (on the gas generator, on the airbag and / or on the mounting bracket or rail 7 ) is provided and formed or fixed.

In the embodiment shown may be at the base 4 one or more, preferably centrally arranged, recess for (further) fastening bolts of the gas generator 3 be provided.

At the in 2 illustrated plan view of the protective element 4 has this exemplary dimensions of about 165mm X 50mm. The recording section 5 has z. B. an opening width of about 23mm.

In 3 the assembled state of the inflation protection is shown as part of an airbag module, wherein the protective element 4 about fastening tapes 9 , eg adhesive tapes, on the gas generator 3 and the folded gas bag 1 is attached. This surrounds the protective element 4 protecting the gas generator 3 and the folded gas bag 1 , During assembly, the mounting bracket 7 of the gas generator 3 through the duct opening 6 of the protective element 4 guided.

4 shows the assembled state of the airbag module to the vehicle body 2 , wherein the protective element 4 either via the fastening strip 8th (and -) / or over the mounting bracket or rail 7 on the vehicle body 2 attached airbag module to the vehicle body is. In that the protection element 4 the folded gas bag 1 and the gas generator 3 at least partially surrounds, it serves as protection in particular from protrusions 11 attached to the vehicle body 2 could be located.

5 and 6 show the state at an early and a later state / time after activation of the restraint system, during which the gas from the gas generator 3 in the folded gas bag 1 flows and unfolds or inflates it. Here, the protective element 4 widened if necessary, as indicated in particular in 6 is shown. This serves the protective element 4 as a barrier between the exemplified projection 11 (Eg a welding residue or joining edge of two sheets) of the vehicle body 2 and the gas bag to be protected 1 of the vehicle occupant restraint system.

In the 7 to 11 is a second embodiment of the invention Aufblasschutzes exemplified. In this second embodiment, the protective element 4A the inflation protection as a flexible element, for example designed as a film or fabric, the at least partially to the gas bag 1 and the gas generator 3 is wound. As in particular from 7 can be seen, the protective element 4A preferably a substantially rectangular base twelve on, to the (optional) a reduced, preferably rectangular area as an extension 13 is formed. The film can be made of a robust, tear-resistant optionally temperature-resistant material, such as HD polyethylene. Also, the protective element 4A be formed from a section of airbag fabric with or without silicone layer / lamination.

In the embodiment shown is at the base twelve at the extension 13 facing side a centrally disposed passage opening 6A for the mounting bracket or rail 7 of the gas generator 3 intended. Furthermore, the base area twelve and or the extension one or more, preferably centrally disposed, recess 10 for (further) fastening bolts of the gas generator 3 exhibit.

This in 7 illustrated protective element 4A has an exemplary overall length of 250 mm and a total width of about 140 mm. The exemplary dimensions of the base area twelve be about 190 mm × 140 mm, while the exemplary dimensions of the extension 13 about 80 mm × 60 mm.

In 8th the assembled state of the inflation protection is shown, in which the protective element 4A around the gas generator 3 and the folded gas bag 1 is wound, with the protective element 4A again via appropriate straps 9A is attached.

In the 9 to 11 is also, as in the 4 to 6 for the first embodiment, the operation of the second embodiment of the invention Aufblasschutzes during inflation of the airbag 1 shown.

In 9 is shown the non-activated state, in which the protective element 4A the folded gas bag 1 and the gas generator 3 at least partially surrounds, so that a possible advantage 11 on the vehicle body 2 can not cause damage. At the beginning of the inflation, the gas bag unfolds 1 along the inflation area under the protective effect of the protective element 4A , Also in the state of inflation, which in 11 is shown, and in the inflated state, the protective element serves 4A the inflation protection according to the invention as a barrier between the gas bag 1 or the gas generator 3 and the lead 11 on the vehicle body 2 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

airbag

2

vehicle body

3

inflator

4.4A

protection element

5

receiving portion

6.6A

Through opening

7

Mounting bracket or rail

8th

mounting strip

9,9A

fixing tape

10

recess

11

head Start

12

Floor space

13

extension

Claims (13)

Inflation protection for preventing damage when inflating a gas bag (1) for a vehicle occupant restraint system, characterized in that at least one protective element (4, 4A) is provided, which is designed such that the protective element (4, 4A) the folded gas bag (1) and / or at least partially surrounds the gas generator (3) connected to the gas bag (1). Inflation protection after Claim 1 , characterized in that the protective element (4) dimensionally stable and in particular made of plastic, is executed. Inflation protection after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the protective element (4) has an approximately U- or J-shaped receiving portion (5) for at least partially receiving the folded airbag (1) and / or the gas generator (3). Inflation protection after Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the protective element (4) as a continuous casting profile with a passage opening (6) in particular for a mounting bracket or rail (7) and / or a fastening bolt of the gas generator (3) is executed. Inflation protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective element (4) has at least one fastening strip (8) for fastening on the vehicle side. Inflation protection after Claim 1 , characterized in that the protective element (4A) as a flexible element, in particular as a film or fabric section, in particular made of airbag material, which is at least partially wound around the airbag (1) and / or the gas generator (3) wound or wound. Inflation protection after Claim 6 , characterized in that the flexible element has a rectangular base (12), to which preferably a reduced area is formed as an extension (13). Inflation protection after Claim 7 , characterized in that the base surface on the extension (13) facing side, in particular centrally disposed, passage opening (6A) for a mounting bracket or rail (7) of the gas generator (3) and / or that the base surface (12 ), a, preferably centrally disposed, recess (10) for a fastening bolt of the gas generator (3). Inflation protection after one Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that the film or the fabric section is made of HD polyethylene. Inflation protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective element (4, 4A) is fastened to the gas bag (1) and / or to the gas generator (3) via fastening bands (9, 9A) in the assembled state, and / or the protective element (4, 4A) at least in sections between a mounting bracket or rail (7) and the gas bag (1) or the gas generator (3) is arranged, in particular clamped. Inflation protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas bag (1) is a side airbag, in particular a curtain airbag or a thorax airbag. Airbag module with an airbag (1) and a gas generator (3) and with an inflation protection (4, 4A) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle occupant restraint system with a gas bag module after Claim 12 and at least one sensor unit for detecting circumstances that trigger an activation case of the gas generator (3) and an electronic computing unit for defining the activation case on the basis of the circumstances detected by the sensor unit.

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