EP3140162A1

EP3140162A1 - Module cover, arrangement of a module cover between a vehicle roof and a vehicle ceiling, airbag module, and vehicle safety system

Info

Publication number: EP3140162A1
Application number: EP15722445.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Christophe Peyre; Ramón Ramos
Original assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH; Dalphi Metal Espana SA
Current assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbH; Dalphi Metal Espana SA
Priority date: 2014-05-07
Filing date: 2015-05-05
Publication date: 2017-03-15
Also published as: US20170043738A1; WO2015169437A1; DE202014003779U1; CN106660508B; CN106660508A; US10328886B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a module cover (40) for an airbag (10) and/or an airbag module for arranging under a vehicle roof (56), in particular in the region of an upper windshield pane edge. The module cover (40) comprises a module cover panel (41) with a rear face (42) which faces towards the vehicle roof (56) when in use and a front face (43) which faces away from the vehicle roof (56) when in use. According to the invention, the module cover panel (41) comprises an elongated gap section (44), which is preferably formed over the entire width (B) of the module cover panel (41), in the form of an elongated indentation (45), which is formed in the front face (43) of the module cover panel (41).

Description

Module cover, arrangement of a Modulabachtunq between a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof, gas bag module and Fahrzeugsicherheitssvstem

description

The invention relates to a module cover for a gas bag and / or an airbag module for placement under a vehicle roof, in particular in the region of an upper windshield edge, wherein the module cover comprises a module cover plate with a rear side facing the vehicle roof in use and a front side facing away from the vehicle roof in use. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement of a module cover between a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof. Furthermore, the invention relates to an airbag module and a vehicle safety system. From the state of the art, so-called bag-in-roof (BI R)

Airbag modules known. These are usually arranged on the vehicle roof in the region or in the vicinity of the upper windshield edge. For example, WO 2007/014581 A1 describes such an airbag module. In the case of activation, the gas bag is inflated and thereby pressed out of the housing and from another cover. In the region of the gas bag, the cover has a predetermined breaking point or an opening through which the gas bag is pressed into the interior of the vehicle and unfolds there. It has been found that the airbag deploying from the vehicle roof effects on adjacent vehicle parts such. B. a sun visor has. For example, such a sun visor may break. This influences, among other things, the further deployment behavior of the gas bag.

The object of the present invention is to specify a module cover for an airbag and / or an airbag module for arrangement under a vehicle roof, which is developed in such a way that the effect on adjacent vehicle parts or the vehicle interior is reduced. Furthermore, the object is to provide an arrangement of a module cover between a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide an airbag module and a vehicle safety system with a further developed module cover.

According to the invention this object with regard to the module cover by the subject of claim 1, with regard to the arrangement of a module cover between a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof by the subject of claim 14, with regard to the gas bag module by the subject matter of claim 1 fifth and with regard to the vehicle safety system by the subject-matter of claim 21.

The module cover according to the invention relates, in particular, to module covers for an airbag and / or an airbag module for arrangement under a vehicle roof, preferably in the region of an upper windscreen edge. The module cover includes a module cover plate having a rear side facing the vehicle roof in use and a front side facing away from the vehicle roof in use. According to the invention, the module cover plate comprises an elongated free space section, preferably formed over the entire width of the module cover plate, which is designed in the form of an elongated indentation in the front side of the module cover plate. In other words, the elongated clearance portion is formed by an elongated recess formed on the front side of the module cover plate. The elongated recess may also be formed over the entire width of the module cover plate. The longitudinal axis of the elongate free space portion and / or the elongate recess can therefore preferably extend over the entire width of the module cover plate. In the case of activation of the gas bag and / or the gas bag module, the free space section reduces mechanical effects on adjacent vehicle parts, since the free space or distance between the module cover plate and a vehicle roof and / or adjacent vehicle parts and / or vehicle interior is increased. Specifically, the free space portion is adapted to avoid collision of the module cover plate with vehicle parts, such as the sun visor, or at least weaken it with respect to the collision forces.

The invention thus relates to a further developed module cover comprising a module cover plate comprising an elongated recess portion in the form of an elongated recess, preferably formed over the entire width of the module cover plate, the elongate recess being formed in the front of the module cover plate. The back of the module cover plate may have an elongated recess in the free space portion, which is preferably formed complementary to the elongated recess. The elongated recess of the front and the elongated recess of the back may form a curved portion of the module cover plate, wherein the buckle points in use to the vehicle roof. The elongated recess of the front side and the elongated recess of the back of the module cover plate may be formed congruent to each other. In this case, the elongated free space portion may be formed, for example, by embossing and / or punching and / or similarly acting forming operation of the portion of the module cover plate. The elongated free space section may, for example, in longitudinal section through the module cover plate in the side view represent a hood-like indentation.

The wall thickness of the module cover plate in the free space section can be designed to be constant or constant in longitudinal section. This can be the case, in particular, when the back of the module cover plate in the free space section has an elongated recess which is complementary to the elongated recess. The elongated recess of the front of the module cover plate may have an arcuate, in particular concave, shape. Due to such a shape, a particularly large space or Distance between a module cover plate and a vehicle roof and / or an adjacent vehicle part and / or adjacent vehicle interior and / or a sun visor are created. In one embodiment of the invention, the shape of the elongate free space portion, in particular the shape of the elongated recess, corresponding to the vehicle interior, in particular corresponding to a sun visor, be formed. Since in the arrangement region of a gas bag and / or a gas bag module which is provided under a vehicle roof, in particular in the region of an upper windshield edge, often the sun visor represents the adjacent vehicle part, it is particularly advantageous the shape of the elongated free space portion, in particular the elongated Dent, to tune to the shape of a sun visor. If the shape of the elongated free space section or the elongated indentation is matched to the shape or contour of a sun visor, the distance between the module cover plate and a sun visor in the mounted state or in use can be increased or maximized in a particularly advantageous manner be so that in the case of activation of the airbag and / or a gas bag module, the effect on the sun visor is minimized. A deformation of the sun visor, which may end, for example, in a fraction of the sun visor is advantageously prevented or prevented due to the formation of an elongated free space portion.

The elongate recess may be parallel to a mounting edge of the module cover plate and / or parallel to a free end of the module cover plate, with the free end of the module cover plate being formed opposite the mounting edge. In other words, the module cover plate has two opposite sides, wherein on one side a fastening edge and on the other side a free end of the module cover plate is formed. The fastening edge is oriented away from a windshield in use or in the assembled state, whereas the free end of the module cover plate faces the windshield. The elongated recess is formed between the attachment edge and the module cover, wherein the elongated recess is preferably arranged parallel to the attachment edge and / or the free end. The attachment edge of the module cover plate may be an angled and / or bent edge from the front of the module cover plate. In other words, the mounting edge of the module cover plate is formed approximately perpendicular to the front of the module cover plate, wherein the fastening edge points in use in the direction of the vehicle roof in use.

The depth of the elongated recess may be 1/4 to 3/4 of the height of the attachment edge. In other words, the depth of the elongated indentation describes the penetration depth of the elongate clearance portion into the module cover plate. The depth of the oblong indentation should be considered parallel to the height of the attachment edge.

The longitudinal extent of the clearance portion may be 1/4 to 1/3 of the length of the module cover plate from the attachment edge to the free end. In other words, the length of the module cover plate is defined by the distance of the free end from the attachment edge. On the basis of this dimension, ie the length of the module cover plate, the longitudinal extent of the free space section, the longitudinal extent of the free space section being considered parallel to the length of the module cover plate, may have a value which may be 1/4 to 1/3 of the length of the module cover plate ,

At least one fixing means may be arranged on the fastening edge of the module cover plate, wherein the fixing means is designed for fastening to a connecting element, in particular a connecting angle, of the vehicle roof, in particular of a roof cross member. In other words, the module cover plate or the module cover by means of a fixing means, which is arranged on the fastening edge of the module cover plate, on a connecting element, such. B. attached a connection angle. About the connection angle, the module cover plate is arranged and / or fixed to the vehicle roof and / or a roof rack. The fixing means may be, for example, a fixing bolt and / or a fixing hook and / or a latching element. Preferably, two fixing means are spaced from each other at the attachment edge of the module cover plate. The free end of the module cover plate may have a flanging and / or be bent at least semicircular outwards. Such a configuration of the free end prevents damage to an airbag in the activation case. Accordingly, the free end of the module cover plate or the free end of the module cover plate forming edge of the module cover plate is at least semicircular, in particular three-quarter circular, bent outwards, the orientation statement to the outside denotes the direction away from the vehicle roof direction. If, in the activation case, the gas bag is pressed by the inventive module cover, in particular along the free end of the module cover in the direction of a windshield, the material or the fabric layers of the airbag can not be damaged.

The module cover plate may further comprise laterally formed clamping and / or latching sections. The lateral clamping and / or latching sections are preferably formed on opposite sides of the module cover plate, wherein these sides are formed perpendicular to the free end and the mounting edge of the module cover plate. Preferably, the clamping and / or locking portions are formed on the sides, in the vicinity of the free end. The clamping and / or the latching sections are used for example for clamping and / or latching connection of the module cover plate to the vehicle and / or with other elements of the module cover.

The module cover may further comprise a protective sheath which is formed at least on the module cover plate opposite side of the module cover and forms the module cover plate with the module cover. In other words, the protective sheath between the module cover plate and the vehicle roof is formed or arranged. The

Protective coating serves above all to protect a gas bag provided with the module cover. Furthermore, an extension of the protective casing in the direction of the side edges of the module cover plate is conceivable. The protective sheath may be formed of a softer and / or more elastic material compared to the module cover plate. In the context of an independent aspect, the invention is based on the idea of specifying the arrangement of a module cover described above between a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof, wherein on the headliner a sun visor with at least one fixing means is arranged such that the at least one fixing means in the region of the elongated free space section is arranged and / or the movement axis of the sun visor runs parallel to the elongated free space section.

In the case of activation of a gas bag and / or gas bag module, the folded gas bag covered by the module cover according to the invention is unfolded, the pressure of the unfolding gas bag acting on the module cover, in particular on the module cover plate. Since the module cover plate is fixed, for example, at the attachment edge with a connecting angle of a roof cross member, the free end of the module cover plate is pivoted in relation to the vehicle roof, since the free end is not connected to the vehicle roof and only lateral clamping and / or locking portions for locking the module cover plate are provided in the region of the free end, so that the free end of the module cover plate is pivotable when pressurized. The unfolding gas bag pushes the module cover plate against the headliner. The vehicle headliner preferably has a predetermined breaking geometry in the transition region to the windscreen, so that the gas bag can be deployed and inflated along the windscreen through an opening formed in this way. Since attached to a vehicle roof via at least one fixative

Sun visor is arranged such that the fixing means is arranged in the region of the elongated free space portion and / or the axis of movement of the sun visor is parallel to the elongated free space portion, the sun visor is not bent in the activation case. The fixing means or the movement axis of the sun visor is arranged in the region of the vehicle headliner, which has the greatest distance to the module cover plate due to the formed elongate free space section. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the sun visor is arranged parallel and congruent to the elongated free space portion of the module cover. With regard to a gas bag module, the object is achieved by the features of claim 15. Accordingly, a gas bag module for arrangement under a vehicle roof, in particular in the region of an upper edge of the windscreen, comprises a module cover according to the invention as described above.

The gas bag module preferably comprises a folded gas bag and a gas generator for inflating the gas bag, wherein the gas bag comprises an injection opening and an inflation section and the gas bag is covered by means of the module cover according to the invention.

The airbag of the airbag module has a guide section which is arranged between the inflation opening and the inflation section, wherein the inflatable section is rolled up in the direction of the inflation opening from an end edge of the airbag in a first retraction direction and the guide section is laid by laying at least one fold with a first Faltbiegung counter to the first Aufrollrichtung is formed such that the deployment behavior of the airbag can be influenced. In other words, the gas bag comprises three parts or three sections, namely an injection opening, an inflation section and a guide section, wherein the guide section is formed between the injection opening and the inflation section. Following in the longitudinal direction of the injection opening, the guide portion is formed, wherein in the longitudinal direction of the guide portion of the inflation section is formed.

The guide section can be folded at least in sections in the manner of an accordion against the first retraction direction. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a first and a second fold layer of the guide section are laid out starting from the first fold bend such that they form a first opening which points in the direction of the injection opening. The first opening therefore points in the first direction of curl. As an opening in this context, the range of two Faltlagenanordnungen to understand that has no folding bend but allows access to this folding bend. As a folding bend, in this context probably the formation of a rounding, as well as an edge and / or a fold to understand.

In addition, a second fold bend can be formed in the guide section, wherein a second opening is formed by the second fold layer and a third fold position, which point away from the injection opening. The second opening therefore points in a direction opposite to the first direction of curvature. The first opening and the second opening are therefore facing each other. The first opening and the second opening may be arranged in a horizontal extension to each other or located on a parallel to the longitudinal axis of the airbag.

Furthermore, provision may be made for a third fold bend to be formed in the guide section, wherein a third opening is formed from the third fold position and a fourth fold position starting from the third fold bend, pointing in the direction of the injection opening. Accordingly, the first opening and the third opening point in the same direction, namely in the direction of the blowing opening or in the first rolling-up direction. The second opening and the third opening thus have each other. If three folding bends are formed in the guide section, the guide section may have the shape of a Ts in a side view.

The gas bag may further comprise an additional folding, in particular a zigzag folding of at least one side part of the rolled-up inflation section. The folding takes place at right angles to the first retraction direction, so that the formed fold bends and / or the edges and / or the folds are formed substantially parallel to one another in the direction of the first retraction direction.

The gas generator of the gas bag module may be, for example, a tubular gas generator, wherein the longitudinal axis of the gas generator is parallel to the rolled up inflation section of the gas bag and / or perpendicular to the first retraction direction. Due to this, an airbag module can be made available in a particularly space-saving form.

It is also possible to use a toroidal gas generator instead of a tubular gas generator. In one embodiment of the invention, the guide portion of the airbag can be arranged in the region of the elongated free space portion of the module cover plate. In other words, the guide section of the gas bag is arranged between the elongated clearance section and a protective casing and / or the vehicle roof. The elongate free space portion, in particular the elongated bulge of the back of the module cover plate therefore has the function of a guide element, since in the activation case of the gas bag, the gas first flows through the injection opening in the guide portion of the gas bag before it flows into the inflation of the airbag and unfolds this , Due to the formation of the elongated free space portion of the deploying gas bag is directed toward the free end of the module cover plate, so that the folded guide portion of the airbag unfolds and thereby pushes the still coiled inflatable portion of the airbag from the free end of the module cover. The guide portion of the airbag and the elongated free space section thereby cause a targeted deployment of the airbag along a windshield, provided that the airbag module and the module cover according to the invention are arranged under a vehicle roof in the region of the upper windshield edge and facing the free end of the module cover plate in the direction of the windshield.

With regard to a vehicle safety system, the object is achieved by the features of claim 21. Accordingly, a vehicle safety system has a module cover according to the invention and / or a gas bag module according to the invention. This results in similar advantages, as have already been explained in connection with the module cover described above and / or with the gas bag module according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the vehicle safety system, the module cover and / or the gas bag module is arranged between the vehicle roof and the vehicle roof in the region of an upper windshield edge, wherein the module cover and / or the gas bag module are designed such that upon activation of the vehicle safety system, a gas bag along the windshield unfoldable and inflatable. The module cover, especially the Module cover plate pivots downward during deployment and inflation of the airbag away from the windshield. Due to the design of the module cover according to the invention, the effect of the downward pivoting module cover plate is minimized on the vehicle parts fastened to the vehicle headliner, in particular on a sun visor.

A sun visor is not bent and / or destroyed in the activation case of the vehicle safety system, so that the vehicle occupant can not be injured by broken parts of the sun visor and / or bending parts of the sun visor. Accordingly, a vehicle safety system is specified, which provides a high occupant protection in connection with a bag-in-roof airbag module, since on the one hand the airbag of the vehicle safety system along the windshield is deployable and inflatable and on the other hand, the impact on adjacent vehicle parts during the deployment process is minimized.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with these drawings. Show:

Fig. 1: a module cover plate of a module cover according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a module cover plate;

3 shows an arrangement of a module cover between a vehicle roof and a vehicle roof;

4 shows an airbag module with folded airbag in a module cover according to the invention; and

5a-5e: individual stages of a triggering operation in conjunction with a gas bag module according to the invention or with a module cover according to the invention. Hereinafter, like reference numerals are used for the same and equivalent parts. In Fig. 1, a module cover plate 41 of a module cover according to the invention is shown. A module cover for a gas bag and / or an airbag module provided with such a module cover plate 41 serves for arrangement under a vehicle roof, in particular in the region of an upper windscreen edge. The module cover panel 41 includes a rear side 42 facing the vehicle roof in use and a front side 43 facing away from the vehicle roof in use.

The module cover plate 41 has an elongate free space section 44, preferably formed over the entire width B of the module cover plate 41, such that the front side 43 of the module cover plate 41 has an elongated indentation 45 in the free space section 44. As elongated free space portions 44 and elongated recesses 45 are in connection with the module cover plate 41 such sections or areas of the module cover plate 41 to understand the longitudinal extent is greater than an extension in the depth. Preferably, the longitudinal extent of the elongated free space portion 44 and the elongated recess 45 along the width B of the module cover plate 41 runs. In a particularly preferred manner, and as shown in Fig. 1, the elongated free space portion 44 is formed with its longitudinal extent over the entire width B of the module cover plate 41.

With the help of the free space portion 44 and incorporated in the front 43 indentation 45, a free space is created to nearest vehicle parts. This vehicle part is in particular a vehicle roof and the elements attached thereto, such. B. a sun visor.

On the back 42 of the module cover plate 41, a longitudinal recess 46 complementary to the elongated indentation 45 is formed in the free space section 44. The elongated indentation 45 of the front side 43 and the oblong indentation 46 of the back side 42 thus form a curved section of the rear side. dulabdeckungsplatte 41. The free space portion 44 thus has an elongated curvature, which faces the vehicle roof in use. The elongated recess 45 of the front side 43 and the elongated recess 46 of the back 42 are formed congruent to each other.

In order to form the elongate free space section 44 with the indentation 45 and the bulge 46, this section 44 of the module cover plate 41 can be formed, for example, by embossing and / or punching.

The wall thickness d of the module cover, in particular the module cover plate 41 is formed in the free space portion 44 in longitudinal section consistent. The wall thickness of the module cover plate 41 is therefore formed in the longitudinal course constant or with the same wall thickness. The recess 45 has an arcuate, namely a concave profile.

The shape of the elongated free space section 44, in particular of the indentation 45, can be designed corresponding to the vehicle interior, in particular corresponding to a sun visor (see FIG. 3). The module cover plate includes a mounting edge 47 and a free end 48. The mounting edge 47 and the free end 48 are parallel to each other on the Modulabde-. ckungsplatte 41 formed opposite. The attachment edge 47 corresponds to an edge bent from the front side 43 of the module cover plate 41, which in use points in the direction of the vehicle roof. Holes 49 and a recess 50 are formed on the attachment edge 47. These serve inter alia for the arrangement of fixing means (not shown) which serve for fastening the module cover plate 41 or the module cover to a vehicle component, in particular a roof carrier. The elongated recess 45 and the elongated free space section 44 are arranged parallel to the fastening edge 47 and parallel to the free end 48. The depth t of the elongated recess 45 may be 1/4 to 3/4 of the height H of the fastening edge 47. In other words, the depth t of the elongated indentation 45 describes the penetration depth of the elongate free space section 44 into the moat. dulabdeckungsplatte 41. The depth t of the recess 45 is thus to be considered parallel to the height H of the fastening edge 47.

The longitudinal extent I of the clearance portion 44 may be 1/4 to 1/3 of the length L of the module cover plate 41, wherein the length L of the module cover plate 41 corresponds to the distance of the fastening edge 47 to the free end 48. The length dimension I of the clearance portion 44 has a value corresponding to 1/4 to 1/3 of the length L of the module cover plate 41. The module cover plate 41 further comprises laterally formed latching portions 51. The two latching portions 51 are formed on the opposite edges of the sides 52 and 52 'of the module cover plate 41, these sides 52 and 52' being formed perpendicular to the free end 48 and the attachment edge 47 of the module cover plate 41. The latching portions 51 are formed near the free end 48. The latching sections 51 serve for latching connection of the module cover plate to the vehicle.

The module cover plate further comprises embossings 53 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the module cover plate 41. These embossings serve to stiffen the module cover plate, so that a relatively strong fixation of the module cover plate 41 on the fastening edge 47 with a roof element for locking the module cover is sufficient.

In Fig. 2, the module cover plate 41 is shown in a plan view.

Accordingly, only the back 42 of the module cover plate 41 can be seen. At the attachment edge 47 two fixing bolts 54 are attached. These are guided through the holes 49 of the fastening edge 47. The holes 49 and the fixing bolts 54 are provided at the respective ends of the fastening edge 47, ie in the vicinity of the sides 52 and 52 '. Fig. 3 shows the module cover 40 in the assembled state. The attachment angle 47 fixed to a connecting angle 55 by means of a fixing bolt 54 can be seen. The connecting angle 55 is in turn fastened to the vehicle roof 56 or a roof carrier. As shown in FIG. 3, the module cover 40 comprises, in addition to the module cover plate 41, a protective jacket 57. This protective sheath is formed at least on the module cover plate 41 opposite side of the module cover 40. Together with the module cover plate 41, the protective jacket 57 forms the module cover 40. In other words, the protective jacket 57 extends from the module cover plate 41 all the way to the vehicle roof 56 or a roof carrier. The protective sheath 57 serves above all to protect a provided with the module cover 40 airbag 1 0 (see Fig. 4). Accordingly, the protective sheath 57 also extends in the direction of the sides 52, 52 'or side edges of the module cover plate 41. The protective casing 57 is made of a softer and / or more elastic material compared to the module covering plate 41.

In the illustrated installed state, the back 42 of the module cover plate 41 to the vehicle roof or roof rack. On the other hand, the front side 43 of the module cover plate 41 points away from the vehicle roof 56. The Modulabde- ckungsplatte 41 is arranged in the longitudinal extent between a vehicle roof 56 and a vehicle roof 58 such that the free end 48 of the module cover plate 41 to the windshield 59 has. The free end 48 of the module cover plate 41 has a bead 61 or is at least semicircular, in the present case three-quarter circular outward, d. H. bent in the direction of the vehicle headlight 58. Such a design of the free end 48 prevents damage to a gas bag 10 in the case of activation.

The shape of the elongated free space portion 44 and the elongated recess 45 is formed corresponding to the vehicle interior, in particular corresponding to the sun visor 60. The indentation 45 is adapted to the upper contour 62 of the sun visor 60. The arcuate course of the recess 45 is therefore formed in relation to the contour 62 of the sun visor 60. Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the distance between the module cover plate 41 and the sun visor 60 in the assembled state of the module cover plate 41 can be increased or maximized so that the effect on the sun visor 60 is minimized in the case of activation of the airbag 10. In the case of activation, the free end 48 of the module cover plate 41 is pivoted downward in the direction of the vehicle headliner 48 in the manner indicated by the arrow. The module cover plate 41 thus tears the vehicle head 58 in one Weakening on, so that the mounted on the headliner 58 sun visor 60 is also pivoted in the arcuate course of the windshield 49 away. Deformation or damage to the sun visor 60 is prevented due to the free space portion 44.

Since the module cover plate 41 is fixed to the fastening edge 47 with the connecting angle 55, the free end 48 can be pivoted in relation to the vehicle roof 56 in the activation case, since the free end 48 is not strongly connected to the vehicle roof 56 and only lateral clamping and / or or Rastab- sections 51 are provided for positioning the module cover plate 41. An unfolding airbag 10 presses on the module cover 40, so that the preferably made of weaker material protective sheath 57 ruptures and the airbag 1 0 through an opening thus formed and through the open vehicle roof 58 along the windshield 59 can be unfolded and inflated.

In order to minimize the risk of destruction or damage to the sun visor 60 in the best possible way, fixing means of the sun visor 60 are arranged in the region of the free space section 44. The movement axis A of the sun visor 60 preferably runs parallel to the elongated free space section 44. Since the sun visor fixing means or the movement axis A of the sun visor 60 is disposed in the area of the vehicle head 58 which has the greatest distance to the module cover plate 41 due to the formed elongated free space portion 44 , the sun visor 60 is not bent in the activation case.

FIG. 4 shows the module cover 40 according to the invention in connection with an airbag module according to the invention. The gas bag module encloses a gas bag 10 in the folded state. The gas bag 1 0 comprises an injection opening 1 1 and an inflation section

12. Between the injection opening 1 1 and the inflation section 12, a guide portion 13 is arranged. The inflation section 12 is rolled up in a first retraction direction AR, which points in the direction of the injection opening 11. The guide section 13 is designed by laying at least one fold with a first fold bend 14. gene of the first Aufrollrichtung AR formed such that the deployment behavior of the airbag 1 0 can be influenced. In the in Fig. 4 illustrated gas bag 1 0, the top 1 5 and the bottom 16 are arranged directly above one another, so that the folding of the airbag 1 0 both the top 1 5 of the airbag 10 and the bottom 16 of the airbag 10 relates. Accordingly, an upper airbag layer, so the top 1 5, and a lower airbag layer, so the bottom 16, even during the folding unchanged, preferably parallel to each other, arranged.

In the activation case of the airbag 10, the gas first flows through the injection opening 11 into the guide section 13 before it flows into the rolled-up inflation section 12 of the airbag 10 and unfolds it. Due to the inflowing gas, first the guide section 1 3 formed with at least one first fold bend 14 inflates. The folded or folded guide section 1 3 of the airbag 10 unfolds by the inflowing gas and thereby pushes the still rolled-up inflation section 12 out of the module cover 40. Subsequently, the gas flows into the inflation section 12 of the airbag 10 and fills it. By this method it is ensured that the collapsed airbag 1 0 with appropriate mounting under a vehicle roof 56, preferably in the region of an upper edge of the windshield when deployed along the windshield 59 can be unfolded and inflated.

The guide section 1 3 has a plurality of folding layers, wherein a first folded layer 1 7 and a second folded layer 1 8 of the guide section 13 are laid starting from the first folding bend 14 in such a way that they form a first opening 19 in the direction of the injection opening 1 1 points. The opening direction of the first opening 1 9 thus corresponds to the winding AR. The first folding layer 17 and the second folding layer 18 are arranged parallel to one another and can be positioned or positioned relative to one another by means of the first folding bend 14. The first folding bend 14 is arc-shaped, wherein in this regard also the formation of an edge and / or a fold is conceivable.

In addition, a second folding bend 20 is formed in the guide section 13, with a second opening 22 being formed by the second folding layer 18 and a third folding layer 21 starting from the second folding bend 20, which second opening is formed by the second folding layer 18. Blow opening 1 1 points away. The second folding layer 18 and the third folding layer 21 are arranged parallel to one another and can be positioned or positioned relative to each other by means of the second folding bend 20. Also in this connection it can be provided to form the second folded bend 20 in the shape of an arc, as in the example shown, and / or with an edge and / or with a fold. The first opening 1 9 and the second opening 22 are facing each other, wherein the second opening 22 accordingly points away from the injection opening 11. The second opening 22 consequently points in the opposite direction to the first winding direction AR. In the guide section 1 3, a third folding bend 23 is formed, wherein from the third folding layer 21 and a fourth folding layer 24, starting from the third folding bend 23, a third opening 25 is formed, which points in the direction of the injection opening 1 1. The opening direction of the third opening 25 accordingly corresponds to the opening direction of the first folding bend 14 and thus of the first rolling-up direction AR. The third folded layer 21 and the fourth folded layer 24 are arranged parallel to one another and connected to one another by means of the bent third folding bend 23 or arranged relative to one another by means of the third folding bend 23.

The guide section 13 according to the embodiment in FIG. 4 three folding bends 14, 20 and 23, so that the guide portion 13 with the four folding layers 1 7, 1 8, 21 and 24 in longitudinal section at a corresponding side view forms a T-shape. Decisive for the functioning of the airbag 10 is the formation of the first folding bend 14, which is folded against the first rolling AR and folded or rolled up. With the aid of the first folding bend 14, therefore, a first, oppositely directed rolled fold is formed in relation to the rolled-up inflation section 12.

In the case of activation, the gas is initially blown via the injection opening 1 1 in the direction of the third folding bend 23 so that the third folding bend 23 initially effects a horizontal displacement, namely against the roll-up direction AR, the second fold bend 20 and the first fold bend 14. Inflating the second folding bend 20 and the first folding bend 14 also causes the inflation behavior of the airbag 10 to be guided in the horizontal direction counter to the first retraction direction AR, so that the purpose of the guide section 1 3, namely lent an affected unfolding of the airbag 1 0 along a windshield 59 is met. The guide section 1 3 may also have only a first folding bend 14, ie only a first folded layer 1 7 and a second folded layer 1 8. The formation of a second fold bend 20 and / or a third fold bend 23 is optional, but enhances the mode of action of the airbag 10.

The inflation section 12 is arranged in the longitudinal extent of the airbag 10 subsequent to the guide section 1 3, wherein the guide section 13 in the longitudinal direction of the injection port 1 1 connects. The inflator section 1 2 is rolled up, i. H. starting from the end edge 26, which in the expanded state of the airbag 10, which represents the inlet opening 1 1 maximally spaced edge of the airbag 1 0, the inflation section 12 is rolled up in the winding AR, ie in the direction of the injection port 1 1. In this case, a plurality of layers 27, 27 ', 27 "are formed which respectively encase a previous layer of the inflating section 1. Accordingly, the winding of the inflating section 12 from the end edge 26 forms a winding of three winding layers 27, 27', 27" , The rolling up of the inflating section 1 2 describes a winding process, which is carried out either with folding bends, as shown in FIG. 4 is shown or may be formed with edges and / or folds.

The gas bag 1 0 is formed as part of a gas bag module. In the injection opening 1 1 of the airbag 1 0, a gas generator 28 is arranged. Preferably, the gas generator 28 is a tubular gas generator, wherein the longitudinal axis of the gas generator 28 extends perpendicular to the first retraction AR or parallel to the longitudinal extent of the Faltbiegungen 14, 20 and 23.

As shown in Fig. 4, the guide portion 1 3 of the airbag 10 in the region of the elongated free space portion 44 of the module cover plate 41 is arranged. In other words, the guide section 1 3, in particular the second folded layer 8 of the airbag 10 is arranged between the elongated free space section 44 and the protective casing 57 or the vehicle roof 56. The elongated free space portion 44 and the elongated bulge 46 of the back 42 of the module cover plate 41 accordingly has the function of a guide element, since in the activation case of the airbag 10, the gas through the injection opening 1 1 first in the guide portion 1 3 of the airbag flows before it flows into the inflation section 12 of the airbag 1 0 and unfolds this. Due to the formation of the elongated free space portion 44 of the deploying airbag 10 is directed in the direction of the free end 48 of the module cover plate 41, so that the folded guide portion 13 of the airbag 10 unfolds and thereby the still rolled up inflation section 1 2 of the airbag 1 0 after Destruction of the protective sheath 57 presses out of the free end 48 of the module cover. The guide section 13 of the airbag 10 and the elongated free space section 44 thereby cause a targeted deployment of the airbag 10 along the windshield 59.

In the figures 5a-e, the gas bag module is shown with an airbag 1 0 and a module cover 40 in the installed state. The gas bag module is accordingly designed as a component of a vehicle safety system, wherein the gas bag 10 and the associated module cover 40 between a vehicle roof 56 and the vehicle head 58 in the region of an upper edge of the windshield 49 is arranged.

The individual stages of a tripping operation in conjunction with an airbag module according to the invention emerge from FIGS. 5a-e. It can be seen that due to the inventive design of a free space portion 44, the sun visor 60 is not destroyed. In addition, the folding of the airbag along the windshield 59 is shown. Accordingly, the inflated gas bag 10 does not initially abruptly impact the legs of the vehicle occupant, but unrolls first along the windshield 59 and then in the direction of the upper body of the vehicle occupant. Since the gas bag 10 has an optimal deployment behavior and the sun visor 60 is not destroyed in the ^' activation case results in an increased vehicle occupant protection. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 airbag

1 1 injection opening

12 inflation section

13 guide section

14 first folding bend

15 top

16 bottom

17 first folding position

18 second folding position

19 first opening

20 second fold bend

21 third folding position

22 second opening

23 third fold bend

24 fourth folding position

25 third opening

26 end edge

27, 27 ', 27 "position inflation section

28 gas generator

40 module cover

41 module cover plate

42 back side

43 front side

44 elongated free space section

45 oblong indentation

46 oblong bulge

47 fastening edge

48 free end

49 bore

50 recess

51 latching section

52, 52 'side of the module cover plate 53 imprint

54 fixing bolts

55 connection angle

56 roof rack

57 protective coating

58 vehicle roof

59 windshield

60 sun visor

61 Beading

62 contour sun visor

B Width module cover plate

H height / depth module cover plate

L length module cover plate d wall thickness

t deep indentation

I longitudinal extension free space section

A movement axis of the sun visor

AR winding direction

Claims

claims

Module cover (40) for a gas bag (10) and / or a gas bag module for placement under a vehicle roof (56), in particular in the region of an upper windscreen edge, the module cover (40) having a module cover plate (41) with a vehicle roof (56 ) rear side (42) and a front side (43) facing away from the vehicle roof (56) in use,

characterized in that

the module cover plate (41) comprises an elongate recess portion (44), preferably across the entire width (B) of the module cover plate (41), in the form of an elongated indentation (45) formed in the front face (43) of the module cover plate (41). is trained.

Module cover (40) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the rear side (42) of the module cover plate (41) in the free space section (44) has an elongated recess (46), which is preferably complementary to the elongated recess (45).

Module cover (40) according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the wall thickness (d) of the module cover plate (41) in the free space section (44) is designed to be consistent in longitudinal section.

Module cover (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the elongated recess (45) has an arcuate, in particular concave shape.

the shape of the elongate free space portion (44), in particular the shape of the elongated indentation (45), corresponding to the vehicle interior, in particular corresponding to a sun visor (60) is formed.

6. module cover (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the elongate recess (45) being parallel to a mounting edge (47) of the module cover plate (41) and / or to a free end (48) of the module cover plate (41), the free end (48) of the module cover plate (41) being to the mounting edge (47) is formed opposite.

7. module cover (40) according to claim 6,

characterized in that

the attachment edge (47) of the module cover plate (41) is an angled and / or bent edge from the front side (43) which, in use, faces the vehicle roof (56).

8. module cover (40) according to claim 7,

characterized in that

the depth (d) of the elongated recess (45) is 1/4 - 3/4 of the height (H) of the attachment edge (47).

9. module cover (40) according to one of claims 6 to 8,

characterized in that

the longitudinal extent (I) of the clearance portion (44) is 1/4 - 1/3 of the length (L) of the module cover plate (41) from the attachment edge (47) to the free end (48).

10. module cover (40) according to one of claims 6 to 9,

characterized in that

the free end (48) of the module cover plate (41) has a flanging (61) and / or is curved at least semicircular outwards.

1 1. Module cover (40) according to one of the preceding claims, marked by

laterally formed clamping and / or latching portions (51).

Module cover (40) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by

a protective sheath (57) formed at least on the module cover plate (41) opposite side of the module cover (40) and with the module cover plate (41) forms the module cover (40). 13. Arrangement of a module cover (40) according to one of claims 1 to 1 2, between a vehicle roof (56) and a vehicle roof (58), wherein on the headliner (58) a sun visor (60) is arranged with at least one fixing such that the at least one fixing means is arranged in the region of the elongated free space section (44) and / or the path of movement (A) of the sun visor (60) extends within the elongate free space section (44), in particular parallel thereto.

Airbag module for arrangement under a vehicle roof (56), in particular in the region of an upper windscreen edge, with a module cover (40) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

The gas bag module according to claim 14 having a folded gas bag (10) and a gas generator (28) for inflating the gas bag (10), wherein the gas bag (10) comprises an injection opening (11) and an inflation section (12),

characterized in that

the gas bag (10) has a guide section (1 3) which is arranged between the injection opening (1 1) and the inflation section (1 2), the inflation section (1 2) starting from an end edge (26) of the gas bag (10 ) is rolled up in a first retraction direction (AR) in the direction of the injection opening (1 1) and the guide section (13) is formed by laying at least one fold with a first fold bend (14) against the first roll-up direction (AR) such that the deployment behavior of the airbag (10) can be influenced.

16. Airbag module according to claim 15,

characterized in that

a first (17) and a second folded layer (18) of the guide section (13) of the airbag (10) are laid starting from the first fold bend (14) such that they form a first opening (19) which faces towards the injection opening (10). 1 1) points.

17. Airbag module according to claim 16,

characterized in that

in the guide section (13) of the airbag (19) a second fold bend (20) is formed, wherein of the second fold layer (18) and a third fold layer (21), starting from the second fold bend (9) has a second opening (22) is formed, which points away from the injection opening (1 1).

18. Airbag module according to claim 17,

characterized in that

a third fold bend (23) is formed in the guide section (13) of the airbag (10), wherein a third opening (25) is formed by the third fold layer (23) and a fourth fold layer (24) starting from the third fold bend (23) is, which points in the direction of the injection opening (1 1).

19. Airbag module according to one of claims 15 to 18,

characterized in that

the guide section (13) of the gas bag (10), in particular the second folded layer (18) of the guide section (13), in the region of the elongated free space portion (44) of the module cover plate (41) is arranged.

20. Vehicle safety system with a module cover (40) and / or with a gas bag module according to one of the preceding claims.

21. Vehicle safety system according to claim 20,

characterized in that the module cover (40) and / or the gas bag module between the vehicle roof (56) and the vehicle headliner (58) is arranged in the region of an upper windscreen edge, wherein the module cover (40) and / or the gas bag module are designed such that when the Fahrzeugichehelt system an airbag (1 0) along the windshield

(59) unfoldable and inflatable.