WO2015024544A1

WO2015024544A1 - Airbag module and assembly comprising an instrument panel and an airbag module

Info

Publication number: WO2015024544A1
Application number: PCT/DE2014/000384
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürgen Schmid
Original assignee: Trw Automotive Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-08-20
Filing date: 2014-07-28
Publication date: 2015-02-26

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag module (10) for mounting on an instrument panel (5), comprising an attachment section (22) designed to be mounted on the instrument panel (5), a gas generator (16), an airbag (12) and a receiving section (26) for the airbag (12) extending from the gas generator (16) to the attachment section (22), and being formed by a light-weight casing (14), in particular made of synthetic material, having a wall thickness of less than 3 mm. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an instrument panel (5) and an airbag module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a generator carrier (28), formed in particular separately to the attachment section (22), is provided with a generator receiver (29) that is fixed to the instrument panel (5).

Description

Airbag module and module with an instrument panel and a

The gas bag module

The invention relates to a gas bag module for attachment to an instrument panel. The invention further relates to an assembly with an instrument panel and such a gas bag module.

From the prior art gas bag modules are known, which are mounted on an instrument panel. They are usually used to protect a passenger in an accident and are located behind an outlet opening, which is provided in the instrument panel for the airbag. In the initial state, the outlet opening is closed by a flap section of the instrument panel, which releases the outlet opening upon activation of the gas bag module.

The gas bag module usually has a housing which can be carried out like a trough and accommodates a folded gas bag in its interior. On the housing, a gas generator is mounted, which is in fluid communication with the gas bag. The housing is mounted on the instrument panel below the outlet opening, so that when the gas generator is activated, the deploying gas bag can escape through the outlet opening into the vehicle interior.

In the previously known gas bag modules, which are mounted on an instrument panel, the housing has two functions. On the one hand, it acts as a pressure canister, which is the overpressures that occur during deployment of the gas bag

CONFIRMATION COPY receives. On the other hand, it serves to hold and fix the gas generator. For these reasons, it is necessary that the housing has a fairly high rigidity. As a result, these cases are often very heavy.

The object of the invention is to provide a housing which has a lower weight.

To achieve the object, an airbag module according to the invention for attachment to an instrument panel is provided with a mounting portion which is intended to be attached to the instrument panel, a gas generator, a gas bag and a receiving portion for the airbag extending from the gas generator to Fastening portion extends, wherein the receiving portion is formed by a lightweight housing, in particular made of plastic, having a wall thickness of less than 3mm. Due to the small wall thickness, a very light but nevertheless sufficiently stable housing can be realized. The lightweight housing is only used to hold the airbag in collapsed condition under the instrument panel. When inflating the gas bag, the lightweight housing may deform by the resulting pressure and / or swing by pressure differences. Due to the small wall thickness such movement or deformation of the lightweight housing is possible without its stability is compromised.

The lightweight housing may be at least partially made of an inflexible material having a certain inherent rigidity, which facilitates the installation of the gas bag module behind the instrument panel.

But it is also conceivable that the lightweight housing is at least partially made of a flexible material through which a flexible adaptation of the gas bag module to the installation conditions in the vehicle is possible.

Such a lightweight housing is for example at least partially made of a fabric. By a suitable choice of tissue, a very high stability of the housing can be achieved with low weight and low wall thickness. Preferably, so-called Highcon fabrics having a high construction density are used. The various rigid or flexible materials can also be combined to obtain the lightest possible and most stable housing. In particular, the material can be adapted according to the loads acting on the lightweight housing. For example, a more stable but heavier material may be used in the high loaded area, while a lighter material may be used in the less loaded area. Regardless of the choice of material, the wall thickness is always less than 3mm.

The attachment portion may be multi-layered, so that it is more stable and can accommodate higher loads. The attachment portion may be folded for example. In addition, the individual layers of the fastening portion can be fixed against each other, for example by stitching or another material or positive fixing method.

In order to additionally improve the fastening of the gas bag module, it is possible for reinforcing element and / or fastening means to be provided on the fastening section. The reinforcing elements additionally reinforce the attachment portion, so that it can better absorb the resulting during inflation of the airbag loads. The fasteners allow a simple and reliable connection of the gas bag module to the back of the instrument panel. The load acting on the fastening portions can be better distributed by the reinforcing elements, so that, for example, a tearing of eyelets is reliably prevented. In particular, the reinforcing elements and / or the fastening elements can be injection-molded onto the fastening section. It is also possible that the fastening elements are molded onto the reinforcing elements.

The reinforcing elements may, for example, be designed to be at least partially rigid and / or at least partially flexible. Rigid reinforcement elements facilitate the handling of the reinforcing elements, for example, during assembly of the gas bag module. Flexible reinforcing elements have the advantage that they can better adapt to the back of the instrument panel. By a section flexible or rigid reinforcing element, these advantages can be combined.

The reinforcing elements are beispiels gitter-like design, so that they have a lower weight. But the reinforcing elements can also be solid.

To achieve the object is further provided in an assembly with an instrument panel and a gas bag module according to the invention that a particular trained separately from the mounting portion generator support is provided with a generator receptacle, which is fixed to the instrument panel. Since the generator is held by this generator carrier and not by the lightweight housing, the lightweight housing can be easily sized.

The generator carrier may for example be a sturdy bracket. But it is also possible that the generator carrier is a flexible band, such as a tether or a perforated belt, that can deform to accommodate the forces acting on the gas generator forces.

In order to prevent that the forces and vibrations arising during activation of the gas generator are also transmitted to the vehicle body or the dashboard, damping elements are provided, for example, on the generator mount.

Further advantages and features can be found in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In these show:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of an assembly according to the invention with a gas bag module according to the invention; Figures 2a and 2b are sectional views of a second embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

3a and 3b are sectional views of a third embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; Figure 5 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; Figure 7 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; and

Figures 8a to 8e alternative attachment methods of the generator carrier in an assembly according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an instrument panel 5 (also referred to as a dashboard) which adjoins a windshield 7 at its upper, right-hand end in the figure. Her left in Figure 1 side is facing a vehicle interior of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger seat. In the instrument panel 5, an outlet opening 8 is provided which is closed by a flap 9 in the initial state. On the instrument panel 5, a gas bag module 10 is mounted, which has a folded gas bag 12, a lightweight housing 14, a gas generator 16 and a gas bag retaining ring 18. The gas bag 12 is surrounded by a band 20, which keeps it in the folded, compact state.

The lightweight housing 14 is formed by a receiving portion 26, in which the gas bag 12 is received and protected. The receiving portion 26 is formed in particular by the peripheral wall of the light housing 14. Adjoining the receiving section 26 is a fastening section 22, which is connected to the instrument panel 5 on both sides of the outlet opening 8. On the mounting section 22 opposite side of the gas bag module, the gas generator 16 is fixedly connected to the receiving portion 26.

On the side opposite the mounting portion 22 of the gas bag module, a holding portion 24 is provided which is accessible from outside the lightweight housing 14, in particular from the "back" of the gas bag module. The holding portion 24 may be formed by a clamping portion, by bolts or other design that allows a separate component outside of the gas bag module to install, in particular on the gas generator 16th

The lightweight housing 14 has a wall thickness of less than 3mm, so that the lightweight housing and thus the gas bag module 10 has a very low weight.

The lightweight housing 14 may for example consist of a rigid material such as plastic, metal or composites, so that the lightweight housing 14 has an inherent rigidity

Alternatively, however, it is also possible to use a flexible material, for example a woven material, as is also used for gas bags. In order to achieve a low weight with high strength, also so-called Highcon fabrics can be used, which are very tightly woven and have a high construction density. It will be appreciated that the lightweight housing 14 is not intrinsically stable in such an embodiment. In order to achieve the highest possible strength of the lightweight housing 14 with the lowest possible weight, it is also possible to use composite materials of different materials or to combine the materials accordingly. The lightweight housing can also be partially flexible and partially rigid. The manufacture of the lightweight housing 14 may be accomplished, for example, by sewing, blow molding, compression molding, riveting, tapping, gluing or screwing or other suitable methods.

On the holding portion 24, a generator support 28 is mounted with a generator receptacle 29, which serves for positioning and attachment of the gas generator 16 in the vehicle. The generator support 28 is designed here as a rigid stirrup. As a material, plastic or metal can be used.

In the embodiment shown, the generator carrier 28 is attached to the instrument panel 5. It is also possible to attach the generator support 28 to other vehicle-mounted components that are located below the instrument panel 5. The generator support 28 does not surround the gas bag module 10 on all sides, but overlaps this only as a narrow strip. It thus does not represent any pressure-tight closure of the gas generator. In order to save weight, openings 30 may be provided. This further clarifies that the generator support 28 has no influence on the pressure conditions in the interior of the airbag module 10 during deployment.

The holding section 24 of the gas bag module or the gas generator 16 is mounted floating on the generator carrier 28, so that a relative movement between the generator carrier 28 and the gas generator 16 is possible (see the arrow P in Figure 1). Furthermore, damping elements are provided between the gas generator 16 and generator carrier 28, which dampen the vibrations that occur when the gas generator is activated and prevent transmission to the instrument panel 5 or other vehicle parts.

The attachment portion 22 is fastened to the back of the instrument panel 5 by fasteners 32, screws in this embodiment. In the attachment portion 22 to openings 34 are provided through which the fastening means 32 extend.

In order to reinforce these openings 34, the attachment portion 22 may also be formed in multiple layers, for example by turning a fabric layer. The adjacent layers can be connected to each other by sewing, gluing or another method or fixed against each other.

Alternatively, the layers may also be additionally encapsulated, whereby the attachment portion is additionally reinforced. By encapsulation, moreover, the rigidity of the attachment portion 22 can be increased.

Another way to reinforce the attachment portion 22 is to underlay reinforcing elements 36 or to insert, sew, inject or otherwise connect in a form-fitting and / or materially joined manner to the attachment section 22, as in the embodiments in FIGS. 2a and 2b and 3a and 3b.

In FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the reinforcing element 36 is a rail which has been pushed into a pocket on the fastening section 22. The Fasteners 32 are fixedly connected to this rail, for example, integrally formed therewith.

In FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the reinforcing element 36 is molded directly onto the fastening section 22. Also in this embodiment, the fastening elements are formed integrally with the reinforcing element 36, that is to say also integrally with the fastening section 22.

These reinforcing elements 36 can be made flexible, so that a good adaptation to the shape of the instrument panel is possible. But it is also possible that the reinforcing elements 36 are rigid. Furthermore, the reinforcing elements 36 may be formed like a lattice to save weight or represent massive body.

The fastening means 32 may alternatively be pressed into or pressed through the fastening section 22. But it is also possible to inject them to the attachment portion 22 or a reinforcing element.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the components known from the first embodiment. In that regard, reference is made to the above explanations.

In this embodiment, the generator carrier 28 is formed by a band, for example a fabric strip, which holds the inflator 6 in a flexible position. The gas generator is thus "clamped" between the light housing 14, which fixes it in Figure 4 at the top of the instrument panel 5, and the generator support 28, which pulls him away from the instrument panel, in the figure so down is here attached to other vehicle-mounted components that are arranged below the instrument panel 5.

The embodiment shown in Figure 5 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in that the generator support 28 is formed in two parts, wherein a first holding member 38 is formed integrally with the instrument panel. The second holding part 40, on which the gas generator 16 is held, is mounted with a latching connection 42 on the first holding part 38. The lightweight housing 14 may also be attached to the instrument panel 5 in other ways.

In Figures 8a to 8d alternative mounting types of the light housing 14 are shown. According to Figure 8a, the generator support 28 in cross-section spherically thickened ends 48, which engage in corresponding recesses of the instrument panel 5 or can be mounted. These can also be injected into the instrument panel 5.

Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 8b, the generator carrier 28 is latched to the instrument panel 5 analogously to FIG. 8 or suspended therein. In addition, however, the generator support 28 and the instrument panel 5 are also bolted together by a locking screw 50 to ensure a reliable and strong connection of the components.

In the figures 8c and 8d respectively projecting strips 44 are provided on the instrument panel. The attachment portion 22 extends through a recess 46 in the bar 44 and is fixed on the back, for example by a latching connection.

In Figure 8e tabs 52 are provided, which are inserted through openings 54 in a wall, such as the instrument panel 5, and back are secured with retaining elements 56 which are pushed through the tabs and hung or latched to snap hooks, lugs or similar elements.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the housing is mounted on one side only with fastening means 32. The opposite section is held positively in the instrument panel. This can be done for example by spraying, gluing or latching. The lightweight housing 14 can be pivoted limited to this section.

In Figure 7, the lightweight housing 14 is molded completely on the instrument panel. Regardless of the embodiments, the lightweight housing 14 always has a wall thickness of less than 3 mm, so that a lightweight, but at the same time sufficiently stable housing for the gas bag module is formed.

Claims

claims

A gas bag module (10) for attachment to an instrument panel (5), having a mounting portion (22) adapted to be attached to the instrument panel (5), a gas generator (16), an airbag (12). a receiving section (26) for the gas bag (12) which extends from the gas generator (16) to the attachment section (22),

characterized in that the receiving portion (26) by a lightweight housing (14), in particular made of plastic, which has a wall thickness of less than 3mm.

2. Airbag module according to claim 1, characterized in that the lightweight housing (14) is at least partially made of an inflexible material.

3. Airbag module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lightweight housing (14) is at least partially made of a flexible material.

4. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lightweight housing (14) is at least partially made of a fabric.

5. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening portion (22) is formed in multiple layers

6. Airbag module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening portion (22) reinforcing element (36) and / or fastening means (32) are provided which are injection-molded in particular.

7. Airbag module according to claim 6, characterized in that the reinforcing elements (36) are at least partially rigid and / or at least partially flexible.

8. Airbag module according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the reinforcing elements (36) are formed like a lattice

9. assembly with an instrument panel (5) and a gas bag module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a particular separately from the mounting portion (22) formed generator carrier (28) is provided with a generator receptacle (29) is fixed to the instrument panel (5).

10. Assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the generator carrier (28) is a flexible band.

1 1. An assembly according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that damping elements are provided on the generator receptacle (29).