DE102011008372A1 - Airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one actuator (18), with a support structure (12) which can be moved from a storage position into a restraint position by means of the actuator (18) and through which it is in its restraint position a retention volume of the airbag (10) is at least partially surrounded, and with a housing (20) in which the support structure (12) is received in the storage position, the support structure (12) being attached to the housing (20) by means of the actuator (18) ) is held.

Description

The invention relates to an airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle specified in the preamble of claim 1. Art.

The DE 10 2007 052 246 A1 discloses an airbag for a motor vehicle, having a support structure that is movable from a storage position to a retention position. In the storage position, the support structure is accommodated in a housing of the airbag. For moving the support structure, an actuator is provided.

This airbag, which is also referred to as a truss bag due to the corresponding configuration of the support structure, has further potential to reduce its cost.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to develop an airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle, of the type mentioned in such a way that it has lower costs.

This object is achieved by an airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle, having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Such an airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises at least one actuator and a support structure, which is movable by means of the actuator from a storage position to a retention position and by which in its retention position, a retention volume of the airbag is at least partially surrounded. Furthermore, the airbag comprises a housing in which the support structure is received in the storage position.

According to the invention it is provided that the support structure is held by means of the actuator to the housing. This allows a very simple and thus time and cost assembly of the airbag, which keeps the cost of the airbag invention low. Furthermore, the support structure is held with a very small number of parts of the airbag to the housing, which is also beneficial to the low cost. In addition, the support structure can be particularly firmly connected to the housing, resulting in a resilient connection of the support structure results with the housing. Thus, the support structure at or before an accidental force application of the motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, are moved from the retaining position to the storage position, optionally with large forces acting on the connection between the support structure and the housing. Due to the fixed connection, such high forces can be absorbed and supported without the support structure coming off the housing. This ensures a defined and advantageous positioning of the support structure during and in particular immediately after the movement into the retaining position, so that at least one occupant of the motor vehicle can be very well caught and supported during the accidental application of force so as to protect him from serious injury.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support structure is at least partially clamped by means of the actuator between this and at least one wall of the housing for holding the support structure to the housing. This allows a particularly simple and thus time and cost assembly, and a particularly strong connection of the support structure with the housing.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator has at least one flange, wherein the support structure is at least partially clamped between the flange and at least one wall of the housing. Thus, the support structure can be clamped over a particularly large area between the wall of the housing and the actuator or the flange, resulting in a particularly strong connection of the support structure to the housing.

The flange is for example at least substantially circular or oval or angular or has a corresponding at least substantially circular or oval or angular cross-section. Thus, the flange for a particularly firm connection and mounting of the support structure to the housing can be adjusted as needed to a present application and given space conditions. This keeps the space requirement of the airbag according to the invention low. Of course, the flange may also be otherwise formed or have a cross-section otherwise formed to clamp the support structure between the flange and the housing.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator is attached to the housing, in particular bolted thereto. This makes it possible, in a particularly timely and cost-effective manner, in particular substantially simultaneously to assemble both the actuator and the support structure by attaching the actuator to the housing during assembly or manufacture of the airbag. This keeps the cost of the airbag according to the invention particularly low.

The actuator is attached, for example via the flange on the housing. this makes possible a particularly firm mounting of the actuator to the housing and a particularly time-consuming and cost-effective and needs-based installation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator is fastened by means of at least one fastening means on the housing, by means of which the flange, the support structure and the housing, in particular in the axial direction of the fastening means, are mutually braced. Thus, the actuator and about the support structure are particularly firmly held on the housing, which is particularly solid support in a particularly timely and cost-effective manner form.

The fastening means preferably has at least one, at least substantially elongated, in particular rod-shaped, region, from which the housing, the support structure and the flange are penetrated via at least one respective passage opening. This results in a particularly strong connection of the actuator and the support structure with the housing. Furthermore, the number of parts for mounting the support structure and the actuator can be kept low on the housing, which is associated with a low number of parts of the entire airbag and thus with low cost, low weight and low space requirement desselbigen.

The fastening means is formed, for example, as a screw with an externally threaded screw shank and a screw head, wherein the at least one screw penetrates the housing, the support structure and the actuator, in particular the flange of the actuator. It is provided, for example, that the screw rests on the one hand with its screw head against a wall region of the housing and is thus supported on the housing, while on the other hand via its external thread and a corresponding inner thread of the actuator, in particular the flange of the actuator is screwed.

Likewise, it can be provided that the actuator, in particular the flange, has no internal thread, but the screw is countered by means of a nut. The nut in this case has an internal thread, by means of which it is screwed onto the external thread of the screw and bolted thereto with the screw, so that the housing and the actuator, in particular the flange of the actuator, and between the housing and the actuator or the Flange arranged support structure in the axial direction of the screw are clamped and clamped together. The nut is, for example, at least indirectly supported on the actuator or its flange.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator as a gas generator, in particular as a disk gas generator, formed by means of which for moving the support structure in the retaining position, the support structure with a gas, in particular air, acted upon, in particular due to an explosive discharge of the gas inflatable is. As a result, the support structure can be moved out of the housing into the retention position at least in certain regions from the storage position at least in regions before or during an accident-induced application of force to the motor vehicle. The support structure comprises, for example, a plurality of volume elements, which are tubular and in their volume as a result of the application of the gas for moving the support structure from the retention position to the storage position enlarged. The volume elements have respective individual volumes, which are at least partially fluidly connected to each other. Advantageously, all individual volumes of the volume elements are fluidly connected to each other, so that the gas can flow over between the individual volumes. Thus, only one or a small number of introduction points for the gas can be provided, via which the gas is introduced into the support structure. As a result of the fluidic connection of the individual volumes, the gas can then be distributed at least almost in the entire support structure in order to move it into the retention position.

Due to the individual volumes and in particular their fluidic connection, a total volume is formed, which is substantially smaller than the retention volume, which is at least partially surrounded by the support structure in the retention position. The invention as a truss bag designated airbag now has the advantage that compared to the retention volume only the significantly lower total volume of the support structure with gas applied, in particular inflated, must be to move the support structure in the retention position. Thereby, the support structure can be moved in a very short time in the retention position and occupy a particularly large volume in an interior of the motor vehicle; in order to be able to catch and support the at least one occupant particularly well. This benefits the retention function of the airbag. Further, the support structure allows a particularly gentle for the occupant moving into the restraint position, so that the occupant can be particularly well and for him not unfavorably painfully caught and retained.

When moving the support structure in the retaining position, it is possible that the particularly large of the support structure at least partially surrounded retention volume passive with air, especially ambient air, fills, as by the moving of the truss-like support structure into the retaining position air is sucked into the retention volume.

In order to be able to absorb the occupant in a particularly advantageous manner, the airbag comprises, for example, an envelope by means of which the retention volume, and in particular the free surfaces or spaces, is / are surrounded at least in regions, in particular predominantly. The envelope has, for example, at least one, in particular a plurality of passage openings and / or at least one valve device, wherein the valve device may comprise the passage opening. The passage opening or the valve device makes it possible for air with a particularly high mass flow or volume flow to flow into the retention volume in a first flow direction, so that the support structure and thus the enclosure can be moved into the retention position particularly quickly.

If an occupant then encounters the support structure and the casing in the event of an accidental application of force, which is referred to as immersion, this results in an increase in an internal pressure prevailing in the retention volume, which causes the air in the retention volume to flow out into a second, first direction of flow opposite direction of flow out of the retention volume causes or would cause. Such a flow of air in the second flow direction out of the retention volume is now preferably at least substantially prevented by the valve device. Alternatively it can be provided that it allows the valve device that the air in the second flow direction from the retention volume can flow out with a mass flow or volume flow, which compared to the mass flow or volume flow in the first flow direction into the retention volume in less, in particular substantially less is. As a result, a particularly advantageous and long service life of the airbag is created, so that the support structure with the enclosure remain stable for a particularly long time in the retention position and thereby can very well catch and support the occupant.

In order for the gas to be able to flow into the support structure from the at least one gas generator, the gas generator projects, for example, at least partially into the support structure or into a volume of a volume element.

In a further embodiment of the invention is advantageously provided that the support structure is at least substantially sealed by the flange of the gas generator against leakage of gas of the gas generator from the support structure out. In other words, the gas is applied to the support structure and thus moved into the retaining position, or is it already in the retaining position and optionally immersed an occupant in the support structure, it is at least substantially avoided by this seal, the gas from the support structure can flow out of the support structure via at least one connection point thereof with the housing and / or with the flange. The gas remains in particular even when the occupant plunges into the support structure in this, so that a particularly long service life of the support structure is shown in order to catch and support the occupant particularly well.

This seal allows a particularly good seal with only a small number of parts and only a low installation cost, which keeps the cost of the airbag according to the invention in a small frame.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

The drawing shows in

1 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an airbag, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a gas actable volume having a support structure and a gas generator, by means of which the support structure is acted upon with gas and held on a housing of the airbag;

2 in sections, a schematic plan view of the airbag according to 1 ;

3 a schematic plan view of a flange of the gas generator, by means of which the support structure is held on the housing;

4 a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the flange according to 3 ; and

5 a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the flange according to the 3 and 4 with an alternative Embodiment of the gas generator according to the 1 and 2 ,

The 1 and 2 show an airbag 10 for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, which is also referred to as a truss bag. The airbag 10 includes a truss-like support structure 12 comprising a plurality of at least substantially tubular volume elements 14 includes. The volume elements 14 have respective individual volumes 16 on which are fluidly connected to each other, so that a gas, in particular air, between the individual volume elements 14 can overflow.

The support structure 12 is by means of a gas generator 18 of the airbag 10 from a storage position to a retention position by loading the volume elements 14 or their individual volumes 16 and thus the support structure 12 from movable. In the storage position is the support structure 12 as tightly packed in a housing 20 of the airbag 10 added.

Temporally before a detected by sensors and considered unavoidable or estimated accidental application of force of the motor vehicle or in such an accidental application of force, the support structure 12 with gas by means of the gas generator 18 acted upon and moved to the retaining position, in which a particularly large retention volume of the airbag 10 surrounded by this area. The retention volume is only partially from the support structure 12 surrounded in the retention position, since the support structure 12 has a framework-like structure and thus according to a framework between the volume elements 14 and their fluidic connection points are given free surfaces or spaces in which the support structure 12 is not and which represent passages in the retention volume, so to speak.

By the individual volumes 16 the volume elements 14 is a total volume of the airbag 10 formed, which for moving the support structure 12 must be inflated in the retention position. However, this total volume is compared to the described retention volume of the airbag 10 much lower, so that the support structure can be inflated gently and moved into the retention position in a particularly short time and for a restrained by the support structure and back inmates occupants. At the same time, however, it can take a particularly large volume in an interior of a motor vehicle to catch the occupant in an accidental application of force and back.

The gas generator 18 includes a storage body 22 in which the gas for inflating the support structure 12 is stored. The storage body 22 includes a plurality of outlet openings 24 , about which when activating the gas generator 18 pour out the gas and into the support structure 12 can flow in. The gas generator 18 further includes a plug 26 , via which it is connected, for example, with a control device of the motor vehicle, which the gas generator 18 time before or at an accidental force application triggers, so that the gas from the storage body 22 in the support structure 12 flows in and the support structure 12 is moved to the retention position. To the support structure 12 The gas generator protrudes particularly well in being able to move into the retaining position 18 at least partially into the single volume 16 of the volume element 14 into it.

The gas generator 18 further includes a flange 28 , which at joints 30 with the storage body 22 connected is. The flange 28 and the case 20 have respective passage openings 32 on, over which the flange 28 and the case 20 of fasteners in the form of screws 34 are permeated. On the one hand are the screws 34 via a respective screw head 36 on the housing 20 supported. On the other hand, the screws 34 via a respective external thread of the screws 34 and a respective internal thread of nuts 38 with the nuts 38 connected, with the nuts 38 on the flange 28 support. By tightening the nuts 38 and holding the screws 34 or vice versa, so can the flange 28 and the case 20 in the axial direction of the screws 34 according to a directional arrow 40 be clamped together. In this way, the gas generator 18 particularly firm and inexpensive on the housing 20 be attached.

To also the support structure 12 particularly firm and at the same time and cost on the housing 20 to hold, also has the support structure 12 to the passages 32 of the flange 28 and the housing 20 corresponding passage openings 32 on which as well of the screws 34 are permeated.

How the particular 1 it can be seen, is the support structure 12 while in the axial direction of the screws 34 according to the directional arrow 40 between the flange 28 and the housing 20 arranged and thereby due to the mutual tension of the flange 28 and the housing 20 clamped between these. As a result, a particularly strong support of the support structure to the housing 20 given, so that these also at high forces and loads, which in the movement of the support structure 12 can act in the retention position, not from the housing 20 solves. Thereby can the support structure 12 occupy a particularly advantageous position in the interior in the retention position and safely capture and withhold the occupant in the accidental application of force.

The flange 28 in this case also provides a sealing function, so that at least substantially none of the storage body 22 in the support structure 12 inflowing gas from the support structure or the individual volumes 16 between the flange 28 and the support structure 12 can escape from this. This ensures a particularly good service life of the support structure 12 ,

Like that 1 and 2 it can be seen, are no additional sealing rings and / or clamping rings for sealing or holding the gas generator 18 and / or the support structure 12 on the housing 20 intended. Nevertheless, it is possible that at least one additional sealing ring and / or clamping ring is provided, which is formed for example of metal and / or plastic and / or rubber to the tightness between the support structure 12 and the flange 28 and / or the support of the support structure 12 and / or the gas generator 18 on the housing 20 adapt and if necessary further improve.

The in the 1 and 2 shown options, the gas generator 18 and the support structure 12 on the housing 20 to hold, allows a particularly simple, time-consuming and cost-effective mounting of the gas generator 18 and the support structure 12 on the housing, resulting in low cost of the airbag 10 accompanied. Therefore, it is understood that other embodiments of the gas generator 18 than those in the 1 and 2 shown embodiment are possible.

How the particular 2 it can be seen, is the flange 28 formed as at least substantially circular ring, which the storage body 22 surrounds its outer peripheral side in the circumferential direction.

The 3 shows a further embodiment of the gas generator 18 , where the flange 28 is now at least substantially oval and an oval outer contour 42 having.

The 4 shows a further embodiment of the gas generator 18 in which the flange 28 rounded edges 44 having. Accordingly, a square configuration of the flange is possible.

The 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of the gas generator 18 , Again 5 it can be seen, is the storage body 22 now at least substantially rod-shaped, in particular at least substantially as a straight circular cylinder, formed, which has an axial longitudinal extent according to a directional arrow 46 having. The flange 28 has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners 44 on.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007052246 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Airbag ( 10 ), in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one actuator ( 18 ), with a support structure ( 12 ), which by means of the actuator ( 18 ) is movable from a storage position to a retention position and through which in its retention position a retention volume of the airbag ( 10 ) is surrounded at least partially, and with a housing ( 20 ), in which the support structure ( 12 ) is received in the storage position, characterized in that the support structure ( 12 ) by means of the actuator ( 18 ) on the housing ( 20 ) is held. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that for holding the support structure ( 12 ) on the housing ( 20 ) the support structure ( 12 ) at least in regions by means of the actuator ( 18 ) between this and a wall of the housing ( 20 ) is clamped. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuator ( 18 ) at least one flange ( 28 ), wherein the support structure ( 12 ) at least partially between the flange ( 28 ) and a wall of the housing ( 20 ) is clamped. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the flange ( 28 ) has an at least substantially circular or oval or angular cross-section. Airbag ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator ( 18 ) on the housing ( 20 ) is attached. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claim 5 and according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the actuator ( 18 ) over the flange ( 28 ) on the housing ( 20 ) is attached. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuator ( 18 ) by means of at least one fastening means ( 34 ) on the housing ( 20 ) by means of which the flange ( 28 ), the support structure ( 12 ) and the housing ( 20 ), in particular in the axial direction ( 40 ) of the fastener ( 34 ), are mutually strained. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening means ( 34 ) has at least one at least substantially elongated, in particular rod-shaped, region from which the housing ( 20 ), the support structure ( 12 ) and the flange ( 28 ) via at least one respective passage opening ( 32 ) are penetrated. Airbag ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator ( 18 ) as gas generator ( 18 ) is formed, by means of which for moving the support structure ( 12 ) in the retaining position the support structure ( 12 ) can be acted upon with a gas, in particular air. Airbag ( 10 ) according to claims 9 and 3 or according to claim 9 and one of claims 4 to 8 in the back reference to claim 3, characterized in that the supporting structure ( 12 ) by means of the flange ( 28 ) of the gas generator ( 18 ) against outflow of gas of the gas generator ( 18 ) from the support structure ( 12 ) is at least substantially sealed.

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