Vehicle occupant protection system with airbag module

Abstract

A vehicle occupant protection system (2), particularly for a convertible, is described. This system includes an airbag module (6) disposed in a door (4) of a vehicle (3). The airbag module comprises at least one gas generator (10) and an airbag (8). The airbag (8) has a lower unit region (14) and an upper unit region (16), wherein an intermediate region (18) is disposed between the lower unit region (14) and the upper unit region (16). The intermediate region (18), when the airbag (8) is activated and inflated, has a thickness (d) greater than that of the lower unit region. U ) and / or the thickness (d) of the upper unit region O Small thickness (d) Z The positioning band (20, 20') is characterized in that one end (22) of the positioning band (20, 20') is fastened at a fastening position (26) in a manner fixed to the vehicle, and a second end (24) of the positioning band (20) is fastened at a fastening point (28) in the intermediate region (18), wherein the length (L) between the fastening position (26, 26') fixed to the vehicle and the fastening point (28, 28') in the intermediate region (18) is [missing information]. PB The length (L) of the airbag fabric (30) between the lower edge (36) of the airbag (8) and the middle region (18) of the airbag (8) is designed to be greater than the length of the airbag fabric (30). uZ )short.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection system having an airbag module disposed in the vehicle door. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a vehicle occupant protection system with one or more airbag modules is used to protect vehicle occupants in an accident. The airbags in the airbag module prevent vehicle occupants from impacting the steering wheel or dashboard and restrain them.

[0003] Different types of vehicle occupant protection systems are known from existing technology. For example, in such systems, the airbag module is positioned on the steering wheel and / or in the dashboard or instrument panel. Other airbags may be positioned, for example, in an area of ​​the roof frame or, in convertibles, in the A-pillar or along the upper edge of the door, for example.

[0004] Vehicle occupant protection systems can be designed to activate only specific airbag modules depending on the level of injury or seat occupancy that can be detected by sensors, thereby causing the airbags of the airbag modules to be filled with gas and inflated, for example, by means of a pyrotechnic generator.

[0005] Especially in airbag modules that are designed to restrict and / or suppress the lateral movement of vehicle occupants in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, it is possible that the airbag may shift or "break" upon impact with the occupants due to a lack of support. This can occur, for example, in side airbags in convertibles that typically lack a roof frame and B-pillar. Such breakage is particularly likely when the side window is at its bottom position or is damaged, and therefore the side airbag positioned in the door cannot support it.

[0006] Therefore, for example, an airbag is known in which a portion of the main chamber is used for support on the outside of the door. For example, DE 10 2005 050 574 A1 shows a side airbag module in which the airbag is divided into multiple interconnected segments by an elongated groove and is folded such that at least a portion of these segments rests against the outside of the door when deployed.

[0007] Purpose of the invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle occupant protection system having an airbag module with an airbag, particularly a side airbag module arranged in a vehicle door, wherein the airbag of the side airbag module has improved sway protection, thereby preventing or at least minimizing the risk of the airbag "breaking" upon impact with the vehicle occupant.

[0009] Solution of the objective

[0010] To achieve this objective, features according to the invention are realized. Advantageous design solutions are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention includes airbag modules disposed in the vehicle doors. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention is configured as a side airbag module in a convertible and / or coupe. In this embodiment, the side airbag module of the vehicle occupant protection system can be configured, in particular, to protect the head of the vehicle occupants instead of the side airbag modules disposed in the roof of the vehicle in other cases.

[0012] An airbag module includes at least one airbag and a gas generator for filling the airbag, such that the airbag can be inflated and gasified in the event of a damage event and the resulting restraint to protect vehicle occupants. The airbag in the airbag module includes at least a lower unit region and an upper unit region.

[0013] When activated and inflated, the lower unit of the airbag is generally positioned below the upper unit in the vehicle height direction. The lower edge of the airbag in the inflated state generally corresponds to the lower edge of the lower unit. The upper edge of the airbag in the inflated state generally corresponds to the upper edge of the upper unit.

[0014] An intermediate region is arranged between the lower unit region and the upper unit region. The intermediate region preferably has a smaller thickness than the lower unit region and / or the upper unit region when the airbag is inflated. The thickness describes the lateral extension of the airbag in the vehicle when inflated.

[0015] The intermediate region can be formed, in particular, by connecting the front wall of the airbag housing / outer wall facing the vehicle occupants and the rear wall facing away from the vehicle occupants. The connection between the front and rear walls of the airbag in the intermediate region can be achieved, in particular, by stitching, weaving, and / or bonding. In a typical implementation, the front and rear walls are not connected to each other along the entire length of the airbag in the intermediate region, but rather there is a flow connection between the lower unit region and the upper unit region.

[0016] The airbag module of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention also includes a positioning strap. One end of the positioning strap is secured to the vehicle in a fastened position when the airbag module is installed in the door. A second end of the positioning strap is secured at a fastening point in or on an intermediate region between the lower unit region and the upper unit region. The positioning strap can be secured, in particular, by sewing. Alternatively, the positioning strap can be secured in the intermediate region by weaving or bonding. Alternatively, the above-described fastening methods for securing the positioning strap in the intermediate region can be combined.

[0017] The length of the positioning strap is designed to be shorter than the length of the airbag fabric between the lower edge and the middle area of ​​the airbag, and more specifically, shorter than the length of the airbag fabric in the lower unit area of ​​the airbag between the lower edge and the fastening point in the middle area. The length of the positioning strap specifically refers to the length of the positioning strap between the fastening position and the fastening point.

[0018] Positioning straps allow for the forced deployment of airbags in a pre-inflated state to a designated location. Specifically, during airbag inflation and deployment (after activation of the airbag module under restraint conditions), the positioning straps can bring or force the front and / or rear ends of the airbag in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to a pre-designated position. In this pre-designated position, the lower edge of the airbag, in its inflated state, is positioned below the upper edge of the door, on the side of the door facing the vehicle's interior space. This provides additional support for the airbags in the vehicle's occupant system at the door. Furthermore, the airbag can be pulled towards the vehicle occupants in the direction towards the vehicle's interior space by the positioning straps. In particular, this provides enhanced sway protection for the airbag under restraint conditions, where the vehicle's side windows are in an open or partially open position or damaged due to restraint. Therefore, protection for vehicle occupants can preferably be improved in a side impact even if the side windows are open or damaged, because the "break-in" of the airbag towards the outside of the vehicle can be avoided or at least minimized.

[0019] In a typical implementation, a positioning strap is positioned on the outside of the airbag. Specifically, it is proposed that the positioning strap be positioned on the outside of the airbag (particularly the lower unit area) on the side opposite to the vehicle occupant when the airbag has deployed and is inflated. This outer-side positioning strap can form an additional support element when the vehicle occupant is restrained by the airbag.

[0020] Alternatively, a positioning band can be installed on the outer side of the airbag (especially the lower unit area) facing the vehicle occupants when the airbag is deployed and inflated. This arrangement allows the airbag to be pulled downwards during deployment. Furthermore, the upper unit area of ​​the airbag can also be pulled towards the vehicle occupants via this positioning band, particularly in the direction towards the vehicle's interior space.

[0021] In another embodiment, the vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention may have two or more positioning bands. Particularly in this embodiment, positioning bands are arranged on the airbag in the regions of the front and rear ends, respectively, viewed along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Here, the front or rear ends describe such regions of the airbag, which, in the deployed and installed in the door state, are arranged in front of or behind the airbag module housing along the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0022] The airbag module of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the present invention is preferably arranged in the door, in the area of ​​the upper edge of the door, when it is installed in the vehicle. In particular, the airbag module is arranged on the side of the door facing the interior space of the vehicle.

[0023] The fastening points for the positioning straps used to secure the airbag module to the vehicle can preferably be located within the vehicle door. These fastening points are preferably located within the door and spaced apart from the airbag module housing. This spaced-apart arrangement of the positioning straps provides additional connection points for the entire airbag system of the vehicle occupant protection system, in addition to the advantages mentioned above. Consequently, the stability and rigidity of the airbag in the vehicle occupant protection system can be further improved, thereby further reducing the risk of airbag "breakage."

[0024] Preferably, a positioning strip can be used to direct the deployment direction of the airbag towards the interior space of the vehicle. This allows, for example, a vehicle designed as a coupe to have the airbag, in its deployed and inflated state, positioned within the roof frame area inside the vehicle, thus enabling the roof frame to be used as a support surface under constraints. Therefore, this implementation allows the same airbag module to be incorporated into different vehicle body structures.

[0025] Furthermore, the airbag module of the vehicle occupant protection system may include a strap. The strap is preferably positioned on the outer side of the airbag facing the vehicle occupant. The strap can, in the inflated state, completely cross the lower and middle compartment regions and at least partially cross the upper compartment region.

[0026] In a typical implementation, one end of the strap is fastened to the vehicle, particularly at the strap fastening point. The second end is preferably fastened to the outer wall / shell of the airbag in the upper unit region. Specifically, the second end of the strap may be fastened to the upper edge of the upper unit region of the airbag. Fastening the second end of the strap to the airbag in the upper unit region can be achieved, in particular, by sewing, weaving, and / or bonding the strap to the airbag fabric layer.

[0027] The strap fastening points are particularly located on the vehicle doors. Furthermore, one or more strap fastening points may coincide with the fastening locations for the positioning straps and / or the airbag fastening points, wherein the airbag fastening points are preferably located in the area of ​​the airbag module.

[0028] The harness, in its flat-layed state, is specifically designed to be shorter than the flat-layed outer wall segment crossed by the harness, or the harness is designed to be shorter than the flat-layed outer wall segment of the airbag fabric crossed by the harness. Thus, when the airbag is deployed and inflated, the harness extends over the lower and middle sections of the airbag and pulls the upper section towards the vehicle occupant. This preferred harness configuration can further enhance the stability and / or stiffness of the airbag.

[0029] The positioning straps and / or harnesses may also include a friction layer and / or a friction coating on the side facing the airbag. In particular, the harness can bend in the direction towards the center area in the event of a collision with the vehicle occupant by the gap created between the harness and the center area, and heat is generated and energy is absorbed by the friction layer / friction coating of the harness.

[0030] Furthermore, X-tether elements and / or sewn-in tension bands can be integrated into the lower unit area and the upper unit area to form a cross section. Additionally, the rear and front walls of the airbag can be connected to each other at additional locations or areas other than the edges and central regions, particularly by stitching, weaving, or bonding.

[0031] Airbags (especially airbag fabric layers), positioning straps, and harnesses can be made from known airbag fabrics, for example. Furthermore, the airbag fabric layer forming the airbag can have coatings or the like known to those skilled in the art from the prior art, thereby enabling the airbag to achieve a sufficient service life. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: - Figure 1A schematic side view is shown from the inside of the vehicle to a vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention, having a lateral airbag module in an activated state; - Figure 2 A schematic side view is shown from the outside of the vehicle to a vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention, having a lateral airbag module in an activated state; - Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle occupant protection system along line III-III; - Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the unfilled, flatly deployed side airbags of the vehicle occupant protection system, representing line III-III; and - Figure 5 A schematic side view is shown from the inside of the vehicle to another embodiment of a vehicle occupant protection system with a lateral airbag module according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a vehicle occupant protection system 2, according to the invention, located in a vehicle 3 designed as a convertible, is shown. The vehicle occupant protection system 2 includes an airbag module 6 (shown in dashed lines) disposed in the driver's side door 4 of the vehicle 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the airbag 8 of the airbag module 6 of the vehicle occupant protection system 2 is designed as a side airbag 8, which, when deployed and inflated, extends longitudinally along the vehicle, for example, from the steering wheel 60 to the vehicle seat 5.

[0034] The airbag module 6 is disposed in the door 4, in the area of ​​the upper edge 46 of the door. In the area of ​​the lower edge 36 of the airbag 8, the airbag 8 is fastened to the door 4 of the vehicle 3 or thereon in a manner that secures it to the vehicle at the airbag fastening points 52 (these airbag fastening points are disposed in the airbag module 6 or in the area of ​​the airbag module).

[0035] exist Figure 2 The image shows the area of ​​the upper edge 46 of the door 4 and the deployed and inflated side airbag 8 of the vehicle occupant protection system 2. The positions of the airbag module 6 or airbag module housing 12 and the gas generator 10 within the door 4 are shown by dashed lines.

[0036] The airbag 8 includes a lower unit region 14 and an upper unit region 16. The lower unit region 14 and the upper unit region 16 are separated by an intermediate region 18. The lower unit region 14 (about the vehicle's vertical axis z) extends from the lower edge 36 of the airbag 8 to the intermediate region 18. The upper unit region 16 (about the vehicle's vertical axis z) then extends from the intermediate region 18 to the upper edge 38 of the airbag 8.

[0037] The central region 18 is the area where the front wall 32 and the rear wall 34 of the airbag 8 are connected. Here, the front wall 32 is the outer wall of the airbag 8, which, when the airbag 8 is deployed and inflated, points towards the vehicle interior space 48 and is therefore the side of the airbag 8 facing the vehicle occupants. Similarly, the rear wall 34 is the outer wall of the airbag 8 facing away from the vehicle occupants when the airbag 8 is deployed and inflated.

[0038] exist Figure 2 The image also shows another connecting area 62, in which the front wall 32 and rear wall 34 of the airbag 8 are connected to each other, especially stitched or woven together.

[0039] The vehicle occupant protection system 2 also includes a positioning belt 20. Especially from... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As derived, the positioning strap 20 is positioned on the outer side of the rear wall 34 of the airbag 8, away from the vehicle occupants. The first end 22 of the positioning strap 20 is secured to the door 4 at a fastening position 26 in a manner fixed to the vehicle. The second end 24 of the positioning strap 20 is secured at a fastening point 28. The fastening point 28 is preferably located in the central region 18.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the fastening position 26 for the positioning strap is arranged in the door 4, spaced apart from the airbag module 6, and especially from the airbag module housing 12, by a distance a. BS In order to secure the positioning strap 20 at the fastening position 26, the positioning strap can extend from the airbag module housing 12 in the installed or assembled state of the airbag module, in such a way that the positioning strap can be fastened to the door / inside the door at the fastening position 26 when the airbag module 6 is assembled.

[0041] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As derived, the airbag 8, in its deployed and inflated state, is pulled downward in the region of the front end 54 in the longitudinal direction x of the vehicle along the height direction z by means of the positioning strap 20.

[0042] In particular, the positioning band 20 can be used to influence the positioning of the airbag 8 during deployment and in its subsequently deployed and inflated state, thereby pulling the lower edge of the airbag 8 toward the vehicle interior space 48. This specifically enables the lower edge 36 of the airbag 8, in its deployed and inflated state, to be positioned below the upper edge 46 of the door 4 within the area of ​​the positioning band, thus providing an additional support surface 58 for the airbag 8, especially under restraint conditions. This additional support surface 58 at least reduces the risk of the airbag 8 "breaking off" outwards upon impact with the vehicle occupant 50.

[0043] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer contour of the airbag 8' is shown by double-dotted lines. This outer contour will be shown in the deployed and inflated state of the airbag 8 without the positioning strap 20. (Especially from...) Figure 1 As can be seen, the lower edge 36' of the airbag 8' (which has no positioning strip) is positioned above the upper edge 46 of the door 4.

[0044] Specifically, the positioning of the airbag 8 is influenced by the positioning belt 20 in the following manner: especially when the airbag 8 is in its flat, deployed state, the length L of the positioning belt 20 is... PB The length L of the airbag fabric is 30. uZ Short (see also) Figure 4 The length L of the positioning belt PB Specifically described as the length of the positioning strap 20 from the fastening position 28 to the fastening point. The length L of the airbag fabric 30. uZ Specifically, the length of the airbag fabric 30 in the lower unit region 14 extends from the lower edge 36 of the airbag 8 to the fastening point 28, which is located in the middle region 18 of the airbag 8.

[0045] Figure 3 It is shown that in the area of ​​positioning band 20, according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the deployed and inflated airbag 8 along line III-III, and the upper edge 46 of door 4. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The image shows the head of vehicle occupant 50 shortly before it impacts airbag 8 under restraint conditions. Additionally, a portion 58 of the outer contour of the driver's airbag is shown by dotted lines; this portion is generally positioned around the steering wheel 60 (see [link]). Figure 1 and Figure 5 )middle.

[0046] When a vehicle occupant 50 impacts the airbag 8 under restraint, the positioning strap acts as an additional support element that can at least reduce the risk of the vehicle's airbag 8 "breaking".

[0047] from Figure 3 It is found that, in particular, the lower unit area 14 of the airbag 8 is pulled downward in the vehicle height direction z and towards the vehicle interior space 48 in the vehicle lateral direction y by the positioning belt 20.

[0048] In addition, Figure 3 The image shows an airbag 8 in its deployed and inflated state, with a thickness d in the central region 18. Z This thickness is greater than the thickness d of the lower unit region 14. U And the thickness d of the upper unit region 16 O Thin or small. The thickness d of the middle region 18. Z d in the lower unit region 14 U And the thickness d of the upper unit region 16 O This roughly corresponds to the extension dimension of the airbag 8 in the corresponding section along the lateral direction y of the vehicle.

[0049] exist Figure 5 Another embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system 2 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the differences from the above figures are discussed in detail below.

[0050] In addition to the positioning band 20 located in the area of ​​the front end 54 of the airbag 8 on the outer side away from the vehicle occupants, according to Figure 5 The airbag 8 also has a second positioning band 20' located in the region of the rear end 56 of the airbag 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the second positioning band 20' located in the region of the rear end 56 is positioned on the outer side facing the vehicle occupant.

[0051] Alternatively, the second positioning band 20' can also be positioned on the outer side of the airbag 8 away from the vehicle occupant (not shown).

[0052] By positioning the positioning band 20' on the occupant-facing side of the airbag 8, the airbag 8 can be pulled downwards or toward the vehicle interior space 50 with its lower edge 36 when deployed, such that this lower edge is also positioned below the upper edge 46 of the door 4 in the vehicle height direction z. Furthermore, the positioning band 20' positioned on the occupant-facing side can also pull the upper unit region 16 of the airbag 8 toward the occupant 50 in the direction toward the vehicle interior space 50, thereby reducing the distance between the occupant 50 and the front wall of the airbag 8 under restraint conditions and preferably restricting the occupant's movement earlier.

[0053] In addition, Figure 5 The image shows the harness 40, which can also be installed in the vehicle occupant protection system 2, indicated by a double-dotted line.

[0054] The strap 40 is positioned on the outer side of the airbag 8 facing the vehicle occupant. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 40 spans the lower unit region 14, the middle region 18, and the upper unit region 16 when the airbag 8 is deployed and inflated. The strap 40 is secured to the vehicle at the strap fastening point 64 at its first end 42. The second end 44 of the strap 40 is secured to the upper edge 38 of the airbag 8 in the upper unit region 16.

[0055] Alternatively (not shown), the strap 40 may also partially cross the upper unit region 16 and be fastened to the front wall 32 in the region of the upper unit region 16, or the strap 40 may cross the upper unit region 16 and the upper edge 38 and be fastened to the region of the rear wall 34 of the upper unit region 16 of the airbag 8 (again not shown).

[0056] The strap 40 can, in particular, pull or bend the upper unit region 16 of the airbag 8 in the direction toward the vehicle interior space 50. This can reduce the distance between the vehicle occupant 50 and the airbag 8 under restraint conditions, and preferably restrict the movement of the vehicle occupant 50 earlier.

[0057] Positioning straps 20, 20' and especially strap 40 may also have a friction layer and / or friction coating on the side facing the airbag fabric 30 of the airbag 8. When the vehicle occupant 50 impacts the strap 40 and the airbag 8, the friction layer and / or friction coating may, in particular, absorb the energy present under restraint conditions due to the frictional heat generated (which is generated between the strap 40 and the front wall 32 of the airbag 8).

Claims

1. A vehicle occupant protection system (2) having an airbag module (6) disposed in a door (4) of a vehicle (3), the airbag module comprising at least one gas generator (10) and an airbag (8), wherein the airbag (8) has a lower unit region (14) and an upper unit region (16), wherein an intermediate region (18) is disposed between the lower unit region (14) and the upper unit region (16), wherein the intermediate region (18) has a thickness (d) greater than that of the lower unit region when the airbag (8) is activated and inflated. U ) and / or the thickness (d) of the upper unit region O Small thickness (d) Z ), characterized in Positioning straps (20, 20'), wherein one end (22) of the positioning straps (20, 20') is fastened at a fastening position (26) in a manner fixed to the vehicle, and a second end (24) of the positioning straps (20) is fastened at a fastening point (28) in the intermediate region (18), wherein the length (L) between the fastening position (26, 26') fixed to the vehicle and the fastening point (28, 28') in the intermediate region (18) is... PB The length (L) of the airbag fabric (30) between the lower edge (36) of the airbag (8) and the middle region (18) of the airbag (8) is designed to be greater than the length of the airbag fabric (30). uZ )short.

2. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning strip (20) is positioned on the outside of the airbag (8) on the side away from the vehicle occupant (34).

3. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The positioning strip (20') is positioned on the outside of the airbag (8) facing the occupant side (32).

4. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fastening positions (26, 26') for the positioning straps (20, 20') are arranged in the door (4) and spaced apart from the airbag module housing (12).

5. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... Straps (40).

6. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The strap (40) is positioned on the outside of the airbag (8) on the occupant side (32).

7. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The strap (40) completely spans the lower unit region (14) and middle region (18) of the airbag (8) when the airbag (8) is activated and inflated, and at least partially spans the upper unit region (16).

8. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, One end (42) of the strap (40) is fastened to the vehicle, and the second end (44) of the strap (40) is fastened to the upper unit region (16).

9. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The airbag module (6) is arranged in the area of ​​the upper edge (46) of the door facing the vehicle interior space (48) when it is installed in the door (4) of the vehicle (3).

10. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The straps (40) and / or the positioning straps (20, 20') have a friction layer and / or a friction coating on the side facing the lower unit region (14) and / or the upper unit region (16) of the airbag (8).

11. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle occupant protection system (2) is a vehicle occupant protection system for convertibles.

12. The vehicle occupant protection system (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second end (44) of the strap (40) is fastened at the upper edge (38) of the upper unit region (16).

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