Knee airbag cover

Abstract

A knee airbag cover for a vehicle includes a cover configured to shield an airbag module from a passenger compartment. The cover has an outer periphery having a side facing an instrument panel and a side facing a footwell. The cover also has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface configured to face away from the passenger compartment, and the outer surface configured to face the passenger compartment. The knee airbag cover also includes a footwell fastener. The footwell fastener is configured to attach to the footwell so as to conceal the attachment of the footwell fastener and the cover from the passenger compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to airbag covers for vehicle interiors and, more particularly, to knee airbag covers located between an instrument panel and a footwell. Background Art

[0002] Airbags are safety devices commonly used in vehicle interiors, but the presence of the airbag is often completely unknown to vehicle occupants until deployed in the event of a relatively severe collision. This is because an undeployed airbag is hidden from view, often behind a trim panel that provides a desired aesthetic effect to the vehicle's passenger compartment by hiding other vehicle components that are strictly utilitarian.

[0003] A knee airbag cover is typically located between the instrument panel and the footwell to cover an airbag module that deploys to protect the knees of a vehicle occupant. Sometimes, this area is more hidden and not visible, so the knee airbag cover will include visible fixings and there may be an undesirable size gap between the cover and the instrument panel. However, minimizing the gap size and removing the visible fixings can provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, especially when the vehicle door is open, which can result in a more direct line of position to the knee airbag cover. In addition, mounting the airbag module to the airbag cover itself can help streamline the assembly compared to mounting the airbag module on a cross beam. Katsuhiro's JP2004276682 also mounts an airbag module to a knee airbag cover, but the cover in this reference does not include footwell fasteners, and therefore, Katsuhiro's JP2004276682 does not provide for direct attachment of the cover to the footwell. Summary of the invention

[0004] An exemplary knee airbag cover includes a cover body configured to shield an airbag module from a passenger compartment. The cover body has an outer periphery having a side facing an instrument panel and a side facing a footwell. The cover body also has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface configured to face away from the passenger compartment, and the outer surface configured to face the passenger compartment. The knee airbag cover also includes a footwell fastener. The footwell fastener is configured to attach to the footwell so as to conceal the attachment of the footwell fastener and the cover body from the passenger compartment.

[0005] In various embodiments, the footwell fastener is a magnetic plate.

[0006] In various embodiments, there is a second footwell fastener. The footwell fastener is located towards a side of the outer perimeter that faces the door, and the second footwell fastener is located towards a side of the outer perimeter that faces the center console.

[0007] In various embodiments, there is an airbag mesh molded into the cover.

[0008] In various embodiments, the tear seam in the cover at least partially surrounds the airbag net.

[0009] In various embodiments, there are a plurality of airbag module fasteners molded into the cover.

[0010] In various embodiments, the plurality of airbag module fasteners include a plurality of metal nuts molded into the plastic cover so as to partially surround the airbag net.

[0011] In various embodiments, a plurality of hooks are located at the instrument panel-facing side of the outer periphery of the cover body so as to be rotatably attached to the instrument panel.

[0012] In various embodiments, there is a vehicle including a cross-beam, an instrument panel, and a knee airbag cover, wherein the knee airbag cover is at least partially located between the instrument panel and the footwell, and wherein at least one of the instrument panel, the footwell, and the knee airbag cover is connected to the cross-beam.

[0013] In various embodiments, the footwell is directly attached to the knee airbag cover via the footwell fastener.

[0014] In various embodiments, the cover attachment features are cross-beam fasteners that attach the cross-beam to the knee airbag cover.

[0015] In various embodiments, the cross-car beam fasteners are not visible from the passenger compartment.

[0016] In various embodiments, an airbag module is included that is secured to the inner surface of the cover body of the knee airbag cover.

[0017] An illustrative method of manufacturing a knee airbag cover is also provided, the method comprising the steps of molding a plastic material for the cover body around the footwell fastener and wrapping the cover body with a trim cover. The method may also include the steps of forming a tear seam in the cover body, the tear seam at least partially surrounding the airbag net.

[0018] It is contemplated that, except where the features are incompatible, any number of individual features of the above-described embodiments and any number of individual features of any other embodiments described in the drawings or the following description may be combined in any combination to define the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Illustrative embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle interior compartment showing a knee airbag cover;

[0021] Figure 2 The inner surface of the cover body of the knee airbag cover with the airbag module installed is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 Shown without airbag module Figure 2 the inner surface of a knee air bag cover;

[0023] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 an outer surface of a cover body of a knee airbag cover;

[0024] Figure 5 is a partial view showing an exemplary connection configuration between a knee air bag cover, a cross beam, and a footwell;

[0025] Figure 6 A clip that may be used for a footwell fastener of a knee airbag cover is shown;

[0026] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A partial view of the operation of the clip as a footwell fastener; and

[0027] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary method steps that may be used to manufacture and install a knee airbag cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A knee airbag cover is described herein that is configured to conceal an airbag module located near the knees of an occupant while advantageously maintaining a streamlined aesthetic appearance of the vehicle's interior compartment. The knee airbag cover includes a strategic arrangement of fasteners to connect various parts of the entire assembly, such as the airbag module, the instrument panel, the cross beam, and the footwell. The knee airbag cover has a cover body that is configured to isolate the airbag module from the passenger compartment. The cover body includes a footwell fastener molded into the cover body or otherwise engaged with the cover body. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the footwell fastener is a magnetic plate that facilitates attachment between the knee airbag cover and the footwell in a manner that is not visible from the passenger compartment and helps to hide the attachment of the knee airbag cover to the cross beam. Other features such as hooks for rotatably attaching to the instrument panel and strategically molded into the airbag module fastener can further improve installation and enhance the appearance of the installed knee airbag cover. Additionally, the manufacture of the knee airbag cover described herein may include fewer components and fewer parts than other cover assemblies that, for example, may utilize a standard cross-beam installation of an airbag module.

[0029] Figure 1 Two knee airbag covers 10, 12 are shown positioned within an interior passenger compartment 14 of a vehicle 16. The discussion herein focuses on the knee airbag cover 10, which in the illustrated embodiment is positioned on the driver's side of the vehicle 16, but the teachings may be applied to one or both of the knee airbag covers 10, 12, whether positioned on the driver's or passenger's side of the vehicle. Typically, the knee airbag covers 10, 12 are substantially hidden from view, but in certain circumstances, such as when the door 18 is open, the knee airbag cover 10 is visible to an observer or occupant of the vehicle. The various attachment features described herein may contribute to a more streamlined aesthetic appearance of the knee airbag cover 10.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the knee airbag cover 10 is configured to remove the airbag module 20 from the Figure 1 The cabin 14 is screened open. Figure 2 shows a knee airbag cover 10 with an airbag module 20, and Figure 3The knee airbag cover is shown with the airbag module removed. The airbag module 20 includes an airbag in a deflated state and configured to inflate in a vehicle collision, and a chute for limiting the inflation of the airbag in a direction toward the passenger compartment 14. The chute may be formed separately from the cover body 22 and subsequently attached to the cover body 22, as is the case with the illustrated airbag module 20. Alternatively, the chute may be integrally formed with the cover body 22 of the knee airbag cover 10. Other airbag and airbag module structures and mounting arrangements are certainly possible, but as described herein, the airbag module 20 is advantageously fastened to the cover body 22 of the knee airbag cover 10. This configuration may avoid the need to weld or otherwise attach the airbag module to the cross-car beam. Two components fastened together, such as the airbag module 20 and the cover body 22, include direct and / or indirect coupling by various attachment methods, and may not be limited to the specific attachment methods shown in the drawings or described herein. Additionally, the fastener may take a variety of forms, as long as the fastener is generally used to facilitate attachment or otherwise couple or join two components together. A direct attachment is an attachment between two components that are in direct contact with each other without intervening components.

[0031] The cover body 22 of the knee airbag cover 10 is the primary structural substrate or plate that provides the overall size and shape of the knee airbag cover 10. Thus, the cover body 22 has sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape in the vehicle interior cabin. An exemplary cover body is made of or includes an injection molded material such as a semi-rigid thermoplastic material (e.g., a filled or unfilled polyolefin or thermoplastic elastomer) with a nominal thickness ranging from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm. In an advantageous embodiment, the cover body 22 is made of injected glass-filled polypropylene that at least partially surrounds the airbag net 24. The airbag net 24 is a sheet of a more flexible material or a less brittle material than the material used for the cover body 22 (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer airbag net 24 molded into the polypropylene cover body 22). This can help control the stress response of the knee airbag cover 10 when the airbag of the airbag module 20 is deployed.

[0032] The cover body 22 has an outer periphery 26 that defines the boundary between the knee airbag cover 10 and other nearby components in the passenger compartment 14. Thus, the outer periphery 26 includes a dashboard-facing side 28, a footwell-facing side 30, a door-facing side 32, and a center console-facing side 34. Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5, the side 28 facing the instrument panel directly adjoins or faces the instrument panel 36. The side 30 facing the footrest space directly adjoins or faces the footrest space 38. The side 32 facing the door directly adjoins or faces the door 18 (when the door is closed). The side 34 facing the center console directly adjoins or faces the center console 40. However, other panel interfaces may be provided near the outer periphery 26 of the cover and near each of its sides. In addition, each of the side 28, 30, 32, 34 may have a shape or configuration different from the shape or configuration specifically shown herein. For example, one or more sides of the outer periphery 26 may have various cutouts, protrusions or other shape changes. In another example, one of the sides, such as the side 30 facing the footrest space, may have a more curved profile that is always connected to the side 28 facing the instrument panel, thereby avoiding the need for separate and different sides facing the center console or sides facing the door. Other exemplary configuration changes are certainly possible and will depend on the desired configuration of the cabin 14 and its component parts.

[0033] The cover 22 has an outer surface 42 that faces toward the passenger cabin 14 and an inner surface 44 that faces away from the passenger cabin. The outer surface 42 in this embodiment includes a decorative wrap or covering 46. The decorative covering 46 provides the desired aesthetics to the knee airbag cover 10 and may be a single or multi-layer component including an outer decorative layer (e.g., leather, simulated leather, veneer, fabric, etc.) that faces the interior of the passenger cabin 14 of the vehicle 16 when installed and possibly one or more underlying layers, such as spacers or resilient foam layers, that provide cushioning features to the cover 10. The decorative covering 46 may be provided as a single-piece decorative component that is separate from the cover 22 and then attached to the outer surface 42 of the cover, or portions of the decorative covering, such as a foam layer, may be formed in place between the decorative layer and the cover 22 during assembly of the knee airbag cover 10. In some embodiments, instead of a fabric, the decorative covering 46 may be a simpler decorative layer, such as a single layer of paint or film.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 34. As shown in the view of the inner surface 44, the cover body 22 has a number of structural features designed to facilitate installation and enhance the performance and aesthetics of the knee airbag cover 10 and / or the airbag module 20. The airbag module 20 is advantageously at least partially surrounded by a protruding frame 48, which can help position, align and / or retain the airbag module. The protruding frame 48 has a generally rectangular shape that generally conforms to the shape of the airbag module 20 and / or the airbag net 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the airbag net 24 also has a rectangular shape that fits within the boundaries of the protruding frame 48. The protruding frame 48 is an integral molded feature in the cover body 22; however, other clips, edges, etc. may be included, or in other embodiments, no frame is included at all. The protruding frame 48 may have one or more corrugated edges as shown, or other shapes that may facilitate attachment of the airbag module 20. This arrangement is beneficial in embodiments such as those shown, where the airbag module 20 is attached to the cover 22 of the knee airbag door 10 rather than to a cross-car beam.

[0035] The tear seam 50 may be formed in the cover body 22 and / or the decorative cover 46. The tear seam 50 in this embodiment includes a laser weakened area that is generally located just inside the protruding frame 48 so as to at least partially surround the area where the airbag module 20 is located. In addition, the tear seam 50 at least partially surrounds the molded airbag mesh 24, which provides a more flexible or less brittle material in the deployment area of ​​the airbag module 20. In some embodiments, the tear seam 50 may also extend at least partially through the airbag mesh 24. Depending on the desired embodiment, there may be alternately shaped tear seams (e.g., U-shaped, H-shaped, etc.), hinge features, more door structures, etc. The configuration shown is non-limiting. For example, the tear seam 50 may include or be formed by a series of through holes in the cover 22, a series of laser-formed blind holes, or any other suitable feature that causes the cover and / or airbag mesh 24 to split along the feature to form an airbag door.

[0036] Within the protruding frame 48 and the tear seam 50, a network of ribs 52 or release lines 54 may be formed from the material of the cover 22 that is injected onto the more flexible material of the airbag mesh 24. The release lines 54 (only one is labeled for clarity) extend to form a staggered network of tiles 52 throughout the door area 56 inside the protruding frame 48. The release lines 54 may be used as a stress management feature, configured to direct stress to desired portions or points along the door area 56 while the cover 22 is split to form the airbag door. It is also possible to have a different Figure 3The shapes and configurations (eg, curved) of the release lines 54 are shown in various shapes and configurations. The protruding frame 48 and the release lines 54 are advantageously formed on the inner surface 44 of the cover 22. This can provide a smoother outer surface 42 for the decorative covering 46.

[0037] A plurality of airbag module fasteners 58 are located around the perimeter of the protruding frame 48 to facilitate attachment of the airbag module 20 within the door region 56. In this embodiment, the airbag module fasteners 58 include a plurality of metal nuts 60, two of which are located on either side of the door region 56, toward the door-facing side 32 and the center console-facing side 34, respectively, although the placement of the fasteners 58 depends largely on the specifications of the airbag module 20. Thus, other arrangements of the airbag module fasteners 58 are possible, such as positioning the airbag module fasteners in the corners of the protruding frame 48. Additionally, other types of airbag module fasteners 58 may be included. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal nuts 60 are used to accommodate airbag module screws 62, but other types of fastening are certainly possible, such as using brackets, clips, etc. for the airbag module fasteners 58. The metal nuts 60 are advantageously steel or other types of metal material, and the metal nuts are insert molded into the cover 22. This may provide additional flexibility to the attachment between the knee airbag door 10 and the airbag module 20 .

[0038] The inner surface 44 of the cover body 22 also includes a plurality of integrally molded hooks 64 that are spaced apart along the dashboard-facing side 28 of the outer periphery 26. The hooks 64 are positioned toward the dashboard-facing side 28, meaning that the hooks are closest to the dashboard-facing side as compared to the distance of the hooks to the opposing footwell-facing side 30. The various features of each hook 64 are described with respect to a first hook adjacent to the door-facing side 32 of the cover body 22, but may also be applicable to the other hooks. Each hook 64 has a claw portion 66 that extends from or protrudes directly from the inner surface 44 and is configured to directly interface with or contact the dashboard 36. On the back of each hook 64, opposite the claw portion 66, a reinforcing rib 68 is provided that helps to impart additional structural integrity. The plurality of hooks 64 are capable of rotatably attaching the dashboard 36, which can improve installation. For example, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In particular, hook 64 can help to easily align and position instrument panel 36 so that when installed, there is a gap G between knee air bag cover 10 and instrument panel 36. IP The structure of hook 64 can help make the gap G IP The size of the gap G is minimized, which can provide a better aesthetic effect in the cabin 14. In particular, the gap G in the embodiment described herein IPTypically less than 1 mm to provide a more flush appearance, while more standard gap sizes are typically greater than 3 mm. A hook 64 located near the instrument panel facing side 28 and opening toward the instrument panel can help achieve this significant gap size reduction.

[0039] In particular, refer to Figure 5 , towards the side 30 facing the footwell, there are one or more footwell fasteners 70. More specifically, in this embodiment, there are a first footwell fastener 70 and a second footwell fastener 72. In an advantageous embodiment, as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the footwell fasteners 70, 72 are circular magnetic plates 74 molded into the cover 22. Each footwell fastener 70, 72 is positioned toward the footwell-facing side 30 of the outer periphery 26 (i.e., further toward the footwell-facing side 30 than closer to the instrument panel-facing side 28). The footwell fasteners 70, 72 are configured to attach to the footwell 38 so as to conceal the footwell fasteners themselves and the attachment 76 of the cover 22 from the passenger compartment 14. This fastener and attachment concealment provides a more streamlined aesthetic appearance to the knee air bag cover 10. Figure 4 As shown, the entire outer surface 42 of the knee air bag cover 10 is covered in a decorative cover 46 without any fasteners shown in the passenger compartment 14. In addition, the gap G IP , G FW is flush, thereby creating a smooth transition between the instrument panel 36 , the knee airbag cover 10 and the footwell 38 .

[0040] The footwell fasteners 70, 72 are located in overlap regions 78, 80, respectively, which are areas where the cover 22 overlaps the footwell 38 when the cover 22 is installed in the vehicle 16. The overlap regions 78, 80 may be protrusions from the side 30 facing the footwell as shown, and may also include an angled transition protrusion 82 at the beginning of the overlap region 78. This allows for a smaller and flatter gap G between the knee airbag cover 10 and the footwell 38. FW The angled transition protrusion 82 creates an offset or step in the cover 22 to allow for a more nested arrangement between the knee air bag cover 10 and the foot well 38 .

[0041] The number of footwell fasteners 70, 72 will depend on the size and requirements of the entire assembly. In an advantageous embodiment, there are three footwell fasteners arranged along the side 30 of the cover 22 facing the footwell, one of which is arranged toward the side 32 facing the door, one is arranged toward the side 34 facing the center console, and one is arranged toward the center between the two sides 32, 34. In another embodiment, as shown in the figure, there are two footwell fasteners 70, 72. In other embodiments, there may be fewer footwell fasteners or more footwell fasteners than specifically described herein. When a magnetic plate 74 is used for the footwell fasteners 70, 72, the strength and size of the magnet can help dictate the number of fasteners required for proper attachment.

[0042] The magnetic plates 74 are advantageously used with the footwell fasteners 80, 82. This form of retainer can be easily attached without the need to screw in or insert additional tools or fastening devices, and then removed when a certain amount of force is applied, which can facilitate installation work. Each magnetic plate 74 is insert molded into the cover body 22 and includes a retaining edge 84 that at least partially surrounds the fasteners 70, 72. In particular, referring to Figure 5 , the footwell fastener 70 of the magnetic plate 74 allows the knee airbag cover 10 to be attached to the cross beam 86 via the cross beam fastener 88 (which is a screw in this embodiment), thereby providing an attachment 76 between the knee airbag cover and the cross beam. This arrangement shields the cross beam fastener 88 from the portion of the footwell 38 located in the overlap area 78, so that the attachment 76 is not visible in the passenger compartment 14 even when an occupant enters and exits the vehicle. The attachment 76 between the knee airbag 10 and the cross beam 86 is also not visible in the passenger compartment 14 when the occupant is seated in the vehicle 16. The attachment 76 between the knee airbag 10 and the cross beam 86 is also configured to be made in the overlap area 78 to enhance concealment. The footwell fastener 70 helps form a shield to block the visibility of the attachment 76, but it should be understood that the footwell fastener 70 helps shield other (and all) attachments from the passenger compartment 14.

[0043] The magnetic plates 74 are circular plates, but it should be understood that the shape can be adjusted according to the desired embodiment. The circular shape can provide more surface area for attachment while taking up less space relative to the rest of the cover 22. Assuming that each magnetic plate 74 is circular in shape, the retaining edge 84 is also circular and completely surrounds the magnetic plate. Other configurations for the retaining edge 84 are also possible. For example, the retaining edge 84 may only partially surround the magnetic plate 74, or there may be no retaining edge at all.

[0044] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of a footwell fastener 70' is shown. In this embodiment, the footwell fastener 70' is a retaining clip 90 that is integral with the knee airbag cover 10' and is designed to receive a retaining projection 92 in the footwell 38'. However, it should be understood that the clip 90 may alternately be integral with the footwell 38' and the knee airbag cover 10' may include the retaining projection 92. Other clip forms or fastener forms may be used to facilitate attachment to the footwell. However, it is advantageous that the footwell fastener be in a form that makes it invisible from the passenger compartment 14.

[0045] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 100 for manufacturing and installing the knee air bag cover 10. However, it should be understood that the knee air bag cover 10 may also be manufactured and installed according to other methods and processes. In addition, some of the steps described herein are optional, and there may be more steps than those specifically described. There may be intermediate processing steps, such as different milling or machining operations, or there may be different post-processing steps, such as installing badges. In addition, during the manufacturing Figures 1 to 5 Method 100 is described in the context of knee airbag cover 10 as shown (for clarity, the Figure 8 Some reference numerals are omitted in the flowchart, but reference numerals for specific components can be found in Figures 1 to 5 ). However, other knee airbag cover designs may be manufactured using one or more of the method steps described herein.

[0046] Step 102 includes providing an insert for the knee airbag cover 10. The insert in this particular embodiment includes the airbag net 24, the airbag module fastener 58, and the footwell fasteners 70, 72. The insert may be placed in an injection mold, and in step 104, the cover 22 is molded around the insert. Overmolding the insert allows for material changes for performance enhancement and operational functionality. The injection molding process is advantageously a micro-injection process, which can form more detailed sub-components in the cover 22, such as the release line 54. Micro-injection can also allow complex features to be formed on the outer surface 42 without being read-through. Step 106 is optional and includes press-fitting additional fasteners into the cover. In some embodiments, all non-integral fasteners may be insert molded in step 102. In the method shown, a subsequent press-fit step, such as step 106, can help overcome difficulties that may arise from insert molding some fasteners in a tool of a particular configuration. Where limitations exist in the tooling, press fit fasteners may be more easily manufactured in a step after molding the plastic material for the cover. Step 108 is also optional and includes wrapping the outer surface of the cover with a decorative covering 46. This may provide a more cohesive appearance to the vehicle interior compartment 14. Step 110 includes forming a tear seam 50 in the cover 22. There may also be a tear seam formed in the decorative covering 46 at this stage as well. Laser weakening may be used to form the tear seam, which is a relatively efficient manufacturing process. Other processes for forming the tear seam are also possible, such as milling, piercing, etc. At this point in method 100, the knee airbag cover 10 is substantially fully formed.

[0047] Step 112 includes mounting the airbag module 20 to the inner surface 44 of the cover body 22. The airbag module fasteners 58 may be used to accomplish this step, and a variety of different types of airbag modules may be used. Additionally, the configuration of the inner surface 44 may be varied to accommodate different types of airbag modules. After the airbag module 20 is installed, the knee airbag cover 10 is attached to the instrument panel 36 via the hooks 64. In some embodiments, due to the rotatable nature of the attachment between the knee airbag cover 10 and the instrument panel 36, the airbag module 20 may not be installed until after the knee airbag cover is attached to the instrument panel. The knee airbag cover 10 may be rotated or pivoted upward toward the cross beam 86 where step 116 or cross beam attachment may be performed. The screws or cross beam fasteners 88 allow the knee airbag cover 10 to be attached in the overlap area 78 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 5). This positioning provides proper attachment of the cross beam 86 to the knee air bag cover 10 and allows the foot well 38 to hide the attachment 76. Typically, the cross beam fastener 88 is from top to bottom, but for this arrangement of the knee air bag cover 10, the cross beam fastener 88 is from bottom to top. In step 118, the foot well is installed in step 118. The attachment of the knee air bag cover 10 at the foot well fastener 72 is also hidden by this arrangement. The foot well 38 is brought toward the side 30 of the knee air bag cover 10 facing the foot well, and the foot well fasteners 70, 72 are provided for tool-free attachment between the knee air bag cover 10 and the foot well 38. The magnetic plate 74 facilitates this tool-free attachment, which hides the attachment 76 between the cross beam 86 and the knee air bag cover 10. Magnetic metallic material may be located in certain areas of the footwell 38 to help position the footwell panel during installation.

[0048] It should be understood that the above is a description of one or more embodiments of the present application. The present application is not limited to one or more specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is limited only by the appended claims. In addition, the statements contained in the above description relate to specific embodiments and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present application or the definitions of the terms used in the claims, unless the terms or phrases are clearly defined above. For those skilled in the art, various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent. All of these other embodiments, changes and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0049] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "eg," "for example," "for instance," "such as," and "as," and the verbs "include," "have," "comprise," and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more components or other items, are each interpreted as open-ended. This means that the list should not be considered to exclude other, additional components or items. Unless the other terms are used in a context that requires a different interpretation, the other terms will be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning. In addition, the term "and / or" should be interpreted as an inclusive OR. Thus, for example, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" should be interpreted to cover all of the following: "A"; "B"; "C"; "A and B"; "A and C"; "B and C"; and "A, B, and C."

Claims

1. A knee airbag cover, comprising: a cover configured to shield the airbag module from the passenger cabin, wherein the cover has an outer periphery having a side facing the instrument panel and a side facing the footwell, wherein the cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface being configured to face away from the passenger cabin, and the outer surface being configured to face the passenger cabin; and A footwell fastener is configured to attach the cover to the footwell so as to conceal attachment of the footwell fastener and the cover from the passenger compartment.

2. The knee airbag cover according to claim 1, wherein: The footwell fastener is a magnetic plate.

3. The knee airbag cover of claim 1, further comprising a second footwell fastener, wherein: The footwell fastener is located toward a door-facing side of the outer perimeter, and the second footwell fastener is located toward a center console-facing side of the outer perimeter.

4. The knee airbag cover of claim 1 further comprising an airbag mesh molded into the cover body.

5. The knee airbag cover according to claim 4, wherein: The tear seam in the cover at least partially surrounds the airbag net.

6. The knee airbag cover of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of airbag module fasteners molded into said cover body.

7. The knee airbag cover according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of airbag module fasteners include a plurality of metal nuts molded into a plastic cover so as to partially surround the airbag net.

8. The knee airbag cover according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of hooks are located at the instrument panel-facing side of the outer periphery of the cover body so as to be rotatably attached to the instrument panel.

9. The knee airbag cover according to claim 1, wherein: The footwell fastener provides tool-free attachment.

10. A vehicle comprising: Cross car beams; Dashboard; as well as The knee airbag cover of claim 1, wherein the knee airbag cover is at least partially located between the instrument panel and the footwell, and wherein at least one of the instrument panel, the footwell, and the knee airbag cover is connected to the crossbody beam.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The footwell is directly attached to the knee airbag cover via the footwell fasteners.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The cover attachment is a cross beam fastener that attaches the cross beam to the knee air bag cover.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein: The cross-car beam fasteners are not visible from the passenger compartment.

14. The vehicle of claim 10 further comprising an airbag module secured to the inner surface of the cover body of the knee airbag cover.

15. A method of manufacturing the knee airbag cover according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: molding plastic material for the cover around the footwell fastener; as well as The cover is wrapped with a decorative covering.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The following steps are involved: A tear seam is formed in the cover, the tear seam at least partially surrounding the airbag net.

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