Airbag device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an airbag (2) which can be transferred from a compressed stowed position into an inflated use position, a motor vehicle component (3) and an interior element (4), which together define a receptacle (5) for the airbag (2) in its stowed position, the interior element (4) being held on the motor vehicle component (3) at least in sections by a latching connection (7) when the airbag (2) is arranged in the stowed position and the interior element (4) can be separated from the motor vehicle component (3) at least in sections when the airbag is transferred from its stowed position into the use position, a plastic foam (6) being arranged in the receptacle (5), by means of which the airbag (2) is at least in sections covered towards the interior element (4) in its stowed position and which is covered by the interior element (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag device for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] US 7,942,439 B2 discloses a securing device for a motor vehicle that can accommodate an airbag. The securing device can secure the airbag to the roof area of ​​the motor vehicle. The securing device includes a roof element by which the airbag is covered in its retracted position and the roof element is flip-up to allow the airbag to inflate. A locking element is provided on the roof element that can lock into a locking receptacle of a motor vehicle component. When the airbag is covered by the roof element, the locking element of the roof element is inserted into the locking receptacle of the motor vehicle component. To allow the roof element to flip relative to the motor vehicle component, the locking element is released from the locking receptacle. Furthermore, the securing device may include a textile that is placed under tension when the airbag inflates, and the locking element moves out of the locking receptacle based on the tension of the textile. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an airbag device for motor vehicles that enables the airbag to be reliably stored in its retracted position and to be integrated into the vehicle seat of the motor vehicle.

[0004] According to the present invention, this task is accomplished by an airbag device for a motor vehicle.

[0005] This invention relates to an airbag device for a motor vehicle, comprising an airbag transferable from a compressed, retracted position to an inflated, operational position. For example, in the event of an accident, the airbag can inflate from the retracted position to the operational position. In the operational position, the airbag cushions the movement of the occupant to protect them from injury. The airbag device also includes a vehicle component and interior trim elements that together define a receiving portion for the airbag in its retracted position. This means that the vehicle component and interior trim elements together surround the airbag in its retracted position. The interior trim elements are at least partially held to the vehicle component by a locking connection when the airbag is in the retracted position. When the airbag is transferred from its retracted position to the operational position, the interior trim elements can be at least partially separated from the vehicle component. In particular, the interior trim elements are configured to fold up when the airbag is transferred from its retracted position to the operational position to allow the airbag to deploy into the interior space of the motor vehicle, particularly an automobile.

[0006] To achieve the integration of an airbag device into a vehicle seat, according to the invention, a plastic foam is provided on the receiving portion, by means of which the airbag, in its retracted position, is at least partially covered towards the interior trim elements, and the plastic foam is concealed by the interior trim elements. The airbag, therefore, in its retracted position, is covered outwards, particularly towards the interior space of the vehicle, by the plastic foam and the interior trim elements. The plastic foam can be, in particular, an elastic polyurethane foam. This polyurethane foam is, for example, covered towards the interior space of the vehicle by a textile, which serves as an interior trim element. Here, the textile is particularly attached to the plastic foam. Alternatively, the interior trim elements can be, for example, leather or artificial leather. The airbag device thus has a padded area provided by the plastic foam and the interior trim elements, which enables particularly advantageous integration of the airbag device into the vehicle seat, for example, into the vehicle backrest or seat side of the vehicle seat.

[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, the airbag device includes a separation element that, together with interior trim elements and / or vehicle components, completely surrounds the portion of the housing where the foam is disposed, regardless of the airbag's location. The separation element may be a textile, by means of which the foam, together with the interior trim elements and / or vehicle components, completely surrounds the foam, regardless of the airbag's location. This ensures that the foam is retained during airbag inflating, thereby preventing the foam from being flung into the vehicle's interior space. Instead, the foam is reliably held onto the interior trim elements and / or vehicle components at any location of the airbag by means of the separation element.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the separating element at least partially surrounds the airbag in its retracted position. For this purpose, the separating element can at least partially abut against the airbag. The separating element cleanly separates the portion of the airbag from the retracted portion, thus placing the airbag outside this portion. This avoids direct contact between the airbag and the foam. By having the separating element at least partially surround and at least partially abut against the airbag, the portion occupies a particularly large portion of the housing, which can then be filled with foam. Therefore, the area within the housing excluding all elements can be kept particularly small, resulting in a particularly compact airbag device. In particular, the foam is positioned particularly close to the airbag and occupies a particularly large volume of the housing to provide particularly strong protection against damage to the airbag and to offer particularly high comfort to the occupant based on particularly high inflation.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the separation element is held at one end to the interior trim element and at the other end to the vehicle component. When the airbag moves from its retracted position to its inflated position, causing the interior trim element to pivot relative to the vehicle component, the separation element thus changes its shape, particularly by being subjected to pressure. Due to the pressure applied to the separation element, the pivoting movement of the interior trim element can be restricted by its connection to the separation element. Restricting the pivoting movement of the interior trim element significantly reduces the risk of damage to the interior trim element when it pivots due to the inflation of the airbag. Furthermore, the fact that the separation element is fixed at one end to the interior trim element and at the other end to the vehicle component allows particularly large portions of the accommodating portion to be separated as partial areas.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the separating element is sewn to the interior trim element at one end. This sewing allows the separating element to be secured to the interior trim element at one end particularly easily and reliably. This is especially true when both the separating element and the interior trim element are made of textiles. The separating element is sewn to the interior trim element at one end to particularly advantageously define the portion of the area by means of the separating element, the interior trim element, and, if necessary, additionally by means of a vehicle component.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, it has proven advantageous that the interior trim element has a first locking element that engages with a second locking element of the vehicle component to provide a locking connection. To separate one end of the interior trim element from the vehicle component, the locking connection can be disengaged or the interior trim element can be slit, thereby partially separating at least a portion of the interior trim element from the vehicle component, allowing that portion of the interior trim element to pivot upward relative to the vehicle component to allow airbag inflation. By engaging the first locking element with the second locking element, for example by hooking or hooking the locking elements together rearward, the interior trim element can be held particularly reliably on the vehicle component when the airbag is in the retracted position.

[0012] It has proven particularly advantageous that the separating element covers the first locking element abutting against the second locking element. This means that the separating element abuts against the first and / or second locking elements in the force application area between the first and second locking elements, especially between the first and second locking elements, thereby preventing direct contact between the first and second locking elements. When the airbag inflates from the retracted position to the deployed position, pressure is applied to the separating element, thereby changing its shape. Due to the change in shape, the separating element separates the first and second locking elements, thus disengaging the locking connection. Based on the disengagement of the locking connection, the interior trim element can pivot upward relative to the vehicle components, allowing the airbag to inflate again into the vehicle's interior space. Therefore, the unlocking of the first and second locking elements can be supported by the separating element. Thus, in the retracted position of the airbag, the locking connection secures the interior trim element particularly reliably to the vehicle, while the separating element supports the disengagement of the locking connection during airbag inflating.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the interior trim element has a predetermined breakage position at which a first locking element can disengage from the remainder of the interior trim element when the airbag is transferred from a retracted position to a usable position. Based on the force acting on the interior trim element as the airbag inflates from the retracted position to the usable position, the first locking element disengages from the remainder of the interior trim element at the predetermined breakage position, thereby allowing the remainder of the interior trim element to pivot upward relative to the vehicle component to allow the airbag to inflate into the usable position. Therefore, when the airbag presses against the interior trim element during inflating, the locking element disengages from the remainder of the interior trim element at the predetermined breakage position, thereby disengaging the first locking element from the remainder of the interior trim element based on the tension generated in the interior trim element at the predetermined breakage position. The disengagement of the locking connection is not critical here, as the remainder of the interior trim element can pivot relative to the vehicle component to allow the airbag to inflate from the retracted position to the usable position.

[0014] It has proven particularly advantageous that the interior trim element has a perforation at a predetermined fracture location. The perforation causes material weakening at the predetermined fracture location, thereby causing the interior trim element to fracture under tension at the predetermined fracture location. The perforation can be introduced into the interior trim element particularly easily. Furthermore, the predetermined fracture location can be precisely predefined by the perforation.

[0015] In an alternative or additional embodiment of the invention, it has proven advantageous that the interior trim element has a tear seam at a predetermined fracture location. This should be understood as the interior trim element having two separately constructed local areas connected by a seam at the predetermined fracture location, the seam predetermining the predetermined fracture location. Due to a load on the interior trim element, such as from an airbag inflating into a usable position, the seam tears, thereby separating the local areas of the interior trim element from each other. This separation of the local areas of the interior trim element allows for the pivoting of at least one local area relative to the vehicle components, thereby allowing the airbag to inflate into the interior space of the vehicle. By providing a corresponding stitch width and yarn thickness for the yarn used to tear the tear seam, the breaking force for tearing the tear seam can be predetermined.

[0016] Other features of the invention are derived from the accompanying drawings and description. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the specification, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the combinations given separately, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to a first embodiment is shown. The airbag device has an airbag disposed in its retracted position in a receiving portion surrounded by interior trim elements and a vehicle component. The airbag is covered with foam facing the interior trim elements, and the interior trim elements are held to the vehicle component by a locking connection.

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to a second embodiment is shown, in which a separating element is connected at one end to an interior trim element, and by means of the separating element defines a portion of the housing in which a plastic foam is disposed, thereby separating the plastic foam from the airbag by means of the separating element.

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device with a separation element is shown, in which a first locking element of the interior trim element is covered by a second locking element of the vehicle component in an engaged position, in which a locking connection exists between the first locking element and the second locking element, thereby allowing the locking connection to be disengaged by means of the separation element.

[0021] Figures 4a to 4bA corresponding schematic cross-sectional view of the locking connection is shown, wherein the interior trim element has a predetermined break position at which the first locking element separates from the remainder of the interior trim element when the airbag inflates to the use position, allowing the remainder of the interior trim element to pivot relative to the vehicle component, thereby releasing an opening in the receiving portion through which the airbag can inflate to the use position; and

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an airbag device according to a third embodiment is shown, wherein the airbag device is integrated into a vehicle seat configured as a single seat. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Components with the same function are given the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 An airbag device 1 for a motor vehicle is shown. The motor vehicle is particularly a car, especially a sedan. The airbag device 1 includes an airbag 2, which may be referred to as a safety airbag. Figure 1 The airbag 2 is shown in its retracted position. To protect vehicle occupants, especially in the event of an accident, the airbag 2 can be transferred from its compressed, retracted position to its inflated, operational position. An ignition device is provided to allow the airbag 2 to inflate particularly rapidly during this transfer. The airbag assembly 1 includes a vehicle component 3 and an interior element 4, which define a receiving portion 5 in which the airbag 2 can be accommodated in its retracted position. Currently, the vehicle component 3 provides a recess into which the airbag 2 can be placed in its retracted position. The interior element 4 defines the receiving portion 5 towards the interior space of the vehicle in the mounting position of the airbag assembly 1. Therefore, the interior element 4 covers the airbag 2 in its retracted position towards the interior space of the vehicle in its mounting position.

[0025] Currently, in addition to the airbag 2, a plastic foam 6 is also provided in the housing 5. This plastic foam 6 covers the airbag 2 towards the interior element 4. This means that the interior element 4 is covered with plastic foam 6 towards the interior space of the vehicle. Here, the interior element 4 is covered with plastic foam 6. For this purpose, the interior element 4 rests against the plastic foam 6. The interior element 4 can be, in particular, a textile, by means of which the plastic foam 6 is covered towards the interior space of the vehicle. The plastic foam 6 is particularly used to shape the airbag device 1 and is covered by the interior element 4, which is particularly configured to be flexible. The interior element 4 can be made of a flexible material sleeve and / or flexible leather and / or flexible plastic. The plastic foam 6, together with the interior element 4, provides padding for the airbag device 1. The padding of the airbag device 1 allows the airbag device 1 to be integrated into the vehicle seat of the car, especially into the airbag of the vehicle seat. The padding of the airbag device 1 allows for particularly advantageous embedding of the airbag device 1 into the side and / or back of the vehicle seat, because the airbag device 1 is embedded in the area surrounding the vehicle seat in terms of its tactile feel, and especially the transition between the airbag device 1 and the vehicle seat is particularly difficult for the occupant to feel.

[0026] Interior trim element 4 is currently partially held onto vehicle component 3 by a locking connection 7. The locking connection 7 is currently positioned within a recess in vehicle component 3. Thus, the locking connection 7 is concealed from the vehicle's interior space, making it invisible from the interior. To provide the locking connection 7, interior trim element 4 has a first locking element 8 that engages with a second locking element 9 of vehicle component 3. The first locking element 8 may be, in particular, a kerf that can disengage from the second locking element 9 to release the locking connection 7. When the first locking element 8 engages with the second locking element 9, thereby forming the locking connection 7, interior trim element 4 is held onto vehicle component 3 particularly reliably. Therefore, with the locking connection 7 present, airbag 2 is particularly reliably accommodated in the receiving portion 5 of airbag device 1 in its deployed position. To allow the airbag 2 to move from its retracted position to its inflated operational position (in which the airbag 2 extends into the interior space of the vehicle to protect the occupants from injury), the interior element 4 is at least partially pivotable relative to the vehicle component 3 to release an opening in the receiving portion 5 through which the airbag 2 inflates into the interior space of the vehicle.

[0027] exist Figure 2Another embodiment of the airbag device 1 is shown, wherein the airbag device 1 has a separation element 10. This separation element 10 may be made of polyamide fabric, which has a particularly low elongation. The separation element 10 is connected at one end to the interior trim element 4, and is currently sewn together. The separation element 10 allows the first portion region 11 and the second portion region 12 to be separated within the receiving portion 5. A plastic foam 6 is disposed in the first portion region 11. The airbag 2 is disposed in the second portion region 12. The second portion region 11 is completely surrounded by the separation element 10, the interior trim element 4, and the vehicle component 3, regardless of the position of the interior trim element 4 relative to the vehicle component 3, and therefore regardless of whether the airbag 2 is in a retracted or deployed position. Therefore, regardless of the position of the airbag 2, the plastic foam 6 is reliably disposed in the first portion region 11 and thereby held on the interior trim element 4 and the vehicle component 3. Thus, it is substantially possible to prevent the plastic foam 6 from being thrown into the interior space of the vehicle when the airbag 2 is transferred from its retracted position to its deployed position. Therefore, the plastic foam 6 is secured in the first portion region 11 by means of the separation element 10. The separation element 10 protects both the plastic foam 6 and the airbag 2 from damage by preventing direct contact between the airbag 2 and the plastic foam 6. In particular, the separation element 10 prevents the plastic foam 6 from being rubbed (Abreiben) by the airbag 2. Therefore, the separation element 10 provides a friction barrier for the plastic foam 6, thereby at least substantially preventing the plastic foam 6 from breaking due to contact with the airbag 2.

[0028] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the release element 10 can abut against the second locking element 9, cover the first locking element 8, and be held thereon on the interior trim element 4, particularly stitched to it. When the airbag 2 is transferred from the retracted position to the operational position, pressure is applied to the release element 10, thereby disengaging the first locking element 8 from the engagement of the second locking element 9. Therefore, when the airbag 2 is transferred from the retracted position to the operational position, the locking connection 7 is disengaged by the release element 10, allowing the interior trim element 4 to pivot upward relative to the vehicle component 3. Based on the upward pivoting of the interior trim element 4 relative to the vehicle component 3, the receiving portion 5 opens, allowing the airbag 2 to inflate into the interior space of the vehicle through the resulting opening in the receiving portion 5. When the airbag 2 is transferred from the retracted position to the operational position, the release element 10 is subjected to pressure as the airbag 2 presses against the release element 10 within the receiving portion 5 due to its inflation.

[0029] Especially in Figure 2 and 3As can be seen, the separating element 10 is at least partially attached to the airbag 2. Because the separating element 10 is at least partially attached to the airbag 2, the first region 11 can remain particularly large compared to the second region 12. Therefore, the particularly large portion of the receiving portion 5 can be filled with the plastic foam 6. The airbag device 1 can thus be constructed particularly compactly because the hollow or unused volume of the receiving portion 5 is particularly small.

[0030] In order to allow at least a portion of the interior element 4 to pivot relative to the vehicle component 3 when the airbag 2 is transferred from the retracted position to the deployed position, instead of or attached to the disengagement of the locking connection 7, the first locking element 8 can be separated from the remainder 13 of the interior element 4 to allow the remainder 13 of the interior element 4 to pivot relative to the vehicle component 3, thereby releasing the opening of the receiving portion 5. To enable particularly simple separation of the first locking element 8 from the remainder 13 of the interior element 4, as in Figure 4a and 4b As can be seen, the interior trim element 4 may have a corresponding predetermined breakage position 14, at which the first locking element 8 disengages from the rest 13 of the interior trim element 4 when it is subjected to load. The area of ​​the interior trim element 4 surrounding the predetermined breakage position 14 is currently provided in the recess of the vehicle component 3. Thus, the predetermined breakage position 14 is covered towards the interior space of the vehicle, and therefore the predetermined breakage position 14 is not visible from the interior space of the vehicle.

[0031] The predetermined fracture location 14 can be provided through a perforation 17 in the interior trim element 4. Here, the interior trim element 4 can be constructed as a single unit. Figure 4a and 4b The interior components 4 are each constructed in multiple parts. Figure 4a In the embodiment of the interior trim element 4 shown, the first locking element 8 is held on the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4 by a connecting element 15. The connecting element 15 is connected to both the first locking element 8 and the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4. The connecting element 15 has a perforation 17 to provide a predetermined breakage location 14. When the interior trim element 4 is subjected to a load exceeding a predetermined limit load, the connecting element 15 is split at the predetermined breakage location 14 and thus in the area of ​​the perforation 17, thereby separating the first locking element 8 from the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4.

[0032] exist Figure 4bIn the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 15 is connected at one end to the first locking element 8 and at the other end to the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4 via a tear slit 16. When the interior trim element 4 is subjected to a load exceeding a predetermined limit load, the tear slit 16 tears open based on this load, thereby separating the connecting element 15 from the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4. As the connecting element 15 separates from the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4, the first locking element 8 also separates from the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4. Because the first locking element 8 separates from the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4, the remainder 13 of the interior trim element 4 can pivot upwards, thereby releasing the opening of the receiving portion 5 and allowing the airbag 2 to inflate into the use position. The tear slit 16 can be torn open particularly quickly and easily by means of the separating element 10.

[0033] The described airbag device 1 is based on the understanding that airbag 2 is used to protect occupants in order to meet legal or safety requirements. With the aid of airbag device 1, airbag 2 can provide side airbags, particularly in the second row of seats of a passenger car. In the case of providing side airbags, airbag device 1 is disposed in the side of the seat. To separate airbag 2 from the visible interior space of the vehicle, airbag 2 is covered towards the interior space by plastic foam 6 (also referred to as seat foam) and interior trim element 4 (also referred to as seat cover). When airbag 2 is triggered, the airbag should enter the interior space of the vehicle. By igniting airbag 2, a defined opening channel is created through pressure, the interaction of the airbag fabric of airbag 2, plastic foam 6, and interior trim element 4, through which airbag 2 can be at least partially moved from the receiving portion 5 into the interior space and deployed in the use position within the interior space. Instead of placing airbag device 1 in the vehicle seat, airbag device 1 can be integrated into the vehicle's dashboard. Alternatively, the airbag device 1 can be integrated into the headliner, center console, door liner, or other interior trim components of the vehicle. This design of the locking connection 7 between the interior element 4 and the vehicle component 3 ensures that the locking connection 7 opens under a defined, predetermined force applied by the airbag 2, thus providing an opening channel for the airbag 2 to be removed into the interior space. Instead of opening the locking connection 7 to provide the opening channel, a predetermined break point 14 can be provided on the interior element 4, located in a recess in the vehicle component 3. This recess can be a clip channel in which the locking connection 7 is located. Providing the predetermined break point 14 in a recess avoids separate flaps and visible seams, as well as seams visible from the interior space of the vehicle.

[0034] In summary, the present invention demonstrates how to provide a vehicle seat with an airbag-adaptive covering fixation device.

[0035] Figure 5A schematic cross-sectional view shows the airbag device 1 according to the third embodiment. Figures 1 to 4b The airbag device 1 is, for example, installed in a vehicle seat configured as a long seat and, for example, in the rear seat of a motor vehicle, according to... Figure 5 The airbag device 1 is preferably provided for a single seat, such as a front seat, especially installed in or integrated into a single seat. In other words, for example, the airbag device 1 according to the third embodiment is a component of a single seat, especially a front seat. A structural member 17 of the seat structure is provided as another motor vehicle component; this seat structure is currently the seat back structure of a single seat (also referred to as a backrest). The seat structure holds or supports the plastic foam 6 and / or the airbag 2.

[0036] In the third embodiment, the vehicle component 3 is another interior element, also called a back panel or rear wall, and preferably rigid in itself, made of, for example, plastic. The structural component 17 and, in particular, the airbag 2 in its retracted position, are at least partially, and especially at least largely or completely covered and thus verkleiden, by the vehicle component 3, rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and preferably also outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a separation element (also called a pocket or inner pocket) is provided, which is preferably flexible, i.e., bendable.

[0037] In the third embodiment, the interior element 4 is a flexible, i.e., a seat cover that is inherently flexible, especially the seat cover for the backrest, also known as a cushioned foam, and the plastic foam 6 that forms the seat cushion is covered and thus covered by the seat cover.

[0038] from Figure 5 As can be seen, the rear wall (back panel or vehicle component 3), constructed as or used as a rear wall liner, extensively surrounds the airbag 2. Traditionally, the rear wall may develop gaps due to deformation under temperature and increased service life. Now, to avoid excessive gaps and to advantageously integrate the airbag device 1 into the vehicle seat and ensure the airbag 2 can be advantageously transferred from the retracted position to the deployed position, the rear wall (back panel) and the seat cover (interior element 4) are held in position by a locking connection 7, also known as a clamping connection. This avoids excessive gaps, but allows for advantageous deployment of the airbag 2 (safety airbag) by disengaging the locking connection 7, also known as a clamping connection, i.e., allows the airbag 2 to be advantageously transferred from the retracted position to the deployed position. In the third embodiment, visible predetermined failure points, such as tear seams in the interior element 4 and the rear wall, can also be avoided.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 1. Airbag device

[0041] 2 airbags

[0042] 3 Motor vehicle components

[0043] 4 Interior components

[0044] 5. Reception area

[0045] 6. Plastic foam

[0046] 7. Lock connection

[0047] 8 First locking element

[0048] 9 Second locking element

[0049] 10 Separating Elements

[0050] 11. First Part of the Area

[0051] 12 Part Two Area

[0052] The remaining 13 interior components

[0053] 14. Predicted fracture location

[0054] 15 Connecting Components

[0055] 16 tear seams

[0056] 17 structural components

Claims

1. An airbag device (1) for a motor vehicle, the airbag device comprising: The airbag (2) can be transferred from the compressed, retracted position to the inflated, usable position; Motor vehicle components (3); The vehicle component and interior element (4) together define a receiving portion (5) for an airbag (2) in its retracted position. The interior element (4) is held at least partially on the vehicle component (3) by a locking connection (7) when the airbag (2) is in the retracted position, and the interior element (4) is at least partially separable from the vehicle component (3) when the airbag is transferred from its retracted position to its operational position. The characteristic feature is that a plastic foam (6) is provided in the receiving portion (5), which covers the airbag (2) at least partially toward the interior element (4) in its retracted position, and the plastic foam is... The airbag (2) is covered by a separation element (10) that, together with the interior element (4) and the vehicle component (3), completely surrounds a portion (11) of the housing (5) provided with plastic foam (6) in any position of the airbag (2). The separation element (10) is held at one end on the interior element (4) and at the other end on the vehicle component (3). When the interior element is pivoted relative to the vehicle component as the airbag moves from its retracted position to its inflated use position, the shape of the separation element changes and thus the separation element is subjected to pressure, such that the pivoting movement of the interior element is restricted by the connection between the interior element and the separation element.

2. The airbag device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation element (10) at least partially surrounds the airbag (2) in its retracted position.

3. The airbag device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separating element (10) is stitched to the interior element (4) at one end.

4. The airbag device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The interior component (4) has a first locking element (8) that can engage with a second locking element (9) of the motor vehicle component (3) to provide a locking connection (7).

5. The airbag device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The separating element (10) abuts against the second locking element (9) and covers the first locking element (8).

6. The airbag device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interior element (4) has a predetermined break position (14) at which the first locking element (8) can separate from the rest (13) of the interior element (4) when the airbag (2) is transferred from the retracted position to the used position.

7. The airbag device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The interior element (4) has a perforation (17) at a predetermined fracture location (14).

8. The airbag device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The interior element (4) has a tear (16) at a predetermined fracture location (14).

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