Covering element, airbag module, instrument panel, vehicle safety system and method
By designing the material weakening portion of the reinforcement rib in the cover element of the airbag module, ensuring that it extends on the hinge area side, the problem of uncontrolled fracture is solved, and the controlled opening and safe deployment of the airbag module is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380039870.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-07
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
The existing airbag module cover element is prone to break uncontrollably when triggered, causing debris to fly into the vehicle and not break along a predetermined tear line, hindering the airbag inflation and deployment.
In the cover element of the airbag module, the reinforcement ribs between the tear line and the hinge area are designed with material weakening parts to ensure that the reinforcement ribs extend on the side of the hinge area to be controlled to break when opened, reducing the bending moment, and achieve The covering element is controlled to open around the hinge area.
Through the cracking of controlled reinforcement ribs, uncontrolled breakage and debris are avoided, ensuring that the airbag module is safely deployed in the vehicle, and improving the safety and stability of the airbag module.
Smart Images
Figure CN119233912A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a covering element for an airbag module or a safety airbag module having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Such a covering element is known, for example, from DE 197 01 106 A1. The invention also relates to an airbag module, an instrument panel and a vehicle safety system each having such a covering element and a method for opening the covering element. Background Art
[0002] The covering element serves to cover the airbag facing the vehicle interior in the stationary state and to hold the airbag in the airbag module. To this end, the covering element must be sufficiently hard to withstand the packaging pressure of the compressed airbag without bulging or deforming. When the airbag module is triggered, the covering element must be easy to open in order to release the airbag deployed in the vehicle interior. No fragments must fall off the covering element and enter the vehicle interior. The opening takes place along a tear line formed in the covering element.
[0003] The dimensional stability of the cover element is achieved by the reinforcement ribs. To open the cover element, the reinforcement rib according to DE 197 01106 A1 is provided with a material weakening in the region of the tear line, which causes the reinforcement rib to break at the tear line during opening. The cover element is folded open around the hinge region to release the airbag. The reinforcement rib is flattened in the hinge region. Therefore, there are no reinforcement ribs in the hinge region, because it is believed that the reinforcement ribs would make it more difficult to fold open the cover element or prevent it from folding open.
[0004] In the known covering elements, there is the risk that the covering element breaks uncontrollably and parts thereof fly into the passenger compartment. In addition, there is the risk that the covering element does not break along the tear line provided for this purpose, but forms an uncontrolled tear line (bypass), which impedes the inflation and deployment of the airbag. Summary of the invention
[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a covering element for an airbag module, the opening behavior of which is improved and the dimensional stability is maintained as far as possible. The invention is also based on the object of providing an airbag module, an instrument panel, a vehicle safety system and a method for opening a covering element.
[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved with respect to a covering element for an airbag module by the subject matter of claim 1. With respect to an airbag module, an instrument panel, a vehicle safety system and a method, this object is achieved with respect to claims 13, 14, 15 and 16.
[0007] Specifically, the object is achieved by a covering element for an airbag module, the covering element having a tear line and at least one hinge area, the hinge area being used to open the covering element by pivoting at least one flap. The flap is formed by the tear line when the covering element is opened. At least one reinforcing rib having a material weakening extends between the tear line and the hinge area. According to the invention, the material weakening is formed on the hinge area side.
[0008] The reinforcing rib extends at least between the hinge region on one side thereof and the tear line region on the other side thereof. Preferably, the reinforcing rib extends over these regions respectively.
[0009] Unlike the prior art, the material weakening of the reinforcement rib is formed on the hinge region side. This allows the cover element to be opened in a controlled manner around the hinge region when the airbag module is triggered. The material weakening of the reinforcement rib on the hinge region side causes the hinge region to be released when the reinforcement rib breaks at the material weakening when the cover element is opened. The bending moment acting on the hinge region during opening is reduced, so that the cover element can be opened in a controlled manner around the hinge region. This improves the safety against uncontrolled breaking, which prevents parts of the cover element from falling off.
[0010] Only when the airbag module is triggered and the tear line is torn, one or more flaps of the covering element are formed. The one or more flaps are then pivoted upward around the hinge area. In the static state, the flap is integrally constructed with the covering element and covers the airbag.
[0011] If the covering element has a plurality of reinforcing ribs, all or at least some of the reinforcing ribs can each have a material weakening on the hinge region side.
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.
[0013] Preferably, the material weakening is configured on an axial end of the reinforcing rib. The axial end is arranged on the hinge region side. As a result, a large effective length of the reinforcing rib can be achieved to improve the rigidity.
[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hinge region comprises a hinge line about which the flap can be pivoted for opening the cover element, said flap being formed along the tear line during tearing.
[0015] In particular, it is provided that the reinforcing rib extends on both sides of the hinge line. Here, the reinforcing rib intersects the hinge line or crosses the hinge line from one side of the hinge line to the other side of the hinge line, preferably at an angle of 90°.
[0016] The material weakening is arranged in the region of the hinge line, in particular on the hinge line.
[0017] In contrast to the prior art, in which the hinge region forms a more or less undefined surface of the covering element, the hinge line has the advantage that the covering element has a defined pivot axis about which the flap is pivoted when the covering element is opened. The controlled opening of the covering element is further improved if the material weakening is arranged on the hinge line.
[0018] The reinforcing ribs can end at the tear line or at a distance in front of the tear line. This has the advantage that a single material weakening of each reinforcing rib, more precisely on the hinge region side, is sufficient to achieve a controlled opening of the cover element.
[0019] In order to improve the rigidity, at least one reinforcing rib can be provided on each side of the tear line, the reinforcing ribs on both sides of the tear line each having a material weakening which is formed on the side of the corresponding hinge region. The covering element can thus be reinforced over a larger area of the covering element. This embodiment is particularly suitable for covering elements with so-called H-flaps, in which the tear line extends approximately centrally through the covering element, so that flaps are formed on both sides of the covering element when it is opened. This embodiment has two hinge regions, which are also provided on both sides of the tear line.
[0020] Alternatively, the reinforcement rib can extend beyond the tear line and have another material weakening in the tear line region. Thus, the entire width of the cover element can be continuously reinforced by means of a single reinforcement rib. This embodiment is also suitable for cover elements with H-shaped flaps.
[0021] As mentioned above, the tear line can be arranged between two flaps, each of which has a hinge area for opening the cover element (H-shaped flap). Alternatively, a cover element in the form of a U-shaped flap can be used within the scope of the invention. In this case, the tear line is formed on the edge of a single flap (U-shaped flap).
[0022] Preferably, the material weakening extends transversely to the longitudinal extension of the reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib is thus broken in the transverse direction.
[0023] If a plurality of reinforcing ribs are provided, the material weakening formed in the respective reinforcing ribs respectively extends along the hinge line, thereby achieving a consistent opening behavior along the hinge line.
[0024] Preferably, the material weakening comprises a region of the reinforcing rib whose wall thickness is less than the wall thickness of the remaining region of the reinforcing rib. As a result, a stress concentration is achieved in the region of the material weakening, which serves as a predetermined breaking point.
[0025] The material weakening can be designed in a U-shaped or V-shaped manner.
[0026] Within the scope of the present invention, an airbag module, an instrument panel and a vehicle safety system are claimed, each having a covering element according to the invention.
[0027] In the method for opening the covering element according to the invention, the airbag module is first triggered. The tear line then tears and a bending moment acts on the reinforcing rib, which generates a stress concentration in the area of the material weakening. The reinforcing rib breaks at the material weakening. The covering element is pivoted and folded open about the hinge area. As a result, the covering element opens in a controlled manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams using the aid of embodiments.
[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a cover element according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0030] Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows Figure 1 A top view of the covering element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Figure 1 A covering element according to an embodiment of the invention is shown for covering an airbag in an airbag module. The covering element can be used, for example, in a driver airbag or a front passenger airbag. Other possible applications in vehicle safety systems are conceivable.
[0032] The covering element has a tear line 11 on its inner side, which tears when the covering element is opened and releases the airbag arranged below the covering element. The tear line 11 defines a flap 13, which pivots upward after the tear line 11 is torn and releases the airbag (H-shaped flap). Alternatively, the tear line 11 can extend over the edge of the covering element, so that a single flap is formed when it is opened (U-shaped flap). In the case of a covering element with an H-shaped flap structure, two hinge areas 12 are arranged opposite each other, about which the two flaps pivot when the covering element is opened. The hinge area 12 and the tear line 11 extend approximately parallel to each other. Other arrangements of the tear line 11 and the hinge area 12 relative to each other are possible.
[0033] In the case of a U-shaped flap design, a single hinge region 12 is provided, which extends parallel to the tear line 11. Other designs are also possible. The flap 13 is constructed between the hinge region 12 and the tear line 11. The same applies to a plurality of flaps 13, which are bounded on both sides of the tear line 11 by corresponding hinge regions 12.
[0034] It is understood that the flap 13 is closed in the resting state of the cover element and is formed integrally with the cover element.
[0035] As in Figure 1 It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that a plurality of reinforcing ribs 14 extend between the tear line 11 and the hinge area 12. In particular, the reinforcing ribs 14 extend perpendicularly to the tear line 11 and the hinge area 12. Other positioning of the reinforcing ribs 14 are possible.
[0036] As in Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be clearly seen that the material weakening 15 of the reinforcing ribs 14 is each formed on the side of the hinge region 12. This means that the material weakening 15 is formed closer to the hinge region 12 than the tear region 11, more precisely so close that the hinge effect is supported during opening by the breaking of the material weakening 15. The material weakening 15 directly adjoins the hinge region 12 in this example.
[0037] Specifically, the hinge area 12 is designed as a hinge line 16, which forms the rotation axis for each flap 13 or the single flap 13 when the cover element is opened. The material weakenings 15 in the reinforcement ribs 14 are aligned with the hinge line 16. In other words, all material weakenings 15 are arranged on the hinge line 16.
[0038] like Figure 1 It can be seen that the height of the reinforcing rib 14 increases in the direction of the hinge region 12 or the hinge line 16. The maximum height of the reinforcing rib 14 is formed adjacent to the hinge region 12 or the hinge line 16. The material weakening 15 is formed at the axial end of the reinforcing rib 14 extending into the hinge region 12, such as at Figure 2 Here, the material weakening 15 divides the reinforcing rib 14 into a short section 17 and a long section 18. The short section 17 at least partially protrudes outwards beyond the hinge line 16. Specifically, the short section 17 is connected to a transverse rib 19 of the cover element, which extends parallel to the hinge line 16.
[0039] The material weakening 15 is formed directly on the hinge line 16 .
[0040] After the material weakening 15 breaks, the short section 17 remains essentially stationary, ie it does not pivot together with the flap 13. The long section 18 is formed in the region of the flap 13 and pivots together with it when the cover element is opened.
[0041] Instead of a defined hinge line 16, a planar hinge region, as is known, for example, from DE 197 01 106 A1, can also be combined with reinforcing ribs 14 and material weakenings 15 to improve the opening behavior. Other hinge designs are also possible.
[0042] The tear line 11 is arranged spaced apart from the hinge line 16. The reinforcing rib 14 extends between the hinge line 16 and the tear line 11. Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the reinforcing rib 14 ends towards the tear line 11. The height of the reinforcing rib 14 is flattened here so that the reinforcing rib 14 ends in front of the tear line 11. The tear line 11 can therefore be torn without being hindered by the reinforcing rib 14. Other geometric shapes of the reinforcing rib 14 are possible. For example, the reinforcing rib 14 can protrude beyond the tear line 11. The opening can be achieved by a further (second) material weakening in the area of the tear line.
[0043] The covering element works as follows.
[0044] In the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag module is triggered and the gas generator (not shown) fills the airbag with gas. As a result, the cover element is pushed open along the tear line 11 and the flap 13 is bent upwards toward the outside. As a result, stress concentrations occur in the area of the material weakening 15, which causes the reinforcing rib 14 to break at the material weakening 15. The flap 13 can thus be pivoted upwards unhindered about the hinge line 16 or, more generally, about the hinge area 12. The airbag is released and can expand unhindered into the vehicle interior.
[0045] Reference numerals list
[0046] 10 empty
[0047] 11 tear line
[0048] 12 Hinge area
[0049] 13 Flip
[0050] 14 reinforcement ribs
[0051] 15 Material weakening
[0052] 16 Hinge Line
[0053] 17 Short Sections
[0054] 18 long sections
[0055] 19 transverse ribs
Claims
1. A covering element for an airbag module, the covering element having a tear line (11) and at least one hinge area (12) for opening the covering element by pivoting at least one flap (13), the flap being formed by the tear line (11) when the covering element is opened, at least one reinforcing rib (14) having a material weakening (15) extending between the tear line (11) and the hinge area (12), characterized in that The material weakening (15) is formed on the hinge region (12) side.
2. The covering element according to claim 1, characterized in that The material weakening (15) is formed on an axial end of the reinforcing rib (14), which axial end is arranged on the hinge region (12) side; and / or the reinforcing rib extends on both sides of the hinge region.
3. The covering element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The hinge region (12) comprises a hinge line (16) about which the flap (13) can be pivoted for opening, and the material weakening (15) is arranged in the region of the hinge line (16), in particular on the hinge line (16).
4. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing rib (14) ends on the tear line (11) or at a certain distance in front of the tear line (11).
5. The covering element according to claim 4, characterized in that At least one reinforcing rib (14) is arranged on both sides of the tear line (11), each of which has a material weakening (15) which is formed on the side of the corresponding hinge region (12).
6. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reinforcing rib (14) extends beyond the tear line (11) and has a further material weakening in the region of the tear line (11).
7. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tear line (11) is arranged between two flaps (13), each of which has a hinge area (12) for opening the cover element.
8. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The tear line (11) is formed on the edge of a single flap (13).
9. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The material weakening (15) extends transversely to the longitudinal extension of the reinforcing rib (14).
10. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, characterized in that In the case of a plurality of reinforcing ribs ( 14 ), the corresponding material weakening ( 15 ) extends along the hinge line ( 16 ).
11. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The material weakening (15) comprises a region of the reinforcing rib (14) whose wall thickness is smaller than the wall thickness of the remaining region of the reinforcing rib (14).
12. Covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The material weakening (15) is configured in a U-shape or a V-shape. 13 . An airbag module, in particular a driver airbag module or a front passenger airbag module, comprising a covering element according to claim 1 .
14. Instrument panel having a covering element according to claim 1.
15. A vehicle safety system, in particular for protecting persons, such as vehicle occupants or pedestrians, comprising a covering element according to claim 1.
16. Method for opening a covering element according to claim 1, in which method, a) Trigger the airbag module, b) the tear line (11) tears and a moment acts on the reinforcing rib (14), which moment produces a stress concentration in the region of the material weakening (15), c) the reinforcing rib (14) breaks at the material weakening (15), and d) The cover element is pivoted about the hinge area ( 12 ) and folded open.