Occupant restraint arrangement for a vehicle and vehicle with the occupant restraint arrangement

Abstract

Occupant restraint arrangement (1) for a vehicle, with a vehicle cross member (2) which extends transversely to a direction of travel (F) of the vehicle, with an airbag module (3) comprising an airbag housing (5) and a gas generator (4), wherein the airbag housing (5) is fixed to and / or supported by the vehicle cross member (2), wherein the gas generator (4) is attached to the airbag housing (5), wherein an intermediate space (12) is arranged between the gas generator (4) and the vehicle cross member (2), wherein a filling device (13a, 13b) is arranged in the intermediate space (12), characterized in that the filling device (13a, 13b) is designed as a shock absorber for absorbing recoil forces of the airbag module (3) and is formed from a foam material

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to an occupant restraint arrangement for a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the occupant restraint arrangement having the features of claim 13. Background:

[0002] To protect front-row seat occupants, airbag modules are typically integrated into the dashboard and attached to a cross-car beam. Often, a gap is provided between the airbag module components and the cross-car beam to ensure proper installation and to prevent noise and disruptive movement that may occur while driving.

[0003] For example, the document DE 196 17 763 A1 describes the attachment of an airbag module to a structural cross member below the dashboard. Hook-like projections of the airbag module are hooked into openings in the structural cross member. Furthermore, the airbag module is secured to the structural cross member at screwable attachment points. To enable the use of a hydroformed structural cross member without a mounting flange, the screwable attachment point is formed by a cage nut inserted in the structural cross member and a screw supported by a spacer element. The spacer element compensates for the required installation clearance when tightening the screw. This reliably prevents distortion of the interconnected parts.

[0004] DE 43 38 666 A1 shows an airbag housing that is to be attached to a vehicle cross member. Elastic spacers between the cross member and a support for the airbag housing are intended to bridge tolerances and prevent vibrations.

[0005] EP 0 710 590 A1 shows an airbag module that is attached to supports by means of retaining bushings. The retaining bushings have a flexible element that allows the airbag module housing to deflect a limited amount when subjected to a load in the firing direction. Description:

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a functionally improved occupant protection arrangement for a vehicle. This object is achieved by an occupant protection arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle having the occupant protection arrangement having the features of claim 13. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims of the following description and / or the accompanying figures.

[0007] An occupant restraint arrangement for a vehicle, for example for a passenger car, is proposed. The occupant restraint arrangement has a vehicle cross member which extends transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle cross member is a so-called cross car beam. In particular, the vehicle cross member supports a dashboard, a steering wheel and / or safety devices of the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle cross member is a rigid transverse connection which is arranged in the interior of the vehicle. There, the vehicle cross member stabilizes in particular a passenger cell of the vehicle so that it can prevent the passenger cell from being compressed, for example in the event of a side impact of the vehicle.

[0008] The occupant restraint assembly includes an airbag module. The airbag module is preferably integrated into the vehicle's instrument panel. The airbag module comprises an airbag housing, a gas generator, and optionally an additional airbag. The airbag is preferably arranged in and / or surrounded by the airbag housing. In particular, the airbag is rolled up and / or folded when arranged in the airbag housing. Specifically, the airbag is fluidly connected to the gas generator.

[0009] Preferably during and / or after a vehicle impact, e.g., a frontal collision, the gas generator can be activated, releasing gas to inflate the airbag. In particular, the inflowing gas causes the airbag to inflate explosively within the airbag housing, penetrating the housing and, optionally, an overlying cover, e.g., the dashboard, at predetermined breaking points. Specifically, the inflated airbag can cushion the upper body and / or head of an occupant, thereby preventing the occupant from impacting the dashboard.

[0010] The gas generator is attached to the airbag housing. The gas generator is preferably connected to the airbag housing in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For example, the airbag housing has a receptacle in which the gas generator is accommodated at least in part. In particular, a free side of the gas generator facing away from the airbag housing protrudes from the receptacle and / or from the airbag housing.

[0011] The airbag housing is attached to and / or supported by the vehicle cross member. For example, the airbag housing is positively and / or non-positively connected to the vehicle cross member via a clamping device. In particular, the vehicle cross member can thereby at least partially absorb forces acting on the gas generator via the airbag module during and / or after activation of the gas generator.

[0012] A gap is arranged between the gas generator and the vehicle cross member. Preferably, the width of the gap, in particular the distance between the gas generator and the vehicle cross member, is at least 3 millimeters, in particular at least 4 millimeters, specifically at least 5 millimeters and / or a maximum of 7 millimeters. Typically, the gap is provided to enable installation of the airbag module and, if applicable, other components on the vehicle cross member and / or below the dashboard. Furthermore, the gap can be used to prevent disruptive noises such as rattling and / or squeaking and / or disruptive movements such as vibrations, which can arise from contact between the gas generator and the vehicle cross member while driving in the vehicle.

[0013] However, despite the airbag housing being secured to the vehicle's cross member, undesirable rotation and / or vibration of the airbag module may occur if large recoil forces act on the vehicle's cross member and the surrounding area due to the activation of the gas generator and / or the inflation of the airbag. The rotation and / or vibration of the airbag module may limit the protective effect of the inflating airbag on the occupant.

[0014] According to the invention, a filling device is arranged in the space between the gas generator and the vehicle cross member. The filling device is designed as an absorption device, in particular as an anti-shock buffer or shock absorber, for absorbing recoil forces of the airbag module during and / or after activation of the gas generator and / or during inflation of the airbag. In particular, the filling device absorbs the recoil forces in addition to the vehicle cross member, so that the latter is relieved and a larger absorption surface is formed. Damage caused by the recoil forces can thereby be advantageously reduced.

[0015] Furthermore, the filling device is made of a foam material, in particular a polyurethane foam. As a result, the filling device preferably has elastic and / or flexible properties that can prevent disruptive noises and / or disruptive movements. In particular, the filling device is also sufficiently stable so that it can fulfill the supporting and / or absorption function.

[0016] For example, the filling device is designed as a strip that extends along the vehicle cross member between the cross member and the gas generator. Preferably, the filling device is held between the vehicle cross member and the gas generator in a form-fitting manner in and against the inflation direction of the airbag. In particular, the filling device is clamped between the gas generator and the vehicle cross member.

[0017] It is advantageous that the filling device forms a support device for the airbag module. In particular, the filling device supports the airbag module against the inflation direction during and / or after activation of the gas generator and / or during inflation of the airbag. This can particularly advantageously prevent the undesired rotation of the airbag module and fully ensure the protective effect of the inflating and / or inflated airbag. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the filling device is designed and / or arranged such that the occurrence of undesired disturbing noises and / or disturbing movements is avoided despite its arrangement in the intermediate space.

[0018] In a preferred structural implementation of the invention, the filling device covers the free side of the gas generator facing away from the airbag housing. In this arrangement, the filling device is preferably designed as a wide strip bent in a C- or U-shape in cross-section. In particular, the wide strip is placed completely around the free side of the gas generator and inserted with the long sides of the filling device into gap openings between the airbag housing and the gas generator. Optionally, the long sides are held in the gap openings in a form-fitting manner, in particular clamped therein. It is advantageous that this creates a buffer in the gap openings between the gas generator and the airbag housing, which reduces and / or prevents further disturbing noises and / or disturbing movements.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the airbag module is integrated into the dashboard to protect the occupant sitting in a front seat, in particular to protect a front passenger. The airbag is preferably designed as a front passenger airbag.

[0020] A further subject of the invention is a vehicle with the occupant restraint arrangement according to the previous description and / or according to claims 1 to 12. Preferably, the vehicle comprises the dashboard, at least one front seat and / or a passenger compartment.

[0021] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. These show: Fig. 1 an occupant restraint arrangement with a vehicle cross member and with an airbag module comprising a gas generator, wherein a strip-shaped filling device is arranged in a space between the gas generator and the vehicle cross member; Fig. 2 the occupant restraint arrangement according to Fig. 1 with a modified filling device which has a C- or U-shaped cross-section and completely surrounds a free side of the gas generator.

[0022] Corresponding or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows an occupant restraint arrangement 1 for a vehicle, e.g., a passenger car. The occupant restraint arrangement 1 comprises a vehicle cross member 2, which is designed as a so-called cross car beam. It extends in an interior of the vehicle transversely to a direction of travel F of the vehicle. There, it stabilizes a passenger cell of the vehicle, in particular against deformation in the event of a side impact or rollover of the vehicle. The vehicle cross member 2 supports additional components such as, for example, a dashboard 9 and a steering wheel.

[0024] The occupant restraint arrangement 1 has an airbag module 3 supported by the vehicle cross member 2. The airbag module 3 is arranged below the instrument panel 9 and / or integrated therein. The airbag module 3 comprises a gas generator 4, an airbag housing 5, and a rolled-up and / or folded airbag 6 arranged in the airbag housing 5. The airbag housing 5 is secured to the vehicle cross member 2 via a clamping device 8.

[0025] The gas generator 4 is connected to the airbag housing 5 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, e.g., via a snap-in connection. For this purpose, it is arranged in sections in a receptacle 7 of the airbag housing 5, with a free side 11 of the gas generator 4 protruding from the airbag housing 5. In some areas, the free side 11 of the gas generator 4 is arranged adjacent to the vehicle cross member 2.

[0026] A gap 12 is formed between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2, at least in the region of the free side 11. The width of the gap 12 is preferably at least 3 millimeters, in particular at least 4 millimeters, specifically at least 5 millimeters and / or a maximum of 7 millimeters. The gap 12 is typically provided, as is known from the prior art, to facilitate installation of the airbag module 3 and, if applicable, other components on the vehicle cross member 2 and / or beneath the dashboard 9. It also prevents the occurrence of disruptive noises, such as rattling and / or squeaking, and / or disruptive movements, such as vibrations, while driving in the vehicle, which could occur if there were direct contact between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2.

[0027] During and / or after an impact, e.g. a frontal impact, of the vehicle, the gas generator 4 can be activated so that it provides gas to inflate the airbag 6. For this purpose, the gas generator 4 is fluidically connected to the airbag 6. The gas causes the airbag 6 to inflate explosively in an inflation direction A and breaks through the airbag housing 5 and optionally an overlying cover of the dashboard 9 at predetermined breaking points 10 provided for this purpose. As an inflated airbag 6, it can protect an occupant of the vehicle, in particular an occupant in one of the front seats, e.g. a front passenger of the vehicle, from injury by absorbing an impact of the occupant on the dashboard 9.

[0028] A filling device 13a is arranged in the intermediate space 12 between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2. The filling device 13a is designed as a foam strip, in particular as a PU foam strip. It extends in the intermediate space 12 along the vehicle cross member 2 and is held in a form-fitting manner in and against the inflation direction A of the airbag 6 between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2. In particular, the filling device 13a is clamped between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2. As a result, the filling device 13a is securely fastened even under the action of strong forces, which act, for example, through the activation of the gas generator 4 and / or through the inflation of the airbag 6.

[0029] The filling device 13a located in the intermediate space 12 offers numerous functions and advantages. The disturbing noises and disturbing movements that were previously intended to be avoided by the deliberate arrangement of the intermediate space 12 no longer occur with the filling device 13a located in the intermediate space 12.

[0030] Additionally, the filling device 13a is designed as a support device 14 for the airbag module 3. The support device 15 supports the airbag module 3 opposite to the inflation direction A during and / or after the activation of the gas generator 4. This advantageously prevents unwanted rotation and / or vibration of the airbag module 3 during inflation of the airbag 6, allowing the protective effect to be fully deployed.

[0031] Furthermore, the filling device 13a serves as an absorption device 16, e.g., as a so-called anti-shock buffer or shock absorber. In this function, the filling device 13a is designed to absorb a recoil of the airbag module 3 that occurs during and / or after the activation of the gas generator 4. Damage to the gas generator 4, the vehicle cross member 2, or other adjacent components can thereby be reduced.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows the occupant restraint arrangement 1 from Fig. 1 with a modified filling device 13b. This is a wide strip with a C- or U-shaped cross section, which is formed from the foam material, in particular from the PU foam, or from the flexible and / or resilient plastic material.

[0033] The modified filling device 13b is arranged such that it is clamped in the gap 12 between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2 and completely surrounds the previously free side 11 of the gas generator 4. On both long sides, the C- or U-shaped wide strip is inserted into gap openings 14a, 14b between the airbag housing 5 and the gas generator 4 arranged in the receptacle 7 of the airbag housing 5. As a result, the modified filling device 13b is held with its long sides in a form-fitting manner in the gap openings 14a, 14b. Thus, the modified filling device 13b can also act as a buffer between the airbag housing 5 and the gas generator 4.

[0034] It is advantageous that, due to the positive arrangement of the modified filling device 13b in the gap openings 14a, 14b, this is fixed in addition to the positive arrangement between the vehicle cross member 2 and the gas generator 4 and is also securely fastened during and / or after activation of the gas generator 4 and during inflation of the airbag 6. Furthermore, not only can the disturbing noises and disturbing movements between the gas generator 4 and the vehicle cross member 2 be prevented, but also the disturbing noises and disturbing movements that may arise between the previously free side 11 of the gas generator 4 and any other components accommodated there.

[0035] The Fig.The functions and advantages of the filling device 13a described in Figure 1 also apply to the modified filling device 13b. Thus, the modified filling device 13b is also designed as a support device 15 for the airbag module 3, so that the undesired rotation and / or vibration of the airbag module 3 during and / or after the activation of the gas generator 4 and / or during the inflation of the airbag 6 can be prevented. Furthermore, the modified filling device 13b is also designed as an absorption device 16 for absorbing the recoil of the airbag module 3 that occurs in the direction of the vehicle cross member 2 during and / or after the activation of the gas generator 4 and / or during the inflation of the airbag 6.

[0036] While at least one embodiment has been disclosed in detail above, it should be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention exist. It should also be appreciated that the at least one embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and does not represent a limitation as to the scope, areas of application, or configuration. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to be a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one embodiment. Thus, it should be appreciated that various variations in the function or arrangement of the elements of the at least one embodiment may be implemented without departing from the scope of the claims and their legal equivalents. List of reference symbols: 1 occupant restraint arrangement 2 vehicle cross members 3 Airbag module 4 gas generator 5 airbag housing 6 airbags 7 Recording 8 Clamping device 9 Dashboard 10 predetermined breaking points 11 free pages 12 space 13a,b filling device 14a, b Stomata 15 Support device 16 Absorption device A Inflation direction F Direction of travel

Claims

[1] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) for a vehicle, with a vehicle cross member (2) which extends transversely to a direction of travel (F) of the vehicle, with an airbag module (3) comprising an airbag housing (5) and a gas generator (4), wherein the airbag housing (5) is fixed to and / or supported by the vehicle cross member (2), wherein the gas generator (4) is attached to the airbag housing (5), wherein an intermediate space (12) is arranged between the gas generator (4) and the vehicle cross member (2), wherein a filling device (13a, 13b) is arranged in the intermediate space (12), characterized by , that the filling device (13a, 13b) is designed as a shock absorber for absorbing recoil forces of the airbag module (3) and is formed from a foam material [2] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the filling device (13a, 13b) forms a support device (15) for the airbag module (3), which supports the airbag module (3) during and / or after activation of the gas generator (4) against an inflation direction (A) of an airbag (6) of the airbag module (3). [3] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling device (13a, 13b) is designed as an absorption device (16) for absorbing a recoil of the airbag module (3) during and / or after the activation of the gas generator (4). [4] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (13a) is designed as a strip which extends in the intermediate space (12) along the vehicle cross member (2). [5] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the filling device (13a, 13b) is held in a form-fitting manner between the gas generator (4) and the vehicle cross member (2) in and against the inflation direction (A) of the airbag (6). [6] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (13b) is designed as a wide strip which is bent or bendable in a C- or U-shaped cross section. [7] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (13b) covers a free side (11) of the gas generator (4) facing away from the airbag housing (5). [8] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (13b) is arranged with its longitudinal sides in gap openings (14a, 14b) between the airbag housing (5) and the gas generator (4). [9] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the longitudinal sides are held in a form-fitting manner in the gap openings (14a, 14b). [10] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (13a, 13b) is formed from a PU foam. [11] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling device (13a, 13b) is formed from a flexible and / or resilient plastic material. [12] Occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag module (3) can be and / or is integrated into an instrument panel (9) of the vehicle for protecting an occupant of the vehicle, in particular a front passenger. [13] Vehicle with the occupant restraint arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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