Airbag module and motor vehicle

Abstract

Airbag module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flexibly designed gas bag (2), at least one flexibly designed gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) arranged externally or internally on the gas bag (2), and at least one gas generator (4) for pressurizing the gas bag (2) and the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) with a gas, wherein at least one flexibly designed pressure chamber (7) is connected to at least one gas outlet of the gas generator (4), to a gas inlet (2a, 2b, 2c) of the gas bag (2), and to a gas inlet (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein a volume of the pressure chamber (7) is smaller than a volume of the gas bag (2), characterized in that the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) at least one gas outlet (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) is formed, through which the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is connected to the gas bag (2) in a communicating manner,wherein an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) can be varied by means of a controllable actuating mechanism.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flexible gas bag, at least one flexible gas channel arranged on the outside or inside of the gas bag, and at least one gas generator for supplying a gas to the gas bag and the gas channel. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one airbag module.

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with airbag modules for passenger protection. If an airbag module only has a gas bag connected to a gas generator, the time required to inflate the gas bag is longer than with an airbag module that has gas ducts arranged on the gas bag, which can also be pressurized with gas by the gas generator. Furthermore, a gas bag without gas ducts usually lacks the necessary rigidity under oblique loads.

[0003] GB 2 306 214 A discloses a vehicle airbag system in which a sealed compressed gas cylinder is connected to a chamber via a cylinder seal opener, allowing gas to flow from the cylinder into the chamber, and whose outlet is closed by a frangible seal. The frangible seal is broken by an explosion-activated actuator when a gas bag needs to be inflated.

[0004] GB 1 328 903 A discloses a safety device for protecting a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. The safety device comprises a wall that can be converted from a collapsed state to an expanded state, which can inhibit the movement of a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. Inflatable support elements are connected to the wall, allowing the wall to be converted into the expanded state when the support elements are inflated.

[0005] US 3,843,150 A discloses a rapidly inflatable protective cushion for absorbing impacts in rear-end collisions between vehicles. The protective cushion comprises a mounting part fixed to the vehicle, arranged in the area where the occupant impacts the vehicle, at least one inflatable folding bag mounted on the mounting part, which is connected to a gas source activated by impact for inflation, and a cushion part with an air duct connecting to the air in the vehicle interior. The cushion part is connected to the inflatable folding bag in such a way that it unfolds when the bag inflates. Due to the negative pressure created during unfolding, it draws air from the vehicle interior through the air duct and thus inflates.

[0006] JP H05-246296 A discloses an airbag device comprising a vehicle body member having an air inlet opening, a bag-shaped airbag body having an opening and an opening end portion surrounding the air inlet opening, and a gas generator for introducing gas into the airbag body to inflate the airbag body. The airbag body has a dual structure of an inner layer and an outer layer. The opening end portion of the airbag body is provided with a gas inlet opening communicating with the gas generator. The air inlet opening is provided with a unidirectional valve that is normally closed to prevent air movement and is opened by inflating the airbag body to apply negative pressure to an interior space.

[0007] US 5,489,117 A discloses an occupant restraint system including a cushion structure or airbag having an impermeable outer wall and a permeable inner wall with gas passages therebetween. The airbag is mounted on a pair of gas manifolds having manifold gas ports communicating with the gas passages in the airbag. Gas generator units are attached to the manifolds and can be actuated by impact signals to generate high-pressure gas, which is directed through generator nozzles into the manifolds and subsequently into the gas passages of the airbag. A valve plate supports a plurality of inlet reed valves, which operate in conjunction with a corresponding plurality of inlet ports to admit ambient air from within the vehicle into the expanding airbag.A pair of vent valves allow high-pressure gas and air inside the airbag to escape into the vehicle interior once airbag deployment is complete. The vent valves limit the rate of gas and air escaping from the airbag when an increase in internal airbag pressure occurs, such as due to an occupant impact.

[0008] US 8,998,252 B2 discloses a restraint system for a motor vehicle that unfolds from a storage position into a restraint position. The deployment is effected by at least one support structure inflatable by a gas pressure source. In the restraint position, the system provides the occupant with a support volume for restraining the occupant in the direction of travel. The support volume is enclosed by at least one flexible support structure. By inflating the support structure, the flexible support structure is expanded to enclose the support volume.

[0009] US 5,372,381 A discloses an inflatable cushioning device for use in conjunction with a gas generator. The cushioning device comprises a plurality of hollow ribs, each of which forms a gas storage chamber, a layer adapted to the plurality of hollow ribs to form an air storage chamber, fastening means for fastening and connecting the gas storage chambers to the gas generator, and connecting means for connecting the ends of each of the plurality of hollow ribs to one another. The gas storage chambers are arranged in the air storage chamber. Upon impact, the gas generator generates a gas which is supplied to the gas storage chambers to inflate the hollow ribs to form the cushioning device. Each of the plurality of hollow ribs has a vent opening extending therethrough for discharging excess combustion gas into the air storage chambers.The fastening device has a device for connecting each of the plurality of hollow ribs to an outlet opening of the gas generator.

[0010] US 8 511 710 B2 discloses an airbag device with a gas generating device arranged in a portion of a dashboard facing the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction and the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction.Furthermore, the airbag device includes a pair of outer deployment portions that receive gas supplied from the gas generating device and are inflated and deployed separately from each other in the vehicle width direction, and an inner deployment portion that connects the pair of outer deployment portions at least at a rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, an upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and a lower side in the vehicle vertical direction, wherein the inner deployment portion deploys when the pair of outer deployment portions deploy, and the inner deployment portion is configured to connect peripheral edges of the pair of outer deployment portions with a single sheet to deploy, thereby forming a closed space between the pair of outer deployment portions.The airbag device further includes a partition cloth that separates the enclosed space into a first space on the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a second space on the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the partition cloth being configured to supply gas from the gas generating device to the first space. Furthermore, the airbag device includes a lower deployment portion passing through the inner deployment portion and connected to the partition cloth, the lower deployment portion receiving supplied gas to inflate and deploy between the knees of an occupant and the instrument panel. The partition cloth is formed with a gas supply hole through which gas from the gas generating device is caused to flow through the first space into the lower deployment portion.

[0011] US 3,840,246 A discloses a device with a protective bladder arrangement. A pressure piece is connected to a textile wall and has an outlet opening directed away from the wall. A source of movable pressure fluid is provided for flowing out of the pressure piece through an outlet opening to generate a reaction force for force-locking movement of the wall.

[0012] US 2013 / 0 334 801 A1 discloses an airbag assembly having an airbag cushion configured to define an interior volume when deployed, and a vent tube having a distal end defining a distal opening and a proximal end connected to the airbag cushion, wherein the vent tube further comprises a first portion and a second portion disposed on opposite sides of the vent tube. The airbag assembly further comprises a belt having a first branch attached to the vent tube at the first portion, and a connecting portion. Furthermore, the airbag assembly comprises a deployment mechanism connected to the connecting portion of the belt for selectively retaining the belt.The belt further comprises a second branch and a central region from which the first and second branches extend, wherein the second branch is arranged on the same vent pipe as the first branch, namely on the second region of the vent pipe.

[0013] DE 10 2007 002 681 A1 shows a gas bag unit with a gas bag and an inflation device for inflating this gas bag, which has an outer shell, a main gas chamber and at least one filling chamber into which the gas coming from the inflation device initially flows, wherein at least one overflow opening is provided between the filling chamber and the main gas chamber.

[0014] DE 10 2011 108 127 A1 discloses an airbag with at least one actuator and with a support structure having a plurality of hollow body parts, which can be moved from a storage position into a retention position by introducing gas into the support structure by means of the actuator and by which, in its retention position, a retention volume of the airbag is (at least partially) surrounded, wherein a plurality of spaced-apart introduction points are provided at which the gas can be introduced into the support structure.

[0015] The invention is based on the object of providing an airbag module with a faster inflatable gas bag and improved structure.

[0016] According to the invention, the object is achieved by an airbag module having the features of claim 1.

[0017] It should be noted that the features and measures listed individually in the following description can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the figure.

[0018] According to the invention, after the airbag module is triggered in an accident, the gas generated by the gas generator is first introduced into the pressure chamber, which is then inflated. From there, the gas is released simultaneously or with a time delay into the gas bag and the gas channel. The pressure chamber allows pressure pulses in the gas generated by the gas generator to be balanced before the gas is delivered to the gas bag and the gas channel. This enables a more homogeneous application of gas to the gas bag and the gas channel, ensuring the desired inflation of the gas bag and the gas channel.

[0019] Because the gas duct on the airbag has a much smaller volume than the airbag itself, the gas duct inflates much faster than the airbag itself, quickly forming a supporting structure on the airbag. This allows the airbag to be inflated and positioned much more quickly. The inflated gas duct effectively pulls the airbag into its desired shape.

[0020] Two or more corresponding gas channels can also be arranged on the airbag, for example on edges of the airbag or the like. If the gas channels are arranged on the outside of the airbag, they form outer ribs on the airbag when inflated. The outer ribs can additionally prevent a person impacting the inflated airbag from sliding sideways off the airbag. The outer ribs can also serve to guide or direct the movement of a person impacting the inflated airbag. Alternatively or additionally, the outer ribs can also be used as a counter surface for a surface of a vehicle interior component that comes into contact with the inflated airbag. If the gas channels are formed on the inside of the airbag, a smooth surface for the impact of a person is provided.The gas channels arranged inside or outside the airbag can also prevent the airbag from springing back immediately after it has been fully inflated. Alternatively, corresponding gas channels can be arranged both inside and outside the airbag.

[0021] The pressure chamber can be made of the same material as the gas bag or of a different material. The volume of the pressure chamber can, for example, be less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, of the volume of the gas bag. The pressure chamber is directly connected to the gas generator, while the gas bag and the gas channel are indirectly connected to the gas generator via the pressure chamber.

[0022] The inflated airbag forms an impact cushion for a person and can be made partially or entirely of a composite or fabric material. The gas duct located on the outside or inside of the airbag can also be made of the same material as the airbag or a different material.

[0023] The gas generator can be of conventional design. Alternatively, the gas generator can be adapted to the configuration of the pressure chamber. The gas generator can also have two or more gas outlets through which the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the pressure chamber.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, a pressure valve is arranged at each of the gas inlet of the gas bag and the gas inlet of the gas duct, wherein the pressure valves are designed such that the pressure valve at the gas inlet of the gas bag opens at a pressure value that is greater than a pressure value at which the pressure valve at the gas inlet of the gas duct opens. Since, when the pressure chamber is pressurized with the gas generated by the gas generator, the pressure valve at the gas inlet of the gas duct opens first, the gas duct is already inflated before inflation of the gas bag begins after the later opening of the pressure valve at the gas inlet of the gas bag. This allows the gas bag to be brought into the desired functional position more quickly. At least one pressure valve can be designed as a check valve.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet of the gas bag is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet of the gas channel. As a result, the gas mass flow into the gas channel is greater than into the gas bag, so that the inflation of the gas channel can be further accelerated.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet of the gas channel and / or the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet of the gas channel can be varied by means of a controllable adjustment mechanism. This allows the gas channel and / or the gas bag to be pressurized depending on recorded accident parameters in order to provide an optimal impact cushion for the respective application.

[0027] At least one gas outlet is formed on the gas channel, via which the gas channel communicates with the gas bag. By introducing the gas into the gas bag at various points on the gas bag, a more homogeneous pressure distribution is achieved within the gas bag at the moment a person impacts the gas bag. Alternatively, the gas channel can have at least one gas outlet that is not communicatively connected to the gas bag and through which the gas can be released into the environment.

[0028] The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet of the gas duct is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas duct. This allows the internal pressure in the gas duct to be maintained for a longer period of time, giving the gas bag greater rigidity. This can be helpful in the event of an oblique impact on the gas bag, preventing the person from sliding off the gas bag sideways.

[0029] The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet of the gas channel can be varied using a controllable adjustment mechanism. This allows the opening cross-sectional area to be enlarged after the gas channel is fully inflated, allowing the gas bag to be fully inflated more quickly using the gas flowing out of the gas channel.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the pressure chamber at least partially surrounds the gas generator. This allows the gas generator to introduce the gas it generates into the pressure chamber as evenly and symmetrically as possible, which improves the functioning of the airbag module.

[0031] The above object is also achieved by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 6, the airbag module of which is designed according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments or a combination of at least two of these embodiments.

[0032] The advantages mentioned above with regard to the airbag module are associated with the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be, for example, a passenger car or a commercial vehicle.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and the following description of the figures. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an airbag module according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an airbag module 1 according to the invention for a motor vehicle not shown.

[0035] The airbag module 1 comprises a flexible gas bag 2, a plurality of flexible gas channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d arranged on the outside or inside of the gas bag 2, and a gas generator 4 for supplying a gas to the gas bag 2 and the gas channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. The gas channels 3b and 3c are connected to one another via a channel section 5 and each have a branch 6b and 6c, respectively.

[0036] In addition, the airbag module 1 has a flexibly designed pressure chamber 7, which communicates with at least one gas outlet (not shown) of the gas generator 4, communicates with gas inlets 2a, 2b, and 2c of the gas bag 2, and communicates with gas inlets 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d of the gas channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. The volume of the pressure chamber 7 is smaller than the volume of the gas bag 2. The pressure chamber 7 at least partially surrounds the gas generator 4.

[0037] A pressure valve (not shown) can be arranged at each gas inlet 2a, 2b or 2c of the gas bag 2 and at each gas inlet 8a, 8b, 8c or 8d of the respective gas channel 3a, 3b, 3c or 3d, wherein the pressure valves can be designed such that the pressure valves at the gas inlets 2a, 2b and 2c of the gas bag 2 open from a pressure value which is greater than a pressure value from which the pressure valves at the gas inlets 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d of the gas channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d open.

[0038] Alternatively, a not-shown opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas inlet 2a, 2b, or 2c of the gas bag 2 can be smaller than a not-shown opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas inlet 8a, 8b, 8c, or 8d of the respective gas channel 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas inlet 2a, 2b, or 2c of the gas channel 2 and / or the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas inlet 8a, 8b, 8c, or 8d of the respective gas channel 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d can be varied by means of a controllable adjusting mechanism (not shown).

[0039] A gas outlet 9a and 9d, respectively, is formed on the gas channels 3a and 3d, via which the gas channels 3a and 3d are communicatively connected to the gas bag 2. A gas outlet 9b and 9c, respectively, and a common gas outlet 9e, via which the gas channels 3b and 3c are communicatively connected to the gas bag 2, are formed on the gas channels 3b and 3c.

[0040] A not-shown opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas outlet 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, or 9e of the respective gas channel 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d is smaller than a not-shown opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas channel 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the respective gas outlet 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, or 9e of the respective gas channel 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d can be varied by means of a controllable adjusting mechanism (not shown). List of reference symbols: 1 airbag module 2 gas bags 2a Gas inlet of 2 2b Gas inlet of 2 2c Gas inlet of 2 3a Gas duct 3b Gas duct 3c Gas duct 3D gas duct 4 gas generator 5 Canal section 6b branch from 3b 6c branch from 3c 7 pressure chamber 8a Gas inlet from 3a 8b Gas inlet from 3b 8c gas inlet from 3c 8d gas inlet from 3d 9a Gas outlet from 3a 9b Gas outlet from 3b 9c gas outlet from 3c 9d gas outlet from 3d 9e Gas outlet from 3b and 3c

Claims

[1] Airbag module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flexibly designed gas bag (2), at least one flexibly designed gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) arranged on the outside or inside of the gas bag (2) and at least one gas generator (4) for supplying the gas bag (2) and the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) with a gas, wherein at least one flexibly designed pressure chamber (7) which is connected in communication with at least one gas outlet of the gas generator (4), in communication with a gas inlet (2a, 2b, 2c) of the gas bag (2) and in communication with a gas inlet (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein a volume of the pressure chamber (7) is smaller than a volume of the gas bag (2), characterized byin that at least one gas outlet (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) is formed on the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), via which gas outlet the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is communicatively connected to the gas bag (2), wherein an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas outlet (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) can be varied by means of a controllable adjusting mechanism. [2] Airbag module (1) according to claim 1, characterized byin that a pressure valve is arranged at each of the gas inlet (2a, 2b, 2c) of the gas bag (2) and at the gas inlet (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein the pressure valves are designed such that the pressure valve at the gas inlet (2a, 2b, 2c) of the gas bag (2) opens from a pressure value which is greater than a pressure value from which the pressure valve at the gas inlet (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) opens. [3] Airbag module (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet (2a, 2b, 2c) of the gas bag (2) is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). [4] Airbag module (1) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet (2a, 2b, 2c) of the gas bag (2) and / or the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the gas inlet (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the gas channel (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) can be varied by means of a controllable adjusting mechanism. [5] Airbag module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressure chamber (7) at least partially surrounds the gas generator (4). [6] Motor vehicle with at least one airbag module (1), characterized by that the airbag module (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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