Airbag system, vehicle door and motor vehicle

Abstract

Airbag device (5), designed and configured to be arranged in a vehicle door (50), such that an inflatable propellant fluid bag (9) is inflated towards the outside of the vehicle in the event of a collision of a front wheel (2) of a bicycle (25) with the vehicle door (50), in order to cover a window (51) of the vehicle door (50) and at least to the roof frame (56), wherein a propellant fluid bag (9) and a propellant fluid generator (8) are designed to be arranged in the vehicle door (50), such that a vertical installation position for a firing channel (13) with an upwardly oriented opening (10) in front of the window (51) is formed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an airbag device. The invention relates to a vehicle door. The invention relates to a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a use.

[0002] The number of cyclists in daily road traffic is constantly increasing. The increased density of traffic from different road users raises the risk of accidents.

[0003] The risk of injury in a collision between a vehicle and a cyclist is particularly high due to the disparity between the road users. For example, the cyclist impacts the vehicle structure from the side. The kinetic energy causes the cyclist to slide from the saddle towards the handlebars. Their head then strikes the side of the vehicle. The area of ​​the roof frame is the most dangerous. Because of the roof's rigidity during a rollover, this area is very hard and poses a significant risk of head injuries.

[0004] DE102021118305A1 describes an airbag device for protecting a cyclist in the event of an impact on the side of a motor vehicle, wherein the airbag device is arranged on the B-pillar or on a roof frame of the motor vehicle and is triggered depending on a sensor signal from a side impact sensor.

[0005] GB2506270A1 describes an airbag device for protecting a cyclist in the event of an impact on the side of a motor vehicle, wherein the airbag device is arranged in a side roof frame of the motor vehicle.

[0006] CN210653007U describes an airbag device for protecting a side door of a motor vehicle in the event of an impact by a cyclist on the side of a motor vehicle, wherein the airbag device is provided in a side roof frame, on a side sill or on a side door of the motor vehicle.

[0007] From DE102016119134A1, an external airbag system that can be mounted on a vehicle roof is known, wherein the airbag system is triggered depending on a sensor signal from a rollover sensor. In an inflated state, the airbags of the airbag system cover the side areas of the vehicle.

[0008] General airbag devices are also known from DE 602 14 313 T2 and US 7 338 072 B2.

[0009] The applicant implements the legal requirements applicable on the application date or priority date in the area of ​​road user safety and observes the applicable legal regulations with the utmost care in order to protect the safety and property of road users to the best of their ability and to prevent damage. Against this background, the applicant strives to continuously improve road user safety.

[0010] The purpose of the invention is to improve the safety of road users.

[0011] The problem is solved in particular by an airbag device having the features of claim 1. The problem is solved in particular by a vehicle door having the features of claim 6. The problem is solved in particular by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 9. The problem is solved in particular by use having the features of claim 10 or claim 11. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the airbag device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle door according to the invention, the motor vehicle according to the invention, and the use according to the invention. This also applies in reverse, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0012] According to one aspect, the problem is solved in particular by a vehicle door having an airbag device with the features of claim 1.

[0013] The vehicle door features an airbag device designed and configured to be installed within the door. This device inflates an inflatable propellant bag in the event of a collision between a cyclist and the door, inflating it outwards to cover a window of the door and extend to the roof frame. The propellant bag and propellant generator are designed to be installed within the door in a vertical position, forming a discharge channel with an upward-facing opening in front of the window. The airbag device is designed to be positioned between an outer door panel and a door trim panel, or alternatively or additionally between an outer door panel and an inner door panel.The propellant fluid generator and the propellant fluid reservoir are arranged in a housing, in particular made of plastic, wherein the housing is designed and configured to be installed in the vehicle door. The housing is connected via an additional support plate within the vehicle door frame, such that the housing is supported on the vehicle door frame on a side of the housing facing the inside of the door.

[0014] The term "propellant fluid" refers in particular to a gas or a vaporizing liquid suitable for inflating a specially adapted propellant fluid bag, such as a balloon or a cushion. Furthermore, the propellant fluid is suitable for being generated or stored in a propellant fluid generator. In one embodiment, it is in particular a propellant gas, especially a compressed gas, and furthermore, in particular, compressed air.

[0015] Similarly, a buoyancy fluid bag is suitable for inflation with a buoyancy fluid. Inflation increases the volume of the buoyancy fluid bag, creating a cushion or balloon that can dampen the impact of a cyclist and reduce the cyclist's acceleration or speed upon impact.

[0016] Similarly, a propellant fluid generator is suitable for generating or storing a corresponding propellant fluid. In one embodiment, it can be a pressurized gas cartridge, in particular a compressed air cartridge.

[0017] The vehicle door can be a passenger door, a driver's door, or a rear passenger door. In some designs, it can be a sliding door.

[0018] A vertical installation position is designed such that a firing channel is oriented in a vertical direction. This vertical orientation corresponds in particular to the exit direction of an inflating or unfolding propellant fluid bag. At least at the beginning of the inflation process, the vertical direction can also be the primary direction of volume expansion of the propellant fluid bag.

[0019] The roof frame is, in particular, a reinforcing structure that surrounds a vehicle roof. It is specifically located at an edge of the roof. The roof frame can be an integral part of the roof. In some embodiments, the roof edge can function as the roof frame, or the roof frame can be formed integrally with the roof.

[0020] The term "vehicle exterior" refers specifically to the area outside the passenger cabin. In other words, it can be the surroundings of a motor vehicle.

[0021] In one respect, the airbag system is specifically designed to be installed between an outer sheet metal panel and a door trim panel, or between an outer sheet metal panel and an inner sheet metal panel. This allows, in particular, the use of an existing cavity to install the airbag system in a motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to retrofit the airbag system in this manner.

[0022] An outer sheet metal panel can be an outer material layer of the motor vehicle or the vehicle door (plus a layer of paint, which may also be additionally arranged).

[0023] The term "sheet metal" can refer to any layer of material that is thin enough to save maximum weight, yet strong enough to contain the vehicle or vehicle door from the outside, particularly in standard crash tests valid on the registration or priority date. This can be a metallic sheet, such as a steel sheet or an aluminum sheet, but also a carbon fiber composite layer.

[0024] Accordingly, an inner panel can be designed as a boundary between the vehicle body (also called chassis) and an interior space or passenger cabin.

[0025] Interior trim is primarily a structural component of the interior. It can serve various functions for the occupant, such as providing support and stability.

[0026] From one perspective, the propellant fluid generator and the propellant fluid bag can be arranged in a single housing. The housing can be designed and configured for installation in the vehicle door. The housing is preferably made of plastic. The housing allows the airbag system to be detachable and, in particular, retrofittable.

[0027] From one perspective, the propellant fluid bag can be arranged folded within a firing channel, particularly within a housing. This reduces the volume required by the propellant fluid bag material in its deflated state. The folding can be designed to facilitate structured inflation. In some embodiments, the air bag can be accordion-shaped. Other embodiments may include provisions for folding points that allow for structured folding of the propellant fluid bag.

[0028] From one perspective, the propellant fluid generator can be connected to the propellant fluid bag via a propellant fluid-tight connection. This allows the propellant fluid bag to be directly and, in particular, with minimal loss of propellant fluid to be supplied with it. At least one sealing device can be provided at an inlet for the propellant fluid of the propellant fluid bag. The propellant fluid-tight connection has, in particular, at least one fluid guide channel.

[0029] From an independent perspective, a vehicle door may have an airbag device, as described in detail elsewhere.

[0030] The vehicle door can be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the motor vehicle described elsewhere, as well as by the airbag system and its use(s). This also applies across the category boundaries of method, use, device, and system. Thus, the motor vehicle and the airbag system, as well as their use(s), can also be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the vehicle door. For the sake of readability and conciseness, a repetition of all these features, properties, and advantages is omitted.

[0031] From one perspective, the vehicle door can have an opening that can be closed by a cover to seal the firing channel and, in particular, to protect it from the elements. This protects the propellant fluid bag from damage caused by weather or mechanical influences / stress from the environment, such as dirt ingress.

[0032] One aspect is that the housing can be attached using an additional support plate, particularly within the vehicle door frame. This further stabilizes the housing's position.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aperture and the support plate can be one and the same structure. It can be provided that the aperture and / or the support plate are pushed away or blown off when the propellant fluid bag is pressurized with propellant fluid.

[0034] From an independent perspective, a motor vehicle may have a vehicle door as described elsewhere. Alternatively or additionally, the motor vehicle may have an airbag system as described elsewhere.

[0035] The motor vehicle can be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the vehicle door described elsewhere, by the airbag system, and by its use(s). This also applies across the category boundaries of method, use, device, and system. Thus, the vehicle door and the airbag system, as well as their use(s), can also be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the vehicle door. For the sake of readability and conciseness, a repetition of all these features, properties, and advantages is omitted.

[0036] From an independent perspective, the use of an airbag device, a vehicle door, and / or a motor vehicle, as described elsewhere, may be intended. Detection of a bicycle impact on the side of the vehicle can be achieved via contact with the front wheel. This front wheel can dent the outer door panel. The dent in the outer door panel causes, in particular, a pressure increase in the trapped air within the vehicle door. Detection of this pressure increase can trigger the release of propellant fluid from the propellant generator into the propellant bag, thus inflating the propellant bag.

[0037] In some embodiments, the use of at least one airbag device may be provided, which is arranged in particular in a side door, a roof rail, or an A-, B-, or C-pillar. An inflated airbag or an inflated propellant fluid bag may cover at least one of the following areas: a vehicle door, a window, a roof frame, part of a motor vehicle roof, or part of an A-, B-, or C-pillar.

[0038] In the use(s) (which constitute the corresponding methods), a control device may be provided which includes a computer program product, for example on a computing unit, which contains computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a computing unit, outputs and distributes at least one corresponding signal to trigger the airbag device in the event of a collision or impact by a cyclist. A pressure increase signal may be provided by a pressure sensor to provide a corresponding trigger for the deployment of the airbag device.

[0039] The use(s) can be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the vehicle door described elsewhere, the airbag system, and the motor vehicle. This also applies across the category boundaries of method, use, device, and system. Thus, the vehicle door, the airbag system, and the motor vehicle can also be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the use(s). For the sake of readability and conciseness, all these features, properties, and advantages are omitted.

[0040] According to an independent aspect, the use of an airbag device, a vehicle door, and / or a motor vehicle, each in particular as described elsewhere, may be provided for. Detection of a bicycle impact on the side of the vehicle may be achieved via a camera and / or sensors, in particular radar sensors. Detection of the bicycle impact triggers, in particular, the supply of propellant fluid from the propellant fluid generator into the propellant fluid bag in order to inflate the propellant fluid bag.

[0041] In the use(s) (which constitute the corresponding methods), a control device may be provided which includes a computer program product, for example on a computing unit, which includes computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a computing unit, outputs at least one corresponding signal and distributes it in such a way as to cause the airbag device to be triggered in the event of a collision or an impact on a cyclist.

[0042] The use(s) can be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the vehicle door described elsewhere, the airbag system, and the motor vehicle. This also applies across the category boundaries of method, use, device, and system. Thus, the vehicle door, the airbag system, and the motor vehicle can also be described by the features, properties, and advantages of the use(s). For the sake of readability and conciseness, all these features, properties, and advantages are omitted.

[0043] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1A a representation of a cyclist colliding with a motor vehicle; Fig. 1B a representation of an embodiment of a motor vehicle; Fig. 2A a representation of an embodiment of a vehicle door; Fig. 2B a representation of a vehicle door; Fig. 3A a representation of an embodiment of an unactivated airbag device in an embodiment of a vehicle door; Fig. 3B a representation of an embodiment of a triggered airbag device in an embodiment of a vehicle door; Fig. 4A a representation of an embodiment of a motor vehicle; and Fig. 4B a comparative representation of an embodiment of a motor vehicle before impact and during impact.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1A shows a representation of an impact of a cyclist 1 on an embodiment of a motor vehicle 100. In this case, a bicycle 25 impacts with its front wheel 2 against a side 20 of a vehicle door 50 of the motor vehicle 100. The impact inflates a cushion 91 in order to decelerate the impact movement 3 of the cyclist 1.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1B shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 in which an airbag device 5 is provided in the vehicle door 50, as described in detail below. This allows an impact of a cyclist 1 to be slowed down and the risk of injury to the cyclist 1 to be reduced.

[0046] Motor vehicle 1 may be stationary in the impact situation. The relative speeds of bicycle 25 and motor vehicle 100 are particularly important for the explanations.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2A shows an embodiment of a vehicle door 50. This door features, in particular, an airbag device 5, as detailed in the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is shown and described in this respect. The airbag device is arranged in particular between an outer sheet metal panel 52 and a door trim panel 53 or between an outer sheet metal panel 52 and an inner sheet metal panel 54.

[0048] The propellant fluid generator 8 and the propellant fluid reservoir 9 can be arranged in a housing 11, in particular made of plastic. The housing 11 is particularly designed and configured to be arranged in the vehicle door 50 in the space between the outer sheet metal 52 and the door trim 53 or between the outer sheet metal 52 and the inner sheet metal 54.

[0049] An opening 10 can be provided through which the propellant fluid bag 9 can pass during inflation. This opening 10 can be closable by a baffle 16 to close the launch channel 13 and to protect it from the elements. The baffle 16 is, in particular, arranged directly outside a window to allow the propellant fluid bag 9 to inflate vertically over the window pane 51 to the roof frame 56 or even onto the roof 4. This can, in particular, protect the head of the cyclist 1 in the event of an impact, especially from direct contact at high speed v with the roof frame 56. In embodiments in which the inflated propellant fluid bag 9 can also at least partially overhang the roof 4, the cyclist is protected from direct contact with the roof 4 even in the event of a rollover.

[0050] The connection of the housing 11 can be formed via an additional support plate 14, which is arranged particularly within the vehicle door body.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2B shows a representation of a vehicle door 50' compared to an embodiment of a vehicle door 50. In the vehicle door 50', in particular, no airbag device 5 is arranged between the inner trim 53 or the inner panel 54 and the outer panel 52. This allows the door to be made thinner, but it does not protect cyclists 1 from impact with the door if, for example, the cyclist 1 rides into the vehicle door 50'. As a result, the cyclist 1 could be injured by hitting their head on the roof frame 56 or by being thrown over the roof 4.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3A shows an embodiment of an unactivated airbag device 5 in an embodiment of a vehicle door 50. The airbag device 5 is specifically designed and configured to be arranged in a vehicle door 50, as shown here. This arrangement is such that an inflatable propellant bag 9 is deployed in the event of a collision between a cyclist 1 and the vehicle door 50, as described in the Fig. Figure 1A shows that it is inflated towards the outside of the vehicle to cover a window 51 of the vehicle door 50 and up to the roof frame 56, as shown in the Fig. 3B is shown in the case of a triggered airbag device 5.

[0053] The propellant fluid bag 9 and a propellant fluid generator 8 can be configured to be arranged in the vehicle door 50, such that they form a vertical installation position for a firing channel 13 with an upwardly oriented opening 10 in front of the window 51. This opening can be sealed with an aperture 16 before firing, as in the Fig. 3A shown. This aperture 16 can then be blown away upon triggering, causing the propellant fluid bag 9 to inflate into a cushion 91 to cover the windshield 51 and protect the cyclist 1 from impact with the windshield 51. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the cushion 91 also extends over the roof frame 56 or even over at least part of the roof 4.

[0054] As shown in detail here, the airbag device 5 can be arranged between an outer sheet metal panel 52 and a door trim panel 53 or between an outer sheet metal panel 52 and an inner sheet metal panel 54. This allows the use of a cavity already provided / existing in the vehicle series, making it possible to retrofit the airbag device 5.

[0055] The propellant fluid generator 8 and the propellant fluid bag 9 can be arranged in a housing 11, in particular made of plastic, as already described in relation to the Fig. 2A has been described. The housing can be designed and configured to be arranged in the vehicle door 50, in particular by retrofitting as described elsewhere.

[0056] In an unactivated airbag device 5, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the propellant fluid bag 9 is arranged, in particular folded, in a firing channel 13, especially in the housing 11. The firing channel 13 is designed and arranged, in particular, to inflate the propellant fluid bag 9 into a cushion 91, especially in a largely vertical direction, and to expel the fluid from the opening 10, as shown in Figure 3A. Fig. 3B shown.

[0057] To inflate the propellant fluid bag 9 into a cushion 91, the propellant fluid generator 8 can be connected to the propellant fluid bag 9 via a propellant fluid-tight connection 15.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3B shows a corresponding illustration of an embodiment of a deployed airbag device 5 in an embodiment of a vehicle door 50. In particular, an impact initiates the introduction of a propellant fluid (propellant gas) into the propellant fluid bag 9 via the propellant fluid-tight connection 15. This causes the bag to inflate by changing its volume. The opening 10 is exposed by pushing or breaking away the cover 16, through which the expanding propellant fluid bag 9 then exits and inflates into a cushion 91. The deformations of the outer sheet metal 52 caused by the impact are not shown here for clarity, but are described in relation to the Fig. 4B described.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4B shows a comparative illustration of an embodiment of a side 20 of a motor vehicle 100 before impact compared to a situation during an impact with a front wheel 2 of a bicycle 25. The illustration includes the use of an airbag device 5 in a vehicle door 50, as described elsewhere, particularly with regard to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B shown. As in relation to the Fig. Figure 4B shows, in particular, the detection of a bicycle impact on the vehicle side 20 via the contact of the front wheel 2. This front wheel 2 dents the outer door panel 52. The dent in the outer door panel 52 can cause a pressure increase ΔP of the enclosed air inside the vehicle door 50. This pressure increase ΔP can be detected by sensors 130, which, via a control device, can trigger the supply of propellant fluid from the propellant generator 8 into the propellant bag 9 to inflate the propellant bag 9, as shown in the Fig. 3B shown.

[0060] Fig.Figure 4A shows an alternative embodiment in which a bicycle impact on the vehicle side 20 can be detected via a camera 150 and / or via a sensor 120, in particular radar sensors. Detection of the bicycle impact can trigger the supply of propellant fluid from the propellant fluid generator 8 into the propellant fluid bag 9 in order to inflate the propellant fluid bag 9.

[0061] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Vehicle door (50), comprising an airbag device (5) designed and arranged to be arranged in the vehicle door (50) in such a way as to inflate an inflatable propellant fluid bag (9) towards the outside of the vehicle in the event of a collision of a front wheel (2) of a bicycle (25) with the vehicle door (50) in order to cover a window (51) of the vehicle door (50) and at least up to the roof frame (56), characterized bythat a propellant fluid bag (9) and a propellant fluid generator (8) are designed to be arranged in the vehicle door (50) in such a way as to form a vertical installation position for a firing channel (13) with an upwardly oriented opening (10) in front of the window (51), wherein the airbag device (5) is designed to be arranged between an outer panel (52) of the vehicle door (50) and an inner panel (54), wherein the propellant fluid generator (8) and the propellant fluid bag (9) are arranged in a housing (11), wherein the housing (11) is designed and configured to be arranged in the vehicle door (50), wherein a connection of the housing (11) is formed via an additional support plate (14) within a vehicle door shell in such a way as to support the housing (11) on a side of the housing (11) directed towards a door inside, wherein the propellant fluid bag (9) folded in the firing channel (13) in the housing (11). [2] Vehicle door (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the propellant fluid generator (8) can be connected to the propellant fluid bag (9) via a propellant fluid-tight connection (15). [3] Vehicle door (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening (10) is designed to be closable by a screen (16) in order to close the firing channel (13). [4] Vehicle door (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the opening (10) is designed to be closable by the cover (16) in order to close the firing channel (13) and to protect the firing channel (13) from the effects of the weather. [5] Vehicle door (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (11) is made of a plastic. [6] Motor vehicle (100) comprising a vehicle door (50) according to one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Use of a vehicle door (50) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and / or a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 6, characterized by a bicycle impact on the vehicle side (20) is detected via the contact of the front wheel (2), in that this front wheel (2) dents an outer panel (52) of the vehicle door (50), wherein the denting of the outer panel (52) of the vehicle door (50) causes a pressure increase (DeltaP) of the trapped air within the vehicle door (50), wherein a detection of this pressure increase (DeltaP) triggers the supply of propellant fluid from the propellant fluid generator (8) into the propellant fluid bag (9) in order to inflate the propellant fluid bag (9). [8] Use of a vehicle door (50) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and / or a motor vehicle (100) according to claim 6, characterized bya bicycle impact on the vehicle side (20) is detected via a camera (150) and / or via a sensor system (120), wherein a detection of the bicycle impact triggers the supply of propellant fluid from the propellant fluid generator (8) into the propellant fluid bag (9) in order to inflate the propellant fluid bag (9).

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