Airbag assembly comprising a device for attaching an airbag module to a firing channel

Abstract

Airbag assembly comprising a device for attaching an airbag module to a firing channel The airbag assembly comprises: - an airbag module (1) comprising a housing (6) comprising at least one flexible attachment part (10) provided with a through opening (16), - a firing channel (2) receiving the airbag module (1), comprising at least one attachment orifice (30), - a device (4) for attaching the housing (6) to the firing channel (2). The attachment device (4) comprises a rigid attachment support (44) for the housing (6) and a first pin (46) inserted into the through opening (16) of the attachment part (10) and cooperating with the attachment support (44), said attachment device (4) further comprising at least one second pin (48) cooperating with the attachment orifice (30) of the firing channel (2). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Airbag assembly comprising a device for attaching an airbag module to a firing channel

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag assembly, of the type comprising

[0002] - an airbag module, said module comprising an airbag, deploying by inflation, and a housing receiving the inflatable cushion, said housing comprising at least one flexible fixing part provided with an opening passing through said fixing part,

[0003] - a firing channel receiving the airbag module, said firing channel comprising at least one fixing hole,

[0004] - a device for fixing the housing of the airbag module to the channel of shot.

[0005] In such an assembly, it is known to fix the airbag module to the firing channel on the one hand and to a dashboard crossmember on the other hand in the case of an airbag module provided in a dashboard intended for a front passenger of the vehicle. In a known manner, the firing channel makes it possible to guide the deployment of the airbag towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0006] In order to ensure robust fixing, the housing of the airbag module, formed for example by a box or "canister", is for example made of a rigid material, such as an injected plastic material or a metallic material, and serves for example as a support for fixing clips between the housing and the firing channel or for a bolted fixing.

[0007] In order to lighten the airbag assembly and reduce its bulk, it is envisaged to make the housing of the airbag module from a flexible material, such as a textile material. However, it then becomes difficult to mount fixing clips on the housing and to ensure a robust fixing of the housing with the firing channel, the housing not being sufficiently rigid to ensure the support of the fixing clips. Such a robust fixing is however necessary so that the airbag module does not detach from the firing channel when the airbag is deployed under the effect of the force exerted by the inflation of the airbag and in order to ensure satisfactory deployment of the airbag in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome this drawback by proposing an inflatable cushion assembly comprising a fixing device compatible with a housing made of flexible material and ensuring a robust attachment between the airbag housing and the firing channel.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to an airbag assembly of the aforementioned type, in which the fixing device comprises at least one rigid fixing support for the airbag module housing and at least one first pin introduced into the through opening of the fixing part and cooperating with the fixing support to fix the fixing device to the airbag module housing, said fixing device further comprising at least one second pin cooperating with the fixing orifice of the firing channel to fix the fixing device to the firing channel.

[0010] The rigid fixing support of the fixing device allows the flexible fixing part to be "doubled" with a rigid part, which allows fixing clips comprising for example the first pin and the second pin to be mounted on the housing of the airbag module and thus to ensure a robust fixing between the housing of the airbag module and the firing channel. Thus, the fixing device of the airbag assembly is compatible with an airbag module housing made of a flexible material, such as a textile material.

[0011] The airbag assembly according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically conceivable combination:

[0012] - the fixing support is made in one piece with a base, the first pin extending projecting from said base, said base extending on one side of the fixing portion and the fixing bracket extending on the other side of said fixing portion, the first pin passing through the through opening of the fixing portion between the base and the fixing bracket and cooperating with the fixing bracket to fix the fixing device to the housing of the airbag module;

[0013] - the fixing bracket is connected to the base by a hinge, the fixing bracket being movable relative to the base between an unfolded position, in which the fixing support is spaced from the fixing part so as to allow the introduction of the first pin into the through opening of the fixing part, and a folded position, in which the fixing support is folded against the fixing part so as to allow cooperation between the first pin and the fixing support;

[0014] - the second pawn came from the same material as the first pawn, the first pawn and the second pawn extending on either side of a base, projecting from said base;

[0015] - the base has a frame shape surrounding the airbag module, the fixing device comprising a plurality of first pins and second pins distributed over at least a portion of the base, the first pins passing through a plurality of through openings of the airbag module housing and the second pins cooperating with a plurality of fixing holes of the firing channel;

[0016] - the second pin comprises a body and a head, the head extending radially in protruding from a free end of the body, the fixing orifice of the firing channel comprising an insertion part, through which the head of the second pin can pass in an insertion direction, and a fixing part, in which the body of the second pin is retained when the second pin is moved from the insertion part to the fixing part in a fixing direction different from the insertion direction;

[0017] - the body of the second pawn extends between a base and the head of the second pawn, the base and head extending on either side of the fixing portion of the fixing hole of the firing channel when the body is retained in said fixing portion;

[0018] - the fixing device comprises a gripping element allowing a operator to move the second pin according to the fixing direction when the second pin has been inserted into the insertion part of the fixing hole of the firing channel;

[0019] - the fixing device further comprises an element for fixing the housing of the airbag module on the firing channel, said fixing element preventing the movement of the second pin from the fixing part to the insertion part after the movement of the second pin in the fixing direction; and

[0020] - the housing of the airbag module is made of textile, the part of fixing being sewn onto said housing.

[0021] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] [fig. 1] - [fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation of a part of an airbag assembly according to the invention,

[0023] [fig.2] - [fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation of a device for fixing the airbag assembly according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0024] [fig.3] - [fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of part of the fixing device of [fig.2], the fixing bracket being in the folded position,

[0025] [fig.4] - [fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the part of the fixing device of [fig.3], the fixing support being in the unfolded position,

[0026] [fig.5] - [fig.5] is a schematic representation of a part of a device of sectional attachment according to another embodiment of the invention,

[0027] [fig.6] - [fig.6] is a schematic perspective representation of part of a firing channel of an airbag assembly according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0028] [fig.7] - [fig.7] is a schematic perspective representation of a set of an airbag assembled according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0029] [fig.8] - [fig.8] is a schematic perspective representation of a device fixing according to another embodiment.

[0030] With reference to the figures, an airbag assembly is described comprising an airbag module 1, a firing channel 2 and a device 4 for fixing the airbag module 1 to the firing channel 2.

[0031] The airbag module 1 comprises an airbag (not shown) placed in a housing 6. The housing 6 has the shape of a box, or canister, defining an interior volume in which the airbag is housed. According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing 6 is made of a flexible material, such as a textile material, which makes it lighter and less bulky than a housing made of a rigid material, such as a plastic or metallic material. By flexible material, is generally meant a material which is not self-supporting and which can bend. The housing 6 comprises for example an upper wall 8 closing the interior volume and which can move into an open position, for example under the effect of the inflation of the airbag, to free a passage to the outside of the interior volume for the deployment of the airbag.

[0032] The housing 6 comprises at least one fixing portion 10 made of flexible material, such as, for example, a textile material. The fixing portion 10 takes the form, for example, of a fixing tab or tongue. The fixing portion 10 extends outside the interior volume of the housing 6, for example on an outer surface of a side wall of the housing 6. More particularly, the fixing portion 10 extends between a base 12 fixed to or integral with the housing 6 and a free end 14 which is not fixed to the housing 6. The base 12 is for example secured to the housing 6 at a lower end of the side wall, opposite the upper wall 8 and the free end 14 extends for example in the vicinity of the upper wall 8 when the airbag module is fixed to the firing channel 2, as will be described later.Alternatively, the fixing part 10 is fixed in a central zone extending in the vicinity of the center of the side wall halfway between the lower end and the upper wall 8. The fixing part 10 has, for example, a width substantially equal to that of the side wall so that the fixing part 10 extends opposite substantially the entire side wall, as visible in [fig.l]. The base 12 is for example sewn to the side wall of the housing.

[0033] Between the base 12 and the free end 14, the fixing part 10 comprises at least one through opening 16 which passes through the fixing part 10 from one face to the other thereof. The through opening 16 extends for example in the vicinity of the free end 14. According to one embodiment, the fixing part 10 comprises a plurality of through openings 14, for example distributed along the free end of the fixing part 10. Alternatively, several fixing parts 10 are fixed to the same side wall of the housing 6, each fixing part 10 comprising a through opening 16.

[0034] The fixing portion 10 may further comprise a fixing extension 18 to a dashboard crossmember, as shown in [fig.7]. The fixing extension 18 extends on a side of the base 12 opposite the side in which the through opening 16 is made and comprises, for example, another through opening 20 in order to allow the airbag module to be fixed to a dashboard crossmember, as will be described later.

[0035] According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the airbag module comprises at least two fixing parts 10 secured to opposite side walls of the housing in order to allow the airbag module to be fixed to the firing channel 2 on either side of the interior volume of the housing 6, as will be described later. The two fixing parts 10 may for example be fixed to each other, for example by sewing, in the vicinity of the other through opening 20, as shown in [fig.7], in order to allow simultaneous fixing of the two fixing parts 10 to a dashboard crossmember. Alternatively, and as described previously, several fixing parts 10 each comprising a through opening 16 may be fixed to each of the two opposite side walls of the housing 6.

[0036] The firing channel 2 is formed by a rigid part defining a central opening 22 arranged to receive the airbag module. By rigid, it is meant that the material forming the firing channel makes it substantially non-deformable during normal use of the vehicle. Thus the firing channel is self-supporting. According to one example, the firing channel is made of a rigid plastic material. The firing channel comprises at least one guide wall 24 surrounding the central opening 22 and the housing 6 of the airbag module, as shown in [fig.7]. The guide wall 24 is further arranged to guide the deployment of the airbag towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the airbag is inflated. For this purpose, the guide wall 24 has for example an annular shape surrounding the central opening 22 and having for example an ovoid or rectangular section with rounded edges or any other suitable shape.The guide wall 24 comprises an upper end 26 delimiting an upper passage of the central opening 22 through which the airbag passes during its deployment towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It will be noted that, in Figs 6 and 7, the upper end 26 is turned towards the bottom of the figures in order to better represent the characteristics of the invention. In general, for an airbag assembly installed in a vehicle dashboard, the upper end 26 and the upper passage are rather oriented upwards. The . firing channel 2 comprises for example an edge wall 28 extending radially around the upper end 26 of the guide wall 24 and forming the edge of the upper passage of the central opening 22. According to one embodiment, this edge wall 28 is formed by the dashboard body and the guide wall 24 is integral with the dashboard body. Alternatively, the edge wall 28 is fixed to the dashboard body around an opening made therein or in the vicinity of flaps, for example by vibration welding.

[0037] As more particularly visible in [fig.6], the firing channel 2 comprises at least one fixing orifice 30 intended to cooperate with the fixing device 4 to fix the airbag module 1 to the firing channel 2, as will be described later. The fixing orifice 30 is for example made in the guide wall 24. Preferably, the fixing orifice 30 is made in a shoulder 32 extending projecting from the guide wall 24, on the side of the guide wall 24 opposite the central opening 22. The shoulder has for example an L-shaped section and comprises a first branch 34 extending projecting from the guide wall 24 substantially perpendicular thereto and a second branch 36 extending substantially perpendicular to the first branch 34 at the end thereof so that the second branch 36 is substantially parallel to the guide wall 24.The fixing orifice 30 is then made in the second branch 36 and passes through it, as shown in [fig. 6]. According to one embodiment, reinforcing ribs 38 extend projecting from the guide wall 24 outside the central opening 22 and join the shoulder 32 to the edge wall 28 as well as the second branch 36 to the guide wall 24 as shown in [fig. 6]. Such ribs make it possible to reinforce the firing channel 2 and to preserve its cohesion and prevent its deformation during deployment of the airbag. The shoulder 32 extends for example in the vicinity of the upper end 26 of the guide wall along one of the sides of the guide wall 24 in the case of a guide wall 24 having a rectangular shape with rounded edges. More particularly, the shoulder 32 extends for example along the length of the rectangle formed by the guide wall 24.

[0038] The fixing orifice 30 comprises an insertion portion 40 and a fixing portion 42 adjacent to the insertion portion in a fixing direction and opening into the insertion portion 40. The insertion portion 40 has a first dimension, for example a diameter in the case of a circular-shaped insertion portion 40, and the fixing portion 42 has a second dimension, for example a width in the case of a slot-shaped fixing portion. The first dimension is greater than the second dimension. In the case of a circular-shaped insertion portion 40 and a slot-shaped fixing portion, the fixing orifice 30 thus has a keyhole shape, as shown in [fig.6]. The fixing direction is substantially parallel to the guide wall 24 while an element can be introduced into the fixing orifice 30 in an insertion direction substantially perpendicular to the guide wall 24 and therefore to the fixing direction, as will be described in more detail later.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the fixing orifice 30 extends substantially opposite the through opening 16 of the fixing part 10 when the airbag module 1 is fixed to the firing channel 2.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the firing channel 2 comprises a plurality of fixing orifices 30 distributed along a portion of the guide wall 24 or the shoulder 32. According to one embodiment, the firing channel comprises fixing orifices 30 extending on either side of the central opening 22 and are made for example in two shoulders 32 extending along two opposite sides of the guide wall 24, the two sides being substantially parallel to the side walls carrying the fixing parts 10 of the housing 6 of the airbag module 1 when the latter is fixed on the firing channel 2.

[0041] The fixing device 4 comprises at least one rigid fixing support 44, at least one first pin 46 and at least one second pin 48.

[0042] The rigid fixing support 44 is arranged to be applied against the fixing part 10 at least around the through opening 16 in order to allow the robust fixing of the fixing device 4 to the airbag module 1. The rigid fixing support 44 is thus formed by a rigid part, that is to say one which does not deform under normal conditions of use unlike the fixing part 10 which is flexible. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, 7 and 8, the fixing support 44 is formed by a bar, for example made of plastic material, extending along the fixing part 10, on the side of the latter which extends opposite the side wall of the housing 6 of the airbag module 1. The fixing support 44 comprises at least one through-orifice 50 which extends opposite the through-opening 16 of the fixing part 10, as more particularly visible in Figs. 3 and 4.When the fixing part 10 comprises several through openings 16, the fixing support 44 comprises as many through orifices 50 which each extend opposite one of the through openings 16. As a variant, according to the embodiment shown in [fig.5], the fixing support 44 is for example formed by a washer comprising the through orifice 50 and the fixing device then comprises several separate washers applied against the fixing part 10 at the level of each through opening 16. It is understood that when the airbag module 1 comprises two fixing parts, the fixing device 4 then comprises at least two rigid supports 44 cor- . each corresponding to one of the fixing parts 10 or as many separate supports as there are through openings 16 in the two fixing parts 10. It is understood that other fixing support arrangements can be envisaged. For example, a fixing support can comprise two through holes 50 and, if the fixing part 10 comprises four through openings 16, two fixing supports 44 are then provided for this fixing part 10.

[0043] The first pin 46 is arranged to cooperate with a through-hole 50 of the fixing support 44 in order to fix the fixing device 4 to the airbag module 1 via the fixing part 10. For this purpose, the first pin 46 is arranged to pass through the through-opening 16 of the fixing part 10 and to cooperate with the fixing support 44 to be secured to the fixing part 10 when it is introduced into the through-hole 50, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

[0044] For this purpose, the first pin 46 comprises for example a body 52 and a head 54.

[0045] The body 52 projects from a base 56 of the fixing device 4 and the head 54 extends at the end of the body 52 opposite the base 56. The body 52 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fixing part 10 and to the fixing support 44 and along the axis of the through opening 16 of the fixing part 10. The body 52 is arranged to pass through the through opening 16 of the fixing part 10 and to be introduced into the through orifice 50 of the fixing support 44. For this purpose, the body 52 has for example a cross-section of a shape substantially complementary to that of the through opening 16 and the through orifice 50, for example a substantially circular shape, and a dimension, for example a diameter, less than or equal to that of the through opening 16 and that of the through orifice 50.

[0046] The head 54 is arranged to cooperate with the through-orifice 50 of the fixing support 44 in order to ensure the fixing of the first pin 46 on the fixing support 44, passing through the fixing part 10, and therefore of the fixing device 4 on the housing 6 of the firing channel 2. For this purpose, according to the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4, the head 54 comprises a bearing zone 58 having a dimension, for example a diameter, greater than that of the through-orifice 50 so that the bearing zone 58 bears against the edges of the through-orifice 50 on the side of the fixing support 44 opposite the fixing part 10 when the first pin 46 is introduced into the through-opening 16 and into the through-orifice 50 in order to prevent the extraction of the first pin 46 from the fixing support 44, as shown in [fig.3].The head 54 has for example a free end 60 of substantially ovoid shape to facilitate the introduction of the latter into the through opening 16 and into the through orifice 50 and is elastically deformable between the free end 60 and the support zone 58 in order to allow the passage of this support zone 58 through. the through opening 16 and the through orifice 50 when introducing the first pin 46 into the fixing part 10 and into the fixing support 44. The first pin 46 thus cooperates with the fixing part 10 and the fixing support 44 by clipping.

[0047] According to one embodiment, and as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the fixing support 44 is integral with the base 56 so that the first pin 46, the base 56 and the fixing support 44 are formed in one piece. In this case, the fixing support 44 is connected to an edge of the base 56 by a hinge 62 in order to make the fixing support 44 movable relative to the base 56. The hinge 62 is for example formed by a weakening of material between the base 56 and the fixing support 44. The fixing support 44 is movable relative to the base 56 between an unfolded position, shown in [fig.4], and a folded position, shown in [fig.3]. In the unfolded position, the fixing support 44 is spaced from the fixing part 10 and from the first pin 46 so as to allow the introduction of the first pin 46 into the through opening 16 of the fixing part 10, as shown in [fig.4].By folding the fixing bracket 44 toward the base 56 and toward the folded position while the first pin 46 extends into the through opening 16, the head 54 of the first pin 46 can be inserted into the through hole 50 of the fixing bracket 44 to secure the fixing portion 10 to the fixing device 4 as shown in [fig.3].

[0048] As a variant, in particular when the fixing device 4 comprises a fixing support 44 formed by a washer for each through opening 16 as shown in [fig.5], the head 54 can be forcibly introduced into the through orifice 50 and cooperate with it by fitting. According to this embodiment, a permanent fixing of the first pin in the fixing support 44 can be envisaged, for example by gluing or welding between the head 54 and the fixing support 44.

[0049] When the first pin 46 cooperates with the fixing support 44, the fixing part 10 extends and is for example pinched between the base 56 and the fixing support 44, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

[0050] When several first pins 46 are provided, these extend for example in projection from the same base 56 which thus carries all the first pins 46. The base 56 then has a suitable shape. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2, 7 and 8, the base 56 has a frame shape surrounding the housing 6 of the airbag module 1 when the fixing device 4 is fixed to the fixing part(s) 10 by cooperation of all the first pins 46 with all the through openings 16 and all the through orifices 50. As more particularly visible in [fig.2], the base 56 carries for example pins on two opposite branches of the frame, the two branches extending opposite the two fixing parts 10 provided on opposite side walls of the housing 6.

[0051] The second pin 48 is arranged to cooperate with a fixing orifice 30 of the firing channel 2 in order to fix the fixing device 4 to the firing channel 2. For this purpose, the second pin 48 is arranged to be introduced into the fixing orifice 30 and to cooperate with it to be secured to the element in which the fixing orifice 30 is made, namely the guide wall 24 or the shoulder 32. More particularly, in the case of a fixing orifice 30 comprising an insertion part 40 and a fixing part 42, the second pin 48 is arranged to be introduced into the fixing orifice 30 by passing through the insertion part 40 and to be fixed on the guide wall 24 or on the shoulder 32 by cooperating with the fixing part 42.

[0052] For this purpose, the second pin 48 comprises for example a body 64 and a head 66. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second pin 48 extends opposite a first pin 46 so that the first pin 46 and the second pin 48 are substantially coaxial.

[0053] The body extends projecting from the base 56, on the side opposite the side from which the first pin 46 extends, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. The head 66 extends at the end of the body 64 opposite the base 56. The body 52 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the fixing orifice 30 extends and to the fixing direction. The body 52 has, for example, a section of substantially circular shape with a diameter substantially equal to the width of the fixing portion 42 of the fixing orifice 30.

[0054] The head 66 extends radially projecting at the end of the body 52 and has, for example, a disc shape with a diameter greater than the width of the fixing part 42 but less than or equal to the diameter of the insertion part 40. Thus, the second pin 48 has, with the base 56, a diabolo shape. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the second pin 48 is, for example, integral with the base 56, the first pin 46 and the fixing support 44.

[0055] The second pin 48 can be introduced into the fixing orifice 30 by passing the head 66 through the insertion part 40 until it is located on the other side of the fixing orifice 30. This insertion is done in an insertion direction corresponding to the axis of the second pin 48 and therefore different from the fixing direction, for example substantially perpendicular to this direction. Then, by moving the second pin 48 in the fixing direction, the body 64 passes from the insertion part 40 to the fixing part 42, in which the body 64 is retained. When the body 64 is in the fixing part 42, the fixing orifice 30 extends between the base 56 and the head 66, as shown in [fig.5].

[0056] As a variant of the embodiment described above, the second pin 48 may have a hook shape, as shown in [fig.8], and cooperate with fixing orifices of corresponding shape provided in the firing channel 2.

[0057] According to the embodiments of Figs. 1, 2, 7 and 8, when several second pins 48 are provided, these extend for example projecting from the same base 56 which thus carries all the second pins 46, for example opposite the first pins 46. As a variant, the fixing device 4 comprises sets of first and second pins 46, 48 distinct from each other and distinct from the fixing supports 44, as shown in [fig.5].

[0058] In the case of second pins 48 carried by the same base 56, a part of the latter is for example arranged to form a gripping element 68 making it possible to simultaneously move all the second pins 48 in the fixing direction when they have been introduced into the fixing orifices 30 in the insertion direction. The gripping element 68 is for example formed by a handle joining the two branches of the frame carrying the first and second pins 46, 48. Alternatively, the gripping element 68 may be integral with the fixing parts 10, for example by being sewn to them. The gripping element 68 then also makes it possible to move the second pins 48 mounted by means of the first pins on the fixing parts 10 in the fixing direction when they have been introduced into the fixing orifices 30 in the insertion direction.

[0059] It will be noted that in Figs. 1, 2 and 7, the first pins 46 extend outwardly from the frame forming the base 56 while the second pins 48 extend inwardly so that the base 56 surrounds the guide wall 24 of the firing channel 2, as shown in [fig.7]. It is however understood that the reverse could be provided, as shown for example in [fig.8], so that the base 56 extends into the central opening 22.

[0060] To fix the airbag module 1 on the firing channel 1, the first pin(s) 46 are first fixed on the fixing part(s) 10 using one or more fixing supports 44. Such fixing supports 44 make the fixing of the first pins 48 on the fixing parts 10 robust by doubling and stiffening these fixing parts 10. Then, the second pin(s) 48 are introduced into the fixing orifice(s) 30, for example by inserting them into the insertion part(s) 40 in the insertion direction. The second pin(s) 48 then pass into the fixing part(s) 42 by moving them in the fixing direction, for example simultaneously using the gripping element 68.The mounting of the airbag module 1 on the firing channel 2 can therefore be done simply without requiring any special tools, while ensuring a robust fixing, even when the housing of the airbag module and the fixing parts are made of a flexible material, such as a textile material. In addition, the positioning of the airbag module relative to the firing channel is done automatically when the fixing device is fixed on the firing channel.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the fixing device 4 further comprises a fixing element 70 of the housing 6 of the airbag module on the firing channel 2 arranged to prevent the displacement of the second pin(s) 48 from the fixing part 42 to the insertion part 44 of the fixing orifice(s) 30 after the displacement of the second pin(s) 48 in the fixing direction. In other words, the fixing element 70 makes it possible to permanently fix the airbag module 1 to the firing channel 2 after the mounting of the airbag module 1 on the firing channel 2 as described in the previous paragraph. The fixing element 70 is for example formed by a screw passing through an opening made in the frame and screwed into the firing channel 2, as shown in [fig.7]. The orifice made in the frame can be made in a handle opposite the handle forming the gripping element or in one of the branches of the frame.Such a fixing element 70 also serves as a foolproof device by indicating to an operator that the second fixing pins have been correctly placed in the fixing portions 42 of the fixing holes. Indeed, if the fixing element 70 does not fix easily, for example if the holes made in the frame and in the firing channel are not aligned, this indicates incorrect positioning of the airbag module relative to the firing channel.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle safety airbag assembly comprising: - an airbag module (1), said module comprising an airbag, deploying by inflation, and a housing (6) receiving the airbag, said housing (6) comprising at least one flexible fixing portion (10) provided with an opening (16) passing through said fixing portion (10), - a firing channel (2) receiving the airbag module (1), said firing channel (2) comprising at least one fixing orifice (30), - a device (4) for fixing the housing (6) of the airbag module (1) to the firing channel (2),characterized in that the fixing device (4) comprises at least one rigid fixing support (44) for the airbag module housing (6) and at least one first pin (46) inserted into the through opening (16) of the fixing part (10) and cooperating with the fixing support (44) to fix the fixing device (4) to the housing (6) of the airbag module (1), said fixing device (4) further comprising at least one second pin (48) cooperating with the fixing orifice (30) of the firing channel (2) to fix the fixing device (4) to the firing channel (2).,

2. An airbag assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fixing bracket (44) is integral with a base (56), the first pin (46) extending projecting from said base (56), said base (56) extending on one side of the fixing portion (10) and the fixing bracket (44) extending on the other side of said fixing portion (10), the first pin (46) passing through the through opening (16) of the fixing portion (10) between the base (56) and the fixing bracket (44) and cooperating with the fixing bracket (44) to fix the fixing device (4) to the housing (6) of the airbag module (1).

3. An airbag assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fixing bracket (44) is connected to the base (56) by a hinge (62), the fixing bracket (44) being movable relative to the base (56) between an unfolded position, in which the fixing bracket (44) is spaced from the fixing portion (10) so as to allow the insertion of the first pin (46) into the through opening (16) of the fixing portion (10), and a folded position, in which the fixing bracket (44) is folded against the fixing portion (10) so as to allow cooperation between the first pin (46) and the fixing support (44).

4. An airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second pin (48) is integral with the first pin (46), the first pin (46) and the second pin (48) extending on either side of a base (56), projecting from said base (56).

5. An airbag assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the base (56) has a frame shape surrounding the airbag module (1), the fixing device (4) comprising a plurality of first pins (46) and second pins (48) distributed over at least a portion of the base (56), the first pins (46) passing through a plurality of through openings (16) of the airbag module (1) housing (6) and the second pins (48) cooperating with a plurality of fixing orifices (30) of the firing channel (2).

6. An airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second pin (48) comprises a body (64) and a head (66), the head (66) extending radially projecting from a free end of the body (64), the fixing orifice (30) of the firing channel (2) comprising an insertion portion (40), through which the head (66) of the second pin (48) can pass in an insertion direction, and a fixing portion (42), in which the body (64) of the second pin (48) is retained when the second pin (48) is moved from the insertion portion (40) to the fixing portion (42) in a fixing direction different from the insertion direction.

7. An airbag assembly according to claim 6, wherein the body (64) of the second pin (48) extends between a base (56) and the head (66) of the second pin (48), the base (56) and the head (66) extending on either side of the fixing portion (42) of the fixing orifice (30) of the firing channel (2) when the body (64) is retained in said fixing portion (42).

8. An airbag assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the fixing device (4) comprises a gripping element (68) allowing an operator to move the second pin (48) in the fixing direction when the second pin (48) has been inserted into the insertion portion (40) of the fixing hole (30) of the firing channel (2).

9. An airbag assembly according to any one of the claims- indications 6 to 8, wherein the fixing device (4) further comprises a fixing element (70) for fixing the housing (6) of the airbag module (1) on the firing channel (4), said fixing element (70) preventing the displacement of the second pin (48) from the fixing part (42) to the insertion part (40) after the displacement of the second pin (48) in the fixing direction.

10. An airbag assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing (6) of the airbag module is made of textile, the fixing part (10) being sewn onto said housing (6).

Images