Assembly device for an airbag module with an airbag ejection channel
The assembly device secures the airbag module to the ejection channel using insertion and receiving elements with precise dimensions and orientations, addressing structural deformation issues and ensuring stable deployment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SMRC AUTOMOTIVE HLDG NETHERLANDS BV
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
The deployment of airbag modules within vehicle ejection channels often results in structural deformation and separation of the ejection channel walls, leading to gaps and altered deployment patterns, compromising passenger safety.
An assembly device comprising insertion and receiving elements with specific dimensions and orientations is used to secure the airbag module to the ejection channel, preventing deformation and ensuring optimal deployment kinematics.
The assembly device stabilizes the airbag module within the ejection channel, maintaining the intended deployment pattern and enhancing passenger safety by limiting wall deformation and separation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Device for assembling an airbag module to an airbag ejection channel
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of assembly mechanisms for airbag modules to airbag ejection channels and more particularly to the field of assembly mechanisms for these two parts together.
[0002] A vehicle's airbag mechanism essentially consists of, on the one hand, an airbag module incorporating a folded airbag and its inflation device and, on the other hand, an ejection channel for the airbag. This mechanism is positioned beneath the surface of the vehicle's interior trim component, such as the dashboard, so that, when the airbag mechanism is activated, a dedicated portion of the surface of the interior trim component tears to allow the airbag to deploy inside the vehicle.
[0003] The airbag module is generally inserted inside one end of the ejection channel so as to partition this end. When the airbag is activated, the airbag is channeled by the inner walls of the channel, thus the channel helps guide its deployment. Indeed, during inflation, the airbag deploys from the module and occupies the volume of the ejection channel, exerting pressure on the various walls of this channel. Under these conditions, pressure is then exerted against the flaps of the airbag channel and the surface of the trim panel of the vehicle's passenger compartment, which tears, allowing the airbag to access the passenger compartment and deploy.However, during its deployment within the ejection channel, and prior to the opening of the flaps located at the end of the ejection channel to allow access to the vehicle's passenger compartment, the airbag exerts pressure on all the walls of the ejection channel. During this stage, pressure is also exerted against the various lateral walls of the ejection channel, which then undergo structural deformation. This forces the walls of the ejection channel outward, pushing them apart from the invading airbag module. This force also stresses the interface between the airbag module and the walls of the ejection channel. Such deformation can lead to gaps forming between the walls of the ejection channel and those of the airbag module, or even to separation of the ejection channel and the airbag module.Under these conditions, due to the inflation of the cushion inside the airbag channel, this cushion is then likely to insert itself inside these different spaces that have appeared between the walls of the ejection channel and . of the airbag module, or even at the level of the interior surface of the component used for the passenger compartment trim, such that, for example, when the airbag flaps open and the passenger compartment is accessed, the pressure against the duct walls is released, and a portion of the airbag becomes pinched between the ejection duct and the airbag module, consequently altering the intended deployment pattern of the airbag. This alteration in the airbag deployment also affects the ejection axis of the airbag from the airbag duct and the extent to which it occupies the passenger compartment volume, so that, through a chain reaction effect, even a simple deformation of the ejection duct walls can compromise passenger safety inside the vehicle.
[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a solution which allows the airbag module to be assembled to the airbag ejection channel in a way that ensures the optimal deployment kinematics of the airbag while remaining easy to implement in the context of vehicle construction.
[0005] The invention relates to an assembly device between, on the one hand, a first part formed by an airbag module and, on the other hand, a second part formed by an outer wall of an airbag ejection channel, characterized in that the device comprises at least: - an insertion element carried by a surface of one of the first two parts to be assembled, this insertion element comprising, on the one hand, a body and, on the other hand, a head at one end of the body and of dimensions larger than those of the body, - a receiving element formed by a through-hole carried by a surface of the second of the two parts to be assembled, this hole comprising, in a plane of the surface of the second of the two parts, at least a portion whose width is, on the one hand, greater than the width of the projection of the body of the insertion element in a plane perpendicular to the axis of this body and, on the other hand, less than the width of the head of the insertion element in this same plane, the length of the body of the insertion element being substantially identical to that of the thickness of the part at the level of the through orifice of the receiving element so that an insertion element positioned through the portion of the receiving element is blocked in insertion along the axis of the body of the insertion element,
[0006] the insertion and receiving elements being carried by surfaces arranged in planes parallel to the axis of the ejection channel.
[0007] The invention also relates to a mechanism for assembling a first part formed by an airbag module to a second part formed by an outer wall of an airbag ejection channel characterized in that the assembly mechanism comprises at least two assembly devices according to the invention, such that the first portions of the respective orifices of the receiving elements of each of the assembly devices arranged on the same wall are arranged according to substantially axial orientations parallel to each other.
[0008] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
[0009] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic illustration of an example of the integration of assembly devices according to the invention in the context of the assembly of an airbag module to an airbag ejection channel,
[0010] [Fig.2] represents a schematic illustration of a first example of construction of elements, respectively for insertion and reception, within the framework of an assembly device according to the invention,
[0011] [Fig.3] represents a schematic illustration of assembly kinematics elements, respectively for insertion and reception, of a first example of an assembly device according to the invention,
[0012] [Fig.4] represents a schematic illustration of an example of a male element of assembly device according to the invention, as seen in section view,
[0013] [Fig.5] represents a schematic illustration of a second example of construction of elements, respectively for insertion and reception, within the framework of an assembly device according to the invention,
[0014] [Fig.6] represents a schematic illustration of another example of integration of assembly devices according to the invention in the context of assembling an airbag module to an airbag ejection channel,
[0015] [Fig.7] represents a schematic illustration of another example of integration of assembly devices according to the invention in the context of assembling an airbag module to an airbag ejection channel.
[0016] The invention relates to an assembly device 1 between, on the one hand, a first part 8 formed by an airbag module and, on the other hand, a second part 9 formed by an outer wall of an airbag ejection channel, characterized in that the device comprises at least: - an insertion element 2 carried by a surface of a first of the two parts 8, 9 to be assembled, this insertion element 2 comprising, on the one hand, a body 21 and, on the other hand, a head 22 at one end of the body 21 and of dimensions wider than those of the body 21, - a receiving element 3 formed by a through-hole carried by a surface of the second of the two parts 8, 9 to be assembled, this hole comprising, in a plane of the surface of the second of the two parts 8, 9, at least a portion 31 whose width is, on the one hand, greater than the width of the projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of this body 21 and, on the other hand, less than the width of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 in this same plane, the length of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 being substantially identical to that of the thickness of the part 8, 9 at the level of the through orifice of the receiving element 3 so that an insertion element 2 positioned through the portion 31 of the receiving element 3 is locked in insertion along the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2,
[0017] the insertion elements 2 and reception elements 3, being carried by surfaces arranged in planes parallel to the axis of the ejection channel 9.
[0018] The assembly device 1 of the invention includes a mechanism for positioning the insertion element 2 in the through-hole of the receiving element 3, in particular through a portion 31 of this through-hole, by notably involving a displacement of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 at the level of this portion 31 of the hole of the receiving element 3. This displacement of the body 21 of the inserted insertion element 2 is carried out in the form of a translation of the insertion element 2 relative to the receiving element 3 along an axis positioned in a plane substantially parallel to or coinciding with the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the hole of the receiving element 3. The body 21 of the insertion element 2 has a substantially rectilinear arrangement disposed along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries this insertion element 2.The end of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 has a head 22, at least part of whose peripheral edge, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2, extends beyond or is offset from the peripheral surface of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. The shape of the portion 31 of the opening of the receiving element 3 has a width at least substantially similar to that of the shape of the projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of this insertion element 2, while having a smaller dimension than the projection of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 onto this same perpendicular plane. The length of the portion 31 of the opening of the receiving element 3 has dimensions at least equal to or greater than those of the projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 onto this same perpendicular plane.The dimensions of portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 are at least similar to those of a projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2, while also being smaller than those of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 in at least one dimension of the perpendicular plane. to the axis of the body 21 of this insertion element 2. Under these conditions, the cooperation of the insertion element 2 with the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 allows a locking in position or blocking of the insertion element 2 positioned in this portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 by limiting, or even preventing, the movement of this insertion element 2 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3. This movement is thus limited between, on the one hand, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 and, on the other hand, the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries this insertion element 2. Under these conditions, the possible deformation of the wall of the airbag ejection channel 9 relative to a lateral wall of the airbag module 8 is limited, or even prevented.
[0019] It should be noted that the head 22 of the insertion element 2 is configured to have a shape with dimensions greater than those of the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 along at least one dimension of a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of this insertion element 2. This configuration allows the realization of a head 22 of the insertion element 2 which has at least one part 221 positioned on its periphery which is arranged to make a stop 222 against a surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3.Preferably, this peripheral part 221 of the head 22 has a surface area sufficient for the head 22 of the insertion element 2 to cooperate effectively with the surface that carries the receiving element 3 and thus block the translation of the insertion element 2 relative to the receiving element 3 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3, or even also to the plane of the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries the insertion element 2.
[0020] It should also be noted that the airbag module 8 has dimensions substantially identical to those of the end of the airbag ejection channel 9, so that these two parts 8, 9 are complementary, it is imperative that the orifice of the receiving element 3 be positioned on the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries it in order to be in alignment with the corresponding insertion element 2 carried by the complementary part 8, 9 when, during assembly, the airbag module 8 is in the required position inside the airbag ejection channel 9. Preferably, the insertion element 2 and the end of the orifice of the receiving element 3 are positioned in the central part, preferably in the center, of the walls positioned opposite each other of each of the two parts, airbag module 8 and airbag ejection channel 9.
[0021] Preferably, an orientation of the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 substantially aligned with the insertion axis of the airbag module 8 The movement of the insertion element 2 within the ejection channel 9 allows the body 21 of the insertion element 2 to move inside the opening of the receiving element 3, taking advantage of the single direction of movement permitted by the complementary shapes of the airbag module 8 within the ejection channel 9. Therefore, when the airbag module 8 is inserted into the ejection channel 9, once the insertion element 2 is positioned through the opening of the receiving element 3, the translation of the airbag module 8 along the axis of the ejection channel 9 positions the body 21 of the insertion element 2 at its final position at the end of the opening of the receiving element 3, thus preventing the movement of the wall of the ejection channel 9 relative to the wall of the airbag module 8 positioned opposite it.
[0022] According to an example relating to a first embodiment of the assembly device 1, the portion 31 of the opening of the receiving element 3 has a longitudinal arrangement between two opposing ends 310, 311, the first end 310 of which is open onto an edge of the surface of the second of the two parts 8, 9, such that the assembly of the insertion elements 2 and the receiving element 3 of the assembly device 1 is effected by inserting the body 21 of the insertion element 2 at the end 310 of the portion 31 of the opening of the receiving element 3, and then by translating this insertion element 2 along the portion 31 of the opening of the receiving element 3 to the second end 311. According to this first embodiment of the assembly device 1, the receiving element 3 comprises a through opening arranged in the form of a groove, preferably straight.This construction allows the insertion element 2 to be assembled with the receiving element 3 by inserting the body 21 of the insertion element 2 into the opening at the end 310 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 on the edge of the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries this receiving element 3. The body 21 of the insertion element 2 is thus positioned through the orifice of the receiving element 3 so that the wall which carries this receiving element 3 is positioned between, on the one hand, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 and, on the other hand, the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries this insertion element 2.
[0023] Preferably, the through-hole of the receiving element 3 has a rectilinear, for example grooved, arrangement, a first end 310 of which is open at the edge of the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries this receiving element 3, and a second end 311 located at the expected position of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 when the part 8, 9 which carries the insertion element 2 is in its final position relative to the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3. This final position may correspond, for example, to the arrangement of the insertion element 2 relative to the receiving element 3 when the airbag module 8 is positioned in its final arrangement when inserted inside the channel 9 ejection. Also, in the context of the assembly of the two elements 2, 3 of the assembly device 1 according to this first mode of construction, the body 21 of the insertion element 2 is introduced into the through orifice of the receiving element 3 by its first end 310 to be moved along this orifice to the second end 311 of this orifice.
[0024] According to an example relating to a variant of this first embodiment of the assembly device 1, the through-hole of the receiving element 3 has a rectilinear arrangement with a substantially constant width over most of its length. This width of the through-hole of the receiving element 3 is, on the one hand, greater than the width of the projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of this body 21 and, on the other hand, less than the width of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 in this same plane. This construction thus makes it possible to keep the insertion element 2 in position through the through-hole of the receiving element 3.
[0025] According to an example relating to a specific variant of the variant detailed above, the opening of the first end 310 at the edge of the wall of the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3 is likely to have an enlargement in its width. This enlargement is likely to have the shape of a funnel arrangement so as to facilitate the insertion of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 into the opening of the receiving element 3.
[0026] In the context of assembling the first part 8 with the second part 9 using the assembly device 1 as detailed in this first embodiment of the device 1 of the invention, it may be necessary to supplement this assembly with fastening or anchoring elements for the two joined parts 8 and 9 in order to ensure that these parts 8 and 9 are fixed and held together. These supplementary elements may be of any known type. For example, this fastening may involve screws, clips, or even hooks.
[0027] According to an example relating to a second construction method of the assembly device 1, this assembly device 1 is characterized in that: - Insertion element 2 is male type, - the receiving element 3 is of the female type forming an orifice comprising, in a plane of the surface of the second of the two parts 8, 9, on the one hand, the portion 31 of width both greater than the width of the projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 and less than the width of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 and, on the other hand, a second portion 32 of dimensions complementary to or slightly greater than the dimensions of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 according to a projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis of this body 21 of the insertion element 2, the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 communicating with each other such that, along an axis parallel to the insertion axis of the airbag module 8 in the ejection channel 9, the geometric center of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 has a positional offset relative to the geometric center of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3, so that the assembly of the insertion elements 2 and receiving elements 3 of the assembly device 1 is carried out by insertion of the male insertion element 2 through the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 and then by translation of the insertion element 2 from the second portion 32 to the first portion 31.
[0028] According to this second embodiment, the assembly device 1 of the invention comprises a mechanism enabling, on the one hand, the insertion of the male insertion element 2 into the orifice of the female receiving element 3, in particular through the second portion 32 of this orifice, and, on the other hand, the movement of the body 21 of the inserted insertion element 2 from the second portion 32 of the orifice towards the first portion 31 of the same orifice of the female receiving element 3. This movement of the body 21 of the inserted insertion element 2 towards the first portion 31 is achieved by translating the insertion element 2 relative to the receiving element 3 along an axis positioned in a plane substantially parallel to or coinciding with the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3.Preferably, in this second construction method, the shape of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the female receiving element 3 is substantially similar to that of the projection of the head 22 of the male insertion element 2 onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. Similarly, the shape of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 is also substantially similar to that of the projection of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. These similarities in shape between the portions 31, 32 of the orifice of the female receiving element 3 and different parts 21, 22 of the male insertion element 2 contribute to a complementarity of respective dimensions of the insertion element 2 and the receiving element 3 in this construction method of the assembly device 1. the invention.Similarly, preferably, the body 21 of the male-type insertion element 2 has a substantially rectilinear arrangement along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries this insertion element 2. In planes in section perpendicular to the insertion axis of the insertion element 2 in the receiving element 3 and / or to the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2, the body 21 of the insertion element 2 has, in . projection, smaller dimensions than those of its head 22. The dimensions of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 being complementary to those of the body 21 of the insertion element 2, these dimensions are thus slightly greater than those of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 in section but also less than those of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 in section.Under these conditions, the cooperation of the insertion element 2 with the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 allows a locking in position or blocking of the insertion element 2 inserted in this first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 by limiting the displacement of this insertion element 2 along an axis substantially parallel to the insertion axis of the insertion element 2 through the orifice of the receiving element 3, that is to say along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surfaces of the parts 8, 9 which respectively carry the insertion elements 2 and receiving elements 3. This displacement is thus limited between, on the one hand, the head 22 of the male type insertion element 2 and, on the other hand, the surface of the part 8, 9 which carries this insertion element 2.This limitation on the movement of the respective surfaces of the two parts 8, 9 relative to each other prevents the movement of this insertion element 2 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wall of each of the assembled parts 8, 9. Therefore, any potential deformation of the wall of the airbag ejection channel 9 relative to a lateral wall of the airbag module 8 is limited, or even prevented.
[0029] It should be noted that the head 22 of the insertion element 2 is configured to have a shape with dimensions greater than those of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3, so that the head 22 has at least one part 221 positioned on its periphery which is arranged to make a stop 222 against a surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3. Preferably, this peripheral part 221 of the head 22 has a surface area sufficient for the head 22 of the insertion element 2 to cooperate effectively with the surface which carries the receiving element 3 and thus block the translation of the insertion element 2 relative to the receiving element 3 along an axis substantially parallel to the insertion axis of the insertion element 2 relative to the receiving element 3.
[0030] It should also be noted that since the airbag module 8 has dimensions substantially identical to those of the end of the airbag ejection channel 9, such that these two parts 8, 9 are complementary, it is imperative that the opening of the receiving element 3 be positioned on the surface of the part 8, 9 that carries it, so as to be opposite the corresponding insertion element 2 carried by the complementary part 8, 9 when, during insertion, the airbag module 8 is in the required final position inside the airbag ejection channel 9. In this way, During the insertion of the airbag module 8, the positioning of the insertion element 2 opposite the opening of the receiving element 3 is guaranteed, provided that the insertion of the airbag module 8 has reached a stroke length corresponding to the insertion stroke of the airbag module 8 required to be correctly positioned in the airbag ejection channel 9. Preferably, the insertion element 2 and the receiving element 3 are positioned in the central part, preferably at the center, of the opposing walls of each of the two parts, the airbag module 8 and the airbag ejection channel 9.
[0031] In addition, it should also be noted that the positioning of the two portions 31, 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 in an aligned and offset manner along the insertion axis of the airbag module 8 in the ejection channel 9 allows for the movement and insertion of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 into the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 by taking advantage of the only direction of movement which the ejection channel 9 allows, by virtue of their complementary shapes, for the insertion of the airbag module 8.Also, when inserting the airbag module 8 into the ejection channel 9, once the male insertion element 2 is positioned through the orifice of the female receiving element 3, the translation of the airbag module 8 along the axis of the ejection channel 9 allows the body 21 of the insertion element 2 to be positioned in the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 and to block the movement of the wall of the ejection channel 9 relative to the wall of the airbag module 8 positioned opposite it.
[0032] According to an example relating to a variant of the second construction method of the assembly device 1, the geometric center of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 has an offset with respect to the geometric center of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 so that the geometric center of the first portion 31 of this orifice is closer to the end of the airbag ejection channel 9 than the geometric center of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3.
[0033] According to an example relating to another variant of the second construction method of the assembly device 1 and forming an alternative to the previously detailed construction variant, the geometric center of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the female receiving element 3 has an offset with respect to the geometric center of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 such that the geometric center of the first portion 31 of this orifice is further from the end of the airbag ejection channel 9 than the geometric center of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3.
[0034] According to an example relating to a variant of the second embodiment of the assembly device 1, the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the orifice of the female receiving element 3 are two distinct and juxtaposed portions. According to this embodiment, the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3 is formed by the juxtaposition of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. When the insertion element 2 is positioned in the orifice of the receiving element 3, the head 22 and the body 21 of the insertion element 2 pass through the orifice at the level of the second portion 32 without passing through or being positioned at the level of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3, so that the body 21 of the insertion element 2 is positioned at the level of the second portion 32 of the orifice.This body 21 of the insertion element 2 inserted through the receiving element 3 is then translated inside the orifice of the receiving element 3 from the second portion 32 to the first portion 31 so that the peripheral part 221 of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 is in contact with the surface located at the periphery of the edge of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3. .
[0035] According to an example relating to another variant of the second embodiment of the assembly device 1, forming an alternative to the previously detailed embodiment, the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 of the orifice of the female receiving element 3 are two overlapping portions such that the first portion 31 is positioned within the perimeter of the second portion 32. According to this embodiment, the perimeter of the orifice of the receiving element 3 is formed by the perimeter of the second portion 32 alone. The first portion 31 forms a part of the second portion 32 positioned at a peripheral edge of this second portion 32. When positioning the insertion element 2 through the orifice of the receiving element 3, the head 22 passes through the orifice of the insertion element 3 at the level of the second portion 32 and the first portion 31 of the orifice.Conversely, during this insertion, the body 21 of the insertion element 2 passes through the orifice only at the level of the second portion 32, and more specifically at a part of the second portion 32, excluding the first portion 31, so that the body 21 of the insertion element 2 is positioned at a part of the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3, excluding the first portion 31. The inserted body 21 of the insertion element 2 is then translated inside the second portion 32 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 towards the first portion 31, so that the peripheral part 221 of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 is in contact with the surface located at the periphery of the edge of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3.
[0036] In the context of assembling the first part 8 with the second part 9 by the assembly device 1 as detailed by this second construction method of the According to device 1 of the invention, the translation of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 towards the first portion 31, such that the peripheral part 221 of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 rests against the surface located at the periphery of the edge of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3, is likely to be sufficient to secure and maintain these parts 8, 9 together. Indeed, since the translation of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 towards the first portion 31 occurs along an axis incorporating a vertical component, preferably a predominantly vertical component, and directed downwards, the body 21 of the insertion element 2 towards the first portion 31 is held in position by the weight of the part 8, 9 which carries this insertion element 2.
[0037] According to an example relating to another construction variant of the assembly device 1 which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, in a section plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 has at least one peripheral part 221 forming a radial overhang with respect to the section of the body 21, this peripheral part 221 carrying at least one retaining surface 222 intended to bear against a surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3 and is located at the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3. The head 22 of the insertion element 2 thus includes a portion in relief with respect to the surface of the body 21, this portion being positioned at the periphery of the head 22 of the insertion element 2.The retaining surface 222 is then formed by a surface of this raised portion of the head 22 of the insertion element 2, intended to be positioned opposite a surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3 and located on the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3 in contact with the peripheral edge of this orifice. The retaining surface 222 is thus intended to form a retaining stop for the insertion element 2 inside the receiving element 3 by bearing against the surface of the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3, in particular when the body 21 of the insertion element 2 is positioned at the level of the first portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3.Preferably, the retaining surface 222 has a surface area sufficient for the head 22 of the insertion element 2 to interact effectively with the surface of the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3 and to block any translation of the receiving element 3 relative to the insertion element 2 along an axis parallel to the insertion axis of the insertion element 2 in the receiving element 3.
[0038] According to an example relating to another construction variant of the assembly device 1 which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 comprises several peripheral parts 221 forming respective radial overhangs with respect to the body 21 of the insertion element 2, these overhangs being positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. Each of these peripheral parts 221 of the head 22 carries a respective retaining surface 222 intended to bear against a respective surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3. The various surfaces of the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3 and intended to interact with respective retaining surfaces 222 carried by the head 22 of the insertion element 2 are located at the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3.
[0039] According to an example relating to another construction variant of the assembly device 1, which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, each of at least one peripheral portion 221 of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 has a substantially axial arrangement. According to this construction variant, each peripheral portion 221 has a substantially axial arrangement along an axis perpendicular to the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. When the head 22 comprises several peripheral portions 221, these different peripheral portions 221 are distributed so as to radiate from the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2.According to another example relating to a specific variant of this construction variant, the various peripheral parts 221 are distributed around the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 so that the geometric center of the set of the various peripheral parts 221 is substantially positioned on the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2.
[0040] According to an example relating to another construction variant of the assembly device 1 which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 has at least one rectilinear arrangement intersecting with the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. According to this construction variant, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 comprises at least two peripheral parts 221 located on either side of the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2.By such positioning, these two peripheral parts 221 are able to interact with surfaces of the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3 located on either side of this orifice so that the geometric center of the forces exerted by these peripheral parts 221 in abutment to block the displacement and / or deformation of the parts 8, 9 which carry these two elements, insertion 2 and receiving 3, is centered on the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. Under these conditions, the abutment of the peripheral parts 221 of the head 22 against the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3 allows, on the one hand, to operate an optimized retention and a deformation. limited to the wall of part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the receiving element 3 and, on the other hand, to limit the stresses on the deformation of the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2.
[0041] According to an example relating to another construction variant of the assembly device 1, which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 has a "T"-shaped arrangement. According to this construction variant, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 comprises at least three peripheral parts 221 located around the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 in an arrangement radiating from the mean axis of the body 21 of the insertion element 2. Each of the three peripheral parts 221 is thus able to interact with a dedicated surface on the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element 3.The multiplication of peripheral parts 221 allows an increase in the retention surfaces 222 of the head 22 of the insertion element 2 and therefore an optimization of the forces of the insertion element 2 on the surface around the orifice of the receiving element 3 while allowing a targeted distribution of the forces and stresses exerted by the insertion element 2 on the part 8, 9 which carries the receiving element 3. .
[0042] According to an example relating to another construction variant of the assembly device 1 which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, on the one hand, the insertion element 2 is carried by the airbag module 8 and, on the other hand, the receiving element 3 is carried by the airbag ejection channel 9.
[0043] According to an example of the construction of the airbag module 8 and the airbag ejection channel 9 which can be combined with the construction variant of the assembly device 1 previously detailed, on the one hand, the airbag module 8 carries at least two insertion elements 2 arranged on opposite walls of the airbag module 8 and, on the other hand, the airbag ejection channel 9 comprises at least two receiving elements 3 positioned on wall surfaces of the ejection channel 9 positioned opposite each other so that each insertion element 2 of the airbag module 8 is able to interact and cooperate with a respective receiving element 3 of the airbag ejection channel 9.This assembly, using at least two receiving elements 3 cooperating with respective insertion elements 2, also ensures precise positioning of the airbag module 8 relative to the surface of the interior trim piece, thus preventing any unwanted tilting of the airbag module 8 relative to the trim piece surface. It should be noted that, during the insertion of the airbag module 8 at the end of the... The ejection channel 9 has opposite walls that carry the openings of the receiving element 3. These walls are subjected to deformation to allow the insertion of the airbag module 8 and its insertion elements 2 until each insertion element 2 is positioned opposite a respective receiving element 3 of the ejection channel 9, such that these insertion elements 2 fit into their respective receiving element 3 and hold the wall of the ejection channel 9 in position against deformation stresses. This deformation is supported by the flexibility of the material of one of the two parts assembled with the assembly device 1 of the invention, and in particular the flexibility of the material used in the design of the end of the ejection channel 9.As an example, the ejection channel 9 and in particular its end are preferably made of a plastic material, often a flexible plastic material, with a rubber component of type SEBS also called styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene or of type EPDM.
[0044] The invention also relates to an assembly mechanism of a first part 8 formed by an airbag module to a second part 9 made by an outer wall of an ejection channel of the airbag cushion characterized in that the assembly mechanism comprises at least two assembly devices 1 according to the invention, so that the first portions 31 of the respective orifices of the receiving element 3 of each of the assembly devices 1 arranged on the same wall are arranged according to substantially axial orientations parallel to each other.
[0045] According to one construction variant, the assembly mechanism comprising at least two assembly devices 1 according to the first construction method previously detailed, the respective heads 22 of the insertion elements 2 of each of the assembly devices 1 arranged on the same wall are connected to each other by one or more of their ends.
[0046] The invention is also likely to relate to a method of implementing an assembly device 1 according to the invention, characterized in that the method comprises: - a step of positioning the insertion element 2 in a portion of the orifice of the receiving element 3, - a step of moving the body 21 of the insertion element 2 inside the orifice of the receiving element 3 along a stroke including at least this portion of the orifice of the receiving element 3, the stroke of the insertion element 2 being included inside the plane of the wall which carries the receiving element 3.
[0047] According to an example relating to a variant of the method, the positioning of the insertion element 2 in the receiving element 3 is carried out by insertion of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 at the level of a first end 310 of the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 open on an edge of the surface or wall which carries the receiving element 3 so that the insertion element is moved along the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 to its final position located at or near the second end 311 of this receiving element 3.
[0048] According to an example relating to an alternative embodiment of the method, the positioning of the insertion element 2 in the receiving element 3 is achieved by inserting the head 22 and at least part of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 through the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 open on an edge of the surface or wall which carries the receiving element 3 so that the insertion element is moved along the portion 31 of the orifice of the receiving element 3 towards the second portion of the orifice of the receiving element 3 corresponding to the final position of the insertion element 2 in cooperation with the receiving element 3 in the assembly device 1.
[0049] By way of example of implementation, the movement of the body 21 of the insertion element 2 inside the receiving element 3 is carried out by a translation along an axis comprising at least one vertical component and carried out mainly under the effect of gravity or the gravity exerted on one of the two parts 8, 9 relative to the other.
[0050] According to an example relating to a variant of the implementation of the method of the invention, in the context of a displacement of a first of the two parts 8, 9 which carry the elements, of insertion 2 and of reception 3, relative to the second of the two parts 8, 9, the insertion element 2 supports a tensile force in a direction opposite to its insertion, the head 22 of the insertion element 2 then coming into contact with a surface of the part 8, 9 which carries the orifice of the reception element 3.
[0051] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1.
2. Demands Assembly device (1) between, on the one hand, a first part (8) formed by an airbag module and, on the other hand, a second part (9) formed by an outer wall of an airbag ejection channel, characterized in that the device comprises at least: - an insertion element (2) carried by a surface of a first of the two parts (8, 9) to be assembled, this insertion element (2) comprising, on the one hand, a body (21) and, on the other hand, a head (22) at one end of the body (21) and of dimensions larger than those of the body (21), - a receiving element (3) formed by a through orifice carried by a surface of the second of the two parts (8, 9) to be assembled, this orifice comprising, in a plane of the surface of the second of the two parts (8, 9), at least a portion (31) whose width is, on the one hand, greater than the width of the projection of the body (21) of the insertion element (2) in a plane perpendicular to the axis of this body (21) and, on the other hand, less than the width of the head (22) of the insertion element (2) in this same plane, the length of the body (21) of the insertion element (2) being substantially identical to that of the thickness of the part (8, 9) at the level of the through orifice of the receiving element (3) so that an insertion element (2) positioned through the portion (31) of the receiving element (3) is locked in insertion along the axis of the body (21) of the insertion element (2), the insertion (2) and reception (3) elements being carried by surfaces arranged in planes parallel to the axis of the ejection channel (9). Assembly device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion (31) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) has a longitudinal arrangement between two opposing ends (310, 311), the first end (310) of which is open on an edge of the surface of the second of the two parts (8, 9), such that the assembly of the insertion elements (2) and receiving elements (3) of the assembly device (1) is effected by an insertion of the body (21) of the insertion element (2) at the end (310) of
3.
4. the portion (31) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) and then by translation of this insertion element (2) along the portion (31) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) to the second end (311). Assembly device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the insertion element (2) is of the male type, - the receiving element (3) is of the female type forming an orifice comprising, in a plane of the surface of the second of the two parts (8, 9), on the one hand, the portion (31) of width both greater than the width of the projection of the body (21) of the insertion element (2) and less than the width of the head (22) of the insertion element (2) and, on the other hand, a second portion (32) of dimensions complementary to or slightly greater than the dimensions of the head (22) of the insertion element (2) according to a projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis of this body (21) of the insertion element (2), the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) communicating with each other so that, along an axis parallel to the insertion axis of the airbag module (8) in the ejection channel (9),the geometric center of the second portion (32) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) has a positional offset relative to the geometric center of the first portion (31) of the orifice of the receiving element (3), so that the assembly of the insertion elements (2) and receiving elements (3) of the assembly device (1) is carried out by inserting the male insertion element (2) through the second portion (32) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) and then by translating the insertion element (2) from the second portion (32) to the first portion (31). Assembly device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) are two distinct and juxtaposed portions.
5. Assembly device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first portion (31) and the second portion (32) of the orifice of the receiving element (3) are two coincident portions such that the first portion (31) is positioned inside the perimeter of the second portion (32).
6. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a plane in section perpendicular to the axis of the body (21) of the insertion element (2), the head (22) of the insertion element (2) has at least one peripheral part (221) forming a radial overhang with respect to the section of the body (21), this peripheral part (221) carrying at least one retaining surface (222) intended to bear against a surface of the part (8, 9) which carries the receiving element (3) and is located at the periphery of the orifice of the receiving element (3).
7. Assembly device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the head (22) of the insertion element (2) comprises several peripheral parts (221) forming respective radial overhangs with respect to the body (21) of the insertion element (2), these overhangs being positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the mean axis of the body (21) of the insertion element (2).
8. Assembly device (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that each of at least one peripheral part (221) of the head (22) of the insertion element (2) has a substantially axial arrangement.
9. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head (22) of the insertion element (2) has at least one straight arrangement intersecting with the axis of the body (21) of the insertion element (2).
10. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a section plane perpendicular to the axis of the body (21) of the insertion element (2), the head (22) of the insertion element (2) has a "T" shaped arrangement.
11. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on the one hand, the insertion element (2) is carried by the airbag module (8) and, on the other hand, the receiving element (3) is carried by the airbag ejection channel (9).
12. Mechanism for assembling a first part (8) formed by an airbag module to a second part (9) formed by an outer wall of an airbag ejection channel characterized in that the assembly mechanism comprises at least two assembly devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, such that the first portions (31) of the respective orifices of the receiving elements (3) of each of the assembly devices (1) arranged on the same wall are arranged in substantially parallel axial orientations.
13. Assembly mechanism according to claim 12 comprising at least two assembly devices (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the respective heads (22) of the insertion elements (2) of each of the assembly devices (1) arranged on the same wall are connected to each other by one or more of their ends.