Module housing for an airbag module of a vehicle occupant safety system, air bag module, vehicle occupant safety system, and vehicle comprising such a module housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a module housing (1) for an airbag module (100) of a vehicle occupant safety system, said module housing comprising: - a housing body (10) for accommodating a gas generator (20), the housing body (10) having a collar (11) that delimits a blow-out opening (12) for a gas generated by the gas generator (20), and - a flexible, hose-type extension (30) for connecting the housing body (10) to an airbag (3), the hose-type extension (30) being securely, in particular gas-tightly, connected to the collar (11) in order to extend the blow-out opening (12). The invention also relates to an airbag module, to a vehicle occupant safety system, and to a vehicle comprising such a module housing.

Description

[0001] Module housing for a gas bag module of a vehicle occupant safety system as well as gas bag module, vehicle occupant safety system and vehicle with such a module housing

[0002] The invention relates to a module housing for a gas bag module of a vehicle occupant safety system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a gas bag module, a vehicle occupant safety system, and a vehicle with such a module housing.

[0003] To protect vehicle occupants in the event of a collision, gas bags, also known as airbags, are commonly used. These are concealed in gas bag modules installed inside the vehicle. The gas bag modules typically comprise a module housing that houses a gas generator. The module housing is connected to a gas bag, which is filled with gas once the gas generator is triggered. This typically occurs within a few milliseconds.

[0004] Particularly in airbag modules for the passenger side of a vehicle, comparatively large airbags are installed. Their geometry is usually designed such that the airbag has a tube-like inflation opening that is connected to the module housing, in particular to an exhaust opening of the module housing. However, connecting the airbag's inflation opening to the module housing is complex during production and not always possible in a gas-tight manner. This increases scrap in production and causes additional costs in addition to the assembly effort. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a module housing for a airbag module of a vehicle occupant safety system that enables cost-effective and process-reliable assembly of a airbag module. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide such a airbag module as well as a vehicle occupant safety system and a vehicle with such a airbag module, in particular a module housing.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the module housing by the subject matter of patent claim 1, with regard to the gas bag module by the subject matter of patent claim 5, with regard to the vehicle occupant safety system by the subject matter of patent claim 13 and with regard to the vehicle by the subject matter of patent claim 14.

[0006] Specifically, the invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a module housing for a gas bag module of a vehicle occupant safety system, wherein the module housing comprises a housing body for accommodating a gas generator and a flexible, hose-like extension for connecting the housing body to a gas bag. The housing body has a collar that defines an exhaust opening for a gas generated by the gas generator, wherein the hose-like extension is firmly connected, in particular gas-tight, to the collar for extending the exhaust opening.

[0007] The present invention thus provides a modular housing in which a flexible, tubular extension is already firmly attached to the housing body, thus facilitating the assembly of a gas bag. In particular, the gas bag and the tubular extension can be connected to each other in a simple and reliable gas-tight manner. The modular housing according to the invention thus reduces the proportion of rejects, while the simplified assembly steps also achieve corresponding cost savings for the entire manufacturing process.

[0008] A particularly simple and gas-tight connection of the gas bag can be achieved if the tubular extension comprises a textile material or is formed from such a textile material. The tubular extension can, in particular, comprise a textile material that corresponds to the material of the gas bag or is identical to the gas bag material. The extension thus forms a connecting tube between the module housing and the flexible gas bag. The module housing is preferably formed from a solid material, for example, a plastic. It is particularly advantageous if the module housing is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process.

[0009] In this respect, it is advantageously provided in a preferred embodiment that the tubular extension has an end section that is firmly connected to the collar of the module housing. In particular, the end section can be embedded, preferably injected, into the collar of the module housing. In this variant, the connection between the tubular extension and the module housing can be established by embedding the tubular extension, in particular its end section, in the collar during molding of the module housing. The tubular extension, in particular at least its end section, can therefore be inserted into the injection mold before the module housing is molded in the injection mold.In this way, the end section of the tubular extension is completely embedded in the collar, resulting in a material-tight, gas-tight connection between the tubular extension and the housing body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing body is formed with a housing base and a circumferential housing wall projecting from the housing base, which surrounds the collar. The collar can extend beyond a retaining flange, in particular a circumferential one, which protrudes from the outside of the housing wall.

[0011] The housing body can thus form a substantially shell-like shape with a circumferential housing wall that preferably rises vertically from the housing base. The housing base can have a round or, particularly preferably, a substantially rectangular base area. Such a shape of a housing body is particularly preferred for module housings of gas bag modules that are used for a passenger airbag. The rectangular basic shape offers the necessary space for the relatively large gas bag of a passenger airbag module and also enables space-efficient positioning within a dashboard of a motor vehicle. In order to fix the module housing in the motor vehicle, in particular a dashboard, it is advantageous to provide a retaining flange that protrudes from the outside of the housing wall. The retaining flange can extend vertically outwards from the housing wall.For example, openings can be provided in the retaining flange for screwing the module housing into a motor vehicle.

[0012] The collar preferably protrudes beyond the retaining flange, with the tubular extension embedded in the collar. The tubular extension is preferably not integrated or embedded in the retaining flange area. The retaining flange area has high wall thicknesses and wall thickness transitions, making additional embedding of the tubular extension difficult from a manufacturing perspective. A simplification is achieved by embedding the end section of the tubular extension in the collar, preferably exclusively in the collar.

[0013] The invention further relates to a gas bag module comprising a previously described module housing and a gas generator connected to the housing body of the module housing. The gas generator preferably has gas outlets that open into the module housing, in particular into a gas flow chamber defined by the housing body. Furthermore, the gas bag module preferably comprises a gas bag that is firmly connected, in particular gas-tight, to the tubular extension.

[0014] The advantages and advantageous refinements mentioned in connection with the module housing also apply analogously to the gas bag module. In particular, the gas bag module can be manufactured reliably and gas-tight, while the use of the tubular extension and the associated simplified assembly also reduce manufacturing costs.

[0015] The gas bag is preferably sewn and / or glued to the tubular extension. This is particularly easy to implement and allows the gas bag geometry to be flexibly adapted to the respective application. In particular, the complex design of an airbag inflation opening is eliminated. This allows gas bags with different gas bag geometries to be connected to the module housing, with the tubular extension essentially forming an adapter between the module housing, in particular the inflation opening, and the gas bag. Due to the flexible structure of the tubular extension, gas bags of different designs can be connected to the module housing. The module housing thus enables use across model series.

[0016] The tubular extension can thus form a connecting channel between the housing body of the module housing and the gas bag. In particular, the tubular extension can form a connecting channel between the gas flow channel and the interior of the gas bag. The connecting channel is preferably connected in a gas-tight manner to the module housing, in particular by appropriate injection molding, and in a gas-tight manner to the gas bag, in particular by appropriate sewing and / or gluing.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the gas generator is mounted in a receiving opening of the module housing, in particular the housing base. The gas generator can be supported on the housing base. It is particularly preferred, particularly for fluidic reasons, if the housing base is arranged opposite the exhaust opening. The gas generator is preferably arranged centrally in the housing base, specifically opposite the exhaust opening.

[0018] In this case, it can be provided that the gas generator is directly connected to the module housing, in particular to the housing base, in a form-fitting manner. In the context of the present application, a direct connection is defined as a connection in which no intermediate elements are provided to effect a connection. Rather, the gas generator is preferably attached directly to the module housing without an intermediate element.

[0019] Such a direct connection can be achieved in particular if, as is provided in preferred embodiments, the module housing has a bayonet locking contour in the region of the receiving opening, into which a fastening flange of the gas generator engages in a form-fitting manner. Such a bayonet locking contour can in particular be formed by corresponding form-fitting strips that extend sectionally around the receiving opening of the module housing, wherein there is a distance between the form-fitting strip and the housing base that accommodates the fastening flange of the gas generator. It is advantageous if the fastening flange of the gas generator is not completely circumferential, but has a length or arc length that corresponds at most to the distance between two form-fitting strips. The distance between the form-fitting strips is determined along the contour of the receiving opening.

[0020] A direct positive connection is also possible in that the module housing, in particular the housing base, has molded-on pins that penetrate the fastening openings of the gas generator and each have a plastically deformed holding head. The pins are preferably formed monolithically with the module housing. The plastically deformed holding head can be produced, for example, using an ultrasonic welding process. During production, the gas generator with its fastening openings, which are preferably formed in a circumferential fastening flange, is placed onto the pins. The pin is then plastically deformed using an ultrasonic welding process, so that the holding head is formed and assumes a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the fastening opening. This results in a firm, positive connection between the gas generator and the module housing.

[0021] In this context, it is particularly preferred if the pins protrude into the gas flow chamber. This secures the gas generator inside the module housing, allowing the gas generator's mounting flange to rest on the housing base in the event of the gas generator being triggered. The mounting flange provides a large contact surface, resulting in increased stability. The pin retaining heads thus do not have to absorb such recoil forces. Instead, these recoil forces are dissipated through the housing base.

[0022] A secondary aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle occupant safety system with a previously described gas bag module or a previously described module housing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a multi-track motor vehicle, with a previously described vehicle occupant safety system, a previously described gas bag module, or a previously described module housing. The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view through a gas bag module with a module housing according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a gas bag module with the module housing according to Fig. 1;

[0025] Fig. 3 a perspective detailed view of the connection of a

[0026] Gas generator to a module housing according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment; and

[0027] Fig. 4 and 5 each show a perspective cross-sectional view of a module housing according to the invention with molded-on pins for the positive fixing of a gas generator, wherein Fig. 1 shows an intermediate manufacturing step and Fig. 5 shows a final manufacturing state.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a gas bag module 100 comprising a module housing 1, a gas generator 2, and a gas bag 3. The gas bag module is formed by a housing body 10 and a hose-like extension 30, which is firmly connected to the housing body 10.

[0029] The housing body 10 has a substantially bowl-shaped or cup-shaped contour in cross-section. In particular, the housing body 10 comprises a housing base 13 and a housing wall 14 that extends circumferentially around the housing base 13. The housing wall 14 and the housing base 13 are monolithic. In particular, the entire housing body 10 can be formed from an injection-molded part.

[0030] A receiving opening 17 is arranged in the housing base 13 and accommodates the gas generator 2. The gas generator 2 is preferably designed as a round gas generator. The housing wall 14, together with the housing base 13, delimits a gas flow chamber 16 which receives gas flowing out of the gas generator 2. Looking at Fig. 2, it can be seen that the gas flow chamber 16 essentially occupies a box-like volume. The housing wall 14 therefore delimits an essentially cuboid-like gas flow chamber 16. The housing base 13 consequently has an essentially rectangular base area. In a central region of the housing body 10, however, the housing base 13 is raised, so that the housing body 10 is essentially bridge-like with two bridge feet that protrude through the lowered housing base 13 at the edges of the housing body 10.

[0031] As clearly visible in Fig. 1, a retaining flange 15 extends outwardly from the housing wall 14. The retaining flange 15 is preferably oriented parallel to the housing base 13. The retaining flange 15 extends substantially completely around the housing wall 14 and thus provides a circumferential retaining flange 15. Openings, in particular bores 15a, are arranged in the retaining flange 15, which allow the module housing 1 to be screwed or otherwise fastened to a surrounding structure, for example, a dashboard of a vehicle.

[0032] The housing wall 14 extends beyond the retaining flange 15 or the plane defined by the retaining flange 15 and forms a collar 11 there on the housing body 10. The collar 11 defines an exhaust opening 12 of the module housing 1. The gas generated by the gas generator 2, which fills the gas flow space 16, can exit the housing body 10 via the exhaust opening 12.

[0033] The module housing 1 further comprises the tubular extension 30, which essentially forms an extension of the exhaust opening 12. For this purpose, the tubular extension 30, which is preferably designed as a fabric scarf, is firmly embedded in the collar 11 with an end section 31. The embedding provides a material-to-material and / or form-fitting connection between the tubular extension 30 and the collar 11 of the housing body 10. The tubular extension 30 or fabric scarf is preferably formed from a textile fabric and is therefore flexible. In order to achieve gas-tightness between the exhaust opening 12 and the connecting channel formed by the tubular extension 30, the tubular extension 30 preferably extends completely along the course of the collar 11. Also indicated in Fig. 1 is a gas bag 3, which includes an inlet section 33.The inlet section 33 is inserted sectionally into the tubular extension 30, so that the gas bag material of the inlet section 33 is arranged on an inner side of the tubular extension. In Fig. 1, a connection between the tubular extension 30 and the gas bag 3, in particular its inlet section 33, is indicated by lines 32. This connection can preferably be made by sewing and / or gluing. Other connection options can be provided. However, sewing and / or gluing offer significant cost advantages in terms of manufacturing technology.

[0034] Fig. 1 also shows, purely schematically, the attachment of a gas generator 2 to the module housing 1 when the gas generator 2 protrudes into the receiving opening 17. The gas generator 2 comprises outlets 21 arranged in a region of the gas generator 2 that protrudes into the gas flow space 16. The outlets 21 are arranged in this protruding part. After the gas generator 2 is ignited, a gas is produced which can spread through the outlets 21 into the gas flow space 16. The gas can then be guided through the exhaust opening 12 into the flexible, hose-like extension 30.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the gas generator 2 is mounted on an outer side of the housing body 10. For this purpose, the gas generator 2 has a mounting flange 22, which preferably extends over the entire circumference of the gas generator 2. The specific connection and fastening of the gas generator 2 to the module housing 1 or to the housing base 13 of the housing body 10 is not shown in Fig. 1 for reasons of clarity. This will be explained in more detail in connection with Figs. 3-5.

[0036] The exploded view according to Fig. 2 shows the entire gas bag module 100 with the module housing 1 including the hose-like extension 30, the gas generator 2 and the gas bag 3. It can be seen that the hose-like extension 30 essentially creates a flexible connection geometry for the gas bag 3.

[0037] Figs. 3, 4, and 5 show different options for connecting the gas generator 2 to the module housing 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a type of bayonet lock is provided, which provides a direct, positive connection between the gas generator 2 and the housing body 10 of the module housing 1. Another direct, positive connection between the gas generator 2 and the module housing 1 is shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0038] In the bayonet-type connection according to Fig. 3, a bayonet locking contour 18 with two positive locking strips 18a is arranged on the housing base 13. The positive locking strips 18a essentially have an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, with an upper leg of the L-shaped cross-sectional profile aligned parallel to the housing base 13. Between the housing base 13 and the positive locking strip 18a, specifically its upper leg, a gap is thus created, into which a fastening flange 22 of the gas generator 2 can be inserted. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 3, two oppositely arranged positive locking strips 18a are preferably provided. The positive locking strips 18a can in particular be designed with point symmetry. An insertion space 18b is provided between the positive locking strips 18a along the curvature of the receiving opening 17.The insertion space 18b has a length along the receiving opening 17, i.e. an arc length, which is greater than the arc length of a fastening flange 22 of the gas housing 2.

[0039] The gas generator 2 preferably comprises two fastening flanges 22, which extend opposite one another from the outer wall of the gas generator 2. The gas generator 2 can thus be lowered into the receiving opening 17 in a predetermined position, with the fastening flanges 22 being inserted into the oppositely arranged and complementary insertion spaces 18b. In doing so, the fastening flanges 22 preferably come into contact with the housing base 13. The fastening flanges 22 have a height that is preferably at most equal to the height of the gap between the housing base 13 and the form-fitting strip 18a.

[0040] By rotating the gas generator 2 relative to the housing base 13, preferably by 90°, the fastening flanges 22 move into the gap between the housing base 13 and the form-fitting strip 18. This creates a form-fitting connection between the gas generator 2 and the housing body 10, as shown in the locked state in Fig. 3. To prevent the gas generator 2 from being unscrewed, locking or snap-in elements can additionally be provided in the form-fitting strips 18a or the underlying sections of the housing base 13, which engage with corresponding locking or snap-in receptacles in the fastening flanges 22 to fix the final position of the gas generator 2 screwed into the bayonet locking contour 18.

[0041] Figs. 4 and 5 show an alternative, directly positive-locking connection between the housing body 10 and the gas generator 2. In this variant, the gas generator 2 has a single, circumferential fastening flange 22. Several, in particular four, fastening openings 23 are arranged in the fastening flange 22. The fastening openings 23 are preferably located in corner regions of the fastening flange 22, which has a rectangular or square outer contour. In this context, outer contours that have rounded corners, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, are also referred to as rectangular or square.

[0042] The module housing 1 has pins 19 directly molded onto the housing body 10. Preferably, four pins 19 are provided, the position of which is selected such that the fastening openings 23 of the fastening flange 22 can be placed onto the pins 19. The gas generator 2 is preferably inserted into the receiving opening 17 above the gas flow chamber 16 and rests with the fastening flange 22 over its entire surface on the housing base 13. The pins 19 penetrate the fastening openings 23 in the fastening flange 22. This intermediate stage of the assembly process is clearly visible in Fig. 4. At this point, the pins 19 already provide a positive connection in that the position of the gas generator 2 is fixed.

[0043] In order to achieve a complete, positive connection or fastening of the gas generator 2 to the housing body 10, the pins 19, in particular their sections protruding beyond the fastening openings 23, are heated in a further process step. This can be done, for example, using an ultrasonic welding process. As a result of the heating, the pins 19 melt and form holding heads 19a whose cross-sectional diameter is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the respective fastening opening 23. The pins 19 thus provide a rivet-like connection between the gas generator 2 and the housing body 10. The present invention is not limited to the specific fixation of the gas generator 2 in the receiving opening 17. Other options for fastening the gas generator 2 are equally possible. For example, the gas generator 2 can be connected to the housing body 10 by screwing, clipping, fusing, or clamping.

[0044] The advantage of the invention is achieved in particular by the firm and gas-tight connection between the housing body 10 and the tubular extension 30 or the fabric shell. This connection eliminates the need for previously used airbag fastening plates, which are fixed with screws. The tightness in the area of ​​the exhaust opening 12 is also increased. Furthermore, the number of parts for the airbag module 100 is reduced, which leads to cost advantages. Furthermore, the direct and firm connection of the fabric shell to the housing body enables simple assembly. An additional advantage arises from the fact that, due to the fabric shell used, no direct gas flow from the gas flow chamber 16 reaches the airbag. Instead, the gas flow is conveyed into the airbag 30 via the tubular extension 30.

[0045] Reference symbol

[0046] 100 gas bag module

[0047] 1 module housing

[0048] 2 gas generators

[0049] 3 gas bag

[0050] 10 housing body

[0051] 11 collar

[0052] 12 Exhaust opening

[0053] 13 Case back

[0054] 14 Housing wall

[0055] 15 Retaining flange

[0056] 15a holes

[0057] 16 Gas flow chamber

[0058] 17 Receiving opening

[0059] 18 Bayonet locking contour

[0060] 18a Form-fitting strip

[0061] 18b Insertion space

[0062] 19 pen

[0063] 19a Holding head

[0064] 21 Outlet

[0065] 22 Mounting flange

[0066] 23 Mounting hole

[0067] 30 tube-like process

[0068] 31 final section

[0069] 32 Line

[0070] 33 Inlet section

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Module housing (1) for a gas bag module (100) of a vehicle occupant safety system with - a housing body (10) for accommodating a gas generator (2), wherein the housing body (10) has a collar (11) which defines a blow-out opening (12) for a gas generated by the gas generator (20), and with - a flexible, hose-like extension (30) for connecting the housing body (10) to a gas bag (3), wherein the hose-like extension (30) is firmly, in particular gas-tightly, connected to the collar (11) for extending the blow-out opening (12).

2. Module housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular extension (30) comprises or is formed from a textile material.

3. Module housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hose-like extension (30) has an end section (31) which is embedded, in particular injected, into the collar (11).

4. Module housing (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing body (10) is formed with a housing base (13) and a circumferential housing wall (14) projecting from the housing base (13) and enclosing the collar (11), wherein the collar (11) extends beyond a, in particular circumferential, retaining flange (15) which projects from the outside of the housing wall (14).

5. Gasbag module (100) with a module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - a gas generator (2) which is connected to the housing body (10) of the module housing (1) and has gas outlets (21) which open into the module housing (1), in particular a gas flow space (16) delimited by the housing body (10), and - a gas bag (3) which is firmly, in particular gas-tight, connected to the hose-like extension (30).

6. Gas bag module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the gas bag (3) is sewn and / or glued to the tubular extension (30).

7. Gas bag module (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the hose-like extension (30) forms a connecting channel between the housing body (10) of the module housing (1) and the gas bag (3).

8. Gas bag module (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the gas generator (2) is fastened in a receiving opening (17) of the module housing (1), in particular the housing base (13).

9. Gas bag module (100) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the gas generator (2) is directly connected in a form-fitting manner to the module housing (1), in particular to the housing base (13).

10. Gas bag module (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the module housing (1) in the region of the receiving opening (17) has a Bayonet locking contour (18) into which a fastening flange (22) of the gas generator (2) engages in a form-fitting manner.

11. Gas bag module (100) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the module housing (1), in particular the housing base (13), has molded-on pins (19) which pass through the fastening openings (23) of the gas generator (2) and each have a plastically deformed holding head (19a).

12. Gas bag module (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the pins (19) protrude into the gas flow space (16).

13. Vehicle occupant safety system with a gas bag module (100) or a module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Vehicle, in particular a multi-track motor vehicle, with a vehicle occupant safety system, a gas bag module (100) or a module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images