Airbag module for a motor vehicle, arrangement and modular system

Abstract

The invention relates to an airbag module (2) for a motor vehicle (32), having a housing (6) which has a receiving space (7), having an airbag (8) which, in a storage position (9), is arranged in the receiving space (7), having at least one cover element (13) which is held on the housing (6) so as to be pivotable between a closed position (11) and an open position (12), and having an opening (15) which is opened up by the cover element (13) in the open position (12), as a result of which the airbag (8) is shiftable in the open position (12) from the storage position (9) into at least one protective position (17), wherein provided on the housing (6) is at least one fastening region (19) via which the airbag module (2) is to be held in a receiving region (3) in a dashboard (4), said receiving region being bounded by at least one wall (20) of the dashboard (4) of the motor vehicle (32), the dashboard being formed separately from the airbag module (2), and the cover element (13) has at least one outer side (22) facing upwards in the vertical direction (16) of the motor vehicle (32).

Description

[0001] Airbag module for a motor vehicle, arrangement and modular system

[0002] The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement of an airbag module in a receiving area of ​​an instrument panel for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 9 and to a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of a motor vehicle according to patent claim 10.

[0003] DE 102015 116 170 A1 discloses a knee airbag for a motor vehicle, which comprises a dashboard separating a passenger compartment and an engine compartment or front compartment, an instrument panel assembly mounted on the dashboard or on another body structure, and an airbag module having a housing enclosing an inflatable airbag, wherein the housing is mounted directly on the dashboard within the passenger compartment and independently of the instrument panel assembly.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an airbag module for a motor vehicle, an arrangement of an airbag module in a receiving area of ​​an instrument panel for a motor vehicle and a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of a motor vehicle, so that when an airbag is moved from a storage position to at least one protective position, a mechanical load on the instrument panel can be kept particularly low.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by an airbag module for a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 1, by an arrangement of an airbag module in a receiving area of ​​an instrument panel for a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 9, and by a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of a motor vehicle having an airbag module and an instrument panel having the features of patent claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description. A first aspect of the invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is designed, for example, as a passenger car, commercial vehicle, or truck. The motor vehicle, particularly in its fully manufactured state, preferably has the airbag module. The airbag module is designed, for example, as a passenger airbag.

[0006] The airbag module has at least one housing having at least one receiving space. In other words, the receiving space is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, bounded by the housing, in particular directly, or formed by the housing. This means that the receiving space is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, surrounded by the housing. In other words, the receiving space extends at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, within the housing.

[0007] The airbag module has at least one airbag, which can be referred to in particular as an airbag. The airbag is arranged, at least in one storage position, in particular at least predominantly or completely, in the receiving space, i.e., within the housing. In other words, the airbag is located in the storage position in the receiving space or within the housing. This means that in the storage position, the airbag is at least predominantly, in particular completely, covered by the housing. The storage position can be referred to in particular as the stowed position.

[0008] For example, the airbag is held, particularly at least in the storage position, on a component of the airbag module, particularly at least directly or indirectly. For example, the component is the housing or a housing part of the housing.

[0009] The airbag module has at least one cover element which is pivotable about at least one pivot axis relative to the housing between a closed position and at least one open position, at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the housing. This cover element can also be referred to as an airbag flap or a cover. In other words, the cover element is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the housing from the closed position into the open position and / or from the open position into the closed position, wherein the cover element is at least indirectly, in particular directly, attached to the housing or connected to the housing. The cover element is, for example, formed separately from the housing.

[0010] The airbag module, in particular the housing, has at least one opening which, in the closed position, is closed, in particular completely, by the cover element. In other words, the opening is covered, in particular directly, by the cover element in the closed position. The opening is preferably at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, delimited by the housing or formed by the housing. In particular, the opening is arranged on or in the housing. The receiving space preferably opens into the surroundings of the airbag module via the opening.

[0011] In the open position, the opening is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, exposed by the cover element. In other words, in the open position, the opening is not closed by the cover element or covered by the cover element, whereby the opening is exposed or open in the open position.

[0012] Because the opening is at least partially uncovered by the cover element in the open position, the airbag can be displaced, particularly in the installed position of the airbag module in the motor vehicle, in particular with regard to the open position and the closed position exclusively, in the open position via the opening, which is particularly uncovered by the cover element, from the storage position into at least one protective position, which is particularly different from the storage position, for restraining a vehicle occupant. This means that the airbag can be displaced in the open position from the storage position, particularly via the opening, into the protective position in order to restrain the vehicle occupant, for example one sitting on a seat system of the motor vehicle. In other words, the airbag can be moved from the storage position, particularly automatically, into the protective position.Moving the airbag from the storage position to the protective position can be understood in particular as deploying the airbag.

[0013] In particular, the airbag, for example at least one airbag part of the airbag, is arranged in the protective position at least predominantly, in particular completely, outside the receiving space or the housing. This means that the airbag or the airbag part can be or is displaced from the storage position out of the receiving space or the housing into the protective position for restraining the vehicle occupant. Preferably, the airbag is not displaced from the storage position into the protective position when the cover element is in the closed position. This means that the airbag cannot be displaced from the storage position into the protective position when the cover element is in the closed position.

[0014] The protective position can also be referred to as the restraint position or the catch position. Preferably, in the event of a motor vehicle accident, the airbag is displaceable or movable from the storage position into the protective position in order to restrain the vehicle occupant. Preferably, the airbag takes up a significantly larger volume in the protective position than in the storage position. The airbag in the protective position preferably takes up this volume in an interior of the motor vehicle. As a result, for example, the vehicle occupant located in the interior or sitting on the seat system can be caught and restrained by the airbag in the protective position, particularly if the vehicle occupant is displaced or moved as a result of the accident.A vehicle occupant is, for example, a driver or a passenger. The term "interior" refers specifically to the vehicle interior, which can also be referred to as the passenger compartment.

[0015] In order to move the airbag from the storage position to the protective position, a fluid, in particular a gas, is introduced, in particular blown into the airbag, preferably explosively. The gas is provided, for example, by a gas generator of the airbag module, in particular explosively, whereby the airbag can be moved particularly quickly, i.e. in a particularly short time, from the storage position to the protective position. The gas generator is thus, for example, a pyrotechnic actuator, wherein the gas generator is preferably a component of the airbag module. In other words, the airbag module preferably has at least one triggering device by means of which the airbag can be displaced or moved from the storage position to the protective position, in particular via the released opening, in order to restrain the vehicle occupant, in particular in the event of an accident.

[0016] In order to be able to keep mechanical stress on the instrument panel particularly low when moving the airbag from the storage position to the protection position, it is provided according to the invention that at least one fastening region is provided or arranged on the housing, over which the airbag module is to be held or is held, in particular via the housing or with the mediation of the housing, in a receiving region of the instrument panel, in particular on the instrument panel, for example on the wall, which is delimited at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by at least one wall of the instrument panel of the motor vehicle that is formed separately from the airbag module, for example directly. In other words, the airbag module, in particular the housing, can be or is fastened in the receiving region, for example in the installed position of the airbag module in the motor vehicle.The cover element has at least one outer side which, when the airbag module is installed in the receiving area or in the motor vehicle, is directed upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle, in particular in the closed position, and which can also be referred to as the upper side. This means that, when the airbag module is installed in the receiving area of ​​the instrument panel, at least one surface of the cover element is directed upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. In other words, the outer side of the cover element, in particular when it is in the closed position, is designed as an outer side or upper side which, when the airbag module is installed in the receiving area, is directed upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle.

[0017] The fact that the outer side or the surface faces upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be understood in particular to mean that a normal vector of the outer side or the surface, in particular running perpendicular to the outer side or the surface, runs at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle or obliquely to the vertical direction of the vehicle. The outer side or the surface can face upwards exclusively in the vertical direction of the vehicle, or the outer side or the surface can face sideways in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in particular rearward or forward, and / or in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0018] The fastening area can be part of the housing, which means that the housing can have the fastening area. Alternatively, the fastening area can be formed separately from the housing. The wall can be understood in particular as a wall element of the instrument panel. The wall can have one wall element and, for example, be formed in one piece. Alternatively, the wall can have several wall elements that are formed separately from one another and, in particular, are connected to one another. The wall can therefore be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. The instrument panel, which can also be referred to as an I-panel, can be understood in particular as a dashboard. The instrument panel is preferably arranged in a front region of the interior of the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0019] The fact that the receiving area is at least partially delimited by the wall of the instrument panel can be understood, in particular, to mean that the receiving area is at least partially formed by the wall. In other words, the receiving area is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, for example, completely surrounded by the wall or covered by the wall. The airbag module, in particular the housing, is preferably designed to correspond to the receiving area.

[0020] The term "airbag module" can be understood, in particular, as an airbag device designed as a module. The fact that the airbag module or the airbag device is designed as a module can be understood, in particular, to mean that the airbag module is a replaceable module, designed, in particular, independently of the instrument panel, within an overall system that comprises at least the airbag module and the instrument panel. The airbag module is preferably a closed and / or independently functioning functional unit. The airbag module is therefore designed as a module that is independent of the instrument panel and / or decoupled or decoupleable. The airbag module can therefore be referred to as a stand-alone airbag, in particular a stand-alone passenger airbag.

[0021] Preferably, the airbag module, in particular the housing, is arranged at least predominantly, in particular entirely, in the receiving area of ​​the instrument panel when installed. Because the airbag module is arranged or held in the receiving area, the airbag module can be understood in particular as an instrument panel airbag, which can also be referred to as an instrument panel airbag.

[0022] The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: Because the airbag module, in particular the housing, is held or is held in the receiving area of ​​the instrument panel, the airbag module can be operated independently of the instrument panel. The cover element, which is part of the airbag module and is therefore formed separately from the instrument panel, can thus be pivoted independently of the instrument panel. This means that any mechanical load acting on the instrument panel when the cover element is pivoted from the closed position to the open position can be kept particularly low. This means that when the cover element is opened, for example, no forces or only very low forces can act on the instrument panel.As a result, the mechanical load on the instrument panel when moving the airbag from the storage position to the protection position can be kept particularly low. In particular, compared to, for example, a conventional airbag device in which the cover element is part of the instrument panel, damage to the instrument panel, in particular tearing open, when the cover element is opened can be avoided. Furthermore, the airbag module is a module formed separately from the instrument panel, whereby the airbag module can be tested and / or secured with particularly little effort, in particular independently of the instrument panel. Furthermore, the airbag module according to the invention can be replaced with particularly little effort, since after a motor vehicle accident, for example, only the airbag module may have to be replaced and not the entire instrument panel, for example.Furthermore, the airbag module can be attached to the instrument panel, in particular to the wall, via the attachment area with particularly little effort, for example by means of screwing, whereby the number of screw points can be kept particularly low. In particular, because the mechanical load on the instrument panel can be kept particularly low, the airbag module according to the invention can, for example, enable particularly rapid deployment and / or use a particularly large airbag. As a result, the vehicle occupant can be restrained by means of the airbag, for example, even in the event of a motor vehicle accident if the vehicle occupant is in a lying position. As a result, the vehicle safety of the motor vehicle during autonomous driving can be particularly increased.Furthermore, by means of the airbag module according to the invention, a modular system can be realized in which, for example, the identical airbag module can be used for different instrument panels, and thus in particular for different motor vehicles or variants of the motor vehicle. As a result, the manufacturing costs of the motor vehicle or the manufacturing costs of the motor vehicles can be kept particularly low. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the housing or the airbag module, in particular in the installed position of the airbag module in the receiving area, is to be arranged or arranged, in particular to be held or held, in particular directly on the wall of the instrument panel.In other words, it is provided that the airbag module, in particular the housing, adjoins, in particular directly, the wall of the instrument panel in the installation position of the airbag module in the receiving area at least in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle and / or in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. Particularly preferably, the airbag module, in particular the housing, is arranged or is arranged in the receiving area in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between two wall regions of the wall of the instrument panel. This means that a first of the wall regions is arranged in front of the airbag module in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the second of the wall regions is arranged behind the airbag module in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.In other words, the airbag module arranged or to be arranged in the receiving area can be covered or covered at both ends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction by the instrument panel, in particular the wall. For example, the instrument panel, in particular the wall, completely surrounds the airbag module, in particular the housing. This allows the airbag module to be arranged on or within the instrument panel in a particularly space-saving manner. This means that the vehicle interior, in particular the instrument panel, can be designed particularly advantageously in terms of installation space. Furthermore, the airbag module can be invisible to the vehicle occupants in its installed position or can be particularly difficult to see, whereby a particularly high-quality appearance of the instrument panel can be achieved.

[0023] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the airbag module can be held or held reversibly detachably from the instrument panel, for example the wall, in the receiving area, in particular via the fastening area, in particular through the mediation of the housing, on the instrument panel, for example the wall. This means that the airbag module can be mounted on the instrument panel via the fastening area in the receiving area, wherein the airbag module mounted on the instrument panel can be removed from the instrument panel by releasing the connection between the airbag module and the instrument panel. Reversible detachment can be understood in particular as non-destructive detachment.This means that when the airbag module, in particular the housing, is detached or removed from the instrument panel, for example the wall, damage and / or destruction to the airbag module and / or the instrument panel is avoided, i.e., prevented or can be prevented. This allows the airbag module to be exchanged, i.e., replaced, with particularly little effort, for example, after an accident. This allows the repair costs of the vehicle after an accident to be kept to a minimum. Detaching or removing the airbag module can be understood, in particular, as dismantling the airbag module from the mounting area or from the instrument panel.

[0024] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cover element is held on the housing by means of at least one plug connection and / or by means of at least one adhesive connection, in particular at least indirectly or directly. In other words, the cover element is glued to the housing, i.e., fastened to the housing by means of adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the cover element is plugged onto or into the housing, i.e., fastened to the housing by means of plugging. The plug connection or the adhesive connection allows the cover element to be fastened to the housing particularly securely and / or with particularly little effort.

[0025] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the pivoting of the cover element from the closed position into the open position can be effected or brought about at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by deformation of the cover element, in particular elastic and / or plastic. In other words, the cover element can be pivoted from the closed position into the open position relative to the housing by deforming the cover element, in particular mechanically, about the pivot axis. This allows the pivoting to be implemented with particularly little effort, since, for example, a bearing can be dispensed with. Manufacturing effort, in particular manufacturing costs, of the airbag module can therefore be kept particularly low. Furthermore, the deformation can bring about the opening of the cover element particularly reliably.In particular, the deformation of the cover element for pivoting the cover element can be effected or is effected by displacing the airbag from the storage position, in particular into the protective position, i.e. by mechanically loading the cover element by the airbag.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the cover element extends obliquely at least to the vertical direction of the vehicle in the closed position, particularly when the airbag module is installed in the motor vehicle or the receiving area. This means that the cover element does not extend parallel or perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, but rather obliquely, i.e., forming an angle with or to the vertical direction of the vehicle, wherein this angle is in particular neither 180 degrees nor 90 degrees. The extension of the cover element can be understood as an extension of the cover element in the main direction of extension of the cover element.In other words, the outer side or the surface of the cover element extends, when the airbag module is installed in the motor vehicle or the receiving area, at an angle to a, in particular imaginary, horizontal plane which is or will be spanned by the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, and in particular runs perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the cover element is designed to be angled, i.e., it is installed in an angled position in the motor vehicle or in the receiving area when the cover element is in the closed position. The cover element can therefore be referred to in particular as an angled cover. This makes it particularly safe to prevent the vehicle occupant from placing objects on the cover element, since the angle makes the cover element unsuitable, in particular not particularly suitable, as a storage option.This allows for particularly safe storage of the seat. This allows for particularly safe deployment of the airbag, significantly improving vehicle safety.

[0027] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cover element, in the closed position, in particular when the airbag module is installed in the receiving area or in the motor vehicle, is spaced apart in the vehicle vertical direction, for example by at least 20 mm, from an end of the wall that delimits or forms the receiving area upwards in the vehicle vertical direction, in particular directly. This means that a distance running in the vehicle vertical direction is provided between the airbag module, in particular the cover element, and the end of the wall, which distance is preferably at least 20 mm. In other words, when the airbag module is installed in the receiving area, the cover element forms at least one step together with the instrument panel, in particular the wall, which means that the cover element and the wall adjoin one another, for example directly, to form the step.This allows the airbag module to be particularly well concealed within the instrument panel, placing it outside the vehicle occupant's line of sight, for example. This means that the vehicle occupant's view of the instrument panel and / or screen is not obstructed by the airbag module, providing a particularly good view of the instruments or screen for the vehicle occupant. This allows the vehicle occupant to be warned of a potential hazard particularly reliably via the instruments or screen, for example, significantly increasing vehicle safety. Furthermore, the visual appeal of the instrument panel can be significantly enhanced.

[0028] The end can be referred to, in particular, as the upper end of the wall. In particular, the upper end of the wall forms an opening through which the receiving area of ​​the instrument panel opens into the surrounding area of ​​the instrument panel.

[0029] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cover element is formed at least partially, in particular predominantly or entirely, from wood. In other words, at least one material of the cover element is wood. This allows the outer side or the surface of the cover element, particularly when it is designed as a visible surface, to be designed to be particularly high-quality. A particularly high-quality visible surface can therefore be created. Furthermore, the wood is a particularly resilient or sufficiently resilient material, particularly with regard to mechanical rigidity and / or strength, whereby the cover element can be opened particularly securely.

[0030] A second aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of an airbag module in a receiving area of ​​an instrument panel for a motor vehicle. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0031] The airbag module has at least one housing having at least one receiving space. In addition, the airbag module has at least one airbag which is arranged in a storage position in the receiving space. Furthermore, the airbag module has at least one cover element which is pivotable about at least one pivot axis relative to the housing between a closed position and at least one open position and is held at least indirectly on the housing, and an opening. In the closed position, the opening is closed by the cover element and in the open position is at least partially exposed by the cover element, whereby the airbag can be displaced in the open position via the opening, which is in particular exposed by the cover element, from the storage position into at least one protective position for restraining a vehicle occupant.

[0032] In order to be able to keep the mechanical load on the instrument panel particularly low when moving the airbag from the storage position into the protection position, it is provided according to the invention that at least one fastening area is provided, in particular arranged and / or formed, on the housing, via which the airbag module is held in a receiving area of ​​the instrument panel which is delimited at least partially by at least one wall of the instrument panel of the motor vehicle which is formed separately from the airbag module, and the cover element has at least one outer side which, in the installed position of the airbag module in the receiving area, faces upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle.

[0033] A third aspect of the invention relates to a modular system for producing at least two construction variants of a motor vehicle having an airbag module, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention, and an instrument panel. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0034] The modular system comprises at least one airbag module, in particular one that spans multiple construction variants, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention. The airbag module comprises at least one housing having at least one receiving space and at least one airbag that is arranged in a storage position in the receiving space. The airbag module comprises at least one cover element that is pivotable about at least one pivot axis relative to the housing between a closed position and at least one open position and is held at least indirectly on the housing, and an opening. The opening is closed by the cover element in the closed position and at least partially uncovered by the cover element in the open position, whereby the airbag can be displaced via the opening from the storage position into at least one protective position for restraining a vehicle occupant in the open position.The modular system comprises at least two instrument panels formed separately from the airbag module, in particular specific to the respective construction variant, each having a respective receiving area that is at least partially delimited, in particular directly, by a respective wall of the respective instrument panel. The instrument panels are different from one another, i.e., they are formed differently from one another at least in certain regions.

[0035] In order to be able to keep mechanical stress on the instrument panel particularly low when moving the airbag from the storage position to the protection position, it is provided that at least one fastening area is provided on the housing of the airbag module, via which the airbag module is to be held or is held in the respective receiving area of ​​the respective instrument panel, and the cover element has at least one outer side facing upwards in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle when the airbag module is installed in the respective receiving area.

[0036] In order to be able to produce the construction variants of the motor vehicle with particularly little effort, in particular particularly cost-effectively, it is provided that a first of the construction variants of the motor vehicle, in particular with regard to the instrument panels exclusively, has a first of the instrument panels, in particular a construction variant-specific one, and the airbag module, in particular a cross-construction variant-specific one, which in the first construction variant is held above the fastening area in the receiving area of ​​the first instrument panel, in particular on the first instrument panel, for example on the wall of the first instrument panel. In other words, the airbag module and the first instrument panel are provided in the first construction variant. This means that the airbag module and the first instrument panel are used in the first construction variant.

[0037] The second design variant of the motor vehicle, in particular with regard to the instrument panels exclusively, has the second instrument panel, in particular a design-specific one, and the airbag module, in particular a cross-design variant airbag module, which in the second design variant is held above the fastening area in the receiving area of ​​the second instrument panel, in particular on the second instrument panel, for example on the wall of the second instrument panel. In other words, the airbag module and the second instrument panel are provided in the second design variant. This means that the airbag module and the second instrument panel are used in the second design variant.The fact that the first instrument structure is specific to the design variant, or that the first instrument panel is used in the first design variant, can be understood in particular to mean that, with respect to the two design variants, the first instrument panel is used exclusively in the first design variant, but not in the second design variant. This means that the second design variant is preferably free of the first instrument panel. In other words, the first instrument panel is not or will not be provided in the second design variant.

[0038] The fact that the second instrument panel is specific to a particular design variant, or that the second instrument panel is used in the second design variant, can be understood in particular to mean that, with respect to the two design variants, the second instrument panel is used exclusively in the second design variant, but not in the first design variant. This means that the first design variant is preferably free of the second instrument panel. In other words, the second instrument panel is not or will not be provided in the first design variant.

[0039] This means that in the first design variant, the motor vehicle includes the first instrument panel and is preferably free of the second instrument panel. Equivalently, it is provided that in the second design variant, the motor vehicle has the second instrument panel and is preferably free of the first instrument panel.

[0040] Thus, the respective instrument panel can be understood in particular as a vehicle-specific or vehicle-family-specific instrument panel.

[0041] Overall, it is evident that the modular system allows different vehicle variants to be realized with particularly little effort and in line with requirements.

[0042] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0043] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of an inventive

[0045] arrangement; and

[0046] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an inventive

[0047] modular system.

[0048] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic partial sectional view, an arrangement 1 of an airbag module 2 in a receiving area 3 of an instrument panel 4 of a motor vehicle 32, which is formed separately from the airbag module 2. In particular, Fig. 1 thus shows a schematic partial sectional view of the motor vehicle 32 or of a part of the motor vehicle 32. An interior 5 of the motor vehicle 32 is shown in Fig. 1.

[0050] The airbag module 2 has a housing 6, which has a receiving space 7. Furthermore, the airbag module 2 has at least one airbag 8, which can also be referred to as an airbag. The airbag 8 is arranged in a storage position 9 in the receiving space 7.

[0051] The airbag module 2 has at least one cover element 13, which is pivotable about at least one pivot axis 10 relative to the housing 6 between a closed position 11 and at least one open position 12, at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the housing 6. This cover element 13 can also be referred to as an airbag flap. A rotation curve 14 of the cover element 13 when pivoting between the closed position 11 and the open position 12 is illustrated in Fig. 1. The pivot axis 10 can in particular be understood to mean an axis of rotation or a hinge axis. The cover element 13 can therefore be opened about the hinge axis. The airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, has an opening 15, which in the closed position 11 of the cover element 13 is closed, in particular completely, by the cover element 13 or is covered by the cover element 13, in particular upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 16.In the open position 12 of the cover element 13, the opening 15 is at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, exposed by the cover element 13, i.e., open. As a result, the airbag 8 located in the receiving space 7, i.e., within the housing 6, can be or is displaced, in particular with respect to the open position 12 and the closed position 11 exclusively, in the open position 12 via the opening 15, in particular exposed by the cover element 13, from the storage position 9 into at least one protective position 17, in particular different from the storage position 9, for restraining a vehicle occupant 18, in particular located in the interior 5.The cover element 13 is part of the airbag module 2, also referred to as a module, whereby a folding out of the cover element 13 for moving the cover element 13 from the closed position 11 into the open position 12, in particular exclusively, can be effected or is effected by means of the airbag module 2, and can take place in particular in the airbag module 2.

[0052] In order to be able to particularly increase the safety of the motor vehicle 32, also referred to as vehicle safety, in a particularly low-cost manner, it is provided that at least one fastening region 19 is provided on the housing 6, via which the airbag module 2 is to be held or is held, in particular via the housing 6, at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by at least one wall 20 of the instrument panel 4, in particular on the instrument panel 4 or on the wall. The receiving region 3 is thus an installation space provided or to be provided for the airbag module 2, in particular for the housing 6, in which space the cover element 13 of the airbag module 2 designed as a module can be opened independently or autonomously of the instrument panel 4, i.e. can be moved from the closed position 11 into the open position 12.The airbag module 2 is thus formed separately from the instrument panel 4. As a result, mechanical stress on the instrument panel 4, in particular on the wall 20, can be kept particularly low when the cover element 13 is opened or when the airbag 8 is deployed, whereby, for example, damage to the instrument panel 4, in particular on the wall 20, can be particularly reliably avoided or minimized. In this case, the cover element 13 has at least one outer side 22 facing upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 16 in the installation position 21 of the airbag module 2 in the receiving area 3, which outer side can be referred to in particular as the upper side.As a result, a movement or displacement of the airbag 8 when moving the airbag 8 from the storage position 9 into the protection position 17 via the opening 15 released by the cover element 13 can run at least partially in the vehicle vertical direction 16, in particular upwards, which means that the movement of the airbag 8 has at least one, in particular vectorial, component running in the vehicle vertical direction 16, in particular upwards.

[0053] The movement or relocation of the airbag 8 from the storage position 9 into the protective position 17 is illustrated in Fig. 1 by means of arrows 23. The movement of the airbag 8 can initially run at least substantially upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 16 and then at least substantially rearwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23 of the motor vehicle 32 in order to move the airbag 8 in the protective position 17 towards the vehicle occupant 18 for restraining the vehicle occupant 18, and in particular to apply the airbag 8 to the vehicle occupant 18. The airbag 8 can thus be moved into a particularly safe position or position in the protective position 17 for restraining the vehicle occupant 18 in a particularly low-effort manner. This can significantly increase the safety of the motor vehicle 32.Furthermore, due to its installation position, in which the cover element 13 has the outer side 22 facing upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 16, the cover element 13 can be pivoted independently of the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20, in a particularly low-effort manner, whereby the mechanical load on the instrument panel 4 or the wall 20 can be kept particularly low.

[0054] For example, the airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, is inserted into the receiving area 3 at least substantially from above or from below in the vehicle's vertical direction 16. This means that the airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, can be moved downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 16 or upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 16 in order to arrange the airbag module 2 in its installation position 21 in the receiving area 3. In particular, the movement has at least one component pointing downwards or upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 16, in particular a vectorial component. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the airbag module 2 is inserted into the receiving area 3 from above in the vehicle's vertical direction 16. The airbag module 2 is designed, for example, as a cassette, in particular as an airbag cassette.

[0055] For example, a firing channel 6a of the airbag module 2 is formed at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by the housing 6. In particular, the airbag 8 can be guided from its storage position 9 along the firing channel 6a, at least partially or partially, by the firing channel 6a, in order to be relocated to the protective position 17.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, is arranged or is arranged on the wall 20 of the instrument panel 4, in particular at least directly or indirectly, towards the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23 of the motor vehicle 32 and towards the rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23. The airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, is preferably completely surrounded by the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20, which means that the airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, can be covered or is covered by the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20, from the front and rear in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23 and in the vehicle transverse direction of the motor vehicle 32, in particular on both sides. The receiving area 3 is thus, for example, completely delimited or formed by the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20.

[0057] For example, it is provided that the airbag module 2, in particular the housing 6, is reversibly detachably secured to the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20, via the fastening area 19 in the receiving area 3, for example, directly to the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20. This allows the airbag module 2 to be replaced with particularly little effort.

[0058] In order to fasten the cover element 13 to the housing 6 with particularly little effort and / or particularly securely, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment that the cover element 13 is held on the housing 6 by means of at least one plug connection and / or by means of at least one adhesive connection, in particular at least indirectly or directly.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the pivoting of the cover element 13 from the closed position 11 to the open position 12 about the pivot axis 10 can be effected or is effected at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, by, in particular, elastic and / or plastic deformation of the cover element 13. This allows the cover element 13 to be opened with particularly little effort and / or particularly securely.

[0060] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cover element 13 extends obliquely at least to the vehicle vertical direction 16 in the closed position 11, in particular in the installation position 21 of the airbag module 2 in the motor vehicle 32 or in the receiving area 3. In other words, the cover element 13 is directed upwards in the vehicle vertical direction 16 in the closed position 11 and is directed forwards or backwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23, in particular forwards or backwards. This means that the cover element 13 is in an oblique position, i.e., in an inclined position, in the closed position 11 with respect to an imaginary horizontal or horizontal plane. The horizontal or horizontal plane can be understood in particular to mean a horizontal or a horizontal plane which is related to an inertial, in particular vehicle-external, coordinate system.The inclined position makes it particularly safe to prevent misuse of the cover element 13 as a storage option, allowing the cover element 13 to be opened particularly safely to move the airbag 8 from its storage position 9 to the protective position 17. This significantly increases the safety of the motor vehicle 32.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the cover element 13, in the closed position 11, in particular in the installation position 21 of the airbag module 2 in the receiving area 3 or in the motor vehicle 32, is spaced apart from an end 25 of the wall 20 in the vehicle's vertical direction 16, which end delimits the receiving area 3 upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction 16. This means that a through-opening of the instrument panel 4, which upwards delimits the receiving area 3 in the vehicle's vertical direction 16, is spaced apart from the cover element 13, in particular from its rear end region relative to the vehicle's longitudinal direction 23, in the closed position 11. In other words, at least one step, in particular referred to as an edge, is provided between the cover element 13 and the instrument panel 4, in particular the wall 20. The distance is preferably at least 20 mm.As a result, when the vehicle occupant 18 is looking forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23, a line of sight 26 of the vehicle occupant 18 can run along the cover element 13, in particular above the cover element 13 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction. This means that the line of sight 26 cannot be obstructed by the airbag module 2, in particular the cover element 13. This allows the vehicle occupant 18 a particularly good view into a partial area 27 of the instrument panel 4 arranged in front of the airbag module 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction 23. The partial area can in particular be referred to as a technical trench 27. In the partial area 27, for example, at least one instrument and / or at least one screen is arranged, as a result of which the vehicle occupant 18 can have a particularly good view of the instrument or the screen.

[0062] In order to create a particularly high-quality visible surface, it is provided, for example, that the cover element 13 is formed at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, from wood 28.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a modular system 29 for producing at least two construction variants 30, 31 of the motor vehicle 32 having the airbag module 2 and the instrument panel. The modular system 29 comprises the airbag module 2, which in particular is cross-construction variant-spanning, and two mutually different, in particular construction variant-specific, instrument panels 4. This means that the modular system 29 has two construction variants of the instrument panels 4, namely a first and a second of the instrument panels 4a, 4b, wherein the construction variants are different from one another.

[0064] In order to be able to produce the different construction variants 30, 31 of the motor vehicle 32 with particularly little effort, in particular particularly cost-effectively, it is provided that a first of the construction variants 30 of the motor vehicle 32 has the first instrument panel 4a, i.e., the first construction variant of the instrument panel 4, and the airbag module 2, which in the first construction variant 30 of the motor vehicle 32 is held in the receiving area 3 of the first instrument panel 4a via the fastening area 19. The second construction variant 31 of the motor vehicle 32 has the second instrument panel 4b, i.e., the second construction variant of the instrument panel 4, and the airbag module 2, which in the second construction variant 31 of the motor vehicle 32 is held in the receiving area 3 of the second instrument panel 4b via the fastening area 19. List of reference symbols

[0065] Arrangement of airbag module mounting area instrument panel a first instrument panel b second instrument panel interior

[0066] Housing a firing channel receiving chamber

[0067] Airbag storage position0 Pivot axis 1 Closed position 2 Open position 3 Cover element 4 Rotation curve 5 Opening 6 Vertical direction of the vehicle7 Protection position 8 Vehicle occupant 9 Fastening area 0 Wall 1 Installation position 2 Outside 3 Longitudinal direction of the vehicle4 Arrow 5 End 6 Sight beam 7 Partial area 8 Wood 9 Modular system 0 First construction variant 1 Second construction variant 32 Motor vehicles

Claims

Patent claims 1. An airbag module (2) for a motor vehicle (32), comprising a housing (6) having a receiving space (7), at least one airbag (8) arranged in a storage position (9) in the receiving space (7), at least one cover element (13) pivotable about at least one pivot axis (10) relative to the housing (6) between a closed position (11) and at least one open position (12) and held at least indirectly on the housing (6), and an opening (15) closed by the cover element (13) in the closed position (11) and at least partially exposed by the cover element (13) in the open position (12), whereby the airbag (8) in the open position (12) can be displaced via the opening (15) from the storage position (9) into at least one protective position (17) for restraining a vehicle occupant (18), characterized in that at least one fastening region (19) is provided on the housing (6). is,by means of which the airbag module (2) is to be held in a receiving area (3) of the instrument panel (4) which is at least partially delimited by at least one wall (20) of an instrument panel (4) of the motor vehicle (32) which is formed separately from the airbag module (2), and the cover element (13) has at least one outer side (22) facing upwards in the vertical direction (16) of the motor vehicle (32) in the installed position (21) of the airbag module (2) in the receiving area (3).

2. Airbag module (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the airbag module (2) is to be arranged forwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction (23) of the motor vehicle (32) and rearwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction (23) on the wall (20) of the instrument panel (4).

3. Airbag module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the airbag module (2) is mounted via the fastening area (19) in the receiving area (3) is to be held on the instrument panel (4) in a manner that is reversibly detachable from the instrument panel (4).

4. Airbag module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (13) is held on the housing (6) by means of at least one plug connection and / or by means of at least one adhesive connection.

5. Airbag module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting of the cover element (13) from the closed position (11) into the open position (12) can be effected at least partially by deforming the cover element (13).

6. Airbag module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (13) extends obliquely at least to the vertical direction (16) of the vehicle in the closed position (11).

7. Airbag module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (13) in the closed position (11) is spaced apart in the vehicle vertical direction (16) from an end (25) of the wall (20) which delimits the receiving area (3) in the vehicle vertical direction (16) upwards.

8. Airbag module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (13) is formed at least partially from wood (28).

9. Arrangement (1) of an airbag module (2) in a receiving area (3) of an instrument panel (4) for a motor vehicle (32), in which the airbag module (2) has a housing (6) having a receiving space (7), at least one airbag (8) which is arranged in a storage position (9) in the receiving space (7), at least one cover element (13) which is pivotable about at least one pivot axis (10) relative to the housing (6) between a closed position (11) and at least one open position (12) and is held at least indirectly on the housing (6), and an opening (15) which in the closed position (11) is closed by the cover element (13) and in the open position (12) is at least partially released by the cover element (13), whereby the airbag (8) in the open position (12) can be displaced via the opening (15) from the storage position (9) into at least one protective position (17) for restraining a vehicle occupant (18), characterized in that at least one fastening region (19) is provided on the housing (6), via which fastening region the airbag module (2) is held in a receiving region (3) of the instrument panel (4) that is at least partially delimited by at least one wall (20) of an instrument panel (4) of the motor vehicle (32) that is formed separately from the airbag module (2), and the cover element (13) has at least one outer side (22) facing upwards in the vertical direction (16) of the motor vehicle (32) in the installed position (21) of the airbag module (2) in the receiving region (3).

10. Modular system (29) for producing at least two construction variants (30, 31) of a motor vehicle (32) having an airbag module (2) and an instrument panel (4), with an airbag module (2) which has a housing (6) having a receiving space (7), at least one airbag (8) which is arranged in a storage position (9) in the receiving space (7), at least one cover element (13) which is pivotable about at least one pivot axis (10) relative to the housing (6) between a closed position (11) and at least one open position (12) and which is held at least indirectly on the housing (6), and an opening (15) which is closed by the cover element (13) in the closed position (11) and is at least partially exposed by the cover element (13) in the open position (12), whereby the airbag (8) in the open position (12) can be displaced via the opening (15) from the storage position (9) into at least one protective position (17) for restraining a vehicle occupant (18), and with two instrument panels (4a, 4b) formed separately from the airbag module (2), each having a respective receiving area (3) which is at least partially delimited by a respective wall (20) of the respective instrument panel (4), wherein at least one fastening area (19) is provided on the housing (6) of the airbag module (2), via which the airbag module (2) is to be held in the respective receiving area (3) of the respective instrument panel (4a, 4b), and the cover element (13) at least an outer side (22) facing upwards in the vertical direction (16) of the motor vehicle (32) in the installation position (21) of the airbag module (2) in the respective receiving area (3), and wherein • a first of the construction variants (30) of the motor vehicle (32) has a first of the instrument panels (4) and the airbag module (2), which in the first construction variant (30) is held in the receiving area (3) of the first instrument panel (4a) via the fastening area (19), and • the second construction variant (31) of the motor vehicle (32) has the second instrument panel (4b) and the airbag module (2), which in the second construction variant (31) is held in the receiving area (3) of the second instrument panel (4b) via the fastening area (19).

Images