DE102021201703A1 - Airbag module cap for an airbag module of a vehicle, airbag module with the airbag module cap, vehicle with the airbag module and method for producing an airbag module cap - Google Patents

Abstract

An airbag module cap 1 for an airbag module 2 of a vehicle is proposed. The airbag module cap 1 comprises a covering component 4 and a decorative component 5, with the covering component 4 having a covering section 6 for closing a module housing 3 of the airbag module 2 and a coupling section 7 for coupling to the module housing 3, and with the decorative component 5 having a greater width extension B2 than longitudinal extension L2 having. The decorative component 4 is arranged on the cover component 4 and extends over an entire horizontal width B1 of the cover section 6.

Description

Technical field:

The invention relates to an airbag module cap for an airbag module of a vehicle, the airbag module cap comprising a cover component and a decorative component. The invention also relates to an airbag module with the airbag module cap, a vehicle with the airbag module and a method for producing an airbag module cap.

Background:

The visually appealing design of an interior of a vehicle is becoming increasingly important, with functional and safety-related aspects usually having to be taken into account. It is already known to provide a module cover of an airbag module integrated in a steering wheel with a manufacturer-specific emblem.

For example, the reference describes DE 20 2014 008 757 U1 an emblem assembly for connection to an airbag cover. The emblem assembly comprises an emblem and a retaining plate which can be clipped together, the emblem having a carrier element and a decorative element attached thereto and the carrier element having positioning pins which can be inseparably connected to positioning receptacles on the retaining plate. A front panel of the gas bag cover is clamped between the emblem and the retaining plate when installed.

Description:

The object of the invention is to provide a functional and visually appealing airbag module cap and a process-optimized method for manufacturing the airbag module flap. This object is achieved by an airbag module cap for an airbag module of a vehicle having the features of claim 1, by an airbag module for a vehicle with the airbag module cap according to claim 13, by a vehicle with the airbag module according to claim 14 and by a method for manufacturing an airbag module cap for an airbag module of a vehicle with the features of claim 15. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims, the following description and/or the attached figures.

An airbag module cap for an airbag module of a vehicle, in particular a car or truck, is proposed. The airbag module is preferably designed as a driver's airbag module and is integrated in a steering wheel pot of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The airbag module preferably includes a module housing in which an airbag is accommodated. The module housing, in particular an opening in the module housing, is closed by the airbag module cap. The airbag module can be activated, for example, by a vehicle impact. Upon and/or after activation of the airbag module, the airbag is explosively filled with gas, at least partially rupturing the airbag module cap to inflate into the vehicle interior to protect the driver of the vehicle.

The airbag module cap includes a cover component and a decorative component. The cover component has a cover section which is designed to close the module housing of the airbag module, in particular to completely cover the opening of the module housing. The cover section preferably has an area which is larger than the opening of the module housing. In particular, edge areas of the cover section project laterally beyond the module housing in a horizontal direction, especially when the airbag module cap forms part of the airbag module and closes the opening. For example, the horizontal direction is directed transversely, in particular at right angles, to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the airbag module is integrated in the vehicle. The cover section preferably has a horizontal width in an installed state.

The cover member also has a coupling portion. The coupling section is designed to couple the cover component to the module housing, in particular to fasten the cover section to the module housing. Preferably, the coupling section and the module housing can be and/or are coupled to one another in a positive and/or non-positive manner. For example, the module housing has at least one hooking interface that engages and/or can engage at least one mating hooking interface of the coupling portion. It can thereby be ensured that the covering component does not become completely detached from the module housing when the airbag module cap is installed and is thrown uncontrolled into the vehicle interior when the airbag module is in the activated state.

The decorative component has a greater breadth than length. The extent of the width of the decorative component and the horizontal width of the covering section can be measured along the same imaginary axis when the airbag module cap is installed on the airbag module integrated in the vehicle. The axis is directed transversely, in particular at right angles, to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the decor component polygonal, eg triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal or hexagonal. It can also have round or oval sections, be circular or have another suitable free form.

The decorative component is arranged on the cover component. It extends over an entire horizontal width of the cover section. Preferably, the horizontal width is in the same direction as the width of the decorative component. The decorative component preferably has a width that corresponds at least in regions to the covering section or a width profile that corresponds at least in regions. In particular, the decorative component also covers the edge areas of the covering section at least in sections.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the decorative component is arranged on the covering section with a precise fit in relation to its width extent and/or to the horizontal width of the covering section. The decorative component and the covering section preferably have outer contours that match in sections. In particular, the outer contour of the decorative component extends at least in sections congruently with the outer edges of the covering section in the edge regions and/or the outer contour of the decorative component ends at least in sections with the edges. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the outer contour of the decorative component adjoins at least one steering wheel decorative part of the steering wheel, in which the airbag module is integrated, at least in sections. Operating elements, e.g. steering wheel switches, are preferably integrated in the decorative steering wheel part. In particular, the at least one decorative steering wheel part can lengthen the decorative component optically in terms of geometry and/or color in terms of its width.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the decorative component covers the covering section by at least 30 percent, preferably by at least 40 percent, in particular by at least 50 percent. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the decorative component covers the covering section by a maximum of 80 percent. For example, the decorative component only partially covers a vertical length of the covering section, directed in particular in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In particular, at least a partial area of the cover section, which in the installed state is arranged in front of the decorative component or behind it in the direction of travel of the vehicle, is uncovered by the decorative component. The decorative component can have a strength or thickness which is adapted to a height of the controls on the steering wheel. A visually appealing and user-friendly interface and operating level can thus be provided on the steering wheel.

A possible constructive realization of the invention provides that the decorative component is non-detachably connected to the cover component, in particular to the cover section, by positive and/or non-positive locking. In this context, non-detachable means in particular that the decorative component cannot be detached from the cover component without being damaged. For example, the decorative component has at least one fastening element, preferably a plurality of fastening elements. The fastening elements are designed, for example, as fastening pins. The fastening elements are preferably connected to the decorative component in one piece and/or in one material. The fastening elements are preferably injection-moulded and/or formed on the decorative component, in particular on an underside of the decorative component opposite the visible side. In particular, the decorative component is non-detachably connected to the cover component, in particular to the cover section, in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner by means of the fastening elements.

In a further possible structural realization of the invention, the cover component has at least one fastening opening, preferably several fastening openings, for the fastening elements of the decorative component. The fastening openings are preferably made in the cover section, in particular distributed and spaced apart from one another. In particular, one or some of the fastening openings can be made in the edge regions of the cover section, with one or some other fastening openings being arranged between the edge regions. The fastening elements for the correspondingly provided fastening openings are preferably positioned appropriately on the decorative component. In particular, the fastening elements are pushed through the fastening openings and shaped at the ends, e.g. hot-formed, to form the positive and/or non-positive connection. For example, the end-side deformation of each of the fastening elements forms a head which bears against the underside of the cover section and covers the respective fastening opening. As a result, the decorative component can no longer become detached from the cover section.

Alternatively, the decorative component can be connected to the cover component, in particular to the cover section, in a non-detachable manner, preferably not detachable without damage, by material bonding. For example, the decorative component is back-injected from a base material of the cover component. It is also possible for the decorative component to be glued or welded to the cover component, in particular to the cover section. In the case of the cohesive Fastening can optionally be designed as a foil, for example made of polypropylene or polycarbonate, the decorative component.

In a possible constructive implementation, the decorative component includes a composite component. The composite component is preferably formed from a carrier part and a cover layer section. In particular, the cover layer section is back-injected with a base material of the carrier part to form the composite component. Alternatively, the cover layer section can be materially bonded to the base material of the carrier part using a welding process to form the composite component. In this case, an underside of the carrier part can be structured at least in sections, e.g. have a honeycomb structure, in particular to strengthen the connection.

The base material of the carrier part can be, in particular, polypropylene, polycarbonate or a thermoplastic olefin or polyolefin, e.g. TPO or PP and EPDM. It is possible within the scope of the invention for the cover layer section to be formed from the same base material as the carrier part. For example, the cover layer section is designed as a film. The cover layer section can be preformed before the back injection or welding with the base material of the carrier part, e.g. by the action of heat and pressure, in order to give the composite component a suitable shape and/or surface profile for arrangement on the cover section. It is advantageous that the composite component can be produced simply and inexpensively.

In a further possible structural implementation of the invention, the composite component, in particular the carrier part, has a mesh section, e.g. made of polyester or an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the mesh section is integrally connected to the base material of the carrier part, for example overmoulded or back-moulded by it. For example, the mesh section is designed to stiffen the carrier part, in particular due to its toughness. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the network section is intended to carry electrical devices, such as electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, lighting devices, e.g. LEDs, etc., or alternatively to provide and/or form the electrical circuits. Optionally, the net section can be provided to form a hinge for the airbag module cap, which opens at least in sections, during and/or after the activation of the airbag module.

Alternatively or optionally in addition, the decorative component can include a foil blank with integrated electrical circuits. The film cut is preferably connected to a rear side of the cover layer section facing the carrier part, e.g. via a pressure/temperature process such as hot stamping. It is possible for the cover layer section to be back-injected together with the connected foil blank with the base material of the carrier part, preferably transparent.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the decorative component includes an emblem part. The emblem part can be formed from a plastic material, for example, and optionally additionally painted. The emblem part preferably carries a sign or a symbol, for example a lightning bolt. For example, the emblem part has a circular or essentially circular outer contour. Alternatively, the emblem part can be designed as the sign or symbol. The emblem part can also have a different outer contour, for example a polygonal or oval outer contour or a free form. The emblem part is preferably arranged on the visible side in a, for example, central receiving area of the composite component. Optionally, at least one through-opening, preferably several through-openings, is arranged in the receiving area for fastening the emblem part to the composite component and/or to the covering component. In particular, the composite component and the emblem part together form the decorative component.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the emblem component has at least one additional fastening element, preferably several additional fastening elements, for fastening to the composite component and to the covering component. For example, the additional fastening elements are injection-molded and/or molded onto an underside of the emblem part, in particular connected to the emblem part in one piece and/or from a single material. The further fastening elements are preferably designed to connect the emblem part in a non-detachable form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the covering component, in particular to the covering section. The composite component is arranged in particular between the emblem part and the cover component, with the further fastening elements of the emblem part extending through the through-openings in the receiving area of the composite component.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the cover component has at least one further fastening opening, preferably several further fastening openings. The further fastening openings are preferably arranged congruently with the through-openings in the receiving area of the composite component in a plan view of the visible side of the airbag module cap. The further fastening elements are preferably suitable for the passage openings and / or positioned for the other mounting holes on the emblem part. In particular, the further fastening elements are pushed through the through-openings and through the further fastening openings to form the positive and/or non-positive connection and shaped at the ends, for example hot-formed. For example, the end-side deformation of each of the further fastening elements forms a head which bears against the underside of the cover section and covers the respective further fastening opening. As a result, the emblem part can no longer become detached from the composite component and/or from the covering component.

A possible constructive realization of the invention provides that one or some of the fastening elements of the composite component have a predetermined breaking point. One, some or all of those fastening elements which are inserted into the fastening openings in the edge regions of the cover section preferably have the predetermined breaking point. Due to the predetermined breaking point, the fastening element(s) can break during and/or during activation of the airbag module. In particular, the composite component and/or the decorative component can be detached from the cover component at least in sections in order to form a passage for the inflating airbag into the interior of the vehicle.

In a further possible structural realization of the invention, the cover component has a tear-off groove. The tear-open groove is preferably arranged on an underside of the covering section which is remote from the decorative component. For example, the tear-off groove is formed by reducing and/or weakening a material thickness of the cover section and/or by a notch in the cover section. Alternatively or additionally, the tear-off groove can also be incorporated in the coupling section. In particular, the cover component can break during and/or during activation of the airbag module along the tear-off groove and thus form the passage for the inflating airbag. The decorative component preferably has no tear-open groove, in particular for optical reasons.

Alternatively or optionally in addition, it is possible within the scope of the invention for the covering section to have a weakening line, which can in particular be introduced by a laser. The decorative component can have a tear and/or weakened line on its edge, which is invisibly integrated in a shadow groove, for example. The airbag module cap can preferably break during and/or during the activation of the airbag module along the weakening line and the tearing and/or weakening line and thus form the passage for the inflating airbag.

Another object of the invention is an airbag module for a vehicle with the airbag module cap according to the previous description and/or according to one of claims 1 to 12.

A vehicle with the airbag module according to the previous description and/or according to claim 13 forms a further subject matter of the invention.

A further object of the invention is also a method for manufacturing an airbag module cap for an airbag module of a vehicle. As part of the method, a decorative component is produced, which is intended to be arranged on a cover component of the airbag module cap that is preferably provided as part of the method. The production of the decorative component includes the production of a composite component, in that a cover layer section is back-injected with a base material of a carrier part. Alternatively, the cover layer section is welded to the carrier part in a materially bonded manner as part of the process. It is advantageous that the production of the decorative component is decoupled from an optical design of the visible side of the cover component, for example by painting. Effort and costs can thus be saved in the manufacture of the airbag module cap.

Optionally, as part of the process, the composite component is arranged on the visible side on the cover component of the airbag module cap and is permanently connected to the cover component in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner. Preferably, at least one fastening element of the composite component is inserted through at least one fastening opening in the covering component for the non-detachable form-fitting and/or non-positive connection between the composite component and the covering component, the at least one fastening element being deformed at the end, in particular hot-formed.

Within the scope of the method, it is also possible that an emblem part is provided, which is non-detachably connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to form a component part of the decorative component and/or to the covering component. Preferably, the form-fitting and/or non-detachable fastening of the emblem part is effected by at least one further fastening element of the emblem part. In particular, the at least one further fastening element is inserted through at least one through-opening in the composite component and through at least one further fastening opening in the cover component and shaped at the end, in particular hot-formed.

• 1 eine sichtseitige Draufsicht auf eine Airbagmodulkappe eines Airbagmoduls eines Fahrzeugs;
• 2 das Airbagmodul in einer Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie A-A der 1;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine Sichtseite eines Abdeckbauteils der Airbagmodulkappe;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine Sichtseite eines Dekorbauteils der Airbagmodulkappe;
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf ein Trägerteil des Dekorbauteils;
• 6 ein Deckschichtabschnitt des Dekorbauteils;
• 7 ein Emblemteil des Dekorbauteils;
• 8 ein abgewandeltes Airbagmodul in einer Schnittansicht gemäß der Schnittlinie A-A der 1.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention result from the following Description of preferred embodiments of the invention. show:

• 1 a visible plan view of an airbag module cap of an airbag module of a vehicle;
• 2 the airbag module in a sectional view along the section line AA 1 ;
• 3 a plan view of a visible side of a cover component of the airbag module cap;
• 4 a plan view of a visible side of a decorative component of the airbag module cap;
• 5 a plan view of a carrier part of the decorative component;
• 6 a cover layer section of the decorative component;
• 7 an emblem part of the decorative component;
• 8th a modified airbag module in a sectional view along section line AA 1 .

Corresponding or identical parts are each provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

the 1 shows a plan view of an airbag module cap 1. The airbag module cap 1 forms part of an airbag module 2 of a vehicle, in particular a car or truck. The airbag module 2 is in the 2 in a sectional view along section line AA of 1 shown.

The airbag module 2 is designed as a driver's airbag module for integration in a steering wheel pot of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The airbag module 2 has a module housing 3, which has an opening directed upwards, in particular when the airbag module 2 is installed in the vehicle, towards an interior. The airbag module cap 1 completely covers the opening and thus closes the module housing 3.

An airbag (not shown) is arranged in the module housing 3, which inflates explosively during and/or after activation of the airbag module 2, which can be triggered, for example, by a vehicle impact, the airbag module cap 1 breaks open and/or opens at least in sections and inflates into the interior toward a driver of the vehicle to protect them from injury.

The airbag module cap 1 has a cover component 4 and a decorative component 5 . The decorative component 5 is arranged on the cover component 4 and covers this in sections. The decorative component 5 forms a first section of a visible side of the airbag module cap 1 and the covering component 4 forms a second and third section of the visible side of the airbag module cap 1. The first section is arranged between the second and third sections.

The decorative component 5 comprises a composite component 19 and an emblem part 14 arranged centrally on the composite component 19. The composite component 19 comprises a carrier part 22 and a cover layer section 23 (see FIG 5 and 6 ).

According to the 2 the cover component 4 comprises a cover section 6 and a coupling section 7 . The cover section 6 is designed to cover the opening of the module housing 3 . It has opposite edge regions 8a, 8b, which protrude laterally beyond the module housing 3. In particular, the covering section 6 has a larger surface area than the opening of the module housing 3 . The coupling section 7 is designed to couple the covering component 4 to the module housing 3 . For this purpose, the coupling section 7 has at least one hooking interface 9 into which the module housing 3 can hook with at least one hooking interface 10 . The cover component 4 is attached to the module housing 3 in a form-fitting manner by means of the hooking interface 9 and the hook interface 10 .

the 3 shows the cover component 4 with a view of the cover section 6 without the decorative component 5 arranged thereon. The cover section 6 is polygonal, for example square, pentagonal or hexagonal. It has a horizontal width B1 and a vertical length L1. When the airbag module cap 1 is installed on the airbag module 2 integrated in the vehicle, the horizontal width B1 is directed transversely, in particular at right angles, to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

The cover section 6 has a horizontally extending arrangement area 13 for the decorative component 5 . A multiplicity of fastening openings 11a on the edge and intermediate fastening openings 11b and a multiplicity of further fastening openings 12 are introduced in the arrangement area 13 , with the fastening openings 11a , 11b , 12 being provided for connecting the decorative component 5 to the cover component 4 . The attachment openings 11a on the edge are arranged in the edge regions 8 of the cover section 6 . The intermediate fastening openings 11b are distributed between the edge areas 8 . The further fastening openings 12 are distributed in a center of the arrangement area 13 . They are intended to the emblem part 14 of the decorative component 5 on the composite component 19 and to be fastened to the cover component 4, in particular to the cover section 6.

The decorative component 5 with the composite component 19 and the emblem part 14 is in a plan view of a visible side in the 4 shown. It is polygonal, for example quadrangular, pentagonal or hexagonal, and has a greater width extension B2 than longitudinal extension L2, the width extension B2 being in the same direction as the horizontal width B1 of the cover section 6.

On the visible side, emblem part 14 is located centrally in a receiving area 17 provided for this purpose on composite component 19 (see FIG 5 and 6 ) arranged. The composite component 19 has a plurality of through-openings 21 in the receiving area 17 . Emblem part 14 has an essentially circular outer contour with a sign or symbol, this being designed as an essentially horizontally aligned lightning bolt.

How from the 1 it can be seen that the decorative component 5 is arranged with a precise fit in the arrangement area 13 of the cover component 4 . The decorative component 5 extends over the entire horizontal width B1 (see 3 ) of the cover section 6. The decorative component 5 extends in particular from an outer edge 15a to an opposite outer edge 15b of the edge regions 8a, 8b and closes at least in sections with a precise fit with the outer edges 15a, 15b. Steering wheel decoration parts (not shown) with integrated control elements, for example steering wheel switches, can optionally be attached to the outer edges 15a, 15b. These can complement each other with the decorative component 5 in terms of color and geometry. In particular, as a result, the width of the decorative component 5 is optically lengthened and the decorative steering wheel parts are connected to one another by the decorative component 5 in an optically appropriate manner.

The vertical length L1 (see 3 ) of the cover section 6 is only partially covered by the decorative component 5. Viewed overall, the decorative component 5 covers the covering section 6 by at least 30 percent, preferably by at least 40 percent, in particular by at least 50 percent and/or by a maximum of 80 percent.

According to the 2 the composite component 19 has a multiplicity of fastening elements 16a on the edge and fastening elements 16b in between, which are designed as fastening pins. The fastening elements 16a, 16b are injection molded onto an underside of the decorative element 5 opposite the visible side and are thus connected to the decorative component 5 in a materially bonded manner. The fastening elements 16a on the edge are arranged outside of the module housing 3 and are positioned to match and/or congruently with the fastening openings 11a in the cover section 6 . The intermediate fastening elements 16b are arranged within the module housing 3 and are positioned to match and/or congruently with the fastening openings 11b in the cover section 6 .

The fastening elements 16a, 16b are pushed through the corresponding fastening openings 11a, 11b and shaped at the ends, in particular hot-formed, in such a way that heads 20 are formed on the fastening elements 16a, 16b, which completely cover the fastening openings 11a, 11b. As a result, the fastening elements 16a, 16b can no longer be detached from the fastening openings 11a, 11b. The composite component 19 or the decorative component 5 is thus connected to the cover component 4 in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner and cannot be detached without being damaged.

The emblem part 14 is arranged in the central receiving area 17 of the composite component 19 . It has further fastening elements 18 which are designed as further fastening pins. The further fastening elements 18 are injection-molded onto an underside of the emblem part 14 and are thus connected to the emblem part 14 in a materially bonded manner. The further fastening elements 18 are positioned on the emblem part 14 with an exact fit and/or congruently with the further fastening openings 12 in the cover section 6 .

The further fastening elements 18 are inserted through the through-openings 21 in the composite component 19 and through the further fastening openings 12 and shaped at the end, in particular hot-formed, in such a way that further heads 25 are formed on the further fastening elements 18, which completely cover the further fastening openings 12. As a result, the further fastening elements 18 can no longer be detached from the further fastening openings 12 . The emblem part 14 is thus connected to the cover component 4 in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner and cannot be detached without being damaged.

Each of the fastening elements 16a, which are fastened in the edge regions 8a, 8b of the cover section 6, has a predetermined breaking point 24. The fastening elements 16a can break in the predetermined breaking points 24 when the airbag module 2 is activated and the airbag inflates explosively and hits the airbag module cap 1. Due to the breakage of the fastening elements 16a, the composite component 19 can become detached from the carrier component 4 in the edge regions 8a, 8b.

A tear-open groove 26 is introduced into an underside of the cover section 6 facing away from the decorative component 5 . The tear-off groove 26 is arranged between the two edge regions 8a, 8b. During and/or after the activation of the airbag module 2, the cover section 6 can tear open along the tear-open groove 26. Due to the break in the fastening elements 16a, the covering section 6 together with the decorative part 5 fastened to it can detach from the coupling section 7 and the module housing 3 and thus form the access for the inflating airbag into the vehicle interior.

Alternatively, the tear-open groove 26 according to the 8th , in which a modified airbag module 2 is shown, in the coupling section 7, in particular in the inflation direction of the airbag above the hooking interface 9. In this case, the predetermined breaking points 24 in the fastening elements 16a can be dispensed with, since the cover section 6 together with the decorative component 5 fastened to it can detach from the module housing 3 above the hooking interface 9 when the airbag module 2 is activated and the inflating airbag counteracts the airbag module cap 1 presses.

As an alternative to the tear-off groove 26, as can be seen from FIG 8th as can be seen, a laser-made weakening line 27 can be provided in the cover section 6 . A tear and/or weakening line can be provided on the decorative component 5 on the wheel side, for example in a shadow gap that is covered on the visible side. The airbag module cap 1 can break during and/or during the activation of the airbag module 2 along the line of weakness 27 in order to form the access for the inflating airbag into the vehicle interior in cooperation with the tear and/or line of weakness.

In the 5 a top view of the carrier part 22 of the composite component 19 is shown. the 6 shows the top layer section 23 of the composite component 19. The top layer section 23 is designed as a film section that is painted, for example. The carrier part 22 and the cover layer section 23 match in their outer contours.

In order to form the composite component 19 , the cover layer section 23 is back-injected with a base material of the carrier part 22 or welded to the carrier part 22 in a cohesively bonded manner. The base material is, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate or a thermoplastic olefin or polyolefin, for example TPO or PP and EPDM. Due to the toughness of the carrier part 22, it can be reinforced by a mesh section (not shown). The mesh section is integrated in the base material, in particular overmoulded with it. The mesh portion may be made of an electrically conductive material so that electrical equipment can be placed and powered thereon. The mesh portion may also provide a hinge function upon and/or during activation of the airbag and formation of the outlet for the inflating airbag.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the decorative component 5 is a PP or PC film which is back-injected from the base material of the covering component 4 . The PP or PC film can also be glued to the cover component 4 or welded to it.

While at least one embodiment has been disclosed in detail above, it is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention exist. It should also be appreciated that the at least one embodiment is exemplary only and not limiting in scope, application, or configuration. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to be a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one embodiment. Thus, it should be appreciated that various variations in the function or arrangement of elements of the at least one embodiment can be implemented without departing from the scope as defined by the claims and their legal equivalents.

Reference List

1

Airbag module cap

2

airbag module

3

module housing

4

cover component

5

decorative component

6

cover section

7

coupling section

8th

a, b edge areas

9

hooking interface

10

hook interface

11

a, b Mounting holes

12

additional mounting holes

13

layout area

14

emblem part

15

a, b outer edge

16

a, b fasteners

17

recording area

18

other fasteners

19

composite component

20

heads

21

passage openings

22

carrier part

23

top layer section

24

predetermined breaking point

25

more heads

26

tear groove

27

lines of weakness

B1

horizontal width

L1

vertical length

B2

latitude

L2

longitudinal extent

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 202014008757 U1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Airbag module cap (1) for an airbag module (2) of a vehicle, wherein the airbag module cap (1) comprises a cover component (4) and a decorative component (5), wherein the covering component (4) has a covering section (6) for closing a module housing (3) of the airbag module (2) and a coupling section (7) for coupling to the module housing (3), wherein the decorative component (5) has a greater width extension (B2) than longitudinal extension (L2), the width extension (B2) of the decorative component (5) and a horizontal width (B1) of the covering section (6) in the installed state of the airbag module cap (1). the airbag module (2) integrated in the vehicle can be measured along the same imaginary axis, the axis being directed transversely to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the decorative component (4) is arranged on the cover component (4) and extends over the entire horizontal width (B1) of the cover section (6). Airbag module cap (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the decorative component (5) is arranged congruently with the cover section (6) in relation to the width extension (B2) and/or to the horizontal width (B1), an outer contour of the decorative component (5) being at least partially congruent with an outer edge (15a, 15b) of the cover section (6) and/or wherein the outer contour of the decorative component (5) borders at least in sections on at least one steering wheel decorative part of a steering wheel, which includes operating elements and in which the airbag module is integrated. Airbag module cap (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the decorative component (5) covers the covering section (6) by at least 30 percent, preferably by at least 40 percent, in particular by at least 50 percent and/or by a maximum of 80 percent. Airbag module cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative component (5) is non-detachably connected to the covering component (4) by a material connection, positive connection and/or non-positive connection. Airbag module cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative component (5) comprises a composite component (19) made of a carrier part (22) and a cover layer section (23), the cover layer section (23) being used to form the composite component (19 ) is back-injected with a base material of the carrier part (22). Airbag module cap (1) after claim 5 , characterized in that the base material of the carrier part (22) and/or the cover layer section (23) is formed from polypropylene, polycarbonate or a thermoplastic olefin. Airbag module cap (1) after claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the composite component (19) has a mesh section for stiffening the carrier part (22) and/or for arranging or forming electrical devices and/or for forming a hinge for the airbag module cap (1), which opens at least in sections, during and/or during an activation of the airbag module (2), wherein the mesh section is cohesively connected to the base material of the carrier part (22). Airbag module cap (1) according to one of Claims 5 until 7 , characterized in that the decorative component (5) comprises an emblem part (14), the composite component (19) having a receiving area (17) with at least one through-opening (21), the emblem part (14) being visible in the receiving area (17). is arranged. Airbag module cap (1) according to one of Claims 5 until 8th , characterized in that the composite component (19) has at least one fastening element (16a, 16b), wherein the at least one fastening element (16a, 16b) for non-detachable positive and / or non-positive fastening of the composite component (19) and / or the decorative component ( 5) is formed on the cover component (4) and/or that the emblem part (14) has at least one further fastening element (18), the at least one further fastening element (18) for the non-detachable positive and/or non-positive fastening of the emblem part (14 ) and/or the decorative component (5) is formed on the covering component (4). Airbag module cap (1) after claim 9 , characterized in that the cover section (6) has at least one fastening opening (11a, 11b), wherein the at least one fastening element (16a, 16b) of the composite component (19) is inserted through the at least one fastening opening (11a, 11b) and to form of the positive and/or non-positive fit and/or that the cover section (6) has at least one further fastening opening (12), the at least one further fastening element (18) of the emblem part (14) passing through the at least one further fastening opening (12) is inserted through and is formed to form the positive and / or frictional connection. Airbag module cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fastening element (16a, 16b) of the composite component (19) has a predetermined breaking point (24), in which the fastening element (16a, 16b) during and/or during the activation of the airbag module (2) can break. Airbag module cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering component (4) has a tear-open groove (26), the tear-open groove (26) being arranged on an underside of the covering section (6) facing away from the decorative component (5) or that the tear-open groove (26) is made in the coupling section (7), the cover component (4) being able to tear open along the tear-open groove (26) during and/or after activation of the airbag module (2) and/or the cover section (6) at least has a weakening line (7) and/or wherein the decorative component (5) has at least one concealed tearing and/or weakening line (27) along which the airbag module cap (1) can be moved during and/or after activation of the airbag module (2 ) can tear open. Airbag module (2) for a vehicle with the airbag module cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims. vehicle with the airbag module (2). Claim 13 . A method for producing an airbag module cap (1) for an airbag module (2) of a vehicle, in which a decorative component (5) which is intended to be arranged on a covering component (4) of the airbag module cap (1) is produced, in which case during the production of the decorative component (5), a composite component (19) is produced by back-injecting a cover layer section (23) with a base material of a carrier part (22) or by cohesively welding it to the carrier part (22).

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