DE19733896A1 - Vehicle airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle airbag assembly, to be inflated on an impact collision to protect the vehicle occupants, has a cover (10) with a moving section (5,5') which is tripped by the sensor system to release an opening (7) for the inflating airbag (8) to pass through. The moving cover component moves within the outer contour (15) of the airbag assembly or within the vehicle section holding the airbag unit. The moving cover section (5,5') is shifted by the gas pressure generated by the gas unit (4) directly or through a pressure drive and/or the cover (10) has pref. at least two cover flaps (9,9') and/or the airbag (8) unit is positioned by a guide (14,14') at the housing wall after the opening has been cleared but before inflation and/or a diaphragm is opened in a swing movement system.

Description

The invention relates to further developments of an airbag Direction for a vehicle with a sensor in a row Solution by a gas generator for advancing into a drive Vehicle interior with propellant inflatable gas bag Direction according to German patent application DE 197 26 878.1 as well as further developments of the revelation of the German Pa Tent registration DE 197 26 878.1 to create procedures for Triggering an airbag device in a vehicle and is egg ne additional patent application / an additional patent to DE 197 26 878.1.

In the main patent application / the main patent DE 197 26 878.1 describes an airbag device in a vehicle with one as a result of sensor activation by a gas generator for pushing into a passenger compartment of the vehicle with propellant gas inflatable gas bag device, with a cover device is provided by one after the sensor triggering Moved component of the airbag device for release an outlet opening for an airbag is driven and is essentially within an outer contour of the Airbag device or one of the airbag device included moved the vehicle part.

The aim of the present invention is the security of such tiger airbag devices to further improve.

This goal is achieved with airbag devices according to claims 1 and 10 and with methods for deploying airbag devices gene achieved according to claims 6 and 18.  

According to the invention are accordingly in an airbag device in a vehicle with a sensor trigger a gas generator for advancing into a passenger compartment of the Vehicle with gas inflatable gas bag device, wherein according to German patent application DE 197 26 878.1 an Abdec no direction is provided by one after the sensor Solution component of the airbag device set in motion to release an outlet opening for an airbag is driven and thereby essentially within one Outer contour of the airbag device or one of the airbag direction containing vehicle part moves, Steuereinrichtun gene provided through which the gas generated by the gas generator pressure at least predominantly after sensor triggering to drive the component and only after a definable movement path or after a predefinable period of movement of the building partly fully provided for inflating the gas bag becomes.

This advantageously ensures that the cover device is opened reliably and quickly before the Airbag is filled and thereby inside the driving advances gastraums. A hindrance to inflation and pre pushing the airbag or airbag as a result of being late or incomplete opening of the cover device is there avoided by.

The control devices are preferably designed such that that the gas pressure generated by the gas generator after the sensor solution at least almost completely except for a minimal amount Leakage losses to drive the component and only after one predeterminable movement path or according to a predefinable movement duration of the component completely to inflate the Gassac kes is provided.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention The control devices contain this after the sensor has been switched off  Solution set component in motion that is designed in this way and is arranged that it is initially after the sensor triggering through the at least predominant part of the gas generator generated gas pressure is applied and the latter only after a predeterminable path of movement or after a predefinable loading completely released to inflate the airbag. This design is particularly rational because it already exists component for the opening drive of the covering device simultaneously sends to control the opening of the covers Direction and inflation of the airbag is used.

In the case of advanced training of the above, applied with preference Execution is provided that after sensor triggering in Moved component in relation to the gas generator in such a way is designed and displaceable that after the sensor solution the at least predominant part of the gas generator generated gas pressure picks up until the outlet for the gas bag for at least approximately unimpeded advancement the latter in the passenger compartment of the vehicle is sufficient is open.

A particularly simple and advantageously at the same time extremely effective and accurate airbag device can obtain if the movement starts after the sensor is triggered set a component to actuate the cover device adjustable cap or tray that contains the gas generator in the Range of gas outlet openings for receiving the gas pressure the gas generator via its adjustment path at least in essentially surrounds tightly until the outlet opening for the Airbag for at least approximately unimpeded advancement of the the latter sufficiently opened in the passenger compartment of the vehicle net, and the gas pressure is then completely inflated Gas bag released. This configuration comes without any electrical and / or electronic and even more complicated mechanical controls to open the cover device and then inflating and advancing the gas  bags in the vehicle interior with extreme precision to let.

The present invention can be particularly preferably used in apply an airbag device, in addition to which he Most gas generator at least one other gas generator and / or in the gas generator several gas generator stages are seen that can be triggered one after the other. Then it is from Advantage if the control devices are designed that gas pressure to move the component only from the first gas gene rator or from the first gas generator stage of the gas generator provided.

Starting point for a method for deploying an airbag The direction in a vehicle is again the German patent report DE 197 26 878.1, according to its disclosure content in Following a sensor trigger, first a cover device of a building set in motion after the sensor was triggered part of the airbag device to release an outlet opening is driven for an airbag, so that it is in the essentially within an outer contour of the airbag device or a vehicle part containing the airbag device moved, and then a gas bag device through a gas gene rator for advancing into a passenger compartment of the vehicle Propellant is inflated. A further development by The present invention is that of the gas generator generated gas pressure after the sensor is triggered at least initially mainly to drive the component and only after one definable movement path or after a predeterminable movement duration of the component completely to inflate the gas bag is provided.

The procedure should also, as stated above benen device, preferably essentially only leakage lose the gas pressure to open the cover device like to.  

Analogous to the previous device designs other procedural processes and how to avoid them lungs.

Advantageous and preferred further developments result from the respective dependent claims and their combinations.

The present invention provides yet another airbag device in a vehicle based on the German Pa Tent registration DE 197 26 878.1 created, with one in a row a sensor trigger by a gas generator for advancement inflatable into a passenger compartment of the vehicle with propellant gas Airbag device, a cover device being provided is the one in motion after a sensor trigger set component of the airbag device to release an off is driven for a gas bag and there at essentially within an outer contour of the airbag direction or a driving containing the airbag device part moved. To further increase the security of this Airbag device, the invention provides that the open Cover device is closable, and that control devices provided to close the opened cover device are.

In that the cover device is closed again can increase the risk of injury to the occupants of one second impact of the vehicle after the Air slackens bags at the outlet for the gas bag puts.

It can advantageously be provided that the cover device device to close after opening the sensor drive the cover device set in motion is cash. This means that no further facilities are required Lich to close the cover device than those that already exist. This is the advantage  an inexpensive, simple and space-saving construction reached.

Possible reference features of the control are the time period since the inflation and / or the filling state of the gas bag. The Control devices can be used to close the cover be designed to close the cover tion depending on a period of time and / or the fill addition to release the gas bag.

The control devices are advantageously for closing the cover device with the control device, if any lines coupled to open the cover device.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the now treated th airbag device is obtained in that the tax devices for closing the cover device for this purpose sets, the closing of the cover device depending from the position of after opening the sensor to open the Cover device set in motion and / or the Trigger the period of time since which the component a predetermined Has reached position. This is done with the simplest of means without electronic or electrical or complicated mechani controls a reliable process not only when opening NEN, but also when closing the cover device enough.

The control devices can preferably have an ignition device device included to act upon the sensor after Set the solution to open the cover device in motion Component for closing the cover device is ignitable. Ge According to further developments thereof, the ignition device is electrical or can be triggered mechanically. Furthermore, the Zündein direction an electrical or mechanical or pyrotechnic Time delay may be upstream, or the ignition device can be an electrical or mechanical or pyrotechnic Delay included.  

To on the one hand a secure position of the covering device in to ensure their open position and on the other hand a perfect function when closing the cover device si create, it can be provided that the covering device assumes an over-center position in its open position, and that pretensioners are provided which open the Nete covering device in the closing direction to overcome the Apply dead center.

Also the airbag devices with a possibility of closing the Covering devices have procedural equivalents. With egg nem method for triggering an airbag device in one Vehicle as it is from the disclosure of the German patent message DE 197 26 878.1 emerges, is the result of a Sen triggering a cover device from one to the first the sensor triggering of the airbag component device for opening an outlet opening for a gas bag driven, so that they are essentially inner half an outer contour of the airbag device or one of the Airbag device containing vehicle part moves. After that becomes a gas bag device by a gas generator to the front push up into a passenger compartment of the vehicle with propellant gas blown. According to the invention, the covering device can now a predefinable period of time and / or after a predefinable period Filling status of the gas bag can be closed again.

Also analogous to the previously explained device features and Refinements of the closable cover device exist Appropriate process variants without restrictions.

Overall, there are advantageous and preferred further developments extensions of the invention and its above-described Ausge design options from the respective dependent claims and their combinations.  

By submitting the German patent application / the German Patentes DE 197 26 878.1 as main patent (application) and by reference to it is their overall disclosure at the same time the disclosure content of this document gene.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawing tion described in more detail using specific exemplary embodiments. In the drawings are:

1A and 1B are respectively a schematic longitudinal section through one embodiment of the airbag apparatus with a drive for withdrawing the covering before the retraction of the cover means (1A) and after retraction of the cover means (1B).

Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of two combined Gasgenerato ren the execution of the airbag device of Figure 1 in plan view.

FIGS. 3A and 3B each show a longitudinal section through the first (3A) and the second gas generator (3B) in the embodiment of the airbag device shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B each correspond to a schematic front and side view of a component for driving the abdec device in the execution of the airbag device according to FIGS . 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the handling of the Ge housing of the two gas generators shown in Figure 2;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a housing from a second implementation of the airbag device;

FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically a partial front view of the frame of the housing or a partial cross section through the cover of the embodiment of the airbag apparatus of Figure 6 is shown.

Figs. 8A and 8B in the diagram is a side view and a partial front view of a component for driving the Abdeckein direction in the embodiment of the airbag apparatus according to FIGS. 6 and 7;

Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view of two combined gas generators of the embodiment of the airbag apparatus shown in Figs 6 to 8.

FIG. 10A and 10B are each a schematic plan view on the first (10A) and the second gas generator (10B) in which in the Figure embodiment of the airbag apparatus shown. 9;

Fig. 11 bagvorrichtung a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of air, but which contains a closable cover;

Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the airbag device, also with a closable cover device;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the airbag apparatus, again with closable cover; and

FIG. 14A and 14B schematically illustrates a cross sectional view and a side view of a three-stage gas generator of a sixth embodiment of the airbag apparatus.

In the drawing are included through all figures Lich the figures of the German patent application DE 197 26 878.1 identical or similar or identical or similar acting parts or combinations throughout with the same reference numerals provided so that these parts or combinations and de ren functions the expert even in such representations oh  open up another for which not all such parts or Combinations and their functions are described in detail are. Furthermore, the expert can the individual figures and Representations of the drawing and in particular by the comparative consideration of different figures further one remove details without specifying them separately and / or are described.

The airbag device generally affected here can, for. B. on the passenger side in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat of the motor vehicle, but is not on this type limited use case.

An airbag device according to the invention, as shown in principle in FIGS . 1A, 1B, 6, 11, 12 and 13 in various designs, has a housing 1 which, for. B. in a dashboard 2 or an interior paneling in front of a passenger seat (not shown) in the passenger compartment (not shown) of a motor vehicle (not shown) and fastened by means of fastening tabs 3 or the like. A gas generator 4 and possibly a second gas generator 4 'for example for a two-stage triggering of the airbag device of a basically known type (such as in DE 40 22 881 C2, EP 0, which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference into this document) 627 342 A1 or German patent application DE 197 03 945.6), which can also be designed as a hybrid generator according to EP 0 607 671 A1, which is also hereby fully included in the disclosure content of the present documents, with, for example, cylindrical gas generator housing 5 fixed in the airbag device.

An opening 7 of the airbag device for the exit of an airbag 8 facing the passenger compartment or a person to be protected is closed by an upper and a lower covering flap 9 or 9 'of a covering device 10 in the standby or inoperative position (see, for example, . Fig. 1A). From the flaps 9 , 9 'border with their respective, a central central plane 11 facing the airbag device Randbe range 12 , 12 ' to each other. At these edge regions 12 , 12 ', each cover flap 9 , 9 ', for example pins 13 and 13 ', respectively, are arranged which protrude on both sides of the cover flaps 9 , 9 ' in relation to them (perpendicular to the image plane of FIGS. 12 and 13) and engage in recesses such as slots or grooves 14 , 14 'in the housing 1 of the airbag device. The grooves 14 , 14 'form guides on both sides for the pins 13 , 13 ' and can be straight or curved. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the grooves 14 , 14 'of the curved cross-sectional shape of the cover flaps 9 , 9 ' are adapted and thus run parallel to the outer contour 15 of the inner lining or the dashboard 2nd The pins 13 , 13 'can e.g. B. but also be arranged directly on the cover flaps 9 , 9 ', as can be seen indirectly from FIG. 1B, in which the groove 14 ' for the pin 13 'is visible as a result of the opened cover flap 9 '.

An articulated connection, which may each contain a rod 16 or 16 ', can be provided between the gas generator 4 and each cover flap 9 , 9 ' ( FIGS. 1 and 4B), each rod 16 , 16 'on the one hand via a Hinge 17 , 17 'on a component 5 ' which is movable with respect to the gas generator 4 , for example displaceable, and on the other hand via a hinge 18 , 18 'on the other edge region 19 , 19 ' of the cover flaps 9 , 9 ', which is remote from the central plane 11 abuts the inner lining 2 above or below, is articulated and thus forms an articulated lever connection between the construction part 5 'and the cover flaps 9 , 9 '. The rods 16 , 16 'hold the upper and lower edge regions 19 , 19 ' of the cover flaps 9 , 9 'in their position on the inner lining 2 and thus the cover flaps 9 , 9 ' flush with the outer contour 15 , while the component 5 'in its rest or standby position A can be secured in the area of its preferred longitudinal guide. The rods 16 , 16 'can also be firmly connected to the component 5 ', which will be described in more detail later, as long as they ensure suitable guiding of the cover flaps 9 , 9 'from their rest or standby position A to the open position B. .

An airbag device 21 of the airbag device contains an airbag or airbag 8 , the edge of the bag 22 is fastened to the component 5 'and which, in the folded state, is accommodated in the space between the gas generator 4 and the cover flaps 9 , 9 '. The two rods 16 , 16 'can also be formed as plat-shaped parts, which represent an upper and a lower boundary of this space and together with the lateral Be formed by the housing 1 of the airbag device Be a shot channel for the airbag 8 form. A rope 23 is attached as an ignition trigger to the advanced fabric 24 of the airbag 8 and connected to an ignition device 86 for a second drive stage in the form of the second gas generator 4 '. Such a trigger mechanism for a multi-stage gas generator 4 , 4 'is described, for example, in German patent applications DE 197 03 945.6 and DE 197 09 257.8, to which reference is made here, whereby the scope of their disclosure is included in full in the present documents.

If an excessive vehicle speed change is detected by a sensor-sensitive sensor, not shown in any more detail, sensor triggering in a known manner, for. B. ignited an ignition charge of, for example, an electrical igniter 85 and then a propellant charge of the gas generator 4 . The ignition charge 85 , like the ignition device 86 of the second gas generator 4 ', can be an electrically triggerable ignition charge or a mechanically triggerable ignition charge, wherein the mechanical triggering can be activated electrically. For example only, reference is made here to DE 197 15 463.8, which deals with an ignition device for an airbag device and the entire disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated into the present documents. It is preferred if the ignition 85 of the first gas generator 4 is triggered electrically as the first stage and the ignition 86 of the second gas generator 4 'is triggered mechanically as the second, later ignited stage.

The propellant gas could emerge through tear-open openings (not shown) in the housing 5 of the gas generator 4 within the sack edge 22 towards the gas bag 8 , which would be inflated and would like to develop, as well as according to other implementations in the main patent application / the main patent DE 197 26 878.1 can be provided. The gas bag 8 would then press against the still closed flaps 9 , 9 '(position A), as a result of which a reaction force acts in the opposite direction on the gas generator 4 which can then be displaced, and this would be in a guide to the left (cf. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1 and 2 of DE 197 26 878.1). Such a movement of the gas generator 4 would also be supported by a recoil force of the propellant gas flowing out of the gas generator 4 . A gas generator 4 moving in this way could pull the two cover flaps 9 , 9 'on its upper or lower edge 19 , 19 ' inward approximately along the inside of the housing 1 of the airbag device via two rods 16 , 16 '. In this case, then moving the inner edge portions 12, 12 'of the two cover flaps 9, 9' guided on the curves of the guides or grooves 14, 14 'by pins 13, 13 at the opening 7 to the final position B (see Fig. . 2 of DE 197 26 878.1 and z. B. Fig. IB of the accompanying this drawing) in which the doors are 9 Gänz Lich drawn 9 'in the airbag device and have thus enabled the opening 7 for the outlet of the gas sack 8. The gas bag 8 can then spread completely through the opening 7 into the passenger compartment. By means of a blocking device, the gas generator 4 could be secured in its movement end position, so that it cannot jump back and forth due to its movement energy.

The two cover flaps 9 , 9 'can have a coupling device (not shown) which holds the cover flaps 9 , 9 ' in the closed rest position A at their two adjoining edge regions 12 , 12 'in a secure connection. This coupling device can, for. B. contain a jumping nose or a pin on the one edge region 12 'of the flap 9 ', which can engage in an associated recess on the other edge region 12 of the upper flap 9 .

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, however, an embodiment for a drive mechanism is shown with which the Abdeckein device 10, in particular, the two cover flaps 9, 9 ', pulled back to another, as the above-illustrated manner in the Ge housing 1 of the airbag module can. In the upper half of the figure, ie in FIG. 1A, the drive device is shown in the rest position A and in the lower half, that is to say in FIG. 1B in the retracted position B.

The gas generator 4 is in this, as well as the following embodiments, as already stated above, arranged in the housing 1 . Between the gas generator 4 and the housing 1 , a free space 98 is provided in the retraction direction, in which a part of the gas generator 4 , in particular a half-shell surrounding shell in the form of a cap or trough 81, can be moved as a drivable component 5 '. The cap or trough 81 is connected to the cover flaps 9 , 9 'of the cover device 10 via the rods 16 and 16 ' (e.g. FIGS . 1A, 1B). The cap or trough 81 can be driven into the retracted position by the gas pressure of the filling gas used for filling the airbag 8 , which is generated by the gas generator 4 .

Guides can be provided in the form of slots (not shown) for linear guidance of the cap or trough 81 . As a result, the cap or trough 81 is guided in a straight line relative to the stationary generator 4 . As a suitable guide z. B. also the pins of the joints 18 , 18 'the NEN. In the retracted position, the cap or trough 81 is blocked by a blocking device, not shown. With the cap or tub 81 , the gas bag 8 is connected ver. In this way, both the reaction forces occurring when the cover device is retracted and when the gas bag 8 is ejected from the outlet opening are absorbed by a single carrier device, these compensating one another in whole or in part for the opposite reaction forces. Furthermore, only small masses are moved in this embodiment, so that a short reaction time is achieved.

The peculiarity of the cap or trough 81 is that it functions on the one hand as a drive device for the covering device 10 and on the other hand at the same time assumes the function of control devices 80 , to which it can therefore be attributed. The component 5 'after actuation of the sensor set in motion for actuating the covering device 10 , which in the embodiment discussed here contains the adjustable cap or trough 81 , surrounds the gas generator 4 in the area of gas outlet openings 82 for receiving the gas pressure from the gas generator 4 its adjustment path with the formation of a gas receiving space 88 at least essentially tightly until the outlet opening 7 for the gas bag 8 is sufficiently open for at least approximately unimpeded advancement of the latter into the driving space of the vehicle. Only then does the adjustable cap or trough 81 release the gas pressure completely between itself and the gas generator 4 for inflating the gas bag 8 .

Because the first gas generator 4 has gas outlet openings 82 only into the cap or trough 81 , after the ignition of the first gas generator 4 , only the cap or trough 81 is initially displaced away from the first gas generator 4 , enlarging the gas receiving space 88 , and so far until a gap or channel 89 is formed between the cap or trough 81 and the first gas generator 4 by opening the gas receiving space 88 , through which the propellant gas can enter the gas bag or airbag 8 and inflate it. In this case, at least essentially, that is, except for at most a small leakage, the entire propellant gas is first used for adjusting the cap or trough 81 and thus first the cover device 10 is opened before the gas bag 8 is inflated and then through into the passenger compartment (not shown) ) is advanced.

The thus designed airbag device contains two gas generators 4 , 4 'for a two-stage deployment of the airbag 8th Alternatively, a gas generator 4 with two stages that can be triggered in succession can also be used for this. Before the first ignition occurs electrically by means of an electrical ignition device 85 . The cable 23 (see FIG. 1A) serves to trigger the second ignition by means of a mechanical ignition device 86 (cf. also FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 5). The gas generators 4 , 4 'are supported by a fastening 90 on the housing 1 of the airbag device.

The fact that the first gas generator 4 is blown off only into the cap or trough 81 , which can also be referred to as a pressure bowl or pressure trough, which is thereby displaced away from the latter and the gas generator until the gap or channel 89 is formed, the advantage is obtained that in any case the cover flaps 9 , 9 'of the cover device 10 open first, and only then does the airbag 8 itself receive pressure to inflate through the gap or channel 89 . This characterizes the corresponding method for triggering the airbag device in the embodiment discussed here.

Only for the sake of completeness is it still pointed out that the gas generators 4 , 4 'each contain one or a common sieve 91 , the explosion parts (not shown ge) and the like. holds back so that they do not penetrate into the airbag 8 and can damage it. The screen 91 has the further function of exploding parts (not shown) and the like. prevent from clogging the gap or channel 29 , which would result in malfunction of the airbag device. On the one hand, the complete opening of the cover device 10 could possibly be prevented by jamming the cap or trough 81 through the explosion parts (not shown) and the like. could occur with the gas generators 4 , 4 ', and on the other hand the inflation of the gas bag 8 could be prevented or slowed down, which would result in the airbag 8 not being available in time for occupant protection.

In Fig. 1A, an opening 92 for mounting the BEFE stigung the rods 16 , 16 'is shown.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the gas generators 4 , 4 accommodated in the cap or trough 81 with the first electric ignition 85, for example with an electric cartridge and the second mechanical ignition 86 z. B. derzatrone with a ripcord. Furthermore, a plate 93 for separating the gas generators 4 and 4 'is shown. If only one gas generator 4 was used , the plate 93 would serve to separate the two generator stages. The gas generators 4 , 4 'can be filled with a solid which generates the propellant gas by the ignition. The corresponding volume can, for. B. be formed by a crimped aluminum can. Longitudinal sectional views through the two gas generators 4 and 4 'each approximately in the area of the igniter are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The pressure trough or generally cap or trough 81 as a component 5 'which is movable by the sensor triggering is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in a partial front view and a side view. In FIG. 4A while a through hole 93 is shown for mounting the generators 4, 4 '. The pressure trough 81 surrounds the generator housing 5 as close as possible allsei kind, ie so that the gas outlet openings 82 of the first genera tors 4 at first only into the gas receiving chamber 88 between the pressure sink 81 and gas generators 4, 4 'open. That is, the first generator 4 or a first stage of a single generator 4 only has its opening in the tub 81 . Only after pushing back the tub 81 can the full pressure in the airbag 8 itself.

The processing of the gas generator housing 5 in Fig. 5 ver illustrates the arrangement of the gas outlet openings 82 of the first gas generator 4 and the gas outlet openings 87 of the second gas generator 4 ', which can also be replaced by a second stage of the first and then possibly only gas generator 4 . Through the gas outlet openings or pressure outlet holes 82 of the first generator 4 , propellant gas initially flows exclusively into the trough 81 , which has a positive fit with the housing 5 of the gas generators 4 , 4 '. Only after moving the pressure trough 81 so that the bag flaps or cover flaps 9 , 9 'of the cover device 10 are fully open, the gas flows into the gas bag 8 . this is brought about by the first electrical ignition 85 . The electrical ignition device 25 of the first stage and the mechanical ignition device 86 of the second stage are inserted through corresponding openings in the generator housing 5 , as can be seen from FIG. 5. The second generator 4 'or the second generator stage contains gas outlet openings 87 , which are directed directly into the airbag 8 , since the second generator 4 ' does not have to make a contribution to opening the covering cap 9 , 9 'of the covering device 10 . Ie that the gas flows through the second mechanically ignited stage of the Airbagvor direction directly into the airbag 8 .

Fig. 6 shows in longitudinal section, the housing 1 of a second embodiment of the airbag apparatus. The generator mounting 90 here contains a mounting hole in the housing base. Furthermore, the free space 98 for the path of movement of the cap or pan 81, which is not shown here, is striking in contrast to the embodiment previously dealt with. This embodiment will be discussed in more detail in connection with exemplary embodiments described below. FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B show further details of this second embodiment of the airbag apparatus. In FIG. 7A, the fastening tab 3 designed as a flange can be seen in particular, which also has welded threaded bolts 95 for further fastening. The flange 3 is preferably fixed by casting in the dashboard body (not shown). The Deckelanbin applications 96 , which can be seen in Fig. 7B, serve on the one hand for receiving the pins 13 and 13 'for the link guide and the joint 18 , 18 ' for the articulation of the rods 16 and 16 ', and on the other hand for reinforcement the cover flaps 9 , 9 ′ of the cover device 10 . The Fig. 8A illustrates insbesonde re rigidly connected to the cap or trough 81 rods 16 and 16 'as well as a guide for the cap or trough 81 in the form of a slot 97, a projecting into the appropriately assembly from the housing 1 of the airbag apparatus inwardly Guide pin (not shown) can engage. The fixed rods 16 , 16 'are provided in pairs in this embodiment, ie there are a total of four rods, which can also be referred to as extension arms. For example, the cap or trough 81 as a movable component 5 'from this embodiment of deep-drawn sheet steel of a thickness of about 0.7 mm.

To the above-mentioned second embodiment of the Air bagvorrichtung are further described in FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B De tails shown such as the mechanical triggering of the second gas generator 4 'by the cord 23. Furthermore, Fig. 9 still shows guide pin 94 on the tub or cap 81 to guide cleanly linearly on their adjustment path for opening the cover device 10 , so that no tilting of the tub or cap 81 can occur, as a result of which the function of the entire airbag device would be at risk. These guide bolts or pins 94 can be provided in addition or as an alternative to guiding through the slot 97 with guide pins (not shown) engaging therein. Adequate guidance of the cap or trough 81 can, however, be brought about solely by the shape of the free space 98 , as is provided in the present embodiment. Finally, electrical lines 104 to the electrical ignition 85 of the first gas generator 4 are also shown in FIG. 9.

So far, there has been talk of a two-stage airbag device with two gas generators 4 , 4 'or a two-stage gas generator 4 . However, it is also possible without restrictions to use more than two stages in the airbag device, such as. B. in particular three stages.

Figs. 11 to 13 relate to all other embodiments of the air bag apparatus have in common that Steuereinrichtun are seen gen 83 to close the open cover 10 in front. Although the opening of the cover device 10 is no longer explained separately in connection with these three exemplary embodiments, it goes without saying and taking into account the figures that all variants within the scope of the invention and other options for opening the cover device 10 are used can, without influencing the designs for closing the cover 10 . Airbag modules or airbag devices with a retracting lid are preferably used.

In FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 respectively in the lower half of the airbag device, the starting position A of the Abdeckein device 10 demonstrates 9 'with the position of the cover flap, whereas in the upper half of the airbag device, the end position or the open position B of the cover 10 by the position of the cover flap 9 is illustrated.

In the third embodiment of the airbag device shown in FIG. 11, a control device for closing the cover device 10 is provided. Such closing of the cover device 10 prevents that in a second impact, a so-called "second impact", injuries can arise from the fact that a vehicle occupant's head through the opening facing the person to be protected 7 the Airbagvor direction z. B. hits the gas generators 4 , 4 'after the airbag 8 is slack again.

To close the covering device 10 , control devices 83 are provided which contain an ignition device 84 . By triggering the ignition device 84 , the cap or trough 81 is forced back from the end position B, which corresponds to the complete opening of the cover device 10 , into the starting position A, in which the cover device 10 is closed. The cap or pan 81 is thereby by any existing guide devices such. B. the slot 97 with Füh guiding pin (not shown) (see FIG. 2A) or the guide pin 94 provided on both sides of the cap or trough 81 (see FIG. 9) or simply by the shape of the housing 1 of the airbag device in the area of Free space 98 for the movement of the cap or trough 81 (see FIGS. 6, 11, 12 and 13) stably guided. By coupling the cover device 10 or de ren cover flaps 9 , 9 'to the cap or pan 81 via the rods 16 , 16 ' when moving back the cap or pan 81 from the end position B to the starting position A each be with respect to the opening operation Cover flaps 9 , 9 'automatically moved into the closed position in which they close the opening 7 of the airbag device.

In this embodiment of the airbag device, it is advantageously provided that the cover device 10 can be driven to close the component 5 'set in motion after the sensor has been triggered to open the cover device 10 , ie in particular by the cap or trough 81 . As a result, no further devices are required to close the covering device 10 than those which already exist. The advantage of an inexpensive, simple and space-saving construction is achieved.

Possible reference features of the control are the length of time since the inflation and / or the filling state of the gas bag 8 . The control means 83 can thereby means for closing of the cover 10 may be adapted to the closing of the cover means 10 in dependence on a time and / or trigger from the filled state of the gas bag. 8 Advantageously, the control means 83 are for closing the Abdeckein device 10 coupled to open the cover 10 with the possibly existing control devices 80th A particularly preferred embodiment of the now treated Airbagvor direction is obtained in that the control means 83 are adapted to close the cover means 10, the closing of the cover means 10 in dependence on the position of the device according to the sensor trigger for opening of the cover 10 set in motion component 5 ', ie in particular the cap or trough 81 , and / or the length of time since the component 5 ' has reached a predetermined position. As a result, a reliable process is achieved not only when opening but also when closing the covering device 10 with the simplest means without electronic or electrical or complicated mechanical controls.

Preferably, the control devices can contain an ignition device 84 which can be ignited to act upon the component 5 'set in motion after the sensor has been triggered to open the cover device in order to close the cover device 10 . According to further developments thereof, the ignition device 84 can be triggered electrically or mechanically. Furthermore, the ignition device 84 may be preceded by an electrical or mechanical or pyrotechnic time delay, or the ignition device 84 may include an electrical or mechanical or pyrotechnic time delay.

The Fig. 11 can also clearly be seen that, as the pressure sink 81 to the between the cover 10 and the gas generators 4, 4 'folded airbag 8 extends, the latter from the front into the trough 81 and back next to the tub 81 gefal must be tet.

In a further embodiment of the embodiment according to FIG. 11, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, an airbag module with a retracting cover and a cover that closes again after a time delay is shown. FIG. 12 contains three figures I, II and III, which respectively show a longitudinal section through the airbag device, a longitudinal section rotated through 90 ° through the ignition device 84 and a cross section through the ignition device 84 .

The airbag module shown in Figure I of FIG. 12 has a cover 10 which is retracting and closing again after time delays. Since the opening of the cover device 10 has already been described in connection with previous figures, this will no longer be dealt with here. To close the cover 10 81 pushes the pressure trough with two pins 100, of which in the illustration II of Fig. 12 one can be seen in the side view, and their locations are illustrated in Figure III of FIG. 12, a lower support plate 101 a cartridge 103 biased by a spring 102 away. The cartridge 103 fires pyrotechnically delayed and thereby builds between the housing 1 of the Airbagvor direction and the tub or cap 81 , ie in the free space 98 , a pressure on the tub 81 in the opposite direction with respect to the opening operation, so that the Opening 7 of the airbag device for a potential "second impact" is closed after bagging.

In order to ensure, on the one hand, a secure position of the covering device 10 in its open position and, on the other hand, to ensure perfect operation when the covering device 10 is closed , it can be provided that the covering device 10 assumes an over-center position in its open position, and that pretensioning devices 99 are provided , which act on the opened covering device in the closing direction to overcome the dead center position. Since with certain geometries of the trajectories of the cover flaps 9 , 9 'an over-dead center position can or should occur in order to keep the cover flaps 9 , 9 ' automatically stable in the open position, the pretensioning devices 99 may have to be closed to close the cover flaps 9 , 9 ' . B. in the form of a spring, as in the embodiment according to FIG. 13, additional to the variant shown in FIG. 12 is provided in order to overcome dead center on the path of the cover flaps 9 , 9 'before the propellant charge of the ignition device 84 alone can move the cover flaps 9 , 9 ′. Figures I, II, and III of FIG. 13 are analogous to those of FIG. 12.

With regard to the possible designs of the cover flaps 9 , 9 'of the cover device 10 , reference is made to the German patent application DE 197 26 878.1.

FIG. 14A and 14B schematically show a Querschnittsan view and a side view of a three-stage gas generator 4 to a sixth embodiment of the airbag apparatus.

The structure of the three-stage gas generator 4 with the three gas generator stages 4 a, 4 b and 4 c is analogous to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, with the difference that not two separate gas generators 4 , 4 ', but a single gas generator Tor 4 is provided, which is divided into the three gas generator stages 4 a, 4 b and 4 c.

The first stage 4 a is ignited by means of the electric ignition 85 . The second and third stages 4 b and 4 c are triggered via the respective mechanical ignitions 86 by pulling on the corresponding cord 23 each time. The ignitions 85 and 86 contain corresponding cartridges 103 . Each of the cords 23 , which have different knitting lengths, which are determined by the time that passes until the respective cord 23 is tensioned as a result of the inflation of the airbag 8 , is connected to the knitting wall 105 (cf., for example, FIG. 1A ) of the airbag 8 connected. By inflating the airbag 8 , the active wall 105 is advanced into the passenger compartment of a vehicle and initially tensions the shorter of the cords 23 or the cord 23 with the shorter effective length. If this shorter one of the two cords 23 is fully tensioned and the active wall 105 of the airbag 8 is not prevented from advancing further, the active wall pulls on its further feed path on the shorter cord 23 , the other end of which is the trigger of the mechanical ignition 86 's second stage 4 b of the gas generator 4 is brought to, as the enlarged side view of the latter in Fig. 14B shows. The illustration in FIG. 14B can be viewed as either of the two sides of the gas generator 4 , that is to say the left or right side in relation to FIG. 14A. The structure of these two sides may be a mirror image.

In FIG. 14B is a mechanical ignition gas generator 86 of the second stage 4 b a tensile ignition 107 shown in which the cartridge 103 is caused by the fact that a firing tip 108 of the ignition lever 109 aufhackt the edge of the cartridge 103. As can be clearly seen from the representation of this figure, the ignition lever 109 is pivoted about its axis 110 by pulling the cord 23 so that its ignition tip 108 hits the edge of the cartridge 103 .

The cord 23 is attached to the free end 111 of the ignition lever 109 such that it releases from the ignition lever 109 under a predetermined load. This can e.g. B. can be achieved in that the ignition lever 109 facing terminal end 112 of the cord 23 is fastened, for example, by gluing or casting with a thermoplastic in an eyelet or a slot 113 , this attachment being such that it tears un ter the predetermined load . As a result, as a result of the further forward movement of the active wall 105 of the airbag 8, the connection end 112 of the cord 23 is “buttoned out” or torn out of the eyelet or the slot 113 . The cord 23 thus buttons after the impact of the ignition tip 108 on the cartridge 103 from the eye or the slot 113 of the ignition lever 109 . It is thereby achieved that the first shorter cord 23 for triggering the second gas generator stage 4 b cannot hinder the further forward movement of the active wall 105 in that it connects this active wall 105 with the ignition lever 109 . Alternatively or additionally, a separation of the cord 23, which is dependent in particular on force, can be provided at its connection point with the active wall 105 from the latter. The Ver connections of the cord 23 with the effective wall 105 and the ignition lever 109 need only be so strong that the pivoting of the ignition lever 109 about its axis 110 and thus the triggering of the cartridge 103 is ensured.

Since due to the runaway of the cord 23 level of the eyelet or the slit 113 and as a result of the ignition of the second gas generator 4 b further inflation and pushing forward of the air bags 8 and its effective wall 105 is performed, the second longer cord 23 is then tensioned, which is coupled to the ignition 86 of the third gas generator stage 4 c analogously to the way in which the first shorter cord 23 is coupled to the ignition 86 of the second gas generator stage 4 c. The structure of the ignition 86 of the third gas generator stage 4 c is in the exemplary embodiment shown from that of the ignition 86 of the second gas generator stage 4 b. The third gas generator stage 4 c is triggered by the longer second cord 23 when the active wall 105 of the airbag 8 can move freely beyond a predetermined position. After triggering the third stage 4 c, the connection of the active wall 105 to the ignition lever 109 is released again by means of the corresponding cord 23 in order not to prevent the active wall 105 from advancing further.

However, if there is an obstacle in the feed path of the active wall 105 of the air bag 8 , such as an occupant's head, this prevents further advancement of the active wall 105 of the air bag 8 . In such a case, e.g. B. the first shorter cord 23 can not be stretched so far that it can pull the ignition lever 109 against the cartridge 103 . The second gas generator stage 4 b is then not triggered, so that no shock load is exerted on the head of the occupant in contact with the active wall 105 of the airbag 8 . If the active wall of the airbag 8 stopped later 105 after, for example, the second stage 4b already, but the third stage 4 c has not yet been triggered, occurs with respect to a the drit th gas generator stage 4 c, the same effect analog.

Applied to a two-stage airbag device with two gas generators 4 , 4 ', as z. Are as in FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B shows ge, the triggering is carried out in the same manner as the triggering of the first and the second stage 4 a and 4 b of the gas generator of the embodiment of FIGS. 14A and 14B. In the version according to FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B, a non-open eyelet 113 for fastening the corresponding connecting end 112 of the cord 23 is shown, but here, too, a suitable separation of the cord 23 from the ignition lever 109 and / or the Effective wall 105 may be provided so that the ignition of the second stage, after it has been triggered, can have an unimpeded effect on the further inflation of the airbag 8 .

The gas generator 4 according to FIGS. 14A and 14B can be used in any airbag device according to the invention. In particular, it is possible to use it in airbag devices in which an opening and / or closing of the covering device 10 according to the invention is implemented, for which purpose the gas generator 4 according to FIGS. 14A and 14B is equipped and combined accordingly with the further features that are required for the implementation of the present invention.

Even if so far only two- and three-stage airbag devices have been shown and described, the invention is not limited to this. Basically, the latter can also be used single-stage airbag devices or such with advantage that have more than three levels.

In FIG. 14A, the gas discharging directions of the first stage of the gas generator 4 a 4 b remain by the arrow C and the second and third stages 4, 4 c by the arrows D is distinguished. The drawing is to be understood such that the gas flow direction is directed according to arrow C directly into the pressure trough 81 (see, for example, FIG. 1). The gas outflow direction from the second and third stages 4 b, 4 c points in accordance with the arrows D directly into the air bag 8 (cf. also about this in FIG. 1A). Characterized in that the first stage 4 a, which must first move the tub 81 to open the cover 10 , is arranged centrally between the two wide stages 4 b, 4 c, leads to a symmetrical structure by which the tub is tilted 81 on their Ver sliding path from the rest position A to the end position B (see Fig. IA and IB) can be avoided, so that no particularly complex management of the tub 81 is required.

The attachment 90 of the gas generator 4 contains, for example, a centrally located attachment nut 105 , as can also be seen in FIG. 14A. The three gas generator stages 4 a, 4 b, 4 c can, for. B. in pairs with each other or into each other. It can also be additionally provided a friction weld at the connection points. The individual housing sections of the pressure housing 5 of the gas generator 4 can be completed by clinked cover 106 . The ignitions 85 and 86 can contain 103 cartridges in the cartridges.

The designs with opening and / or closing possibility of the covering device 10 are not limited to the designs shown in the figures and described above. In particular, ignition devices 84 , 85 and / or 86 other than those dealt with here can also be used. In addition, the above and in the drawings reproduced features and combinations of features of all the design variants dealt with serve merely to illustrate the invention and not to limit it. The scope of disclosure of the present entire documents is determined by what can be recognized in particular in the claims, in particular for the person skilled in the art, but also from the description and the drawing.

Claims (24)

1. Airbag device in a vehicle with a result of a sensor triggering by a gas generator for pushing into a passenger compartment of the vehicle with propellant gas inflatable gas bag device, whereby according to the German patent application 197 26 878.1 a covering device is seen which moves from one after the sensor is triggered offset component of the airbag device for releasing an outlet opening for an airbag is driven and thereby moves essentially within an outer contour of the airbag device or a vehicle part containing the airbag device, characterized in that control devices ( 80 ) are provided, by which the gas generator ( 4 ) generated gas pressure after the sensor is triggered at least predominantly to drive the component ( 5 ') and only after a predeterminable movement path or after a predeterminable movement duration of the component ( 5 ') completely to inflate the gas bag ( 8 ) it is provided. 2. Airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control devices ( 80 ) contain the component set in motion after the sensor release ( 5 ') which is designed and arranged such that it is initially triggered by the at least predominant after the sensor is triggered Part of the gas pressure generated by the gas generator ( 4 ) is applied and the latter is released only after an egg nem predeterminable movement path or after a predeterminable movement duration for inflating the gas bag ( 8 ). 3. Airbag device according to claim 2, characterized in that the ver set after the sensor is in motion component ( 5 ') with respect to the gas generator ( 4 ) is designed and displaceable that it after the sensor triggering the at least predominant part of the gas generator ( 4 ) generates gas pressure until the outlet opening ( 7 ) for the gas bag ( 8 ) is sufficiently open for at least approximately unimpeded advancement of the latter into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. 4. Airbag device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the set in motion after the sensor triggering component ( 5 ') for actuating the cover device ( 10 ) holds an adjustable cap or trough ( 81 ) ent which the gas generator ( 4th ) in the area of gas outlet openings ( 82 ) for receiving the gas pressure from the gas generator ( 4 ) surrounds at least essentially tightly over their adjustment path until the outlet opening ( 7 ) for the gas bag ( 8 ) for at least approximately unimpeded advancement of the latter is sufficiently opened in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and then completely releases the gas pressure for inflating the gas bag ( 8 ). 5. Airbag device according to one of the preceding Ansprü surface, characterized in that in addition to the first gas generator ( 4 ) at least one further gas generator ( 4 ') and / or in the gas generator ( 4 ) several Gasgenera gate stages are provided, which can be triggered one after the other, and that the control devices ( 80 ) are laid out in such a way that gas pressure for moving the component ( 5 ') is provided only by the first gas generator ( 4 ) or by the first gas generator stage of the gas generator ( 4 ). 6. A method for triggering an airbag device in a vehicle according to German patent application 197 26 878.1, wherein, as a result of a sensor triggering, a cover device is first driven by a component of the airbag device set in motion after the sensor triggering in order to release an outlet opening for an airbag, so that it moves essentially within an outer contour of the airbag device or a vehicle part containing the airbag device, and then an airbag device is inflated with propellant gas by a gas generator for advancement into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, characterized in that the gas generator ( 4 ) generated gas pressure after the sensor trigger initially at least predominantly for driving the component ( 5 ') and only after a predeterminable movement path or after a predeterminable duration of movement of the component ( 5 ') is provided completely for inflating the gas bag ( 8 ). 7. A method of triggering an airbag device according to claim 7, characterized in that the component ( 5 ') is initially acted upon by the sensor triggering by the at least predominant part of the gas pressure generated by the gas generator ( 4 ) and the latter only after a predeterminable movement path or completely released to inflate the gas bag ( 8 ) after a predeterminable period of movement. 8. The method for triggering an airbag device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that from the gas generator ( 4 ) there is first a pressure surge for moving the component ( 5 '), and then the pressure built up in the gas bag ( 8 ) is forwarded. 9. A method of triggering an airbag device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that only a first generator ( 4 ) and / or a first generator stage of the generator for loading the component ( 5 ') set in motion after the sensor has been triggered ( 4 ) is used, and that for later pressure build-up for the gas bag ( 8 ) at least one further generator ( 4 ') or at least a second generator stage are / is present. 10. Airbag device in a vehicle with a result of a sensor triggering by a gas generator for pushing into a passenger compartment of the vehicle with propellant gas inflatable gas bag device, wherein according to German patent application 197 26 878.1 a covering device is seen before, which is in motion after the sensor has been triggered offset component of the airbag device for releasing an outlet opening for an airbag is driven and thereby moves essentially within an outer contour of the airbag device or a vehicle part containing the airbag device, characterized in that the opened cover device ( 10 ) can be closed, and that control devices ( 83 ) to close the opened cover device ( 10 ) are provided. 11. Airbag device according to claim 10, characterized in that the covering device ( 10 ) for closing the component ( 5 ') set in motion after the sensor has been triggered to open the covering device ( 10 ). 12. Airbag device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control devices ( 83 ) for closing the cover device ( 10 ) are designed to close the cover device ( 10 ) depending on a period of time and / or the filling state of the Gassac kes ( 8 ) trigger. 13. Airbag device according to claim 10, 11 or 12 in connec tion with one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control devices ( 83 ) for closing the cover device ( 10 ) with the control devices ( 80 ) for opening the cover device ( 10 ) are coupled. 14. Airbag device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the control devices ( 83 ) for closing the cover device ( 10 ) are designed to close the cover device ( 10 ) in dependence on the position of after the sensor triggering Opening the cover device ( 10 ) to set the component ( 5 ') in motion and / or to trigger the period of time since the component ( 5 ') has reached a predetermined position. 15. The airbag device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, as by in that the control means (83) containing an ignition device (84), the supply to Beaufschla of the means for opening of the cover to the sensor triggering (10) set in motion component (5 ') is ignitable for closing the cover device ( 10 ). 16. Airbag device according to claim 15, characterized in that the ignition device ( 84 ) can be triggered electrically or mechanically, and that the ignition device ( 84 ) is preceded by an electrical or mechanical or pyrotechnic time delay, or that the ignition device ( 84 ) contains an electrical or mechanical or pyro technical time delay. 17. Airbag device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the cover device ( 10 ) assumes an over-center position in its open position, and that pretensioning devices ( 99 ) are provided which open the cover device ( 10 ) in the closing direction to overcome the Apply dead center. 18. Method for triggering an airbag device in a vehicle according to German patent application 197 26 878.1, wherein, as a result of a sensor triggering, a cover device is first driven by a component of the airbag device set in motion after the sensor triggering in order to release an outlet opening for an airbag. so that it essentially moves within an outer contour of the airbag device or a vehicle part containing the airbag device, and then an airbag device is inflated with propellant gas by a gas generator for advancement into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, characterized in that the covering device ( 10 ) after a predeterminable time period and / or after a predeterminable filling state of the gas bag ( 8 ) are closed again. 19. A method of triggering an airbag device according to claim 18, characterized in that the device ( 10 ) for closing device is driven to close the component ( 5 ') set in motion after the sensor has been triggered to open the cover device ( 10 ). 20. A method for triggering an airbag device according to entitlement 18 or 19 in conjunction with one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the closing of the Ab covering device is coupled to the opening of the covering device (10) (10). 21. A method for triggering an airbag device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the closing of the cover device ( 10 ) in dependence on the position of the component ( 5 ') set in motion after the sensor has been triggered to open the cover device ( 10 ). and / or the period of time since which the component ( 5 ') has reached a predetermined position. 22. The method for triggering an airbag device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the component ( 5 ') set in motion after the sensor has been triggered to open the cover device ( 10 ) for closing the cover device ( 10 ) by means of an ignition device ( 84 ) acted upon. 23. The method for triggering an airbag device according to claim 22, characterized in that the Zündeinrich device ( 84 ) is triggered electrically or mechanically, and that the triggering of the ignition device ( 84 ) is electrically or mechanically or pyrotechnically delayed. 24. The method for triggering an airbag device according to one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the cover device ( 10 ) in its open position by biasing means ( 99 ) in the closing direction for overcoming a dead center position.