WO2025002558A1 - Module housing for an airbag module of a vehicle occupant safety system, airbag bag module, vehicle occupant safety system, and vehicle comprising such a module housing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a module housing (1) for an airbag module of a vehicle occupant safety system, said module housing comprising: - a housing body (10) which has a receiving opening (11) for a gas generator, and - a retaining part (20) for frictionally attaching an inflation channel (30) of an airbag to the housing body (10), the retaining part (20) being frictionally and/or interlockingly connectable to the housing body (10) such that the inflation channel (30) can be frictionally and/or interlockingly, in particular clampingly, fixed between the housing body (10) and the retaining part (20). The invention also relates to an airbag module, to a vehicle occupant safety system, and to a vehicle comprising such a module housing.

Description

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

The invention relates to a module housing for a gas bag module of a vehicle occupant safety system. The invention further relates to a gas bag module, a vehicle occupant safety system and a vehicle with such a module housing.

To protect vehicle occupants in the event of an impact, gas bags, known as airbags, are usually used. These are hidden in gas bag modules that are installed inside the vehicle. The gas bag modules usually include a module housing that houses a gas generator. The module housing is connected to a gas bag that is filled with gas after the gas generator is triggered. This usually takes place in a few milliseconds.

In previous module housings, the gas bag is usually connected using a corresponding screw connection and a connecting or holding plate provided for this purpose. This leads to a comparatively high level of effort when assembling a gas bag module. In addition, the gas tightness between the module housing and the gas bag module cannot be reliably guaranteed in such an assembly process.

Furthermore, it is necessary to adapt the geometry of the gas bag specifically to ensure a firm connection to the module housing, in particular to absorb the forces that occur when the gas bag is filled. The problem is gas leakage, which can lead to partial escape of the gas when filling the gas bag.

Against this background, the invention has set itself the task of specifying a module housing for a gas bag module of a vehicle occupant safety system, which enables an improved and more cost-effective assembly of a gas bag module and at the same time ensures a low gas leakage. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to specify a gas bag module, a vehicle occupant safety system and a vehicle with such a module housing.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the module housing by the subject matter of patent claim 1, with regard to the gas bag module by the subject matter of patent claim 13, with regard to the vehicle occupant safety system by the subject matter of patent claim 14 and with regard to the vehicle by the subject matter of patent claim 15.

Specifically, the invention is based on the idea of specifying a module housing for a gas bag module of a vehicle occupant safety system with a housing body that includes a receiving opening for a gas generator. The module housing also has a holding part for the force-fitting fastening of an inflation channel of a gas bag to the housing body. According to the invention, the holding part can be connected to the housing body in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner such that the inflation channel can be fixed between the housing body and the holding part in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, in particular by clamping.

In the invention, the connection between the gas bag and the module housing is achieved in particular by a holding part that connects the gas bag inflation channel to the housing body in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. In particular, the gas bag inflation channel can be clamped between the holding part and the housing body. Preferably, the attachment takes place via an end section of the inflation channel, with the end section being completely fixed between the holding part and the housing body in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

The holding part is preferably firmly connected to the housing body. By fixing the blowing channel between the holding part and the housing body, The connection between the holding part and the housing body simultaneously also connects the injection channel to the housing body or the module housing. In this way, a double function is achieved with a single connection step, namely on the one hand the connection of the holding part to the housing body and on the other hand the connection of the injection channel to the housing body. This simplifies the assembly process and ensures a high level of process reliability. In addition, gas leakage is reduced with such a force- and/or form-fitting connection. The module housing according to the invention is thus gas-tight and can be assembled inexpensively.

In a preferred embodiment of the module housing according to the invention, the housing body has a first, in particular circumferential, flange and the holding part has a second, in particular circumferential, flange. The first flange and the second flange can be arranged or arranged congruently with one another in such a way that the first flange and the second flange directly fix the injection channel in a force-fitting manner. When the first flange and the second flange are arranged congruently, on the one hand, an option is created to connect the holding part to the housing body via the first and second flanges. The first flange and the second flange provide a comparatively large contact surface so that a high connection force can be used, which also leads to an improved seal between the holding part and the housing body. The injection channel can be arranged, in particular with an end section, between the first flange and the second flange and can be clamped between the first flange and the second flange when the first flange is connected to the second flange. This enables particularly simple, process-reliable and sealing assembly of the module housing.

Furthermore, the housing body, in particular the first flange, and/or the holding part, in particular the second flange, can have openings for receiving connecting means, in particular screws or rivets, for the force-fitting connection of the holding part to the housing body and/or for the form-fitting fixation of the injection channel. By means of the openings that can receive connecting means, a good force-fitting and thus sealing connection between the housing body and the holding part can be created in a particularly efficient manner. At the same time, it can be provided that the injection channel, at least in one end section, has openings through which the connecting means reach. The can lead to a positive fixation of the injection channel between the first flange and the second flange. With this design, a good and firm connection between the gas bag and the module housing can be achieved.

It is particularly preferred if the connecting means, in particular rivets, are designed as pins that are monolithically molded onto the housing body and/or the holding part. With such pins already molded onto one of the components, a high level of positioning accuracy between the holding part and the housing body can be achieved. In addition, this reduces the number of components for assembling the module housing, which leads to a simplified assembly process and thus also to cost savings. The reduction in components is also advantageous in terms of sustainability aspects, as the recyclability of the module housing is increased.

The connecting means, in particular rivets, are preferably deformable or deformed by welding in order to form a captive connection between the holding part and the housing body. Specifically, it can be provided that the connecting means are designed as pins that can pass through openings in the respective counterpart. If pins are arranged on the housing body, the holding part preferably has corresponding openings through which the pins pass. Conversely, the pins can be formed on the holding part, with the housing body having corresponding openings through which the pins pass. As part of the assembly process, the holding part and the housing body are brought together in such a way that the pins pass through the openings and the holding part is thus positioned on the housing body. The pins, in particular the part that protrudes beyond the openings, can then be heated, for example by ultrasonic welding, in order to plastically deform the protruding part of the pins. This essentially forms rivet heads whose cross-sectional diameter is larger than the diameter of the corresponding openings. The holding part is thus positively fixed to the housing body.

The present invention also provides embodiments in which the holding part is coupled to the housing body by at least one locking connection. This locking connection can be made in addition to the previously described connection by means of the formed connecting means. It can also be made in addition to the formation of a first flange and a second flange. A From an assembly point of view, the snap-in connection is particularly easy and quick to produce, thus reducing manufacturing times and production costs.

Specifically, the holding part can have locking lugs that engage positively in locking receptacles in the housing body and/or engage behind the first flange of the housing body. The use of separate locking receptacles in the housing body has the advantage that the locking lugs do not protrude beyond the housing body and so the entire module housing has a compact design. If the locking lugs engage behind the first flange of the housing body, additional locking receptacles in the housing body are not absolutely necessary, which reduces the effort involved in manufacturing the housing body. However, since the locking lugs in this case usually engage around the first flange of the housing body, the installation space required for the module housing in a vehicle is increased.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the blow-in channel can have a folded-over portion at one end of the channel, in which holding openings are arranged for the locking lugs to pass through. The blow-in channel can thus be positively fixed between the holding part and the housing body. In particular, the channel end can be arranged between the housing body and the holding part, with the locking lugs of the holding part passing through the holding openings in the folded-over portion of the channel end and also engaging in locking receptacles in the housing body. In this way, the locking connection between the holding part and the housing body can be positively fixed to the module housing.

The blowing channel can also have a fastening frame at one end of the channel, which is firmly connected to the blowing channel, in particular sewn. The fastening frame can be fixed or secured directly to the housing body by means of locking elements formed on the fastening frame or indirectly by means of the holding element. In this variant, an additional fastening frame is arranged on the blowing channel. The blowing channel, which is preferably made of a flexible fabric, in particular comprises a fabric scarf, is thus stabilized by the comparatively rigid fastening frame. The connection between the rigid fastening frame and the flexible inlet channel can be made in particular by sewing. The rigid fastening frame can have corresponding locking elements that engage in the locking receptacles of the housing body and thus achieve a positive connection between the housing body and the fastening frame. However, it is also possible for the fastening frame to be indirectly fixed or secured to or in the module housing by means of the holding element. For example, the locking elements can be arranged on hold-downs that press the fastening frame against a housing base of the housing body, with the locking lugs on the hold-downs locking into locking openings in the housing body as soon as the hold-downs clamp the fastening frame against the housing base. Such a positive fixation of the fastening frame in the module housing is characterized by a high level of stability.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding part is formed by a clamping strap which surrounds a collar of the housing body in such a way that the blow-in channel can be fixed between the collar and the clamping strap at least in a force-fitting manner. When using a clamping strap, standard components can be used, which leads to a corresponding cost saving. Nevertheless, a good and gas-tight connection of a gas bag to the module housing can be achieved.

A particularly good fixation of the blow-in channel to the module housing is achieved if at least one engagement nose, particularly protruding outwards, is formed on the collar, particularly below the clamping strap, for positive engagement in a complementary engagement opening of the blow-in channel. This additional positive connection supplements the force-fitting connection between the clamping strap and the holding part, so that the risk of the gas bag's blow-in channel coming loose around the collar when the gas bag is being filled is reduced.

A further additional positive locking of the injection channel to the collar of the housing body can be achieved if the collar has a groove that is complementary to the clamping belt. The groove preferably has a groove depth that essentially corresponds to the thickness of the clamping ring plus the thickness or wall thickness of the injection channel. The injection channel, in particular an end section of the injection channel, can thus be clamped into the groove, which leads to an additional positive locking and at the same time ensures that the clamping ring forms a flush transition with an outer surface of the collar or injection channel. A secondary aspect of the invention relates to a gas bag module with a previously described module housing. In the gas bag module according to the invention, the blow-in channel can be designed as one piece with the gas bag or as a hose-like connecting channel that is connected to the gas bag, in particular sewn. An blow-in channel designed as one piece with the gas bag has the advantage that the gas-tightness of the gas bag including the inlet channel can be well guaranteed. However, greater geometric freedom in the design of gas bags is achieved if the blow-in channel is designed as a hose-like connecting channel that is firmly connected to the module housing and can be connected to a gas bag, in particular sewn. Different gas bags can thus be connected to the module housing, whereby the gas bags can have different geometries. In particular, the connection geometry between the gas bag and the module housing does not necessarily have to be coordinated with one another. Rather, the separate, flexible blow-in channel allows deviations, so that in particular different gas bags with different gas bag geometries can be connected to the module housing.

The invention further relates to a vehicle occupant safety system with a previously described gas bag module or a previously described module housing. In addition, within the scope of the present application, a vehicle is disclosed and claimed which comprises a previously described vehicle occupant safety system, a previously described gas bag module or a previously described module housing.

In general, all advantageous developments and advantages mentioned in connection with the module housing also apply analogously to the gas bag module, vehicle occupant safety system and vehicle claimed and disclosed here.

The invention is explained in more detail below using embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a module housing according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment, wherein a The gas bag-independent blowing channel can be fixed positively and force-fittingly between a holding part and a housing body,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the module housing according to Fig. 1 in the partially assembled state;

Fig. 3 a detailed view of the module housing according to Fig. 2 in the final assembled

Condition;

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a module housing according to the invention according to a further embodiment, wherein the injection channel has a fastening frame which can be clamped between the holding part and the housing body;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a module housing according to the invention according to a further preferred embodiment, in which the holding part is coupled to the housing body via a latching connection which engages behind a first flange of the housing body;

Fig. 6 is a perspective detailed view of the locking connection according to Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a module housing according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment, wherein the injection channel comprises a fastening frame which can be locked directly to the housing body via locking connection elements;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the module housing according to Fig. 7 in the assembled state;

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a module housing according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment, wherein the blowing channel has an inversion in which fastening openings are arranged for the passage of locking elements of the holding part;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the locking connection between the holding part and the housing body of the module housing according to Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an inventive

Module housing according to a preferred embodiment, wherein the injection channel is connected to a collar of the housing body by means of a clamping belt,

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the clamping belt according to Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a side view of the clamping belt according to Fig. 11.

A first embodiment of the module housing 1 according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1-3. The module housing 1 comprises a housing body 10, which essentially comprises a housing base 10a, a housing wall 10b and a first flange 12. The housing base 10a forms an essentially bowl-like or dish-like shape with the housing wall 10b. In a middle section of the housing base 10a, it is raised or has a protrusion that protrudes into the interior of the housing body 10. In this raised area, a receiving opening 11 for a gas generator is provided. The module housing 1 can preferably be connected to a round gas generator.

The remaining area within the housing body 10 forms a gas distribution space which distributes the gas flowing out of the gas generator and directs it in the direction of an injection channel 30 of a gas bag.

The housing wall 10b runs all the way around the housing base 10a and extends from there preferably almost vertically. The housing wall 10b is closed off by the first flange 12, which starts from an outer circumference of the housing wall 10b and extends essentially in a plane parallel to the housing base 10a. A plurality of openings 17 are arranged in the first flange 12. The openings are positioned distributed over the circumferential first flange 12.

Fig. 1 also shows an injection channel 30, which in the present case functions as a separate component or separate hose-like connecting channel 37 between the module housing 1 and a gas bag. Alternatively, it can be provided that the inlet channel 30 is formed in one piece with the gas bag. The injection channel 30 is preferably made of a textile material, in particular the textile material of the gas bag. The textile material is preferably gas-tight. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1-3, the injection channel 30 has a circumferential projection 38 at its channel end 31. The projection 38 preferably corresponds in shape approximately to the shape of the first flange 12. Furthermore, the projection 38 preferably has a plurality of holding openings 33 which are positioned or can be positioned congruently with the openings 17 of the first flange 12.

The module housing 1 also comprises the holding part 20, which essentially forms a second flange 22, which is designed to be complementary to the first flange 12. The second flange 22 comprises, on a side facing the housing body 10, pins 13 as connecting means, which can pass through the holding openings 33 of the injection channel 30 and the openings 17 of the first flange 12 on the housing body 10 (Fig. 2). The holding part 20 also comprises a holding frame 25, the contour of which essentially corresponds to the contour of the housing wall 10b of the housing body 10. The second flange 22 projects outwards from the holding frame 25. The holding frame 25 delimits a passage 26 through which the injection channel 30 extends. The holding frame 25 preferably lies flush against the inlet channel 30.

In order to form a gas-tight and firm connection between the holding part 20 and the housing body 10, the pins 13 are preferably provided on the holding part 20. The pins 13 extend through the openings 17 on the first flange 12 of the housing body 10. The projection 38 of the injection channel 30 is arranged between the first flange 12 and the second flange 22. The pins 13 pass through the holding openings 33 in the projection 38 and thus form a positive fixation of the injection channel 30 on the module housing 1.

Fig. 2 shows an intermediate state in the manufacturing process or assembly process of the module housing 1. The pins 13 serve as positioning for the arrangement of the inlet channel 30 and the holding part 20 to the housing body 10. A force-fitting and final form-fitting fixation is achieved by heating and melting the part of the pins 13 that protrudes beyond the first flange 12, so that rivet heads 18 are formed (Fig. 3). The pins formed monolithically on the housing body 10 thus form rivets that achieve a form-fitting and force-fitting connection between the housing base 10 and the holding part 20. At the same time, the projection arranged between the first flange 12 and the second flange 22 38 a force-fitting and form-fitting connection of the injection channel 30 with the module housing 1 is achieved.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the module housing 1. In it, the module housing 1 has a housing body 10 with a housing base 10a and a surrounding housing wall 10b. A first flange 12 is also formed, which is provided on the upper edge of the housing wall 10b. The housing body 10 can be designed essentially in the same way as the housing body 10 according to Fig. 1-3. In addition, however, the housing body 10 comprises several locking receptacles 14 which are formed in the housing wall 10b. The locking receptacles 14 can essentially be formed by rectangular openings.

The holding part 20 comprises a second flange 22 which extends outwards at one end of a holding frame 25. The contour of the second flange 22 essentially corresponds to the contour of the first flange 12. The second flange 22 and the first flange 12 can thus be arranged congruently with one another. Both the first flange 12 and the second flange 22 each have openings 17 for connecting means. The connecting means can be rivets and/or screws, for example. It is also possible, analogous to the embodiment according to Fig. 1-3, to preferably use pins 13 on the housing body 10 or on the holding part 20, which are used to connect the housing body 10 and the holding part 20.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 4, it is further provided that hold-down devices 27 are arranged or formed on the holding part 20. The hold-down devices extend essentially in extension of the holding frame 25 and protrude into the housing body 10 when the holding part 20 is mounted. A locking lug 23 is formed on each hold-down device 27, which interacts with a respective locking receptacle 14 of the housing body 10 in order to create a locking connection.

The hold-down devices 27 preferably have a length that is smaller than the height of the housing wall 10b of the housing body 10. The remaining distance between the respective hold-down device 27 and the housing base 10a of the housing body 10 is selected such that a fastening frame 34 can be fixed in a form-fitting manner between the hold-down devices 27 and the housing base 10a. The fixing is preferably carried out without play. The fastening frame 34 is shown in Fig. 4 and is preferably shaped such that it fits into the housing body 10. The fastening frame 34 can be firmly connected to an injection channel 30. For example, the injection channel 30 can be connected to the fastening frame 34 by a seam. It is also possible for the injection channel 30 to have an inverted portion 32 at its channel end 31, which surrounds the fastening frame 34. For example, the injection channel 30 can extend through the fastening frame 34, with one channel end 31 being inverted outwards in such a way that a circumferential groove is formed on the outside of the channel end 31, which is open in the direction of the holding part 20. The fastening frame 34 can be lowered into this groove and thus fix the inverted portion 32 between the housing base 10a of the housing body 10 and the fastening frame 34.

A similar embodiment is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In this embodiment, the housing body 10 is designed essentially identically to the housing body 10 according to Fig. 4, but the locking receptacles 14 are omitted. The housing body 10 can therefore be designed analogously to the housing body 10 according to Figs. 1-3.

Specifically, the housing body 10 according to Figs. 5 and 6 comprises a housing base 10a, from which a circumferential housing wall 10b extends to a first flange 12. The first flange 12 comprises openings 17 for connecting means.

The blow-in channel 30 is essentially designed in a similar way to the blow-in channel 30 according to Fig. 1-3, i.e. it has a projection 38 which is formed at the channel end 31. The projection 38 comprises holding openings 33 for the connecting means. In this embodiment too, the inlet channel 30 can be designed in one piece with a gas bag or can be provided as a hose-like connecting channel 37 for use on a gas bag.

The holding part 20 comprises a holding frame 25, from which the second flange 22 protrudes outwards. The second flange 22 has a shape that essentially corresponds to the shape of the first flange 12 and the projection 38. In contrast to the previous embodiments, the second flange 22 of the holding part 20 does not comprise any openings, although such openings can be provided. In any case, latching hooks 28 are arranged on the second flange 22. The latching hooks 28 are formed on an outer edge of the side flange 22 and extend from the second flange 22 in the direction of the housing body 10. The latching hooks 28 each end with locking lugs 23 which, when the module housing 1 is assembled, engage behind the first flange 12 and thus create a locking connection between the holding part 20 and the housing body 10 (Fig. 6). The projection 38 of the blow-in channel 30 is clamped between the second flange 22 of the holding part 20 and the first flange 12 of the housing body 10. In order to apply an additional clamping force, additional connecting means in the form of screws or rivets can also be provided. In this case, the second flange 25 then has corresponding openings which are aligned with the openings 17 of the housing body 10 and the holding openings 33 of the projection 38.

In the variant of the module housing 1 according to Fig. 7 and 8, the connection of the injection channel 30 to the housing body 10 is made by a fastening frame 34, which has locking elements 35, which can be locked directly with locking receptacles 14 in the housing body 10. In this variant, the fastening frame 34 simultaneously forms the holding part 20. The injection channel 30 can for this purpose comprise an inverted portion 32 at its channel end 31, which has corresponding recesses for the locking elements 35. The fastening frame 34 preferably engages in this inverted portion 32, so that the inverted portion 32 is clamped between the housing body 10 and the fastening frame 34, which forms the holding part 20. Alternatively, it can be provided that the inlet channel 30 is connected to the fastening frame 34 by a seam or by sewing.

The locking connection in the embodiment according to Fig. 7 and 8 is preferably made via locking receptacles 14, which are arranged in a front end of the housing wall 10b. In order to form a lateral, preferably positive-locking fixation, the housing base 10a also comprises a peripheral edge 10c, which is placed on the outside of the housing wall 10b and extends beyond the front surface with the locking receptacles 14. The peripheral edge 10c is preferably formed in one piece or monolithically with the housing body 10. The locking elements 35 of the fastening frame 34 are formed in a commercially available manner by spring-elastic elements, which comprise locking lugs 23 at their tips. When the locking lugs 23 engage in the locking receptacles 14, the locking elements 35 are elastically deformed so that they can be pushed completely into the locking receptacle 14. The locking receptacles 14 have an undercut at the rear, which the locking lugs 23 of the locking elements 35 engage behind and thus create a positive connection. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the fastening frame 34 has an inner contour that essentially corresponds to the inner contour of the housing body 10. This forms an essentially transition-free flow channel for the gas distributed in the housing body.

Figs. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the module housing 1. In this embodiment, the housing body 10 comprises a housing base 10a and a surrounding housing wall 10b. The surrounding housing wall 10b ends at the first flange 12, which comprises openings 17 for connecting means. A plurality of locking receptacles 14 are formed in the housing wall 10b.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 9 and 10, the holding part 20 is provided with a holding frame 25 on which a circumferential second flange 22 is formed. The second flange 22 corresponds with its contour to the first flange 12. In particular, the second flange 22 also has openings 17 for connecting means. The openings 17 of the first flange 12 and the openings 17 of the second flange 22 are preferably arranged congruently.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 9 and 10, the holding part 20 also comprises a single hold-down device 27, which essentially extends as an extension of the holding frame 25 from the second flange 22 in the direction of the housing base 10a of the housing body 10. The hold-down device 27 is thus designed to run all the way around the holding part 20. A number of locking lugs 23 are formed on the hold-down device 27, which protrude outwards and are positioned such that they can be snap-connected to the locking receptacles 14 in the housing body 10.

The inlet channel 30, which in the embodiment according to Figs. 9 and 10 can be designed as an integral component of a gas bag or as a hose-like connecting channel 37 to a gas bag, has an inversion 32 at its channel end 31. The inversion 32 preferably forms a U-shaped contour in cross section with a base 32a, a long leg 32b and a short leg 32c. The long leg 32b is essentially formed by the injection channel 30. The short leg 32c runs parallel to the long leg 32b. Both legs 32b, 32c are connected by the base 32a. In the short leg 32c, holding openings 33 are also formed, which are designed to correspond to the locking receptacles 14 in the housing wall 10b of the housing body 10. The position and size of the Holding openings 33 are coordinated such that the locking lugs 23 on the holding part 20 can reach through the holding openings 33.

As can be clearly seen in the cross-sectional view according to Fig. 10, the hold-down device 27 of the holding part 20 engages in the inversion 32 of the blow-in channel 30. The long leg 32b of the inversion comes to rest on an inner side of the hold-down device 27. The short leg 32c, on the other hand, comes to rest on an outer side of the hold-down device 27, with the locking lugs 23 on the hold-down device 27 reaching through the holding openings 33. The locking lugs 23 also engage in the locking receptacles

14 in a form-fitting manner, so that a locking connection exists between the holding part 20 and the housing body 10. At the same time, the locking connection fixes the inlet channel 30 to the module housing 1 by means of the inversion 32.

Figs. 11-13 show a further preferred variant for connecting a gas bag to a module housing 1. In the embodiment shown, the module housing 1 is essentially constructed in the manner of a trough and, as in the other embodiments, basically has a receiving opening 11 for a gas generator. The receiving opening 11 is preferably formed with a housing base 10a of the housing body 10.

Furthermore, in the embodiment according to Figs. 11-13, an injection channel 30 is provided, which can be designed as an inlet section of a gas bag or forms a hose-like connecting channel 37 for connection to a gas bag. The injection channel 30 preferably surrounds a collar 15, which essentially forms an extension of the housing wall 10b. The injection channel 30 is preferably shaped such that it can be pushed onto the collar 15 essentially without play.

In this embodiment, a clamping belt 24, which can preferably be designed as a metal band or steel band, serves as the holding part 20. The clamping belt 24 is pushed over the inlet channel 30 and applies a clamping force that fixes the channel end 31 of the inlet channel 30 against the collar 15 (Fig. 12). This creates a force-fit connection that is also gas-tight.

For improved sealing, it can also be provided that the collar

15 in the area in which the clamping belt 24 is arranged, a circumferential groove so that the channel end 31 of the inlet channel 30 is clamped into the groove by the clamping belt 24. This ensures an additional positive fixation.

Furthermore, as an additional form fit, several engagement lugs 16 can be provided on the collar, which engage in engagement openings of the injection channel 30. The engagement lugs 16 are preferably arranged in a region of the collar 15 that borders the upper edge of the housing wall 10b. The engagement lugs 16 preferably extend outwards away from the collar 15. The engagement lugs 16 are ideally formed in one piece on the collar 15.

In the illustration according to Fig. 12, the clamping belt 24 also has corresponding engagement openings for the engagement lugs 16. However, it is preferred if the clamping belt 24 is designed without openings and is stretched around the collar 15 above the engagement lugs 16. The engagement lugs 16 thus form a positive connection between the blow-in channel 30 and the housing body 10, whereby the clamping belt 24 on the one hand provides an additional non-positive connection and on the other hand fixes the positive connection with the engagement lugs 16.

An example of a possible clamping strap 24 is shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The clamping strap 24 is essentially shaped like a belt, but preferably has a metallic material, for example a steel band. Similar to a belt, a buckle 24a is also provided, which can fix the two ends of the clamping strap 24. To prevent the buckle 24a from slipping along the clamping strap 24, protuberances 24b are provided on both sides next to the buckle 24a on the clamping strap 24 (Fig. 14). To assemble the clamping strap 24, the free end of the clamping strap 24 is inserted into the buckle 24a so that the two ends of the clamping strap 24 lie on top of each other. These are then fixed in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner using a fixing element, for example a rivet 24c.

reference sign

I Module housing 33 Holding opening

34 mounting frames

10 Housing body 35 Locking element

10a Housing bottom 37 hose-like connecting channel

10b Housing wall 38 projection

10c surrounding edge

I I receiving opening

12 first flange

13 pens

14 locking mechanism

15 collars

16 intervention nose

17 opening

18 rivet heads

20 holding part

22 second flange

23 locking lug

24 clamping straps

24a buckle

24b protrusion

24c rivet

25 holding frames

26 passage

27 hold-down devices

28 locking hooks

30 injection channel

31 channel end

32 inversion

32a floor

32b long leg

32c short leg

Claims

patent claims 1. Module housing (1) for an airbag module of a vehicle occupant safety system with a housing body (10) which comprises a receiving opening (11) for a gas generator, and with a holding part (20) for the non-positive fastening of an inflation channel (30) of an airbag to the housing body (10), wherein the holding part (20) can be connected to the housing body (10) in a non-positive and/or positive manner such that the inflation channel (30) can be fixed between the housing body (10) and the holding part (20) in a non-positive and/or positive manner, in particular by clamping. 2. Module housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing body (10) has a first, in particular circumferential, flange (12) and the holding part (20) has a second, in particular circumferential, flange (22), wherein the first flange (12) and the second flange (22) can be arranged or are arranged congruently with one another such that the first flange (12) and the second flange (22) directly fix the injection channel (30) in a force-fitting manner. 3. Module housing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing body (10), in particular the first flange (12), and/or the holding part (20), in particular the second flange (22), has openings (17) for receiving connecting means, in particular screws or rivets, for the force-fitting connection of the holding part (20) to the housing body (10) and/or for the form-fitting fixation of the injection channel (30). 4. Module housing (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting means, in particular rivets, are designed as pins (13) monolithically formed on the housing body (10) and/or on the holding part (20). 5. Module housing (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the connecting means, in particular rivets, are deformable or deformed by welding in order to form a captive connection between the holding part (20) and the housing body (10). 6. Module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding part (20) is coupled to the housing body (10) by at least one latching connection. 7. Module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding part (20) has locking lugs (23) which engage in a form-fitting manner in locking receptacles (14) of the housing body (10) and/or engage behind the first flange (12) of the housing body (10). 8. Module housing (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the blow-in channel (30) has an inversion (32) at one channel end (31), in which holding openings (33) for the engagement of the locking lugs (23) are arranged. 9. Module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the injection channel (30) has a fastening frame (34) at one channel end (31), which is firmly connected to the injection channel (30), in particular sewn, wherein the fastening frame (34) can be or is fixed to the module housing (1) directly by means of locking elements (35) formed on the fastening frame (34) or indirectly by means of the holding element (20). 10. Module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding part (20) is formed by a clamping strap (24) which has a collar (15) of the housing body (10) in such a way that the injection channel (30) can be fixed at least force-fittingly between the collar (15) and the clamping belt (24). 11. Module housing (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one, in particular outwardly protruding, engagement nose (16) is formed on the collar (15), in particular below the clamping belt (24), for positive engagement in a complementary engagement opening (26) of the injection channel (30). 12. Module housing (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the collar (15) has a groove complementary to the clamping strap (24). 13. Gas bag module with a module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a gas bag, wherein the inflation channel (30) is formed integrally with the gas bag or as a hose-like connecting channel (37) which is connected, in particular sewn, to the gas bag. 14. Vehicle occupant safety system with a gas bag module or a module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims. 15. Vehicle with a vehicle occupant safety system, a gas bag module or a module housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims.