MXPA97003070A - Assembly for a bag module of a - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for manufacturing an air bag module for the seat of a passenger in a motor vehicle. It is characterized by a tubular element (1) which adapts to a cylindrical tank of compressed gas and by two identically shaped front components (2) in the form of segments of extruded section that can be forced as hose clamps against the tubular element, so that laterally delimit the space to adapt a bent air bag inside the tubular element (1). The upper area (4) of the frontal components (2) in one modality is an open work (5). The auxiliary tubes can be tensioned between the front components (2). A band (7) of material that surrounds the tubular element (1) can be secured to the auxiliary tubes, laterally delimiting the space to adapt the air bag parallel to the axis of the tubular element (

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR AN AIR BAG MODULE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sub-assembly for an airbag module for the seat of a passenger in a motor vehicle. The air bag modules for passenger seats in motor vehicles have been offered enormously for sale as options and even as original equipment by the automotive industry. On the other hand, considerable efforts have been made to rationalize the manufacture of automobiles in order to remain internationally competitive. This means that air bags for passenger seats, as accessories, should be provided as cheaply as possible. The result is that an assembly of the aforementioned genre should be designed as ideally as possible from the aspects of materials, manufacture, installation. This object is achieved according to the present invention in an assembly characterized by a tubular element adapted to a cylindrical tank of compressed gas and through two front components identically configured in the form of segments of extruded section or stamped sheet metal. which can be forced as hose holders against the tubular element so that they delimit the adaptation space of a folded air pocket inside the tubular element. The present invention is derived from the embodiment that the main assembly of an air bag module, specifically the air bag and the compressed gas reservoir, do not need to be absolutely adapted in the fully enclosed housing, but that it is sufficient to provide space for the bag folded above the tank that will not interfere with the function of the bag and that will be enclosed by a material as small as possible. When an airbag is inflated, it is advantageous for the gas, which must be released all at once, to flow towards the folded bag through an opening as large as possible. This purpose requires a gas advancement system that will distribute the gas, which exits through a narrow outlet outlet opening, over a wide channel cross section. In all conventional airbag reservoirs for a passenger seat, they therefore have characteristic components with many outlet openings between them and the gas consumption of the bag. These components are either part of the housing wall or separate inserts.

This aspect of the function of the air bag is realized in the present invention through the tubular element surrounding the reservoir, which includes the aforementioned outlet openings, and which, as a fundamental component of the assembly, provides stability for the shape and configuration of the total system. The front components are in the form of grooved segments of extruded section placed coaxially with the tubular element and can be forced against it like hose clamps. The same air bag can be attached to the tubular element. The front components also delimit the space laterally to adapt a bent air pocket above the tubular element. The most essential features of the assembly according to the present invention are thus defined. These features have an effective cost and ensure a very easy installation. The modifications, expansions and advanced versions of this * basic embodiment are addressed in claims 2 to 13. Now, the present invention will be specified with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tubular element , Figure 2 illustrates two front components accompanied by auxiliary tubular elements, Figure 3 illustrates an assembly with a tubular element, front components and auxiliary tubes, Figure 4 is a cross section through an assembly with a compressed gas reservoir, but with a lid, and Figure 5 is a longitudinal section through the same assembly with a compressed gas reservoir. The tubular element 1 illustrated in Figure 1 is sufficiently wide and long to receive a reservoir of compressed gas (19 in Figure 5). It has many outlet openings 11. The diameter and distribution of the outlet openings 11 depend on the particular application. Depending on how the deposit is secured within the tubular element 1, the tubular element may be in a part or in two halves with a seam parallel on its axis (see Figure 4). In the latter case, the two front components also hold the halves together in secured form. The front components 2 illustrated in perspective in Figure 2 are segments of extruded section, the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to that of the tubular element. Each front component 2 comprises an area 3 which secures an end of the tubular element 1 and an area 4 which extends radially outside thereof to such a degree that it at least coincides with the width of the space to adapt a bent air pocket against the projection surface of the tubular element. The space is therefore delimited longitudinally without the need for uninterrupted accommodation. A lot of material can be extended and the section will still be sticky enough to provide all the necessary strength at this point. The component can, for example, be worked openly. The design can represent several aspects of the energy conversion that occurs as a result of the deformation of the plastic in the case of sudden tension perpendicular to the axis of the tubular element. Another free parameter, finally, is available in the form of the width of the section segments. The front components therefore provide the design with a wide scale of shapes to adapt the assembly according to the present invention to various constraints. Figure 2 illustrates the two front components 2 held together by auxiliary tubes or solid bars 6. The areas that adapt to the airbag are provided with adaptations for the bars 6. The bars can be flexed towards the front components 2 or secured in them through appropriate means. The front components, each of which is adapted to a groove 8, are spaced apart from the ends of the particular tubular element. The auxiliary tubes or bars 6 can be secured in the front components 2 so that the distance between the front components can be varied either by itself or through the bars. The front components 2 are also provided with fasteners 15 for installing the airbag in a vehicle. The fasteners 15 can also be adapted to various needs to such degrees as adaptations that can be produced by extrusion. Figure 3 illustrates the components illustrated in assembled Figures 1 and 2. The illustration by itself is completely understandable and does not require discussion. Figure 4 is a cross section through a tubular element 1 comprising two halves 12 and 13 joined together in a seam 14. The areas 3 on the front components 2 are wrapped around the tubular element 1. The groove 8 can be narrowed by rotating a screw 9, forcing the halves 12 and 13 together in a single component and an air bag 10 against the tubular element 1. The half 12 is adapted to the outlet openings 11 which conventionally and slightly restrict the gas remaining in it. the tank and distribute the gas over the entire cross section of the bag's admission.

Adjacent to the area 3 which is the most superior in the figure, there is an open working area 5 that delimits the space for the air bag 10. The upper part of the area 4 is provided with adaptations for the auxiliary tube or bars 6 These adapt to the tension of a band 7 of material that surrounds the tubular element 1 and laterally delimit the space to adapt the air bag. The auxiliary tubes or rods 6 can also function as joints for a cover 17, the other side of which is snapped in an extruded fit on the front components 2. The front components 2 are provided on the bottom with fasteners 15 to secure the air bag module in the vehicle. A consequently thicker section of each fastener 15 is adapted to the holes 18 that allow, preferably to connect screws 20. The holes 18 are preferably located where they can be produced simultaneously with the holes 16 that accept the screws 9 applying force to the front components 2 and the tubular element 1. Figure 5 is a longitudinal section through the structures illustrated in Figure 4 adapting a compressed gas reservoir 19. The halves 12 and 13 are provided with elevations 23 and 24 of flange, between which the reservoir 19 can be stressed. The same reservoir 19 can help to stabilize the final assembly, saving even more material. The air bag 10 surrounds the tubular element 1 and is secured thereto through the areas 3 of the front components 2, which consequently act as hose clamps. The folded part of the air bag 10 is for simplicity security not illustrated in the upper part. Through two continuous rings 25 the air bag 10 is prevented from slipping from its adaptation. The upper half 12 is provided with outlet openings 11 for the gas. The upper areas 4 are open work 5 and are adapted to the ends of the auxiliary tubes or rods 6, through screws 26 in the illustrated embodiment. The band 7 of the material that surrounds the tubular element 1, is also a section fastened through the section to the auxiliary tubes or bars 6. The lid 17 is pivoted between the sections.

Claims (13)

1. An assembly for manufacturing an air bag module for the seat of a passenger in a motor vehicle, characterized by a tubular element that fits a cylindrical tank of compressed gas and through two front components identically configured in the form of segments of extruded section or foil metal stamping which can be forced as hose clamps against the tubular element in order to laterally delimit the space to adapt a folded air pocket inside the tubular element.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the front components are provided with an area enclosing the tubular element in an area extending radially out thereof to such an extent that it coincides less with the width of the space to adapt a bag of air bent against the projection surface of the tubular element.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the areas of the frontal components that extend radially out of the tubular element consist throughout its extension of an easily deforming open work.

4. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized by two auxiliary tubes that can be tensioned axially parallel and separated from the tubular element and between the front components and through a band of material surrounding the tubular element and secured to the auxiliary tubes, laterally delimits the space to adapt the airbag parallel to the axis of the tubular element.

5. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each front component has a groove and can be elastically forced against the tubular element through screws.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the air bag can be forced against the tubular element through the front components.

7. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tubular element has outlet openings for the compressed gas.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the tubular element comprises two halves joined in a seam that is parallel to the axis of the tube and that can be held together through the front components.

9. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the front components are provided with fasteners for securing the air bag module in the vehicle.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the fasteners are provided with holes that can be produced simultaneously with the holes securing the front components to the tubular element.

11. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that one of the auxiliary tubes constitutes a hinge for an air bag cover and the front components are designed so that the cover is tightly fixed near the other auxiliary tube.

12. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a protective cover can cover the outlet of the air bag between the auxiliary tubes and can be torn off.

13. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the front components are made of plastic or a lightweight metal alloy.