DE10111597A1 - Occupant protection system for motor vehicles comprises an airbag cover structure which is provided with hinge points and breakage lines, and is pulled in the direction away from the vehicle interior - Google Patents

Abstract

Protection system comprises an airbag cover structure (6, 7) which is provided with hinge points (22, 23, 26, 27) and breakage lines, and is pulled in the direction away from the vehicle interior to clear the entry opening (5) for an airbag (15).

Description

The invention relates to an occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle Motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

An occupant protection device for a motor vehicle known from EP 0 867 346 A1 has an interior trim part in which an airbag outlet opening is formed. This Airbag outlet opening is in the non-activated basic state of the occupant protection device closed by means of two cover flaps. Behind the cover is a Airbag module arranged from an airbag and a gas generator. The cover flaps adjoin each other with border areas in a border area. To the to the Edge areas adjacent to the opening areas of the cover flaps are pins provided that protrude on both sides of the cover flaps and in accordingly on Opening edge area of the airbag outlet opening are guided grooves. The The gas generator is connected to each cover flap via an articulated rod connection connected, each of the tie rods on the one hand on the housing of the gas generator and on the other hand, is articulated on the edge area of the cover flaps on the opening edge, so that an articulated lever connection between the gas generator and the cover flaps is trained. In the event of activation of the occupant protection device, the Gas generator gas is blown into the airbag, causing this against the still closed cover flaps. This causes a reaction force in opposite direction to the airbag exit direction on the gas generator. This will the gas generator is shifted backwards, i.e. away from the airbag outlet opening moved backwards so that the gas generator over the two tie rods the two Cover flaps starting from the edge of the airbag outlet opening inwards and inwards approximately vertically along the inside of one of the airbag outlet opening edge region rearward projecting housing wall of a housing of the occupant protection device draws. The two inner edge areas of the two cover flaps move adjoin each other in their closed position in the adjoining area by the pins guided on the curve profiles specified by the grooves. This will make the Airbag outlet opening released for the further exit of the airbag, so that this through the airbag outlet opening in front of the interior trim part in the passenger compartment can inflate.

In an alternative embodiment it is provided that the tensile force on the Drawbars is applied by means of rotary pistons, which are generated by the gas of the gas generator can be rotated through separate flow openings.

In a further alternative embodiment, the pull rods are displaced via Linear piston-cylinder arrangements with pistons that can be driven in opposite directions. Instead of Tie rods are used here. The compressed gas for the linear Piston cylinder arrangements can be generated from the filling gas of the gas generator.

Another alternative is that the gas generator is partly of a displaceable, trough-like Surround the component into which the stationary gas generator blows gas when activated and this thus shifted backwards from the airbag outlet opening, as a result of which traction means arranged on the trough-like component have a tensile force on the respective assigned cover flaps can be applied. The gas outlet openings on Gas generators are installed in such a way that at first only gas for the tub-like Component is blown out and only after a certain shift with the well-connected gas bag by releasing a corresponding one Gas channel is inflatable. This is to ensure that the cover flaps come first opened, and only then the airbag itself is filled with gas.

A disadvantage of all of these embodiments is that to release the airbag outlet opening through the airbag flaps an overall relatively complex mechanism in connection with Link guides and lever arrangements as well as articulated connections is required, so that such an occupant protection device overall is relatively complex and therefore expensive is in the making. Next is the pulling force to be applied to open the airbag flaps with such a structure overall relatively high, so that strong, large and / or high-performance components are required, which in turn is expensive and complex. Furthermore, such a use of elaborate backdrop guides and Lever or joint connections overall to a relatively large volume, so that such a structure is less suitable, particularly for cramped installation situations.

The airbag outlet opening is also in a carrier layer of the interior trim part formed, which together with the cover flaps towards the vehicle interior has a common surface layer as the outer skin. The backing layer is made from a relatively stable inner skin and a foam material. When activated the occupant protection device and a related withdrawal of the Cover flaps, however, there is a risk that the outer skin of the carrier layer, detaches in particular from the foam material, which can lead to the airbag its development, individual parts of this outer skin and / or possibly also of the foam material be taken out towards the vehicle occupant, so that the There is a risk of flying around of individual loose particles, which is a potential Can pose a hazard to vehicle occupants.

In order to avoid this, an occupant protection device for is already known from WO 99/61288 a motor vehicle is known in which the outer skin in the area of the covering device a fabric material is connected, which in a first embodiment during the Foaming between the outer skin and the inner skin at one of the inner skin in Catch hooks protruding towards the outer skin, so that a better There is a connection between the outer skin and the inner skin, which is to avoid that the outer skin comes off when the cover device is opened. Alternative to this relative elaborate and in particular by hanging when foaming with certain Determination of the fabric material involving one or more uncertainties Catch hook is the fixing of the free tissue end on the inner skin over conventional ones Fasteners such as B. gluing, riveting or screwing provided. While when gluing due to the lower compared to screwing or riveting Adhesion to the inner skin a certain risk of detachment at the high when activated occurring tensile forces, riveting or screwing on the inner skin cause a weakening of material, which may result in an undefined opening and Can lead to fracture behavior. This type of attachment to the inner skin is therefore possibly problematic. Otherwise, an identical structure, as already mentioned in connection with EP 0 867 346 A1 has been proposed. This also results here the disadvantages already described above in connection with EP 0 867 346 A1 regarding the complex mechanics.

A structure with a less complex mechanism is already of the generic type DE 299 12 825 U1 known, the an occupant protection device for a vehicle with a Interior trim part shows in which an airbag outlet opening is formed, wherein this Airbag outlet opening in the non-activated basic state of the occupant protection device by means of a covering device is closed. There is an airbag module behind the cover device arranged, the at least one airbag and at least one correspondingly assigned Has gas generator. The covering device is by at least one covering flap formed, which is connected to a rearward displaceable component via traction means when the occupant protection device is activated from the airbag outlet opening directed backward displacement of this component via the traction means a tensile force the at least one cover flap can be applied, thereby releasing it Airbag outlet opening in the direction away from the vehicle interior around an edge Hinge area as well as tearing along an adjacent to the hinge area adjoining cover flap edge area designed as a predetermined breaking point to the inside can be pulled behind the interior trim part and the at least one airbag through the Airbag outlet opening in the vehicle interior in front of the interior trim part is inflatable.

Specifically, the gas generator and the airbag are housed in one housing, whereby this housing is attached so that it is opposite to the direction of ejection of the airbag can move backwards. Traction means designed as sheets are on the housing intended. The cover device is formed here by two cover flaps, which are in one adjoin the middle border area. Each of these cover flaps is a Assigned sheet, the two sheets each having a first section with which they are attached to the housing side wall. A subsequent middle one Section of the sheets is at such an angle to the first sheet section that the to run towards the adjacent area towards each other and are connected to them in the adjoining area of the two cover flaps. from Starting area in which the two cover flaps under one Material weakening are interconnected, then end portions of the Sheets embedded in the respective cover flap in the direction of the hinge area flat across the entire cover flap area.

When the gas generator is activated, the housing is moved backwards, whereby in As a result of the tensile force exerted on the cover flaps by the metal sheets Cover device in the adjoining area of the two cover flaps and further edge area of the cover flaps adjoining the hinge area to the side tears open, whereby the two cover flaps are pivoted inwards. As soon as the The sheets are stretched together with the cover flaps Ejection chute for the airbag. As an alternative to the sheets, other traction means, For example, tapes made of textile or other materials can be used.

A disadvantage of such a construction is that it is directed inwards Swiveling the cover flaps can disadvantageously hinder the airbag deployment, so that it must be ensured in any case that the airbag outlet opening in front of the Unfolding process is fully released. This can lead to an overall relatively high Lead time delay when inflating the airbag. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous here that such a structure until the airbag outlet opening is completely released a large displacement path for the housing is required before the airbag outlet opening is released for inflating the airbag. Such a long relocation route is in place regularly in vehicles such as B. in the instrument panel area or in the steering wheel area due to the limited installation space available there, so the the structure just described may not be accommodated there.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an alternative occupant protection device for a vehicle To provide vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, with the release the airbag outlet opening in a quick and easy manner and without large Relocation paths of individual components can take place.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

According to claim 1, the airbag outlet opening is in a carrier layer of the Interior trim part formed, which together with the cover for Vehicle interior has a common surface layer as the outer skin. in the The area of the at least one cover flap is at least one outer skin Connecting means connected to the outer skin, the at least one traction means the at least one skin connection means is formed by the at least one a cover flap led out to the rearward displaceable component and there is definable. The at least one cover flap points in between the Hinge area and a section of the cover flap opposite this Inner cover flap area lying as a predetermined breaking area trained attack area in which the outer skin connecting means attacks in such a way that when the component is moved backwards via the at least one Outer skin connection means a tensile force on the at least one cover flap in the Attack area can be applied. This ensures that the at least one Cover flaps at the beginning of the rearward shift in the attack area and the at least one cover flap in a first cover flap part close to the hinge area and divided into a second cover flap part remote from the hinge area, so that the second cover flap part remote from the hinge area in the further course of the pivoting of the at least one cover flap articulated on inward around the hinge area the inner trim part is held pivotable first cover flap part.

With such a construction, a faster opening and release of the Exit opening achieved, since here the first cover flap part near the hinge area is relative quickly pulled out of the deployment area of the inflating airbag can. The first cover flap part hinged to this hinge area Second cover flap part remote from the hinge area, on the other hand, hinders the unfolding process of the inflating airbag not or only imperceptibly, since this is from the inflating Airbag easily folded out of the deployment area of the airbag can be. The outer skin connection means ensures that this Front second cover flap part at the rear, near the hinge area first cover part is held and does not tear off.

Another particular advantage of this construction according to the invention is that this the displacement path of the component that can be moved back is also considerably reduced can, because for a release of the airbag outlet opening in contrast to the generic State of the art a smaller displacement path of the component that can be moved backwards is required. Such an occupant protection device is therefore also particularly suitable for suitable for a variety of installation situations with limited installation space.

A particularly advantageous opening kinematics results when the area of attack According to a preferred embodiment, runs approximately parallel to the hinge area. The attack area as a linear attack area can also be advantageous overall run continuously across the entire width of the cover flap. This will make the Functional safety of the occupant protection device according to the invention, in particular in the Considering the quick release of the airbag outlet opening, it has been significantly increased since allows a defined and controlled buckling of the cover flap in the attack area becomes. As an alternative, depending on the installation situation, there may be more or less Attack area running obliquely over the respective cover flap is conceivable or can this area of attack may also be formed by spaced-apart openings his.

Basically, there are various options in the area of attack in the area between the hinge area and the partial area of the Arrange the cover flap edge area. It applies that the Lanyard force to be applied is all the less as the area of attack is closer to a section of the cover flap opposite the hinge area Edge area is offset. However, it should be noted that the further this Attack area just to this opposite section of the cover flap The first cover flap part near the hinge area is offset from the edge area quick release of the airbag outlet opening delaying larger pivoting radius having. A good compromise with a sufficiently quick release of the Airbag outlet opening from the first swivel area near the cover flap part and with relative Low force application is then according to a particularly preferred embodiment given when the area of attack is roughly in the middle between the Hinge area and the section of the cover flap opposite this Edge area runs. Basically, it is also possible, especially if a high tensile force due to the dimensioning of the component that can be moved back and the Traction-transmitting outer skin connecting means can be provided Moving the attack area closer to the hinge area, as a result of this a special rapid release of the airbag outlet opening in the invention described above Way is possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the attack area is as Predetermined breaking area by a made from the back of the cover flap Material weakening trained. This weakening of the material can be caused, for example, by make a precise incision in a conventional manner.

Basically, there are various options for the cover device and thus the to form at least one cover flap. According to a preferred embodiment with A particularly good cover flap opening kinematics is provided that the at least one cover flap is approximately rectangular.

In principle, it is possible that only one cover flap is provided. A Particularly quick and easy opening of the airbag outlet opening is then given, if the cover device comprises two cover flaps, which are preferably in one middle border area with the respective hinge areas opposite Adjacent edge areas, with the outer contour of the cover flaps through Material weakening is defined. The two cover flaps are preferably in the Adjacent area is connected to one another and is one in this adjoining area Material weakening provided. With such a structure, the cover device and in particular the cover flap geometry with regard to a functionally reliable Opening behavior can be designed advantageously.

The backward displaceable component can, for. B. by the airbag module itself or be formed by a component of this airbag module. For example, the Gas generator for this in a backward shiftable, for. B. trough-shaped component of the Blow in the airbag module, which is moved back until the airbag outlet opening provided that the airbag can be deployed freely. Then you can a flow connection from the gas generator into the airbag in a manner known per se be provided.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the outer skin is a slush skin educated. In such a slush skin, a fabric layer can be used as the outer skin. Lanyards are pressed in while the slush skin is still gelled, so that this layer of fabric when cooling the slush skin with this for a very good hold verbäckt.

The outer skin connection means is preferred by a one-piece fabric layer formed, which extends over the entire surface of the respective cover flap and is led from the area of attack to the rearward displaceable component.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the area of attack is at one Cover flap as seen from the associated hinge area to one of the Hinge area opposite edge area of the cover flap offset as one Fastening point of one end of the outer skin assigned to this cover flap Lanyard on the rear-shiftable component, so that the outer skin Connection means with the component completely shifted backwards, preferably approximately runs straight between the attachment point and the attack area and tensioned is. With a construction of this type, pivoting in of the cover flaps is particularly important advantageous opening kinematics, which also ensures that the respective cover flap is pivoted inwards around the hinge area and not if necessary downwards or possibly even into the deployment area of the inflating airbag is pulled.

For a particularly advantageous linear force application of the outer skin connection means as a traction device in the area of attack of the respective cover flap it is provided that the Outer skin connection means with the free end at least during the Backward shift of the backward shiftable component is fixed to this inseparably is, while an adjoining it towards the cover flap correspondingly releasably fixed with sloping outer surfaces designed component that this releasable determination in sections in the course of the backward shift can be released according to the relocation route covered. By such A particularly advantageous opening kinematics is provided with a force attack that is as straight as possible targeted and controlled pivoting of the respective cover flap achieved.

In the case of two flaps and the design of the outer skin connection means as Fabric layer can basically be made in one piece so that the fabric layer around the backward displaceable component in an at least partial system connection is led around and with a first free end to the attack area of the first Cover flap and with a second free end to the area of attack of the second Cover flap is guided. Alternatively, however, is according to a particularly preferred one Embodiment or the outer skin connecting means with the backward displaceable component releasably connectable. This gives you a simplification and increased flexibility in the assembly and disassembly of the body, which also with a low partial effort can be realized.

Such a connection by means of a snap connection is particularly quick and simple realizable. Alternatively there are other suitable fasteners, such as for example a clip, snap or screw connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the covering device and / or the Backing layer consisting of a relatively stable inner skin and a foam layer, preferably an energy absorption foam layer. As an energy absorption foam material a polyurethane foam is preferably used. With such a structure an additional energy absorption effect through the interior trim part in one Given impact on it. The layer thickness of the foam layer is one advantageous embodiment in about 10 mm, while the relatively stable inner skin in has a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The outer skin, however, regularly shows one Material thickness of approx. 3 mm. The material thickness of the outer skin is approximately 1 mm or less.

Furthermore, several, preferably in., Can be attached to the stable inner skin of the covering device about the same height and spaced apart approximately vertically projecting ribs be arranged during the manufacturing process as a spacer for the Outer skin lanyards are used, so that the every outer skin area assigned outer skin connection means, preferably fabric layers, can be placed. With such ribs, the manufacturing process is simplified as a whole Assembling the forms in which on the one hand the outer skin and on the other hand the stable Inner skin are arranged, for. B. the fabric layers are automatically positioned correctly, d. H. in a system on the outer skin. The outer skin can then after Joining the molds are heated or else still heated, d. H. yourself are still in the gelled state so that the outer skin connection means, preferably a fabric layer, baked with the outer skin. Then the Space between the outer skin and the inner skin with foaming of the ribs be foamed.

The hinge area of the at least one cover flap is preferably one Material weakening or a linkage in the manner of film hinges and / or Kinks formed. Such articulation points are particularly simple and inexpensive Can be manufactured with a high level of functional reliability.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hinge areas are Cover flaps can be designed or activated during the activation of the occupant protection device already trained from the outset so that it cannot be moved backwards Component connected traction means by the inflating airbag in a conventional manner can be pressed outwards into the passenger area to release the airbag outlet opening. Such a security aspect is particularly effective when e.g. B. due to a Assembly error, the connection of the traction device to the rear-shiftable component in the Frame assembly was not done. Those from the above prior art known solutions keep the cover flaps closed in such a case, so that after the triggering of the occupant protection device there may be an explosion of the Fairing part could come, which in turn leads to an uncontrolled flying around of sharp-edged parts.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the articulation points are in the Opening edge area of the airbag outlet opening in the area of the carrier layer of the Interior trim part formed. Such a production is simple and inexpensive perform.

Basically, there are various options, the component that can be moved backwards train so. B. with separate cylinder-piston arrangements or Rotary piston assemblies into which gas from the gas generator can be blown. According to one However, a particularly preferred embodiment provides that the gas generator of the Airbag module is arranged stationary and at the start of the activation gas only in the backward displaceable component, preferably in a trough-shaped cylinder element, the Airbag module blows in such a way that by moving it backwards over it connected traction means the tractive force can be applied to the covering device. After a Backward displacement of the component in its end position and thus reached at the same time complete release of the airbag outlet opening is then only gas in the at least one Airbag blown in. This can be done in a well known manner e.g. B. via one in the End position of the component released channel. With such a structure is one high functional reliability of the occupant protection device ensured overall, because of Airbag is not inflated until the airbag outlet opening is fully released is, d. H. the cover flaps are in their open position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the occupant protection device comprises a coupled to the airbag module sensor device with the z. B. in the case of a If the vehicle collides with another vehicle, the airbag module can be activated in good time is.

There are basically various other options, the outer skin lanyard train. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer skin Connection means, as has already been explained in detail above, as Fabric material formed, which is preferably a soaked with polyvinyl chloride Is fabric material. With such a fabric material is in particular one Polyvinyl chloride manufactured outer skin ensures that a good connection of the Fabric material can be achieved with the outer skin designed as a slush skin.

There are basically various other options for attaching the interior trim part to the Arrange motor vehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is Interior trim part of an instrument panel, the airbag module then preferably a Passenger airbag module can be. Basically, such a structure is also in Connection with other interior trim parts possible, e.g. B. in connection with a Hub cover of a steering wheel, which requires an overall relatively compact structure.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an interior trim component having an inventive occupant protection device in the non-activated state,

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative to the Fig. 1 embodiment,

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an interior trim part with an inventive occupant protection device in the activated state at the beginning of inflation,

Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of an interior trim part with an inventive occupant protection device in the activated state in the fully inflated airbag,

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of an instrument panel in the passenger room with an inventive occupant protection device, and

Fig. 6 is a very schematic representation of a fabric layer acting as a traction means.

In the FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view through an interior trim part 1, shown with an inventive occupant protection device 2, wherein the interior trim part 1 is for example an instrument panel of a motor vehicle.

The occupant protection device 2 is shown in FIG. 1 in the non-activated basic state 3 .

The interior trim part 1 has a carrier layer 4 , shown here only in an extremely schematic manner, in which an airbag outlet opening 5 is formed, which, in the inactive basic state 3 of the occupant protection device 2 shown in FIG. 1, is formed by two which are adjacent to one another in a central opening region or are formed there a tear line interconnected cover flaps 6 , 7 is closed.

The cover flaps 6 , 7 and the carrier layer 4 are each made up of a relatively stable inner skin 8 and a foam layer 9 , preferably an energy absorption foam layer made of polyurethane foam, which is, however, only shown extremely schematically and by way of example.

The carrier layer 4 and the cover flaps 6 , 7 have a common surface layer as the outer skin 11 towards the vehicle interior 10 , which is preferably designed as a slush skin. In the area of the cover flaps 6 , 7 , a fabric layer 12 , 13 is also connected or pressed into the outer skin 11 as the outer skin connecting means.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, an airbag module 14 is arranged behind the cover flaps 6 , 7 and has an airbag 15 folded in the basic state 3 and a stationary gas generator 16 assigned to it. This airbag module 14 further comprises a trough-shaped component 17 , which is assigned to the gas generator 16 and on which the free ends of the fabric layers 12 , 13 are preferably fixed by means of a snap connection 18 , as is only shown extremely schematically and by way of example in FIG. 1 ,

The cover flaps 6 , 7 have, in an inner cover flap area lying between a hinge area 22 , 23 and a partial area 20 , 21 of the cover flap edge area opposite this, an attack area 26 , 27 designed as a predetermined breaking area, in which the respectively assigned fabric layer 12 , 13 acts as a traction means attacks, the fabric layers 12 , 13 starting from the connection area with the outer skin 11 in the attack area 26 , 27 to the rearward displaceable component 17 , where the free ends, as has already been described above, z. B. can be fixed by means of the snap connection 18 .

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, which shows a plan view of a passenger area of an instrument panel shown here only by way of example, the attack area 26 , 27 , which is shown in broken lines in the illustration in FIG. 5, runs approximately parallel to the hinge areas 22 , 23 and extends over the entire width of the cover flaps 6 , 7 , which are approximately rectangular. The cover flap edge areas 28 , 29 which adjoin the hinge area 22 , 23 and define the outer contour of the cover flaps 6 , 7 , as well as the material weakening in the adjoining area 19 of the two cover flaps 6 , 7 are shown with solid lines. In the area of the cover flap edge areas 28 , 29 and in the adjoining area 19 , material weakening can be provided in a manner known per se for a defined opening behavior of the cover flaps 6 , 7 , but this is not shown here for reasons of clarity.

As can be seen again from FIG. 1, the attack areas 26 , 27 , which are designed as predetermined breaking areas, are formed on the cover flaps 6 , 7 by a material weakening carried out from the rear of the cover flaps 6 , 7 , which are formed here, for example, by an incision.

In the illustration in FIG. 1, the two attack areas 26 , 27 , viewed from the hinge areas 22 , 23 , are closer to the adjoining area 19 of the two cover flaps 6 , 7 than is the case in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, in which the attack areas 26 , 27 run approximately in a central area between the respective hinge area 22 , 23 and the adjoining area 19 .

The fabric layers 12 , 13 forming the traction means can be guided in different ways from the engagement area 26 , 27 of the cover flaps 6 , 7 to the component 17 which can be moved backwards, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, where alternative fabric layer guides are shown in each case. Thus, both in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2, the fabric layer 12 lying above the center line is led directly from the attack area 26 to the assigned fastening point 30 on the component 17 .

In contrast, in the alternative fabric layer guide shown below the center line in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fabric layer 13 with an end region 33 adjoining a free fabric layer end 32 in the direction of the cover flap 7 is correspondingly provided with inclined and / or angled outer surfaces 34 , 35 permitted backward displaceable component 17 releasably set.

In the event of activation of the airbag module 14 and thus of the occupant protection device 2 via a sensor device (not shown here), the component 17 which can be moved backwards is displaced in the direction away from the airbag outlet opening 5 , as is shown by way of example and schematically in FIG. 3, as a result of which the traction means are used acting fabric layers 12 , 13, a tensile force is applied to the cover flaps 6 , 7 in the engagement area 26 , 27 . As a result of this tensile force, the cover flaps 6 , 7 buckle at the beginning of the rearward displacement in the engagement area 26 , 27 of the cover flaps 6 , 7 , the cover flaps 6 , 7 in a first cover flap part 36 , 38 near the hinge area and in a second cover flap part 37 , 39 remote from the hinge area are subdivided in such a way that the second cover flap part 37 , 39 remote from the hinge region is articulated on the respective first cover flap part 36 , 38 which can be pivoted inward behind the interior trim part 1 about the hinge region 22 , 23 in the further course of the pivoting in of the cover flaps 6 , 7 .

As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the arrangement of the fastening points 30 , 31 which is offset relative to the attack region 26 , 27 means that the fabric layers 12 , 13 are preferably approximately rectilinear between the fastening point 30 when the component is almost or completely shifted backwards , 31 and the attack area 26 , 27 and are excited. This results in advantageous opening kinematics with a targeted and controlled pivoting in of the first cover flap parts 36 , 38 near the hinge area. In particular in the case of the fabric layer guide shown in the illustrations in FIGS. 1 and 2 below the center line with releasable fixing of the end region 33 on the outer surfaces 34 , 35 , the fabric layer 13 is in sections corresponding to the distance covered for an approximately rectilinear force attack in the course of the rearward displacement Relocation path released from their releasable definition, which is not shown here for the individual intermediate sections here.

Of FIG. 3 can also be seen that 2 the airbag outlet opening 5 very quickly from the unimpeded air bag deployment disabling hinge region close, first Abdeckklappenteilen 36, 38 can be released, and indeed after a relatively small displacement path of the zurückverlagerbaren with this inventive structure of the occupant protection device Component 17 . The second cover flap parts 37 , 39 , which are loosely hinged to the first cover flap parts 36 , 38 near the hinge region, do not hinder the deployment process of the airbag 15 , since, as can be seen from FIG. 3, they effortlessly move from the deploying airbag 15 in the direction of Arrows 40 can be folded away because, due to their articulation on the cover flap parts 36 , 38, they oppose almost no resistance to the deployment process of the inflating airbag 15 . In the further course of the inflation process, these second cover flap parts 37 , 39 , as can be seen from FIG. 4, can be pressed by the inflated airbag 15 essentially against the pivoted-in first cover flap parts 36 , 38 , which expose the airbag outlet opening 5 .

The fabric layers 12 , 13 in the area of the outer skin 11 of the second cover flap parts 37 , 39 ensure that these second cover flap parts 37 , 39 are held on the first cover flap part 36 , 38 close to the respective hinge area, so that they do not move in the direction of the inflating airbag be taken to the vehicle occupant.

These fabric layers extend over the entire cover flap area, as can be seen from FIG. 5. The fabric layers 12 , 13 can each be formed in one piece, ie according to the illustration z. Extend example of FIG. 1 in an approximately T-shaped, that is, area between the outer skin 11 and the foam layer 9 extend, whereas the by the engagement portion 26, 27 guided portion 24 of the fabric layer 12, 13 there over substantially the entire attack area length extends, as is shown schematically and by way of example for the fabric layer 12 in FIG. 6. In the further course, the partial area leading to the component 17 which can be displaced backwards can then also be made narrower via a thinning area 25 .

The gas generator 16 of the airbag module 14 is arranged here in a stationary manner, with gas preferably only being blown into the component 17 which can be moved backwards at the beginning of the activation. It can further be provided that the gas generator 16 only blows gas into the airbag 15 after the component 17 has been moved backward into its end position and the airbag outlet opening 5 has been sufficiently released. REFERENCE SIGN LIST 1 interior trim part
2 occupant protection device
3 basic state
4 carrier layer
5 airbag outlet opening
6 cover flap
7 cover flap
8 inner skin
9 foam layer
10 vehicle interior
11 outer skin
12 fabric layers
13 fabric layer
14 airbag module
15 airbag
16 gas generator
17 component
18 snap connection
19 Adjacent area
20 section
21 section
22 hinge area
23 hinge area
26 area of attack
27 area of attack
28 Cover flap edge area
29 Cover flap edge area
30 attachment point
31 attachment point
32 free end
33 end area
34 exterior surfaces
35 outer surface
36 first cover flap part close to the hinge area
37 Second cover flap part remote from the hinge area
38 first cover flap part close to the hinge area
39 Second cover flap part remote from the hinge area
40 arrows

Claims (23)

1. occupant protection device for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle,
with an interior trim part in which an airbag outlet opening is formed, which is closed by means of a covering device in the non-activated basic state of the occupant protection device,
with an airbag module arranged behind the cover device, which has at least one airbag and at least one correspondingly assigned gas generator, the cover device being formed by at least one cover flap which is connected via at least one traction means to a component which can be moved backwards in such a way that in the activated state the Occupant protection device is directed backward displacement of this component away from the airbag outlet opening by means of the at least one traction means, a tensile force can be applied to the at least one cover flap in such a way that it releases the airbag outlet opening in the direction away from the vehicle interior around an edge-side hinge area and tears open along an area adjoining the hinge area , designed as a predetermined breaking point cover flap edge area inward behind the interior trim part and the at least one airbag through the airbag outlet opening h by being inflatable in the vehicle interior in front of the interior trim part,
characterized by
that the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) is formed in a carrier layer ( 4 ) of the interior trim part ( 1 ), which together with the at least one cover plate ( 6 , 7 ) has a common surface layer as the outer skin ( 11 ) towards the vehicle interior ( 10 ),
that in the area of the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) at least one outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) is connected to the outer skin ( 11 ),
that the at least one traction means is formed by the at least one outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) which, starting from the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ), leads to the component ( 17 ) which can be moved backwards and can be fixed there,
that the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) in an inner cover flap area lying between the hinge area ( 22 , 23 ) and a partial area ( 20 , 21 ) of the cover flap edge area opposite this has an engagement area ( 26 , 27 ) designed as a predetermined breaking area, in which is attacked by the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ),
that when the component ( 17 ) is moved backwards via the at least one outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ), a tensile force can be applied to the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) in the area of engagement ( 26 , 27 ),
that the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) bends at the beginning of the rearward displacement in the area of attack ( 26 , 27 ) and thereby the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) into a first cover flap part ( 36 , 38 ) close to the hinge area and into a second cover flap part remote from the hinge area ( 37 , 39 ), so that the second cover flap part ( 37 , 39 ) remote from the hinge region is articulated in the further course of the pivoting in of the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) on the hinge region ( 22 , 23 ) inwards behind the inner trim part ( 1 ) first cover flap part ( 36 , 38 ) is held. 2. Occupant protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement area ( 26 , 27 ) extends approximately parallel to the hinge area ( 22 , 23 ). 3. Occupant protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the area of attack ( 26 , 27 ) as a linear area of attack extends continuously over the entire width of the cover flap ( 6 , 7 ). 4. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the engagement region ( 26 , 27 ) extends in an approximately central region between the hinge region ( 22 , 23 ) and the partial region of the cover flap edge region opposite this. 5. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the attack area ( 26 , 27 ) is designed as a predetermined breaking area by a material weakening, preferably an incision, made from the rear of the cover flap ( 6 , 7 ). 6. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) is approximately rectangular. 7. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the covering device comprises two cover flaps ( 6 , 7 ) which adjoin one another in a preferably central border area ( 19 ) with the respective hinge areas ( 22 , 23 ) opposite edge areas, the The outer contour of the cover flaps ( 6 , 7 ) is defined by material weakening. 8. The occupant protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that the two cover flaps ( 6 , 7 ) are connected to one another in the adjoining area ( 19 ) and there is material weakening there. 9. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rear-shiftable component ( 17 ) is formed by the airbag module ( 14 ) or a component thereof. 10. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the outer skin ( 11 ) is a slush skin. 11. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means is formed by a one-piece fabric layer ( 12 , 13 ) which extends over the entire surface of the respective cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) and from the area of attack ( 26 , 27 ) is guided to the rearward displaceable component ( 17 ). 12. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in
that the engagement area ( 26 , 27 ) on a cover flap ( 6 , 7 ), viewed from the associated hinge area ( 22 , 23 ), is further offset to a partial area ( 20 , 21 ) of the cover flap edge area opposite the hinge area ( 22 , 23 ) as a fastening point ( 30 , 31 ) of an end ( 32 ) of the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) associated with this cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) on the component ( 17 ) which can be moved backwards,
that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) preferably runs approximately rectilinearly between the fastening point ( 30 , 31 ) and the engagement area ( 26 , 27 ) and is tensioned when the component ( 17 ) is completely shifted backwards. 13. The occupant protection device according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) with the free end ( 32 ) at least during the rearward displacement of the rearward displaceable component ( 17 ) is permanently attached to the latter and a cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) towards the end region ( 33 ) is releasably fixed to the rearward-displaceable component ( 17 ), which is designed accordingly with inclined and / or angled outer surfaces ( 34 , 35 ), that this releasable fixing in the course of the rearward displacement for an approximately straight-line attack of the Outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) on the cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) can be released in sections in accordance with the displacement path of the component ( 17 ). 14. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) can be releasably connected to the component ( 17 ) which can be moved backwards, preferably by means of a snap connection ( 18 ). 15. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) can be connected to the outer skin ( 11 ) during the manufacturing process thereof, preferably in the case of an outer skin ( 11 ) designed as a slush skin still gelled state can be pressed in, the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) is preferably a fabric material impregnated with polyvinyl chloride and the outer skin ( 11 ) is made of polyvinyl chloride. 16. Occupant protection device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the cover device ( 6 , 7 ) and / or the carrier layer ( 4 ) from a relatively stable inner skin ( 8 ) and a foam layer ( 9 ), preferably an energy absorption foam layer, preferably a layer of polyurethane foam. 17. The occupant protection device according to claim 16, characterized in that on the relatively stable inner skin ( 8 ) of the covering device ( 6 , 7 ) several, preferably approximately the same height and approximately vertically projecting ribs are arranged at a distance from one another, which are used during the manufacturing process as spacers serve for the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) in such a way that the outer skin connecting means ( 12 , 13 ) to be assigned to each outer skin area can be placed thereon. 18. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge region ( 22 , 23 ) of the at least one cover flap ( 6 , 7 ) is formed by a material weakening or a linkage in the manner of a film hinge and / or an articulated joint. 19. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge regions ( 22 , 23 ) of the cover flaps ( 6 , 7 ) can be designed or designed such that they are connected to traction means ( 12 , 12 ) which are not connected to the component ( 17 ) which can be moved backwards. 13 ) can be pressed in a conventional manner outward into the passenger area ( 10 ) by the inflating airbag ( 15 ) to release the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ). 20. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation points ( 22 , 23 ) are formed in the opening edge region of the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) in the region of the carrier layer ( 4 ) of the interior trim part ( 1 ). 21. The occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas generator ( 16 ) of the airbag module ( 14 ) is arranged in a stationary manner and, at the start of the activation, gas is only in the component ( 17 ), preferably a trough-shaped cylinder element, of the airbag module ( 14 ) blows in such a way that the tractive force can be applied to the cover device ( 6 , 7 ) by its rearward displacement via the traction means ( 12 , 13 ) connected to it, and that the gas generator ( 16 ) after a rearward displacement of the component ( 17 ) in its end position and so that at the same time complete release of the airbag outlet opening ( 5 ) gas can be blown into the at least one airbag ( 15 ). 22. The occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occupant protection device ( 2 ) comprises a sensor device coupled to the airbag module ( 14 ). 23. Occupant protection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior trim part ( 1 ) is an instrument panel.