Gas bag module having discharge vent

• US 20060033316A1
• Filed: 08/05/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Keutz, Markus
• Application Number:
  US11/198,128
• Publication Number:
  US 20060033316A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/739
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/217 Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239

Abstract

A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint device has a gas generator (12) for filling a gas bag, a discharge vent (14) through which gas can escape, and a flap device (16). The discharge vent is formed in a rigid component (10) of the gas bag module. The flap device in a closed position covering the discharge vent (14) and in an open position unblocking the discharge vent (14). The gas bag module further comprises a locking mechanism which holds the flap device (16) in the open position.

Claims

1. A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint device, the gas bad module having a gas generator for filling a gas bag, a discharge vent through which gas can escape, and a flap device, the discharge vent being formed in a rigid component of the gas bag module, the flap device in a closed position covering the discharge vent and in an open position unblocking the discharge vent, the gas bag module further comprising a locking mechanism which holds the flap device in the open position.

2. The gas bag module as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is designed such that the locking mechanism is automatically activated when the flap device moves from the closed position to the open position.

3. The gas bag module as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism has at least one latching element which is formed on the flap device.

4. The gas bag module as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism has at least one latching element which is formed on the rigid component having the discharge vent.

5. The gas bag module as recited in claim 1, wherein the flap device is made of plastic.

6. The gas bag module as recited in claim 5, wherein the flap device includes a film hinge to enable movement of the flap device from the closed to the open position.

7. The gas bag module as recited in claim 5, wherein the flap device has a sealing lip.

8. The gas bag module as recited in claim 5, wherein the flap device has reinforcing ribs.

9. The gas bag module as recited in claim 5, wherein the rigid component having the discharge vent is made of metal, the flap device being attached to the rigid component by one of an ultrasound welding and a hot caulking process.

10. The gas bag module as recited in claims 1, wherein the gas bag module further comprises a gas generator support made of plastic, the flap device being configured as an integral part of the gas generator support.