Casing module comprising an airbag

• US 6,502,855 B1
• Filed: 07/25/2001
• Issued: 01/07/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Greiner, Thomas, Mühlbacher, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): LUBY, MATTHEW D
• Application Number:
  US09/868,794
• Time in Patent Office: 531 Days
• Field of Search: 280/728.2, 280/728.3, 280/730.2, 280/743.1, 280/730.1
• US Class Current: 280/730.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/02 Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners B60R13/01 takes precedence ; padded linings for the vehicle interior B60R21/04; arrangements or adaptations of floor mats or carpets in vehicles B60N3/04; internal lining for trains B61D17/18
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0206 Arrangements of fasteners and clips specially adapted for attaching inner vehicle liners or mouldings devices for fastening or securing F16B
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/025 Pillars; Roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/06 Sealing strips sealing arrangements for vehicle windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors, or similar devices B60J10/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2013/0287 integrating other functions or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0414 using energy absorbing ribs
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0435 associated with the side or roof pillars
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/215 characterised by the covers for the inflatable member B60R21/2176 takes precedence

Abstract

The invention relates to a casing module (1), especially for a pillar (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising an accommodating space (3) for an airbag (4), a fastening device (5) for fastening the casing module to the pillar (2), and at least one pivotal section (6) which can swing outward and which forms at least one part of an outer wall (7) of the casing module (1) that is oriented toward the passenger compartment. The aim of the invention is to provided a casing module (1) which is easier to handle and construct and which, at the same time, ensures the deployment of the inflating airbag (4) in a reliable and controlled manner. To this end, the accommodating space (3) is arranged directly adjacent to the outer wall (7), and the pivotal section (6) forms at least one part of the accommodating space (3).

Claims

1. A lining module for a pillar of a motor vehicle, comprising an accommodation space for an airbag, a fastening device for fastening the lining module at the pillar and at least a fold-away pivotal section, which forms at least part of an outer wall of the lining module pointing towards the passenger compartment,

wherein the accommodation space is arranged directly adjacent to the outer wall and the pivotal section forms at least part of the accommodation space, wherein a cover means covering the airbag opposite to the pivotal section is arranged at least partially on an inner side of the outer wall, said cover means being formed by a cover at least partially pivotal relative to the outer wall.

2. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivotal section forms a wall of the accommodation sapce facing the passenger compartment.

3. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivotal section extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the lining module and is connected to the remaining outer wall via a substantially linear pivot connection.

4. A lining module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pivot connection is at least partially formed by a material weakening.

5. A lining module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pivot connection is at least partially formed by a film hinge.

6. A lining module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pivot connection is formed at least partially by a material component that is softer relative to the material of the remaining outer wall.

7. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivotal section is an edge portion of the outer wall.

8. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivotal section is detachably connected with its free end at a portion of the motor vehicle.

9. A lining module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the free end of the pivotal section can be locked with sealing elements extending along the pillar.

10. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover means is arranged segment-wise in the longitudinal direction of the lining module.

11. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a cover wall connected to the inner side of the outer wall via a pivot connection.

12. A lining module as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pivot connection is formed by a material weakening.

13. A lining module as claimed in claim 12 wherein the material weakening is formed by a groove, a film hinge, or a softer material component.

14. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover is detachably attached with a free end at an inner side of the pivotal section.

15. A lining module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the free end of the cover and the inner side of the pivotal section are detachably locked together.

16. A lining module as claimed in claim 14, wherein on one side of at least the pivotal section at least one energy-absorbing element is arranged.

17. A lining module as claimed in claim 16, wherein the energy-absorbing element is formed as a rib extending substantially obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the lining module.

18. A lining module as claimed in claim 16, wherein the energy-absorbing element is formed of a damping material such as foam.

19. A lining module as claimed in claim 1, wherein fastening device is selection from a clip connection, a screw connection and a plug connection.

20. A lining module as claimed in claim 19, wherein said fastening device comprises the plug connection which is formed by at least one plug pin projecting from the inner side of the outer wall, said plug pin being frictionally insertable into a corresponding plug-in bore in the pillar.

21. A lining module as claimed in claim 20, wherein a metal sleeve is arranged at the free end of the plug pin.

22. A lining module as claimed in claim 20, wherein a bushing, preferably of plastic material, is arranged between the plug pin and the plug-in bore.