Airbag module and a method for the attaching of a gas generator to a gas generator holder

• US 7,063,348 B2
• Filed: 04/03/2003
• Issued: 06/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Autoliv AB (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Asic, Sabina, Webber, James Lloyd
• Primary Examiner(s): Ilan, Ruth
• Application Number:
  US10/407,158
• Publication Number:
  US 20040007854A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,174 Days
• Field of Search: 280/731, 280/728.2
• US Class Current: 280/728.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2035 using modules containing inflator, bag and cover attachable to the steering wheel as a complete sub-unit steering wheel covers with tear lines B60R21/21656; assembling of modules B60R21/217
• 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

Abstract

An airbag module includes a gas generator comprising at least one snap connection element and a gas generator holder for the gas generator which has a complementary snap connection element to the snap connection element of the gas generator, with the snap connection elements being formed such that the gas generator can be fixed to the gas generator holder by means of a snap connection.

Claims

1. An airbag module comprising

a gas generator holder comprising a base body including a base body wall defining a space and comprising a base having an opening, said opening being bordered by a latching surface;

and

a gas generator received in said space, said gas generator comprising a pressure container and a mount, said mount including a peripheral side wall extending along the base body wall and ending in a plurality of resilient tongues arranged in a crown and having ends engaging the latching surface, thereby forming a snap connection securing said gas generator within said gas generator holder.

2. An airbag module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the latching surface faces the space.

3. An airbag module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tongues are spaced apart by slots.

4. An airbag module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of tongues comprises two tongues spaced apart by a slot, and wherein the gas generator holder comprises a guide rib received in said slot.

5. An airbag module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base body further comprises a shoulder spaced apart from the latching surface, and wherein the tongues are received between the latching surface and the shoulder.

6. An airbag module in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base body further comprises a cut-outs underlying said tongues and adapted to provide access for a removal tool.