Airbag module for a motor vehicle

• US 7,866,688 B2
• Filed: 01/16/2009
• Issued: 01/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
• Original Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
• Inventors: Basten, Silvan
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson; Paul N
• Assistant Examiner(s): ROCCA, JOSEPH M
• Application Number:
  US12/320,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20090194983A1
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 280/728.1, 280/729, 280/728.3, 280/743.1, 280/743.2
• US Class Current: 280/729
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/20 Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/201 Packaging straps or envelopes for inflatable members
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/494 Fluidic or fluid actuated device making

Abstract

An airbag module for a motor vehicle, the modeling including an airbag, that may be inflated with gas to protect a person, and a protective envelope enclosing the airbag in a gas-tight manner. The protective envelope is formed at least partially from a flexible protective film. The protective film comprises a gas-tight weakened region, along which the protective film tears open when the airbag presses against the protective film during inflation. The weakened region is configured to be bag-shaped in cross section by stretching the protective film.

Claims

1. An airbag module for a motor vehicle comprising:

an airbag configured to be inflated with gas to protect a person, and

a protective envelope enclosing the airbag in a gas-tight manner, and that is formed at least partially from a flexible protective film,

wherein the protective film includes a gas-tight weakened region and a second region defining the weakened region,

wherein the protective film is configured to tear open along the weakened region when the airbag presses against the protective film during inflation,

wherein the weakened region is configured to be bag-shaped in cross section by stretching the protective film, and has a smaller thickness in cross section than the second region, and

wherein the weakened region projects away from the airbag or is at least partially folded toward the second region.

2. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weakened region is configured integrally with the protective film.

3. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weakened region is of elongate configuration.

4. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weakened region is of U-shaped configuration.

5. The airbag module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the weakened region has two free ends.

6. The airbag module as claimed in claim 5, wherein the thickness of the weakened region increases toward the free ends of the weakened region.

7. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extent of the thickness of the second region is uniform and, is in a range of 70 to 200 micrometers.

8. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extent of the thickness of the second region varies in a range of 70 to 200 micrometers.

9. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the weakened region is 50 micrometers or less.

10. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weakened region is at least partially folded toward the second region.

11. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective film is configured in a single layer.

12. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective film consists of a thermoplastic material.

13. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective envelope is entirely formed from the protective film.

14. The airbag module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective envelope is evacuated.

15. An airbag module for a motor vehicle comprising:

an airbag configured to be inflated with gas to protect a person, and

a protective envelope enclosing the airbag in a gas-tight manner, and that is formed at least partially from a flexible protective film,

wherein the protective film includes a gas-tight weakened region,

wherein the protective film is configured to tear open along the weakened region when the airbag presses against the protective film during inflation,

wherein, before inflation of the airbag, the weakened region is configured to be bag-shaped in cross section by stretching the protective film;

wherein the protective film further includes a second region defining the weakened region, the weakened region having a smaller thickness in cross section than the second region; and

wherein the weakened region is at least partially folded toward the second region or projects away from the airbag.