Air bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system

Details Air bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system Air bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system

2000-09-19

2002-04-02

Mai, Lanna (Department: 3619)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Attachment

C280S732000, C016S287000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06364345

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a housing for a gas generator and a gas bag which can be unfolded by the latter, and comprising a cover which can be converted from a closed position into an open position, the cover being connected to the housing by means of at least one hinge and the cover being connected to a swivel section which in turn is connected to the housing by means of the hinge.
Such a gas bag module is known from EP 0 680 852. Here, the cover is opened by the deploying gas bag after activation of the gas generator. Since the cover of such a gas bag module is connected with one of its outer rims to either the housing or a surrounding vehicle panelling, the cover will swing into the inside of the vehicle space when opening. This results in the risk for the vehicle occupant of being hit by the cover as it opens. Further, the force for opening the cover has to be made available exclusively by the deploying gas bag.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a gas bag module in which the cover presents no risk for the occupant of being hit by the cover and in which the force for opening the cover is made available at least in part by an element which assists the opening action. A gas bag module of the type initially mentioned is distinguished according to the invention in that a spring is provided which biases the swivel section, with respect to the housing, into a position which corresponds to the open position of the cover. The use of a swivel section additionally enables the opening cover to swing away from an occupant, whereby any impact risk is reduced or even eliminated.
Advantageous developments of the invention read from the subclaims.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5301966 (1994-04-01), Sakata
patent: 5344184 (1994-09-01), Keeler et al.
patent: 5411288 (1995-05-01), Steffens, Jr.
patent: 5431433 (1995-07-01), Steimke et al.
patent: 5641178 (1997-06-01), Lee
patent: 6024377 (2000-02-01), Lane, Jr.
patent: 6068286 (2000-05-01), Heilig
patent: 3708744 (1988-04-01), None
patent: 4217177 (1993-11-01), None
patent: 4233749 (1994-04-01), None
patent: 4419738 (1995-08-01), None
patent: 19704501 (1997-08-01), None
patent: 29721644 (1998-05-01), None
patent: 29721681 (1998-05-01), None
patent: 19757435 (1998-07-01), None
patent: 0680852 (1995-11-01), None
patent: 05050893 (1993-03-01), None
patent: 05058244 (1993-03-01), None
patent: 07164989 (1995-06-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Air bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Air bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Air bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2873657