Impact protection device for a vehicle occupant

Abstract

An impact protection device for a vehicle occupant includes a gas bag, a tension means (16) and a drawing arrangement (22). The gas bag has at least one discharge opening (12). The cross section of the discharge opening (12) is able to be altered by means of the tension means. The tension means is coupled to the drawing arrangement which is not fastened to the gas bag.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a discharge opening in a gas bag with an alterable cross-section according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 a drawing device; and

FIG. 3 a control mechanism to alter the cross-section of a discharge opening in a gas bag according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. An impact protection device for a vehicle occupant, the impact protection device comprising a gas bag, a tension means and a drawing arrangement, the gas bag having at least one discharge opening, the cross-section of the discharge opening being able to be altered by the tension means, the tension means being coupled to the drawing arrangement which is not fastened to the gas bag.

2. The impact protection device according to claim 1, wherein the tension means has two ends, one end being connected with the drawing arrangement and the other end being connected with a fixed component.

3. The impact protection device according to claim 1, wherein the tension means has two ends, the two ends being connected with a drawing arrangement.

4. The impact protection device according to claim 1, wherein the tension means is securely connected with the gas bag in a margin region of the discharge opening.

5. The impact protection device according to claim 1, wherein an electronic control unit is provided for controlling the drawing arrangement.

6. The impact protection device according to claim 5, wherein the drawing arrangement comprises a movable component to which one end of the tension means is coupled, and wherein the control unit can initiate a movement of the component.

7. The impact protection device according to claim 6, wherein a gear ratio acts between the tension means and the movable component.

8. The impact protection device according to claim 6, wherein a movement of the component takes place against the resistance of at least one spring element which prestresses the component into an initial position.

9. The impact protection device according to claim 6, wherein an electromagnet is provided for controlling the movement of the component.

10. The impact protection device according to claim 1, wherein a control mechanism is coupled to the tension means for altering the cross-section of the discharge opening, the control mechanism being designed so that a drawing on the tension means causes an enlargement of the cross-section of the discharge opening.

11. The impact protection device according to claim 10, wherein the control mechanism has a scissor-like element with two rigid arms coupled to each other by means of a swivel joint, the arms at least partially surround the discharge opening.

12. The impact protection device according to claim 11, wherein due to prestressing, the arms assume an initial position.

13. The impact protection device according to claim 11, wherein an elastic intermediate piece connects one end of one of the arms with one end of the other arm.