阅读说明：本技术 用于气体压力容器的管元件和气体压力容器 (Pipe element for gas pressure vessel and gas pressure vessel ) 是由 W·克里斯托夫利姆克 L·罗泽 M·韦尔波特 于 2019-03-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于机动车辆的气囊系统的气体压力容器的管元件,其中管元件(10)具有至少一个第一长度区段(100,101)和至少一个沿周向伸展的凹部(11),其特征在于,管元件(10)具有至少一个第二长度区段(102),该第二长度区段由凹部(11)形成,该凹部在该管元件(10)的圆周的至少一部分上延伸,该第二长度区段(102)位于两个第一长度区段(100,101)之间,在至少一个第一长度区段(100,101)中,该管元件(10)的外半径(A1)大于至少一个第二长度区段(102)的最小外半径(A2),该管元件(10)具有>920MPa的拉伸强度,该至少一个第二长度区段(102)中的管元件(10)的壁厚(W2)大于或等于该管元件(10)的至少一个第一长度区段(100,101)中的壁厚(W1),基于至少一个第一长度区段(100,101)的外半径(A1)计,该凹部(11)中的外半径(A2)的减少程度在5至35％范围内,和该管元件(10)由这样的材料组成,该材料除了铁和熔融过程决定的杂质以外,还以下述按重量百分比给出的范围包含以下合金元素：C 0.05-0.2％,Si≤0.9％,Mn 0.2-2.0％,Cr 0.05-2％,Mo<0.5％,Ni<1.0％,Nb 0.005-0.10％,Al<0.07％,Ti<0.035％,和B<0.004％。(The invention relates to a tube element for a gas pressure vessel of an airbag system of a motor vehicle, wherein the tube element (10) has at least one first length section (100, 101) and at least one circumferentially extending recess (11), characterized in that the tube element (10) has at least one second length section (102) which is formed by the recess (11) and which extends over at least a part of the circumference of the tube element (10), the second length section (102) being located between the two first length sections (100, 101), in the at least one first length section (100, 101) the outer radius (A1) of the tube element (10) being greater than the minimum outer radius (A2) of the at least one second length section (102), the tube element (10) having a tensile strength of >920MPa, the wall thickness (W2) of the tube element (10) in the at least one second length section (102) being greater than or equal to the at least one first length section (10) of the tube element (10) -the wall thickness (W1) in the degree section (100, 101), -the degree of reduction of the outer radius (a2) in the recess (11) is in the range of 5 to 35% based on the outer radius (a1) of at least one first length section (100, 101), and-the pipe element (10) consists of a material which, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, contains the following alloying elements in the following ranges given in weight percent: 0.05-0.2% of C, less than or equal to 0.9% of Si, 0.2-2.0% of Mn, 0.05-2% of Cr, less than 0.5% of Mo, less than 1.0% of Ni, 0.005-0.10% of Nb, less than 0.07% of Al, less than 0.035% of Ti and less than 0.004% of B.)

1. Tube element for a gas pressure vessel of an airbag system of a motor vehicle, wherein the tube element (10) has at least one first length section (100, 101) and at least one circumferentially running recess (11), characterized in that,

-the pipe element (10) has at least one second length section (102) formed by a recess (11) extending over at least a part of the circumference of the pipe element (10),

-the second length section (102) is located between two first length sections (100, 101),

-in at least one first length section (100, 101), the outer radius (A1) of the pipe element (10) is larger than the smallest outer radius (A2) of at least one second length section (102),

-the pipe element (10) has a tensile strength >920MPa,

-the wall thickness (W2) of the pipe element (10) in the at least one second length section (102) is greater than or equal to the wall thickness (W1) in the at least one first length section (100, 101) of the pipe element (10),

-the extent of reduction of the outer radius (a2) in the recess (11) is in the range of 5 to 35% based on the outer radius (a1) of at least one first length section (100, 101), and

-the pipe element (10) consists of a material which, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, contains the following alloying elements in the following ranges given in weight percent:

2. pipe element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the pipe element (10) has a tensile strength Rm >1000 MPa.

3. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the degree of reduction of the outer radius in the recess (11) is in the range of 10 to 25% based on the outer radius (a1) of at least one first length section (100, 101).

4. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1-3, characterised in that the at least one recess (11) constituting the second length section (102) is a circumferential recess (11).

5. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1-4, characterised in that the at least one recess (11) constituting the second length section (102) is a circumferentially interrupted recess (110).

6. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1-5, characterised in that a third length section (103, 104) is constituted between a first length section (100, 101) and an adjacent second length section (102), wherein an outer radius (A3) decreases from the outer radius (A1) of the first length section (100, 101) to the axially outer edge of the recess (11), and the third length section (103, 104) has a length of at most 2.5 times the wall thickness (W1) in the first length section (100, 101).

7. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the pipe element (10) is free of near-surface pipe defects.

8. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1-7, characterised in that the pipe element (10) is made of welded pipe.

9. A pipe element according to claim 8, characterized in that in the area of the weld and the heat affected zone of the pipe element (10) in the second length section (102) cracks are present with a maximum length of 50 μm, preferably a maximum length of 20 μm, and particularly preferably the area of the weld and the heat affected zone is crack free.

10. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said material contains, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, the following alloying elements in the following ranges given in weight percent:

11. A pipe element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said material comprises at least one of the following alloying elements, optionally in the ranges given in weight percentages as follows:

12. a pipe element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said material contains, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, the following alloying elements in the following ranges given in weight percent:

13. a pipe element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the molybdenum content is less than 0.3%.

14. Gas pressure vessel for an airbag system of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it has at least one tube element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tube element for a gas pressure vessel of an airbag system and to a gas pressure vessel having such a tube element.

Background

In systems which are loaded with high pressures, for example in airbag systems of motor vehicles, it is required to use tube elements which are able to withstand said pressures. In airbag systems or airbag modules, for example, gas pressure vessels must be used, which form, for example, the housing of the gas generator and/or the reaction chamber. Such gas pressure vessels and the pipe elements which mainly constitute the gas generator must in particular be able to withstand high internal pressure loads.

For this reason, it is known to use high-strength materials for the pipe elements of the gas pressure vessels. At the same time, however, the pipe elements must have a geometry which allows, for example, the attachment or the insertion of further components. For example, the tube element can have a recess on the circumference of the tube for this purpose. However, for safe operation of the gas pressure vessel, it is necessary that the gas pressure vessel does not fail regardless of the geometry introduced.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to create a tube element for a gas pressure vessel and a gas pressure vessel which allow safe operation of the gas pressure vessel.

According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a tube element for a gas pressure vessel of an airbag system of a motor vehicle, wherein the tube element has at least one first length section and at least one circumferentially running recess. The pipe element is characterized in that it is,

the pipe element has at least one second length section formed by a recess extending over at least a part of the circumference of the pipe element,

the second length section is located between the two first length sections,

-in the at least one first length section, the outer radius of the pipe element is larger than the smallest outer radius of the at least one second length section,

-the pipe elements have a tensile strength >920MPa,

-the wall thickness of the pipe element in the at least one second length section is greater than or equal to the wall thickness in the at least one first length section of the pipe element,

-the degree of reduction of the outer radius in the recess is in the range of 5 to 35% based on the outer radius of the at least one first length section, and

the tube element consists of a material which, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, contains the following alloying elements in the ranges given in weight percent:

The gas pressure vessel of the airbag system of the motor vehicle preferably refers to the housing of the gas generator of the airbag system of the motor vehicle. Storing or generating gas in a gas pressure vessel. Further, gas is also output from the gas pressure vessel at high speed. The gas generator then fills the gas bag (airbag) with gas. The gas generator can be a cold gas generator or a hybrid gas generator. In these gas generators, at least one pipe element is provided, which serves in particular as a pressurized gas reservoir and/or as an expansion chamber for the gas. The tube element may for example constitute a housing of the airbag generator, for example an injector. Here, a large force may suddenly act on the pipe element, which the material of the pipe element must withstand in order to be able to prevent the pipe element from breaking. A cold gas generator consists of a gas reservoir, in which gas is stored under high pressure, and an activator. The gas generator is closed by a membrane. When the gas generator is triggered, the membrane is destroyed, in particular by an explosive device, and gas can flow out of the gas reservoir. Alternatively, the gas generator according to the invention can also be a hybrid gas generator. Such a gas generator is a combination of a pyrotechnic generator and a cold gas generator. In the hybrid gas generator, a pyrotechnic component for gas generation is additionally provided in addition to the pressure reservoir for gas.

Due to the internal pressure loading of the tube elements of the gas generator, e.g. an airbag module, the highest loading direction of the tube material is perpendicular to the tube axis. Such stress states lead to cracks which, for example, occur during the production or shaping process of the pipe elements, propagating parallel to the pipe axis.

The pipe element is preferably a pipe element having a circular cross-section. The pipe element has at least one first length section and at least one circumferentially extending recess. The circumferentially extending recesses are preferably non-cut prepared recesses. The recesses may also be referred to as indentations or beads. A portion of the length of the pipe element is referred to herein as a first length section. This first length section is according to the invention a length section which is not deformed or is only slightly deformed when the pipe element is deformed to create the recess. Preferably, the outer radius of the pipe element is constant over its length in at least one first length section. Further preferably, the wall thickness of the pipe element is also constant in the first length section.

Furthermore, the pipe element has at least one second length section, which is formed by a recess. In particular, the part of the length of the pipe element corresponding to the width of the recess, i.e. the dimension in the axial direction, is referred to as the second length section. According to the invention, the recess extends over at least a part of the circumference of the pipe element. The recesses are aligned in such a way that the recesses formed by the depressions point towards the inside in the radial direction of the pipe element. The recess has a geometry corresponding to the contour of the tool through which it is introduced.

In the at least one first length section, the outer radius of the pipe element is larger than the smallest outer radius of the at least one second length section. The outer radius at the deepest position of the recess is referred to as the minimum outer radius of the second length section.

According to the invention, the second length section is located between two first length sections. This means that a recess is formed between the two first length sections. In this case, the second length section may directly adjoin the first length section. However, it is also possible that the third length section is located between the second length section and the adjacent first length section, as will be described in more detail below.

According to the invention, the pipe element has a tensile strength of >920 MPa. Preferably, the pipe element has a tensile strength > 1000 MPa. The tensile strength is preferably present at least in the first length section and/or the second length section and/or the third length section.

Furthermore, the wall thickness of the pipe element in the at least one second length section is greater than or equal to the wall thickness in the at least one first length section of the pipe element. The second length section is the portion of the length in which the recess is formed. When deformation is used to produce the recess, for example during pressure rolling, crimping or pressing, the wall thickness of the tube element is usually reduced in this region. However, since this region is also subjected to loads during operation of the gas generator, according to the invention a wall thickness is also provided in this second length section, which wall thickness corresponds to or is greater than the wall thickness of the first length section. The wall thickness may be adjusted before or during tube formation. During the forming, material flow control or adjustment of the wall material flow can be carried out for this purpose when the recess is produced. In particular, the material flow or material displacement towards the recess can be adjusted. Damage to the tube during introduction into the recess can thereby also be prevented or compensated for.

According to the invention, the degree of reduction of the outer radius in the recess is in the range of 5 to 35%, based on the outer radius of the at least one first length section. In particular, the degree of reduction of the outer radius in the recess may be in the range of 10 to 25% based on the outer radius of the at least one first length section. In the case of two first length sections having different outer radii, the degree of reduction is preferably based on the larger outer radius. Therefore, the recess has a large depth, and the built-in part or the attachment part can be reliably held there. Such a large degree of reduction is possible with the pipe element according to the invention, since the wall thickness in the second length section is greater than or equal to the wall thickness in the first length section.

Furthermore, the pipe elements consist of a material which, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, contains the following alloying elements in the ranges given in percent by weight:

the materials are high-strength and in particular low-temperature materials, so that they can withstand the loads during operation of the gas generator. Due to the material thickness present in the second length section during and after the formation of the recess, despite the large degree of reduction, there is no fear of damage in the second length section.

The alloying elements of the material making up the tube element help to achieve the desired properties of the tube element for use in the gas pressure vessel. The data of the proportions of the alloying elements are given in weight percent even if not explicitly mentioned below, but only in percentages. The material of which the pipe elements are made is also called alloy, steel alloy or steel.

Carbon (C) is added in an amount of at least 0.05% to obtain a martensitic structure and a desired martensitic strength. However, too high a C content adversely affects the weldability in particular. According to the invention, the C content is therefore limited to a maximum of 0.2%. Preferably, the carbon content is in the range of 0.08 to 0.2, particularly preferably in the range of 0.08 to 0.13%.

Manganese (Mn) improves strength in steel by a solid solution strengthening effect. Furthermore, as the Mn content increases, austenite transformation is delayed, which results in the formation of martensite upon tempering and an increase in hardenability. Since the alloy solidifies within a certain temperature interval, at the end of the solidification there are local areas, for example intermediate dendritic (zwischenderritische) spaces, which have different chemical compositions. This distribution of regions with different chemical composition is also referred to below as tissue stripe structure (Gef ugezeiigkeit). The tube from which the tube element is made is for example prepared by drawing and/or rolling. Depending on the pipe production process, therefore, microsegregation in the raw material is rolled or stretched over length and may lead to a tissue-like structure. Alloying elements generally have some solid solution strengthening effect in the material, depending on the degree to which the crystal lattice of iron is distorted by the corresponding element. Elements with a strong solid-solution strengthening effect, such as manganese or silicon, lead to a structure row (Gef ugezeilen) with different element contents projecting in the longitudinal direction having a different strength. This is particularly disadvantageous in the case of tube elements which are loaded by internal pressure, in particular balloon tubes, since the main load of the internal pressure lies in the tube circumference and therefore stretches across the row caused by microsegregation. The rows with low strength are here weakened or metallurgically dented. This weakening affects the transition temperature of the material particularly negatively. According to the invention, manganese is used in a content of less than 2.0%. The strong solid-solution strengthening effect of the manganese can thereby be minimized and the structure-strip structure can thus be reduced. However, according to the invention, manganese is added in an amount of at least 0.2%. Whereby sulphur present in the material can be bound. Preferably, the manganese content in the steel alloy is in the range of 0.4 to 0.6 wt.%. This low manganese content is possible according to the invention, since according to the invention, a hardenability which must be ensured by the addition of manganese in the case of other alloys is achieved in part by the increased chromium content. However, according to the invention, manganese may also be added in an amount in the range of 1.2 to 2%.

Silicon (Si) has a deoxidizing and strong solid-solution strengthening effect in steel, which is stronger than that of manganese. The silicon content in the material is therefore limited according to the invention to a maximum of 0.9% and, for example, to a maximum of 0.5%, a maximum of 0.4% or a maximum of 0.1%.

Chromium (Cr) retards the austenite wall in the steel, which is required to obtain a high strength martensitic structure. Thus, the hardenability of the material is increased by the addition of chromium and thus the hardenability of the pipe element is improved. Since the alloy according to the invention may contain small amounts of manganese, hardenability is achieved by the addition of chromium. Chromium may be added in an amount greater than 0.05%, or greater than 0.6%, or greater than 0.8%. In addition, chromium has a lower solid solution strengthening effect in steel than manganese. As a result, the weakening of the material in the circumferential direction of the tube is significantly less as a result of the microsegregation and thus the structure of the structure strips than in the case of the addition of a greater amount of manganese. In particular, the cold toughness and the transition temperature can be influenced positively, i.e. shifted to lower temperatures. In order to achieve the necessary hardenability, the chromium content in the material is in the range of 0.05 to 2.0% according to the invention. Preferably, the chromium content in the material is in the range of 0.8% to 1.0%. But alternatively the chromium content may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.6%.

Molybdenum (Mo) plays a role in increasing strength in steel due to its solid solution strengthening effect and carbide precipitation. At the same time, molybdenum retards the transformation of austenite. Thereby improving hardenability. In addition, molybdenum serves to prevent temper embrittlement (temper embrittlement). According to the invention, the molybdenum content is limited to a maximum of 0.5% by weight, and more preferably to 0.3% by weight.

Strong carbide formation is found at molybdenum contents of more than 0.5 wt.%. Due to the carbon bonding (Abbinden) in these carbides, there is insufficient dissolved carbon in the austenite matrix during hardening. This therefore leads to a reduction in the hardenability of the steel alloy and thus to a reduction in the strength during hardening.

Nickel (Ni) is used to improve toughness of steel. In order to achieve a significant increase in toughness, it has been found to be advantageous to add nickel. Nickel is however an expensive element. The Ni content is therefore limited according to the invention to a maximum of 1.0 wt.%. Nickel contents in the range from 0.1 to 0.4% by weight have proven particularly preferred. A sufficient improvement in the toughness of the material can be achieved here at a tolerable cost.

According to the present invention, niobium (Nb) is added in an amount within the range of 0.005-0.1 wt%. The recrystallization temperature of the material is increased by adding niobium. This has a positive effect on the formation of fine grains during the manufacture of the tube element. The fine grains increase the toughness of the steel and help to lower the transformation temperature. It has been found that an amount of niobium of at least 0.005 wt.% is necessary to achieve a significant improvement. It has furthermore been found that the niobium content should be at most 0.1 wt.%. At higher niobium contents, the formation of undesirable coarse primary niobium carbides is recognized, which negatively affects the toughness of the material. Without adding niobium or with less than 0.005 wt.%, it is not possible to achieve the desired properties of the tube element of the gas generator.

Since the pipe element according to the invention consists of a high-strength material and has a high degree of reduction in the region of the recesses, it can on the one hand withstand the loads when the pipe element is used. On the other hand, due to the wall thickness according to the invention in the region of the recess, which can be achieved by material flow control, for example, during introduction into the recess, failure of the pipe element due to defects in the material of the pipe element or due to a small wall thickness is prevented. This applies more to the preferred embodiment of the invention according to which the wall thickness of the pipe element in the first wall section is only 1.0 to 2.5 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the material contains, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, the following alloying elements in the ranges given in weight percent:

the material may optionally contain at least one of the following alloying elements in the ranges given in weight percent as follows:

titanium (Ti) has a large affinity for nitrogen. Titanium nitride has been formed during curing and has dimensions of a few micrometers (20 μm). Titanium nitride has a higher hardness than martensite and acts to form metallurgical indentations in the material under mechanical load. Due to titanium nitride, the stress distribution in the material is not uniformly distributed, thus leading to uncontrolled (brittle) failure or an increase in the transition temperature. The titanium content is therefore limited according to the invention to a maximum of 0.035%, preferably a maximum of 0.015%. Preferably, the titanium is present in an amount of at least 0.01%, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.01-0.035%.

Sulphur (S) is an undesirable element in steel, as it negatively affects toughness by forming sulphides. The S content is therefore limited to a maximum of 0.005%.

Phosphorus (P) is an undesirable element in steel, since it leads to embrittlement (temper embrittlement) and segregation at tempering and thus negatively affects the toughness or the transformation temperature. The P content is therefore limited to a maximum of 0.02%.

According to one embodiment, the material contains, in addition to iron and melting process-dependent impurities, the following alloying elements in the ranges given in weight percent:

according to one embodiment, the recess in the pipe element forming the second length section is a circumferential recess. The recess extends over the entire circumference of the pipe element and provides a continuous recess. This recess is referred to as the annular bead hereinafter. Such a recess may be made in the tube, for example, by pressure rolling, stamping, pressing or crimping. In particular, the recesses may be made by a rotating tool, such as a press roller having a profile corresponding to the recesses. The introduction of the annular bead in the pipe element is advantageous in that it is possible to introduce internal components thereon, for example the inner wall of a gas pressure vessel.

Alternatively or in addition to the annular bead, the pipe element has at least one recess which forms the second length section and is a circumferentially interrupted recess. In this embodiment, the recess comprises a plurality of partial recesses which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. Thus, the recesses are separated by the interruptions. In the interruption, the outer radius of the second length section preferably corresponds to the outer radius of the first length section. In any case, the outer radius of the interruption of the recess is greater than the outer radius of the partial recess. This embodiment is advantageous in that the manufacture of the pipe element is simplified. In particular without requiring rotation of the tool.

Preferably, the second length section directly adjoins the first length section. This means that the reduction of the outer radius in the second length section corresponds only to the profile of the tool used for manufacturing the recess.

If shrinkage or sinking occurs near the second length section due to the introduction of the recesses, they are small according to the invention. The constriction is also referred to as a third length section. According to a preferred embodiment, a third length section formed between the first length section and the adjacent second length section, wherein the outer radius decreases from the outer radius of the first length section to the axially outer edge of the recess, has a length of at most 2.5 times the wall thickness in the first length section. The extension of the pipe element in the axial direction is referred to as the length of the third length section.

Preferably, the pipe element is free of near-surface pipe defects. This can be ensured in particular by the wall thickness of the second length section. Near-surface pipe defects are, in particular, sunken walls, internal folds, internal defects (stress cracks) or seams. These near-surface pipe defects often lead to the formation of cracks. Near-surface tube defects that may occur when manufacturing tubes increase when forming the recesses, wherein the wall thickness of the recesses decreases. However, in the case of the pipe element according to the invention, these near-surface pipe defects are suppressed or even reduced.

The pipe elements according to the invention can be made of seamless or welded pipe. By using seamless tubes the risk of failure of the tube elements of the gas pressure vessel can be further reduced. Such seamless tubes are for example hot rolled, for example according to the Mannesmann-Erhard process, and then preferably cold drawn at least once to final dimensions. Alternatively, the heat pipe may be extruded instead of drawn.

In the case of pipe elements produced from welded pipe, damage can occur in the region of the weld seam and the heat-affected zone, in particular when forming recesses, in which a reduction in the wall thickness results. In the case of the pipe element according to the invention, cracks of a maximum length of 50 μm, preferably a maximum length of 20 μm, are present in the weld and the heat-affected zone in which the second length section is located. Particularly preferably, the weld seam and the heat-affected zone are crack-free. This is ensured in particular by the wall thickness of the pipe element in the second length section being greater than or equal to the wall thickness in the first length section.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a gas pressure vessel for an airbag system of a motor vehicle, wherein the gas pressure vessel has at least one tube element according to the invention.

The advantages and features described in relation to the pipe elements apply correspondingly, if applicable, to the gas pressure vessel and vice versa.

Drawings

The invention is elucidated below with renewed reference to the drawing. Here:

figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a pipe element according to the invention;

figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a pipe element according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of detail D from FIG. 2;

figure 4 shows a schematic detail view of a portion of a second embodiment of a pipe element according to the invention;

figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a pipe element according to the invention; and

figure 6 shows a schematic axial view of a third embodiment of a pipe element according to the invention when manufactured.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a pipe element 10 according to the present invention is shown. A schematic cross-sectional view of the pipe element is shown in fig. 2 and 3. The pipe element 10 has a first length 100 at the front end. In this first length section 100, the pipe element 10 has an outer radius a 1. The outer radius a1 is constant over the length of the first length section 100. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the wall thickness of the pipe elements in the first length section 100 is also constant. In the axial direction, the first length section 100 is followed by a second length section 102, which is formed by the recess 11. The recess 11 is an annular bead in the first embodiment of the pipe element 10. The outer radius a2 at the deepest position of the recess 11 is smaller than the outer radius a1 of the first length section 100. The recess 11 has a circular arc-shaped course in the embodiment shown. The wall thickness in the second length section 102 corresponds to the wall thickness in the first length section 100.

The recesses 11 may be made by one or more press rollers (not shown) having a corresponding profile on their periphery. In particular, the recess 11 may be formed by rolling or punching. Before or during the formation of the recess 11, a targeted material flow control is performed to prevent a reduction of the wall thickness in the second length section 102. The tube in which the recess 11 is formed to produce the pipe element 10 has a wall thickness of the length section 100 and an outer radius a 1.

In the axial direction, the recess 11 and thus the second length section 102 is followed by a further first length section 101. This length section 101 corresponds to the dimensions of the first length section 100 on the front end face of the pipe element 10 in terms of wall thickness and outer radius a 1. Thus, except in the second length section 102, the pipe element 10 has a constant outer radius a 1.

In fig. 4 a second embodiment of a pipe element 10 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, a third length section 103, 104 is formed between the two first length sections 100, 101 and the second length section 102 located therebetween, respectively. In these third length sections 103, 104, the outer radius a1 decreases from the axially outer end of the respectively adjoining first length section 100, 101 to the second length section 102. The wall thickness W3 is in this case preferably constant in the third length sections 103, 104. The third length sections 103, 104 may also be referred to as a constriction or indentation of the wall of the pipe element 10 and are produced by forming the recess 11. However, it is also within the scope of the invention for the pipe element 10 not to have the third length sections 103, 104. This can be achieved, for example, by a targeted material flow control or pressurization when forming the recess 11. In the case of the second embodiment shown in fig. 4, the third length sections 103, 104 are also kept small and their axial length preferably corresponds to a maximum of 2.5 times the wall thickness of the first length sections 100, 101. The wall thickness W3 of the third length section 103 corresponds to the wall thickness W1 of at least the first length sections 100, 101. The wall thickness W2 of the second length section 102 is preferably equal to or greater than the wall thickness W3 of the third length sections 103, 104.

A third embodiment of the pipe element 10 is shown in fig. 5 and 6. In the case of this embodiment, the second length section 102 is formed by a recess 11 which has an interruption 12 in the circumferential direction. The recesses 11 are thus formed by respective partial recesses 110 distributed over the circumference of the pipe element 10. In fig. 6, the manufacture of a pipe element 10 according to a third embodiment is schematically shown. The tool 2 for manufacturing is made up of a plurality of radially adjustable segments. In fig. 6, the tool 2 consists of eight segments, indicated by arrows P, which are movable in radial direction towards and away from the pipe to be formed into the pipe element 10. Here, the tool 2 is a pressing tool. A partial recess 110 is formed in the wall of the tube by the tool 2. Between these partial recesses 110 there is a discontinuity 12. The outer radius a2 of partial recess 110 is referred to as the outer radius of second length section 102. In the interruption 12, the pipe element 10 has an outer radius corresponding to the outer radius a1 of the first length section 100, 101, or slightly smaller than the outer radius a 1. In any case, however, the outer radius of the interruption 12 is greater than the outer radius a2 in the region of the partial recess 110. The wall thickness of the pipe element 10 in the region of the partial recess 110 is equal to or greater than the wall thickness in the first length sections 100, 101.

The present invention provides a pipe element for a gas pressure vessel, which may be made of a seamless or welded pipe consisting of a high strength material and nevertheless having a recess, which may have a large depth, that is to say may have a large degree of reduction of the outer radius. In this case, the pipe element has little or no pipe defects, even in the region of the weld seam, despite the large recess. For this purpose, the wall thickness of the pipe element is set to be equal to or greater than the wall thickness of the pipe from which the pipe element is made, in particular in the region of the recess.

The present invention has a number of advantages. In particular, the pipe element having the recess (e.g., one or more circumferential beads) can be reliably manufactured from a pipe having a high-strength material, and the pipe element can be used in a gas pressure vessel, for example, as a housing pipe for an airbag generator, without fear of failure. On the one hand, the recess can simplify the installation or attachment of further parts of the gas pressure container, for example a rupture disk. Furthermore, the stability of the pipe element is further improved by forming the recess with a large wall thickness.

List of reference numerals

10 pipe element

100 first length section

101 first length section

102 second length section

103 third length section

11 recess

110 partial recess

12 interruption

A1 outside diameter of first Length section

Outer diameter of A2 second Length section

Outer diameter of third Length section A3

Wall thickness of W1 first length section

Wall thickness of W2 second length section

Wall thickness of W3 third Length section

2 tools

P arrow head