DEFLECTOR FOR INFLATABLE CURTAIN-TYPE SAFETY CUSHION

Abstract

DEFLECTOR FOR INFLATABLE CURTAIN-TYPE SAFETY CUSHION. The invention relates to a deflector for an inflatable curtain-type safety cushion (10) and designed to be rigidly mounted on an upper side area of ​​the rear side panel of the body structure (2) of an automotive vehicle above and along a rear side panel lining, said deflector comprising a body (21) comprising a deflection ramp (22) arranged to guide the unfolding of the inflatable bag (11) of said cushion towards the interior of the passenger compartment, which prevents the latter from becoming stuck in said rear side panel lining;wherein said body also comprises an extension plate (23) extending behind said deflection ramp and comprising at least one curved guide channel (24, 27) for a bundle of electrical wires or tube (F1, F2), and arranged to force the bundle of wires or tube to follow a curved path that bypasses said inflatable bag so as not to interfere with said bag during its deployment.

Description

1 / 14 “DEFLECTOR FOR INFLATABLE SAFETY CURTAIN CUSHION [Technical field]

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 1913395 filed on November 28, 2019, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the problem of routing bundles of electrical wires and / or pipes in motor vehicles. The invention relates in particular to a deflector for an inflatable safety cushion of the curtain type provided with an extension plate intended to ensure the orientation of at least one bundle of wires or pipe passing through a rear side area of ​​the vehicle. [Previous technique]

[0003] Motor vehicles are equipped with inflatable safety cushions, commonly referred to as “airbags,” which traditionally comprise a folded or rolled inflatable bag, as well as a gas generator to ensure the inflation of said bag.

[0004] In the event of a violent impact, particularly during an accident, the airbag is brutally pressurized by the gas generator and fully deploys inside the vehicle's passenger compartment to ensure the protection of the driver and / or passengers against the effects of the body collapsing or the displacement of another vehicle element following this impact. Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 6 / 30 2 / 14

[0005] In order to ensure maximum occupant safety, motor vehicles are generally equipped with various types of inflatable cushions and, specifically, curtain-type inflatable cushions designed to protect occupants in the event of a side collision with another vehicle or obstacle, such as a pole.

[0006] Curtain-type inflatable cushions are generally installed on the vehicle body structure above the front and rear side windows on each side of the vehicle.

[0007] When the bag of such a cushion, folded or rolled into a stick shape, is brutally pressurized by the gas generator, it unfolds from top to bottom, covering virtually all the windows of the front and rear doors, as well as the central pillar of the vehicle, so as to protect the heads of the occupants of the front and rear side seats located next to this cushion.

[0008] The deployment of the airbag must be subject to meticulous control in order to ensure that it is carried out correctly and reliably. Once this is done, this inflatable airbag must avoid any undesirable interaction with nearby vehicle components, such as trim elements applied to structural pillars and the rear side panel lining.

[0009] It is known, specifically from document EP 3 293 058 A1, the design of a deflector rigidly mounted in an inner side area of ​​the body structure above and along a rear side panel cladding element. Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 7 / 30 3 / 14

[0010] This deflector comprises a deflection ramp designed to guide the deployment of the airbag downwards and into the passenger compartment, so as to prevent the airbag from infiltrating under this pillar lining element or rear side panel lining, exerting a violent impulse against the latter, which could cause its ejection into the passenger compartment.

[0011] The presence of such inflatable curtain-type cushions and deflectors, however, complicates the routing of certain bundles of electrical wires and / or pipes along their installation areas.

[0012] This is specifically the case at the level of the upper side areas of the rear side panel windows and along which various bundles of wires and / or pipes may pass, such as the electrical power supply wires for the rear trunk hood and the ceiling light, as well as the sunroof water drain pipe.

[0013] In order to guide its routing and avoid any risk of interaction with the inflatable curtain-type cushion, additional fixing clamps must be provided in these upper lateral regions of the rear side panel of the vehicle body structure, which poses water sealing problems. [Revealing the invention]

[0014] The present invention aims at improving the technical situation. Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 8 / 30 4 / 14

[0015] The invention provides, for this purpose, a deflector for a curtain-type inflatable safety cushion designed to be rigidly mounted on an upper lateral area of ​​the rear side panel of the body structure of an automotive vehicle above and along a rear side panel lining, said deflector comprising a body comprising a deflection ramp arranged to guide the unfolding of the inflatable bag of said cushion towards the interior of the passenger compartment, which prevents the latter from becoming entangled in said rear side panel lining; wherein said body further comprises an extension plate extending behind said deflection ramp and comprising at least one curved guide channel for a bundle of electrical wires or tubing, and arranged to force the bundle of electrical wires or tubing to follow a curved path that bypasses said inflatable bag so as not to interfere with said bag during its deployment.

[0016] This extension plate allows for guiding the routing of one or more bundles of electrical wires and / or pipes along a portion of the upper side area of ​​the rear side panel, which avoids the need to resort to specific fastening clips hooked into holes in the vehicle's body structure.

[0017] The invention thus provides a better level of sealing in the area while ensuring a gain Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, p. 9 / 30 5 / 14 significant amount of time is spent assembling these bundles of wires and / or tubes.

[0018] According to preferred characteristics of said deflector, according to the invention: - the aforementioned extension plate comprises two said guide channels that extend substantially parallel to each other; - the aforementioned extension plate comprises fastening elements that project from one of the lateral edges of each said guide channel and are capable of securing the corresponding wire bundle or tube; - the aforementioned fastening elements consist of elastic hooks in the shape of a half-lyre; - the aforementioned extension plate comprises a first fastening element for another bundle of wires or tube, positioned transversely from the inner side, in front of at least the aforementioned channel; - the said body comprises a second fastening element, for the said other bundle of wires or tube, which projects transversely from the inner side from the upper edge of the said deflection ramp; - the said body comprises a lower base that extends substantially transversely from the outside, starting from the lower edge of said deflection ramp and said extension plate; - the aforementioned deflector comprises an acoustic sealing gasket fixed by gluing against and along the free outer edge of said lower base and intended to rest against the upper contour of a window in the rear side panel of said vehicle; Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, p. 10 / 30 6 / 14 - The aforementioned deflector comprises fastening means for a portion of the aforementioned rear side panel trim, positioned at the level of the aforementioned lower base; and / or - The aforementioned deflector comprises pre-positioning means that allow guiding its placement into the mounting position against the aforementioned upper lateral area of ​​the rear side panel of the body structure and ensuring its retention in this position before its attachment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] The disclosure of the invention will now be continued with the detailed description of an embodiment, given below by way of illustration, but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the upper side area of ​​the rear side panel of the body structure of a motor vehicle on which are mounted an inflatable curtain-type safety cushion and additionally a guide deflector for this inflatable cushion according to the invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is an enlargement of the detail Figure 1 II showing the deflector extension plate;

[0022] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the outer face of the deflector, according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper side area of ​​the rear side panel taken at the level of the deflection ramp of the inflatable cushion bag; and Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 11 / 30 7 / 14

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the upper side area of ​​the rear side panel taken at the level of the extension plate. [Detailed description]

[0025] Figure 1 shows an upper side area of ​​the rear side panel of the body structure 2 of a motor vehicle in which are mounted an inflatable curtain-type safety cushion 10, a guide deflector 20 according to the invention, and additionally two bundles of electrical power supply wires F1, F2 and a flexible water drainage tube T from the sunroof.

[0026] In the description that follows and by convention, the terms lower, upper, longitudinal, lateral and transverse will be defined in relation to the mounting position of elements 10, 20, F1, F2 and T in such vehicle.

[0027] The terms external and internal will, in turn, be used to define the relative position of an element with reference to the longitudinal geometric axis of the vehicle. The element closest to this geometric axis will thus be classified as internal, in contrast to the other element further away from this same geometric axis, which will be classified as external.

[0028] In addition, the term substantially will be used to indicate that a small deviation is permitted from a predetermined nominal position or arrangement, which remains within the scope of the invention. For example, substantially horizontal will indicate that a deviation of the order of 15° with respect to a Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 12 / 30 8 / 14 strictly perpendicular orientation is permitted within the scope of the invention.

[0029] The inflatable safety cushion 10 traditionally comprises a folded or rolled inflatable bag 11 shown in the form of a substantially tubular stick, as well as a gas generator (not visible in the figures) comprising a rigid metal container, generally cylindrical in shape, in which there are reagents that allow the generation of gas and an electrically controlled trigger.

[0030] The bag 11, of which only the rear part is visible in Figure 1, is fixed to the body structure 2 by means of a plurality of fastening elements 12 along the roof arch lining 4, the upper part of the rear pillar of the rear side panel lining 5 and the reinforcement plate of the rear wing channel 6 which delimits the upper part of the rear side panel window 7.

[0031] Intended to extend above and along the rear side panel lining 8, shown in Figures 4 and 5, the deflector 20 comprises an elongated body fixed isostatically against and along the rear end of the roof arch lining 4, the upper part of the rear pillar of the rear side panel lining 5 and the rear wing channel reinforcement plate 6.

[0032] Starting from the molding of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, polyamide or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (these materials have the advantages of being lightweight and relatively elastic), this Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, p. 13 / 30 9 / 14 body 21 comprises a ramp 22 that extends substantially flat under the rear of the bag 11 along a slope towards the interior of the passenger compartment (i.e., on the inside side).

[0033] This ramp 22 constitutes a deflection surface arranged to guide the unfolding of the bag 11 towards the interior of the passenger compartment, preventing the latter from getting caught on the rear side panel lining 8 (visible in Figures 4 and 5), partially covering the upper part of the rear pillar of the rear side panel lining 5, as well as the reinforcement plate of the rear wing channel 6, so as to avoid any risk of ejection of this rear side panel lining 8 towards the interior of the passenger compartment.

[0034] Body 21 further comprises an extension plate 23 which extends substantially horizontally behind the deflection ramp 22.

[0035] With reference to Figures 2 and 5, the extension plate 23 comprises two curved guide channels with semicircular sections 24, 27 that extend substantially parallel to each other and are each intended to accommodate a corresponding bundle of electrical wires F1, F2 that passes above and along at least part of the rear side panel window 7 between the rear wing channel reinforcement plate 6 and the rear side panel and body roof coverings 8 that cover that reinforcement plate (see figures 4 and 5).

[0036] These two channels 24, 27, whose concavity faces downwards, are arranged to Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, p. 14 / 30 10 / 14 force the electrical wire bundles F1 and F2 to pass along a curved path that bypasses the inflatable bag 11 so that the latter do not interfere with the inflatable bag 11 during its deployment.

[0037] Expansion board 23 additionally comprises: - a first series of two fastening elements 25, 26, each projecting from the outer lateral edge of the first channel 24 near a respective end of the latter and which allows the first bundle of wires F1 to be fastened thereto, and - a second series of two fastening elements 28, 29 which each project from the outer lateral edge of the second channel 27 close to a respective end of the latter and which allows the first bundle of wires F2 to be fastened to it.

[0038] Each fastening element 25, 26, 28, 29 consists of a half-lyre shaped elastic hook, the concavity of which is turned inwards (i.e., towards the passenger compartment), in order to facilitate the installation of the electrical wire bundles F1 and F2 by the operator.

[0039] The free end of each of these elastic hooks 25, 26, 28, 29 is, moreover, curved in opposition to its concavity (i.e., in the direction of the outside of the vehicle) in order to facilitate the insertion of the wire bundles F1 and F2.

[0040] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, extension plate 23 additionally comprises a Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 15 / 30 11 / 14 first fastening element 30 for the flexible T-shaped water drainage pipe of the sunroof.

[0041] Consisting of an elastic clamp comprising two arc-shaped branches facing each other and defining between their free ends an insertion slot for the T-tube, this fastening element 30 is transversely spaced from the inner side in front of the two channels 24, 27.

[0042] Body 21 comprises a second fastening element 31 for the flexible water drainage pipe T of the sunroof, which projects transversely from the inner side from the upper edge of the deflection ramp 22.

[0043] This second fastening element 31 consists of a half-lyre shaped elastic hook, similar to hooks 25, 26, 28, 29 and whose concavity faces upwards.

[0044] Body 21 further comprises a lower base 32 which extends substantially transversely from the outside from the lower edge of the deflection ramp 22 and the extension plate 23.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, an acoustic sealing gasket 33 made of foam is affixed by gluing against and along the free outer edge of this lower base 32, this gasket 33 being designed to rest against the lower end of the rear wing channel reinforcement plate 6 which defines the upper contour of the rear side panel window 7, so as to limit the increase in noise from the latter. Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, p. 16 / 30 12 / 14

[0046] Body 21 finally comprises a front cover wall 34 extending under the front part of the deflection ramp 22 in the front extension of the base 32 and intended to cover the upper part of the rear pillar of the rear side panel lining 5.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the deflector 20 additionally comprises pre-positioning means that allow it to be oriented in the mounting position against the reinforcement plate of the rear wing channel 6 and the upper part of the rear column of the rear side panel lining 5, as well as to hold it in this position before it is fixed.

[0048] These pre-positioning means comprise two coupling tabs 36, 37 projecting upwards from two longitudinally spaced areas of the outer edge of the body deflection ramp 22 and intended to be inserted into two corresponding windows disposed respectively at the rear end of the body roof arch lining 4 and at the top of the rear pillar of the rear side panel lining 5.

[0049] The pre-positioning means also comprise three retaining pins 38, 39, 40, which project transversely from the outside from longitudinally spaced areas of the inner face of the body 21 and are intended to be inserted through three corresponding holes located respectively in the upper part of the rear column of the rear side panel lining 5 and in the reinforcement plate of the rear wing channel 6. Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 17 / 30 13 / 14

[0050] Some of these pins 38, 39, 40 are advantageously provided with an elastic tongue capable of, when inserted into the corresponding hole, cooperating by quick engagement with the contour of this hole in order to guarantee the fixing of this deflector 20 in a transverse direction.

[0051] With reference to Figure 3, the deflector 20 further comprises two circular holes 41, 42 arranged in the body 21 close to its two longitudinal ends and which allow it to be fixed respectively to the reinforcement plate of the rear wing channel 6, by means of a plastic rivet R, and to the lining of the rear side panel 5, by means of a screw (not shown) that passes through the lining of the rear side panel 8.

[0052] The deflector 20 finally comprises fastening means 43, 44, 45 for the upper strip of the rear side panel trim extending longitudinally along the rear side panel window 7 and transversely between the inner face of the upper edge of the latter and the inner edge of the body roof trim 9.

[0053] These fastening means comprise here three windows 43, 44, 45 arranged in the base 22 of the body 21 and intended to be traversed by three clips that project transversely from the inner face of the upper strip of the rear side panel lining 8.

[0054] According to the variants of modalities not shown, the extent of fixation and of Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 18 / 30 14 / 14 orientation comprises a different number of guide channels (e.g., one or three) whose profiles and dimensions may also vary.

[0055] According to other embodiments not shown, the fastening elements, the pre-positioning, fixing and / or retention means are also formed differently. Petition 870220045900, dated 05 / 26 / 2022, page 19 / 30

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Deflector (20) for inflatable safety cushion (10) of curtain type and designed to be rigidly mounted in an upper side area of ​​the rear side panel (8) of the body structure (2) of a motor vehicle above and along a rear side panel lining (8), said deflector (20) comprising a body (21) comprising a deflection ramp (22) arranged to guide the unfolding of the inflatable bag (11) of said cushion towards the interior of the passenger compartment, preventing the latter from becoming entangled in said rear side panel lining (8);wherein said body (21) further comprises an extension plate (23) extending behind said deflection ramp (22) and comprising at least one curved guide channel (24, 27) for a bundle of wires (F1, F2) or tube (T) and arranged to force the bundle of electrical wires (F1, F2) or tube (T) to follow a curved path that bypasses said inflatable bag (11) so as not to interfere with said bag during its unfolding, characterized in that said extension plate (23) comprises fastening elements consisting of elastic hooks (25, 26, 28, 29) in the shape of a half lyre and projecting from one of the lateral edges of each said guide channel (24, 27) and capable of securing the corresponding bundle of wires (F1, F2) or tube (T).

2. Deflector (20), according to claim 1, characterized in that the said Petition 870260054882, dated 08 / 06 / 2026, p. 6 / 14 2 / 3 extension plate (23) comprises two said guide channels (24, 27) that extend substantially parallel to each other.

3. Deflector (20), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said extension plate (23) comprises a first fixing element (30) for another bundle of wires (F1, F2) or tube (T), offset transversely from the inner side in front of at least said channel (24, 27).

4. Deflector (20), according to claim 3, characterized in that said body (21) comprises a second fastening element (31) for said other bundle of wires (F1, F2) or tube (T), which projects transversely from the inner side from the upper edge of said deflection ramp (22).

5. Deflector (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said body (21) comprises a lower base (32) extending transversely from the outer side from the lower edge of said deflection ramp (22) and said extension plate (23).

6. Deflector (20), according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises an acoustic sealing gasket (33) affixed by gluing against and along the free outer edge of said lower base (32) and intended to rest against the upper contour of a window (7) of the rear side panel (8) of said vehicle.

7. Deflector (20), according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that Petition 870260054882, dated 08 / 06 / 2026, p. 7 / 14 3 / 3 comprises fastening means (43, 44, 45) by a part of said rear side panel covering (8), arranged at the level of said lower base (32).

8. Deflector (20), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises pre-positioning means (36, 37, 38, 39, 40) that allow guiding its placement into the mounting position against said upper lateral area of ​​the rear side panel (8) of the body structure (2) and ensuring its fixation in this position before its attachment. Petition 870260054882, dated 08 / 06 / 2026, page 8 / 14

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