Structure for assembling the inflator

KR103020476B1Active Publication Date: 2026-09-15HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020210108359
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-08-17
Publication Date
2026-09-15
Estimated Expiration
2041-08-17

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an inflator assembly structure that prevents excessive compression of the airbag cover by adjusting the distance between the airbag cover and the airbag cushion through a change in the height at which the inflator is assembled. The present invention introduces an inflator assembly structure comprising: a plurality of first assembly parts formed on the edge of the inflator; and a second assembly part formed on a mounting plate to which the first assembly parts are assembled, and which is formed at a different height to adjust the height at which the first assembly parts are assembled.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inflator assembly structure that prevents excessive compression of the airbag cover by adjusting the distance between the airbag cover and the airbag cushion through a change in the height at which the inflator is assembled. Background Technology

[0003] Airbags are installed in the interior of the vehicle to protect passengers from the impact of a collision.

[0004] Under normal circumstances, the airbag cushion is stored folded within the airbag cover; however, when a collision is detected by a sensor, the inflator explodes, rapidly supplying gas to the airbag cushion and instantaneously deploying it to protect the occupants from the impact.

[0006] Meanwhile, when the airbag cover installed in the driver's seat is pressed to an excessive depth, a rib is formed on the back surface of the airbag cover.

[0007] Accordingly, the distance between the airbag cover and the airbag cushion is reduced, preventing excessive compression of the airbag cover.

[0008] However, for some airbag specifications, adjusting the height of the ribs may actually cause the exterior of the airbag cover to protrude due to internal structural issues.

[0009] In addition, as another solution to resolve excessive compression of the airbag cover, the mold used for injection molding the airbag cover can be modified.

[0010] However, even for airbags of the same vehicle model, the types of inflators and airbag cushions vary depending on the country where the vehicle is mass-produced, so there is a problem in that the cost of modifying the mold for the airbag cover increases significantly.

[0012] The matters described above as background technology are intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment that they constitute prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Prior art literature

[0014] (Patent Document 0001) JP 2020-517522 A The problem to be solved

[0015] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide an inflator assembly structure that prevents excessive compression of the airbag cover by adjusting the distance between the airbag cover and the airbag cushion through a change in the height at which the inflator is assembled. means of solving the problem

[0017] The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may be characterized by comprising: a plurality of first assembly parts formed on the edge of an inflator; and a second assembly part formed on a mounting plate to which the first assembly parts are assembled, and which is formed at a different height to adjust the height at which the first assembly parts are assembled.

[0018] The first assembly part is formed in plurality along the edge of the inflator; the second assembly part includes a second-1 assembly part and a second-2 assembly part formed in plurality at a certain distance from the assembly surface formed along the edge of the assembly hole of the mounting plate, wherein the distance between the second-1 assembly part and the second-2 assembly part and the assembly surface may be formed differently.

[0019] The first assembly part is formed to protrude toward the second assembly part; and the second assembly part is formed to protrude toward the first assembly part in correspondence with the first assembly part so that the first assembly part can be assembled between the assembly surface and the second assembly part.

[0020] The first assembly part and the second assembly part may be formed in four or more numbers; the second-1 assembly part and the second-2 assembly part may be formed alternately along the circumferential direction around the axis of the assembly hole.

[0021] Among the multiple first assembly parts, some of the first assembly parts may be supported by the 2-1 assembly part, while the remaining first assembly parts may be supported by the 2-2 assembly part.

[0022] The gap between the second-1 assembly part and the assembly surface is formed to be longer than the gap between the second-2 assembly part and the assembly surface; the bottom surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto is supported on the upper surface of the second-1 assembly part; and the top surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto can be supported on the bottom surface of the second-2 assembly part.

[0023] Among the plurality of first assembly parts, some of the first assembly parts may be supported on the assembly surface, while the remaining first assembly parts may be supported on the 2-1 assembly part or the 2-2 assembly part.

[0024] The gap between the second-1 assembly part and the assembly surface is formed to be longer than the gap between the second-2 assembly part and the assembly surface; the upper surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto is supported on the lower surface of the assembly surface where the second-1 assembly part is formed; and the lower surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto can be supported on the upper surface of the second-2 assembly part. Effects of the invention

[0026] Through the above-described means for solving the problem, the present invention adjusts the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover regardless of the specifications of the inflator and / or the airbag cushion by raising the assembly position of the inflator when the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover is long, and lowering the assembly position of the inflator when the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover is short.

[0027] Therefore, it has the advantage of preventing excessive compression of the airbag cover without incurring large costs, as well as resolving quality issues regarding the exterior of the airbag cover. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the inflator and mounting plate separated according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which an inflator according to the present invention is inserted into a mounting plate. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the state assembled on the mounting plate through the rotation of the inflator in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 3, illustrating the state in which the inflator is assembled at a relatively low height. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of Figure 3. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the state in which the inflator is assembled at a height relatively higher than the inflator shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the state in which the inflator is assembled at a relatively higher height than the inflator shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an enlarged drawing showing the assembly portion of the first assembly part and the second-1 assembly part in the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged drawing showing the assembly portion of the first assembly part and the second-2 assembly part in the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification or application are merely illustrative for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the present invention, and embodiments according to the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described in this specification or application.

[0031] Since embodiments according to the present invention may be subject to various modifications and may take various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification or application. However, this is not intended to limit embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components shall not be limited by said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from another, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0034] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "exactly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same way.

[0036] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the described features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this specification.

[0039] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings as follows.

[0041] The present invention relates to a structure for assembling an inflator (100) installed in a driver's seat airbag, and FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the inflator (100) and mounting plate (200) according to the present invention separated.

[0042] Accordingly, before specifically examining the structure in which the inflator (100) is assembled, the inflator (100) and the mounting plate (200) are schematically described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and the mounting plate (200) is mounted in the center of the steering wheel.

[0043] And, a circular assembly hole (220) is formed in the center of the mounting plate (200), and the assembly hole (220) is assembled in such a state that a part of the upper portion of the inflator (100) is inserted therein.

[0044] Additionally, although not illustrated in the drawing, an assembly surface (230) is formed on the edge of the assembly hole (220), and a mounting hole is partially formed on the assembly surface (230) so that a retainer is mounted in the mounting hole.

[0045] And, as the airbag cushion is accommodated inside the retainer, the gas inlet of the inflator (100) is connected to the airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed by the gas provided from the inflator (100).

[0046] In addition, an airbag cover is assembled in a shape that covers the airbag cushion.

[0048] Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which an inflator (100) according to the present invention is inserted into a mounting plate (200), FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the state in which the inflator (100) is assembled to the mounting plate (200) through rotation of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 3 showing the state in which the inflator (100) is assembled at a relatively low height, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 3.

[0049] Also, FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the state in which the inflator (100) is assembled at a relatively higher height than the inflator (100) shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the state in which the inflator (100) is assembled at a relatively higher height than the inflator (100) shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] Referring to the drawings, the assembly structure of the inflator (100) of the present invention comprises a plurality of first assembly parts (110) formed on the edge of the inflator (100); and a second assembly part (210) formed on a mounting plate (200) to which the first assembly parts (110) are assembled, and which is formed at a different height to adjust the height at which the first assembly parts (110) are assembled.

[0053] For example, a plurality of first assembly parts (110) are formed protruding outwardly along the lower edge of a circular inflator (100).

[0054] And, at the lower part of the assembly surface (230) formed along the perimeter of the assembly hole (220), a plurality of second assembly parts (210) are formed protruding inwardly along the edge of the assembly surface (230) centered on the assembly hole (220).

[0055] Accordingly, when the inflator (100) is rotated while inserted into the assembly hole (220), the first assembly part (110) is supported by the second assembly part (210) and / or assembly surface (230), thereby assembling the inflator (100) to the mounting plate (200).

[0056] In particular, since the multiple second assembly parts (210) are formed with a difference in height, the assembly height of the first assembly part (110) varies depending on which second assembly part (210) the first assembly part (110) is attached to.

[0057] Accordingly, when the first assembly part (110) is connected to the second assembly part (210) formed relatively low, the assembly height of the inflator (100) formed with the first assembly part (110) is lowered, and conversely, when the first assembly part (110) is connected to the second assembly part (210) formed relatively high, the assembly height of the inflator (100) is raised.

[0058] That is, when the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover is long, the assembly position of the inflator (100) is raised upward, and when the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover is short, the assembly position of the inflator (100) is lowered downward, thereby adjusting the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover regardless of the specifications of the inflator (100) and / or the airbag cushion.

[0059] Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive compression of the airbag cover without incurring significant costs, as well as resolve quality issues regarding the exterior of the airbag cover.

[0061] Additionally, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first assembly part (110) is formed in multiple numbers along the edge of the inflator (100); the second assembly part (210) includes a second-1 assembly part (210a) and a second-2 assembly part (210b) formed in multiple numbers at a certain distance from the assembly surface (230) formed along the edge of the assembly hole (220) of the mounting plate (200), wherein the second-1 assembly part (210a) and the second-2 assembly part (210b) may be formed with different distances from the assembly surface (230).

[0062] That is, when two 2-1 assembly parts (210a) and 2-2 assembly parts (210b) are formed, the spacing between each 2-1 assembly part (210a) and the assembly surface (230) is the same, and the spacing between each 2-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230) is the same, but the spacing between the 2-1 assembly part (210a) and the assembly surface (230) and the spacing between the 2-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230) are formed differently from each other.

[0063] For example, the gap between the second-1 assembly part (210a) and the assembly surface (230) may be formed larger or smaller than the gap between the second-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230).

[0065] In addition, the first assembly part (110) is formed to protrude toward the second assembly part (210); and the second assembly part (210) is formed to protrude toward the first assembly part (110) in correspondence with the first assembly part (110), so that the first assembly part (110) can be assembled between the assembly surface (230) and the second assembly part (210).

[0066] For example, referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the first assembly part (110) is formed in the shape of a square plate.

[0067] In addition, the second assembly part (210) is also formed in a square plate shape corresponding to the first assembly part (110), and the first assembly part (110) and the second assembly part (210) are formed in mutually corresponding positions and numbers, so that the first assembly part (110) and the second assembly part (210) are supported and assembled in a state of mutual surface contact.

[0069] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first assembly part (110) and the second assembly part (210) are formed in four or more numbers; and the second-1 assembly part (210a) and the second-2 assembly part (210b) may be formed alternately along the circumferential direction around the axis of the assembly hole (220).

[0070] For example, four first assembly parts (110) are formed at equal angles at 90° intervals along the edge of the inflator (100), and a second-1 assembly part (210a) and a second-2 assembly part (210b) are formed at equal angles at 90° intervals centered on the assembly hole (220).

[0071] And, by forming the above-mentioned 2-1 assembly part (210a) and 2-2 assembly part (210b) sequentially along the circumferential direction, a structure is formed in which two 2-1 assembly parts (210a) face each other and two 2-2 assembly parts (210b) face each other.

[0073] In particular, regarding the structure for lowering the assembly height of the inflator (100) in the present invention, if we look at FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the present invention may support some of the first assembly parts (110) among the plurality of first assembly parts (110) by the second-1 assembly part (210a) while the remaining first assembly parts (110) are supported by the second-2 assembly part (210b).

[0075] Specifically, the gap between the second-1 assembly part (210a) and the assembly surface (230) is formed to be longer than the gap between the second-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230); the bottom surface of the first assembly part (110) corresponding thereto is supported on the upper surface of the second-1 assembly part (210a); and the top surface of the first assembly part (110) corresponding thereto is supported on the bottom surface of the second-2 assembly part (210b).

[0076] That is, when the assembly height of the inflator (100) relative to the mounting plate (200) must be assembled relatively low, two first assembly parts (110) facing each other among the four first assembly parts (110) are inserted into the space between the second-first assembly part (210a), which has a relatively large gap distance, and the assembly surface (230), and are supported on the upper surface of the second-first assembly part (210a).

[0077] Then, among the four first assembly parts (110), the remaining two first assembly parts (110) are inserted into the space between the second-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230), which has a relatively small gap, and are supported on the bottom surface of the second-2 assembly part (210b).

[0078] Accordingly, by supporting the four first assembly parts (110) on the upper surface of the second-1 assembly part (210a) and the lower surface of the second-2 assembly part (210b), the assembly height of the inflator (100) is lowered so that the inflator (100) is firmly supported on the mounting plate (200).

[0080] In addition, regarding the structure for assembling the inflator (100) by raising the assembly height in the present invention, with reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, the present invention may support some of the first assembly parts (110) among the plurality of first assembly parts (110) on the assembly surface (230) while the remaining first assembly parts (110) are supported on the second-1 assembly part (210a) or the second-2 assembly part (210b).

[0082] Specifically, the gap between the second-1 assembly part (210a) and the assembly surface (230) is formed to be longer than the gap between the second-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230); the upper surface of the first assembly part (110) corresponding thereto is supported on the lower surface of the assembly surface (230) where the second-1 assembly part (210a) is formed; and the lower surface of the first assembly part (110) corresponding thereto is supported on the upper surface of the second-2 assembly part (210b).

[0084] That is, when the assembly height of the inflator (100) relative to the mounting plate (200) must be assembled relatively high, two first assembly parts (110) facing each other among the four first assembly parts (110) are inserted into the space between the second-first assembly part (210a) and the assembly surface (230) with a relatively large gap, and are supported on the assembly surface (230) facing the upper surface of the second-first assembly part (210a).

[0085] Then, among the four first assembly parts (110), the remaining two first assembly parts (110) are inserted into the space between the second-2 assembly part (210b) and the assembly surface (230), which has a relatively small gap, and are supported on the upper surface of the second-2 assembly part (210b).

[0086] Accordingly, by supporting each of the four first assembly parts (110) on the upper surface of the assembly surface (230) and the second-second assembly part (210b), the assembly height of the inflator (100) is raised so that the inflator (100) is firmly supported on the mounting plate (200).

[0088] As described above, the present invention adjusts the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover regardless of the specifications of the inflator (100) and / or the airbag cushion by raising the assembly position of the inflator (100) when the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover is long, and lowering the assembly position of the inflator (100) when the distance between the airbag cushion and the airbag cover is short.

[0089] Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive compression of the airbag cover without incurring significant costs, as well as resolve quality issues regarding the exterior of the airbag cover.

[0091] Meanwhile, although the present invention has been described in detail only with respect to the specific examples mentioned above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the invention, and it is natural that such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0093] 100 : Inflator 110: First Assembly Part 200 : Mounting plate 210 : Second Assembly Part 210a : Assembly Part 2-1 210b : Assembly Part 2-2 220 : Assembly hole 230 : Assembly surface

Claims

Claim 1 An inflator assembly structure comprising: a plurality of first assembly parts formed on the edge of an inflator; and a second assembly part formed on a mounting plate to which the first assembly parts are assembled, and which is formed at a different height to adjust the height at which the first assembly parts are assembled, wherein the first assembly parts are formed in plurality along the edge of the inflator; and the second assembly part comprises a plurality of second-1 assembly parts and second-2 assembly parts formed at a certain distance from an assembly surface formed along the edge of an assembly hole of the mounting plate, wherein the second-1 assembly part and the second-2 assembly part are formed at a different distance from the assembly surface. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 An inflator assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly part is formed to protrude toward the second assembly part; and the second assembly part is formed to protrude toward the first assembly part in correspondence with the first assembly part, so that the first assembly part is assembled between the assembly surface and the second assembly part. Claim 4 An inflator assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly part and the second assembly part are formed in four or more numbers; and the second-1 assembly part and the second-2 assembly part are formed alternately along the circumferential direction around the axis of the assembly hole. Claim 5 An inflator assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that among a plurality of first assembly parts, some of the first assembly parts are supported by the 2-1 assembly part, while the remaining first assembly parts are supported by the 2-2 assembly part. Claim 6 An inflator assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the second-1 assembly part and the assembly surface is formed to be longer than the gap between the second-2 assembly part and the assembly surface; the bottom surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto is supported on the upper surface of the second-1 assembly part; and the top surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto is supported on the bottom surface of the second-2 assembly part. Claim 7 An inflator assembly structure according to claim 1, characterized in that some of the first assembly parts among a plurality of first assembly parts are supported on an assembly surface while the remaining first assembly parts are supported on a second-1 assembly part or a second-2 assembly part. Claim 8 An inflator assembly structure according to claim 1, wherein the gap between the second-1 assembly part and the assembly surface is formed to be longer than the gap between the second-2 assembly part and the assembly surface; the upper surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto is supported on the lower surface of the assembly surface where the second-1 assembly part is formed; and the lower surface of the first assembly part corresponding thereto is supported on the upper surface of the second-2 assembly part.

Citation Information

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