Vehicle side structure

Abstract

The vehicle side structure includes: a window (11) having a window opening (12) disposed on the side wall (10) of the vehicle and a window glass (14) covering the window opening (12); a curtain airbag device (20) installed above the window (11); and a strip member (30) that, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, separates the window opening (12) vertically, the strip member (30) being disposed inside the window opening (12) or inside the window opening (12) in the vehicle width direction, and disposed outside the fully inflated curtain airbag (22) in the vehicle width direction, at least a portion of the fully inflated curtain airbag (22) extending to the lower side of the strip member (30).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-065767, filed on April 12, 2022, the entire contents of which, including the description, claims, drawings and abstract, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification discloses a vehicle side structure having a window formed in the side wall of the vehicle and a curtain-type airbag device disposed above the window. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, a curtain airbag device was known that, in the event of a side collision, inflates and deploys between the side window of the vehicle and the occupant, thereby protecting the occupant. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a curtain airbag device for a vehicle that inflates and deploys along the side window glass towards the lower side of the vehicle.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-059329

[0008] In a vehicle collision, sometimes the window glass covering the window opening breaks, leaving the window open. In this situation, the inflated curtain airbag could potentially fly out of the vehicle through the window opening. Therefore, curtain airbags are typically designed so that a portion of it overlaps with the door trim in the width direction when inflated. By employing this structure, even if the curtain airbag were to fly out of the window opening, it is prevented from doing so because a portion of the curtain airbag is held in place by the door trim.

[0009] However, to make part of the curtain airbag overlap with the door trim in the vehicle width direction, the curtain airbag needs to be enlarged, or the upper edge of the trim, i.e., the lower edge of the window opening, needs to be positioned higher. However, the former increases the cost of the curtain airbag system. Furthermore, in the latter case, when the lower edge of the window opening is positioned higher, the window opening becomes correspondingly smaller, limiting the view outside the vehicle.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a tension member, extending rearward and downward from near the upper front corner to near the lower end of the curtain airbag when it expands and deploys, is installed on the surface of the curtain airbag. By providing this tension member, the curtain airbag can be kept taut, thus preventing it from being ejected from the vehicle. However, in Patent Document 1, the installation of the tension member in the curtain airbag leads to other problems, such as the curtain airbag becoming larger in its folded state. Additionally, the cost of the curtain airbag device increases due to the installation of the tension member.

[0011] Therefore, this specification discloses a vehicle side structure that can suppress both increased costs and limited visibility, and can prevent curtain airbags from being ejected from the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The vehicle side structure disclosed in this specification is characterized by comprising: a window having a window opening disposed on the side wall of the vehicle and a window glass covering the window opening; a curtain airbag device installed above the window and having a curtain airbag capable of expanding downward; and a strip member that, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, separates the window opening vertically, the strip member being disposed inside the window opening or inside the window opening in the vehicle width direction, and outside the fully inflated curtain airbag in the vehicle width direction, at least a portion of the fully inflated curtain airbag extending below the strip member.

[0013] With this structure, even if a fully inflated curtain airbag were to eject from the window opening, it would be trapped by the strip member, thus effectively preventing the curtain airbag from ejecting. Furthermore, even if the curtain airbag is smaller than the window opening, and even if the lower edge of the window opening is below, the curtain airbag will still be trapped by the strip member as described above. Therefore, according to the above structure, both the increased cost of the curtain airbag device and the restriction of visibility can be suppressed, and the ejection of the curtain airbag can be prevented.

[0014] In this case, the strip member can be positioned adjacent to the window glass with a gap smaller than the thickness of the fully inflated curtain airbag.

[0015] By making the strip member a separate component from the window glass, the window structure can be simplified. Furthermore, by making the gap between the strip member and the window glass smaller than the thickness of a fully inflated curtain airbag, it is possible to prevent the curtain airbag from entering the gap between the window glass and the strip member.

[0016] Alternatively, the strip-shaped member may also be a dividing strip disposed on the inside of the window opening and dividing the window glass.

[0017] By adopting this structure, it is possible to reliably prevent the curtain airbag from entering the gap between the strip member and the window glass.

[0018] Alternatively, it may also include a seat, which is configured adjacent to the side wall of the vehicle, where an occupant sits, and the strip member is configured at a height lower than the head of the occupant sitting in the seat.

[0019] By adopting this structure, the occupant's head can be reliably protected using curtain airbags.

[0020] In addition, the vertical position of the lower edge of the window opening can be approximately the same as the vertical position of the lower edge of the fully inflated curtain airbag, or lower than the vertical position of the lower edge of the fully inflated curtain airbag.

[0021] By adopting this structure, the cost required for curtain airbag devices can be reduced, and a large window opening can be ensured.

[0022] It may also include a side rearview mirror, which is positioned outside the window in the vehicle width direction, and the strip member is located below the straight line connecting the lowest point of the 95% eye ellipse to the lower end of the side rearview mirror.

[0023] By adopting this structure, the strip-shaped components will not obstruct the driver's view.

[0024] According to the vehicle side structure disclosed in this specification, both the increase in cost and the limitation of visibility can be suppressed, and the curtain airbag can be prevented from flying out of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a picture of the right side of the vehicle as seen from inside the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a picture of the side of the vehicle when the curtain airbags are deployed.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA sectional view.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the action during a side collision.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the action during a side collision in the comparative example.

[0030] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the different deformations of a curtain-type airbag caused by varying diameters of the transverse tube.

[0031] Figure 7 This is another example of the side structure of a vehicle.

[0032] Figure 8 This is another example of the side structure of a vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following description of the vehicle's side structure is based on the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a view of the side of the vehicle (right side in the example) from inside the vehicle. Additionally, Figure 2 This is a side view of the vehicle when the curtain airbag 22 has deployed. Additionally, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The AA sectional view. Additionally, in the following figures, "Fr", "Up", and "Rh" represent the front of the vehicle, the top of the vehicle, and the right side of the vehicle, respectively.

[0034] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a window 11 is provided on the side wall 10 of the vehicle. The window 11 consists of a window opening 12 and a window glass 14 embedded in the window opening 12. A decorative piece 18 made of resin, serving as an exterior design panel, is disposed below the window opening 12. In this example, the window 11 is a fixed window in which the window glass 14 is fixed relative to the window opening 12. However, of course, the window 11 could also be an openable window in which the window glass 14 can be raised and lowered relative to the window opening 12.

[0035] A seat 40 for occupants 100 is located to the side of window 11. Figure 2 (Illustrations omitted). In this example, window 11 is located at the front of the vehicle, and the seat 40 located to the side of window 11 is either the driver's seat or the front passenger seat. Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the lower edge of the window opening 12 is located below the head 100a of the occupant 100 seated in the seat 40, and the upper edge of the window opening 12 is located sufficiently above the head 100a of the occupant 100.

[0036] A curtain airbag device 20 is installed on the upper side of window 11. The curtain airbag device 20 is a device that, upon a strong impact from the side of the vehicle, inflates and deploys the curtain airbag 22 between the side wall 10 and the occupant 100, thereby mitigating the impact on the head 100a of the occupant 100. This curtain airbag device 20 includes a curtain airbag 22 and a gas generator 24. The curtain airbag 22 is a bag-shaped component. Figure 7As shown, the curtain airbag 22 is normally assembled as a component that is longer in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by being rolled into an outward cylindrical shape. The curtain airbag 22 is fixed with adhesive or restrained by a restraining member to maintain this cylindrical shape. The adhesive force of such adhesive or the restraining force of the restraining member is sufficiently less than the inflation pressure of the curtain airbag 22 generated when the gas generator 24 is activated (described later). Therefore, when the gas generator 24 is activated, the curtain airbag 22 deploys overcoming the adhesive force of the adhesive or the restraining force of the restraining member.

[0037] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the fully inflated curtain airbag 22 covers most of the window 11. Furthermore, the fully inflated curtain airbag 22 has an inflatable portion 22a that inflates due to gas flow and a non-inflatable portion 22b where gas does not flow. Figure 2 In the diagram, the non-inflatable portion 22b is shaded. By partially providing the non-inflatable portion 22b in the curtain airbag 22, the amount of gas required for full inflation can be reduced, allowing the curtain airbag 22 to deploy more rapidly. Furthermore, the arrangement of the inflatable portion 22a is determined with consideration of the occupant's position 100.

[0038] The vehicle longitudinal dimension Lb of the expansion section 22a (refer to) Figure 2 The front-to-back dimension Lw of window 11 (refer to) Figure 1 The dimensions are roughly the same. Additionally, the lower edge of the inflator 22a in the curtain airbag 22 is located above the lower edge of the window 11 and below the strip member 30 described later. By positioning the lower edge of the inflator 22a above the lower edge of the window 11, the size of the curtain airbag 22 can be reduced, thereby lowering the cost of the curtain airbag device 20.

[0039] Gas generator 24 generates gas upon detecting a collision, causing the curtain airbag 22 to inflate. In this example, two gas generators 24 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, supplying gas to the curtain airbag 22 from both locations.

[0040] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a transverse tube 32, functioning as a strip-shaped member 30, is provided on the inner side of the window 11 in the vehicle width direction. The transverse tube 32 extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, separating the window opening 12 vertically when viewed from the side. This transverse tube 32 is made of a high-strength material, such as metal. Furthermore, both ends of the transverse tube 32 are connected via a fixing bracket 36 (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 ) Fixed to the side wall 10 of the vehicle.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the transverse tube 32 is located between the curtain airbag 22 and the window glass 14 when the curtain airbag 22 is fully inflated. In other words, the transverse tube 32 is located on the outer side of the fully inflated curtain airbag 22 in the vehicle width direction and on the inner side of the window glass 14 in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the gap Wa between the transverse tube 32 and the window glass 14 is smaller than the thickness Wb of the curtain airbag 22. Therefore, the curtain airbag 22 does not enter the space between the transverse tube 32 and the window glass 14, but inflates and deploys on the inner side of the transverse tube 32 in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] The transverse tube 32 is positioned above the lower edge of the window opening 12 and below the head 100a of the occupant 100. The position of the head 100a varies greatly depending on the occupant's physique, etc. Therefore, the position of the head 100a can be estimated, for example, based on the eye ellipse. The eye ellipse is an ellipse that encompasses the position of various drivers' eyes. Such an eye ellipse is calculated by statistically analyzing the position of the driver's eyes. The range of the eye ellipse is specified, for example, in the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS D0021: Driver's Field of Vision of Automobiles". The ellipse containing P% of the driver's eye distribution is called the "P% eye ellipse". If the length from the center of the pupil to the tip of the chin is α, the lower end of the head 100a of the occupant 100 can be estimated, for example, as a length α downward from the lowest point of the 95% eye ellipse. Furthermore, the length α from the center of the pupil to the tip of the chin can also be statistically calculated. The transverse tube 32 is positioned below the lower end of the head 100a as determined in this way.

[0043] Furthermore, the transverse tube 32 is positioned in a way that does not obstruct the driving view of the occupants 100, especially the driver. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the cross-traverse tube 32 is positioned below the straight line K1 that connects the lower end of the driver's 95% eye ellipse 50 to the lower end of the side mirror 16. This configuration ensures adequate driver visibility even with the cross-traverse tube 32 installed.

[0044] Next, the reason for setting up such a transverse pipe 32 will be explained by comparing it with a comparative example. Figure 5 This is a sectional view showing the side structure of the comparative example. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in the comparative example, the strip member 30 is not provided.

[0045] The operation during a side collision, where an obstacle collides with the side of the vehicle, will be explained. Upon detection of a side collision, the curtain airbag system 20 activates the gas generator 24, inflating the curtain airbag 22. Additionally, the occupant's head 100a moves outward in the vehicle width direction due to inertia. Since the curtain airbag 22 is positioned between the window glass 14 and the occupant's head 100a, the head 100a quickly comes into contact with the curtain airbag 22, limiting further movement. Thus, the occupant's head 100a is adequately protected.

[0046] However, depending on the type of side impact, the window glass 14 may sometimes shatter and scatter due to the impact. That is, due to a side impact, there may be no component (i.e., window glass 14) restricting the movement of the curtain airbag 22 inside the window opening 12. In addition, if the window 11 is an openable / closed window, there may be a situation where the window 11 is opened at a point before the side impact. In this case, if there is no strip member 30 as in the comparative example, the curtain airbag 22 may be pressed down by the head 100a and fly outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] To prevent the curtain airbag 22 from deploying, it is also considered to extend the lower edge of the inflator 22a to a position lower than the lower edge of the window opening 12. With this structure, the lower part of the inflator 22a is engaged with the trim piece 18 located lower than the window opening 12, thus preventing the curtain airbag 22 from deploying. However, in this case, the size of the curtain airbag 22 must be increased, thereby increasing the cost of the curtain airbag device 20. Therefore, it is also considered not to increase the size of the curtain airbag 22, but to raise the lower edge of the window opening 12 upwards. However, if the lower edge of the window opening 12 is raised upwards, increasing the area of ​​the trim piece 18, other problems arise, such as a corresponding narrowing of the occupant's, especially the driver's, field of vision.

[0048] In this example, to prevent the curtain-type airbag 22 from being deployed, a strip-shaped member 30 (specifically, a transverse tube 32) is provided that divides the window opening 12 vertically when viewed from the side. With such a transverse tube 32 provided, as... Figure 4As shown, even if the curtain airbag 22 is pressed outwards in the vehicle width direction by the head 100a, the lower part of the inflator 22a will be locked in place by the transverse tube 32, thus effectively preventing the curtain airbag 22 from being deployed. As a result, the head 100a of the occupant 100 can be more properly protected. On the other hand, in this example, the window opening 12 is extended to a position lower than the transverse tube 32, thus maintaining a wide field of vision. In addition, in this example, since the lower edge of the inflator 22a is located higher than the lower edge of the window opening 12, it is possible to prevent the curtain airbag 22 from becoming too large, thereby preventing an increase in the cost required for the curtain airbag device 20. That is, according to this example, both increased cost and limited field of vision can be prevented, and the deployment of the curtain airbag 22 outwards can be effectively prevented.

[0049] Furthermore, when the portion of the curtain airbag 22 that is above the transverse tube 32 is pressed outward in the vehicle width direction, the curtain airbag 22 bends outward in the vehicle width direction. Accompanying this bending, the lower edge of the inflator 22a slides upward. In this example, the size of the inflator 22a is set such that even with such upward sliding, the lower edge of the inflator 22a remains at a size lower than the transverse tube 32. For example, the vertical distance from the center of the strip member 30 in the vertical direction to the lower edge of the inflator 22a is defined as Ha (see reference). Figure 3 When the thickness of the expansion portion 22a (i.e., the dimension in the vehicle width direction) is set to Wb, the distance Ha can be greater than 0.5×Wb. For example, it can be set to Ha>0.8×Wb or Ha>Wb.

[0050] Furthermore, to prevent the curtain airbag 22 from flying out of the vehicle, it is sufficient to maximize the overlap between the curtain airbag 22 and the transverse tube 32 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, in this example, if... Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle longitudinal dimension Lb of the expansion portion 22a at the installation height H1 of the transverse tube 32 is approximately the same as the vehicle longitudinal dimension Lw of the window opening 12. Therefore, since the curtain airbag 22 is confined within the transverse tube 32 over a large range, it can effectively prevent the curtain airbag 22 from flying out of the vehicle.

[0051] Furthermore, the diameter of the transverse tube 32 should be as small as possible, as long as it maintains the necessary rigidity. This is because a smaller diameter transverse tube 32 is less likely to obstruct the field of vision. Additionally, a smaller diameter transverse tube 32 makes it easier for it to engage with the curtain airbag 22, thus preventing the curtain airbag 22 from sliding upwards. That is, as... Figure 6 As shown, in the case of the large-diameter transverse pipe 32 ( Figure 6 In the case of the upper layer), and the case of the small-diameter transverse pipe 32 ( Figure 6Compared to the lower layer case, the contact area between the curtain airbag 22 and the cross tube 32 is larger. Therefore, in the case of a large-diameter cross tube 32, the stress concentration towards the curtain airbag 22 becomes smoother compared to a small-diameter cross tube 32, and the engagement of the cross tube 32 into the curtain airbag 22 becomes smoother. Furthermore, in the case of a large-diameter cross tube 32, due to the smooth engagement, the curtain airbag 22 easily slides upwards on the surface of the cross tube 32. On the other hand, in the case of a small-diameter cross tube 32, the cross tube 32 sharply engages with the curtain airbag 22, and the surface of the curtain airbag 22 is sharply bent, so the curtain airbag 22 is less likely to slide upwards. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the curtain airbag 22 from flying out of the vehicle. Therefore, the cross tube 32 is made as small as possible within the range that can maintain strength. Although it also depends on the material, for example, the vertical dimension of the transverse tube 32 can be less than 1 / 2 of the thickness Wb of the expansion portion 22a, or more specifically less than 1 / 5.

[0052] In addition, to prevent the curtain airbag 22 from sliding upwards, such as Figure 6 As shown in the enlarged view of the lower layer, a high-friction part 38 with a high coefficient of friction can also be provided on the surface of the transverse tube 32. This high-friction part 38 can be provided on the surface of the transverse tube 32 within a range that does not contact the curtain airbag 22 during deployment but contacts it when the curtain airbag 22 is pressed outwards (i.e., within...). Figure 6 (The area shown in the thick line diagram) is designed to ensure the smooth deployment of the curtain airbag 22. This location is, for example, near the top of the transverse tube 32. Furthermore, the high-friction part 38 can be formed by attaching or coating a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, to the surface of the transverse tube 32, or by performing a process such as knurling to create multiple irregularities on the surface of the transverse tube 32.

[0053] In summary, the side structure described in this example prevents both increased costs and restricted visibility, and effectively prevents the curtain airbag 22 from being ejected from the vehicle. Furthermore, the structure described so far is one example; other structures can be appropriately modified by placing the vertically separated strip member 30 of the window opening 12 inside the window opening 12 or inside the window opening 12 in the vehicle width direction, and outside the fully inflated curtain airbag 22 in the vehicle width direction, with at least a portion of the fully inflated curtain airbag 22 extending below the strip member 30.

[0054] For example, in the above example, a transverse tube 32, which is completely separate from the window glass 14, is used as the strip member 30. By adopting this structure, the structure of the window 11 can be simplified. However, the shape of the strip member 30 can also be appropriately changed. Therefore, as... Figure 7As shown, the strip member 30 can also be a dividing strip 34 disposed on the inside of the window opening 12 and dividing the window glass 14 vertically. By adopting this structure, it is possible to reliably prevent the curtain airbag 22 from entering the gap between the strip member 30 and the window glass 14.

[0055] Additionally, the strip member 30 can also be tilted relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, for example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the strip member 30 can be tilted upwards as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle. In other words, the strip member 30 can be tilted downwards as it approaches the side mirror 16. By adopting this structure, the strip member 30 can easily pass below the line connecting the pupil of the occupant 100 to the side mirror 16, effectively preventing the strip member 30 from obstructing the driver's view. On the other hand, when the strip member 30 is tilted upwards and backwards, since the rear part of the strip member 30 is relatively above, the area of ​​the portion of the expansion section 22a that extends downwards from the strip member 30 can be increased. Furthermore, this can more reliably prevent the curtain airbag 22 from being deployed out of the vehicle. In addition, as long as the strip member 30 is small enough not to obstruct the driver's view, it can also be located above the line K1 connecting the lower end of the 95% eye ellipse 50 to the lower corner of the side mirror 16.

[0056] Label Explanation

[0057] 10 Side wall, 11 Window, 12 Window opening, 14 Window glass, 16 Side rearview mirror, 18 Decorative parts, 20 Curtain-type airbag device, 22 Curtain-type airbag, 22a Inflatable part, 22b Non-inflatable part, 24 Gas generator, 30 Strip-shaped component, 32 Transverse tube, 34 Dividing strip, 36 Fixed bracket, 38 High friction part, 40 Seat, 50 Eye oval, 100 Occupant, 100a Head.

Claims

1. A vehicle side structure, characterized in that, have: A window has a window opening located on the side wall of a vehicle and window glass covering the window opening; A curtain-type airbag device is installed above the window and has a curtain-type airbag that can expand downwards. and The strip-shaped member, when viewed from the side of the vehicle, separates the window opening vertically. The strip-shaped member is positioned approximately at the same location as the window opening in the vehicle width direction or closer to the inside of the window opening in the vehicle width direction, and is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the fully inflated curtain airbag. At least a portion of the fully inflated curtain airbag extends below the strip member. The vertical position of the lower edge of the window opening is approximately the same as, or lower than, the vertical position of the lower edge of the fully inflated curtain airbag.

2. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strip-shaped member is positioned adjacent to the window glass with a gap smaller than the thickness of the fully inflated curtain airbag.

3. The vehicle side structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strip-shaped member is a dividing strip disposed on the inside of the window opening and dividing the window glass.

4. The vehicle side structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vehicle side structure also includes a seat, which is configured adjacent to the side wall of the vehicle, and an occupant sits on the seat. The strip member is configured at a height lower than the head of the occupant sitting on the seat.

5. The vehicle side structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vehicle side structure also includes a side rearview mirror, which is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the window. The strip member is positioned below the line that connects the lowest point of the 95% eye ellipse to the lowest point of the side rearview mirror.

6. The vehicle side structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vehicle side structure also includes a side rearview mirror, which is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the window. The strip member is positioned below the line that connects the lowest point of the 95% eye ellipse to the lowest point of the side rearview mirror.

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