Airbag mounting structure

Abstract

An airbag mounting structure (10) is provided with: a door portion (40) whose one end portion (41) is opened when an airbag (4a) is deployed; a mounting portion (20) having an opening portion (20a) in which the door portion (40) is opened to become an open state when the airbag (4a) is deployed, and serving to mount an airbag case (4b) that houses the airbag (4a); a hinge portion (30) that rotatably holds the door portion (40); a guide portion (50) that narrows a deployment passage (8) between the airbag (4a) and the door portion (40) by protruding from the mounting portion (20), and guides deployment of the airbag (4a); and a baffle (60) that is connected to the guide portion (50) to be interposed between the airbag (4a) and the hinge portion (30), and is forced by the airbag (4a) to rotate together with the door portion (40) when the airbag (4a) is deployed, the rigidity of the guide portion (50) being higher than the rigidity of the baffle (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an airbag mounting structure. Background Technology

[0002] EP2750935B1 discloses a vehicle safety device comprising: a door connected to a support frame via a hinge; and a deflector disposed between the door and an airbag to protect the hinge when the airbag deploys. In this vehicle safety device, if the airbag inflator operates, the airbag first inflates in the space below the door. Furthermore, the pressure generated by the inflating airbag causes it to rupture along a crack line on the dashboard, and the door rotates around the hinge. As a result, the airbag expands toward the occupant. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the vehicle safety device of EP2750935B1, the guide used to protect the hinge is integrally formed with the hinge. That is, the guide is formed of the same material and has the same wall thickness as the resilient hinge. Therefore, if the airbag inflates in the space below the door, the guide flexes. As a result, the application of sufficient pressure to the location of the crack line is delayed accordingly. That is, at locations without crack lines (more precisely, locations different from the initial cracking location), the pressure to be applied to the crack line is dispersed accordingly with the degree of airbag inflation.

[0004] When the airbag inflates in the expansion channel below the door, the pressure is easily concentrated at the crack line (the first cracked position).

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an airbag mounting structure for mounting an airbag to an instrument panel includes: a door portion having at least one end disposed along a slit line of the instrument panel, and said end being opened when the airbag deploys; a mounting portion having an opening portion in which the door portion is opened to an open state when the airbag deploys, and for mounting an airbag housing that accommodates the airbag; a hinge portion connected to the mounting portion and holding the door portion in a rotatable manner; a guide portion protruding from the mounting portion to narrow the deployment channel between the airbag and the door portion and to guide the deployment of the airbag; and a flap connected to the guide portion and located between the airbag and the hinge portion, and being subjected to force by the airbag when the airbag deploys and rotating together with the door portion, wherein the rigidity of the guide portion is higher than the rigidity of the flap.

[0006] In the above method, the rigidity of the guide portion protruding from the mounting part to narrow the deployment channel is higher than that of the baffle. Therefore, when the airbag inflates, the high rigidity of the guide portion reduces the volume of the deployment channel, thus making it easier to concentrate pressure at the crack line position when the airbag inflates. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an instrument panel to which the airbag mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

[0008] Figure 2 It is equivalent to Figure 1 The diagram of section II-II is a sectional view used to illustrate the airbag installation structure.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the area near the guide section.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram viewed from the back, used to illustrate the airbag installation structure.

[0011] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the airbag installation structure with the guide section and baffle removed.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the guide section and the baffle.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the state of the airbag during deployment.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the deployment state of the airbag.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified embodiment of the present invention regarding an airbag mounting structure. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the airbag mounting structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The instrument panel 2 of a vehicle 1, such as an automobile, to which the airbag mounting structure 10 is applicable will be described. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of dashboard 2. Figure 2 It is equivalent to Figure 1 The diagram of section II-II is a sectional view used to illustrate the airbag installation structure 10.

[0018] like Figure 1As shown, the dashboard 2 is located at the front of the vehicle interior of vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 is equipped with an airbag system 3.

[0019] The airbag system 3 is a safety device used to protect occupants in emergency situations such as a collision with vehicle 1. The airbag system 3 is located on the passenger side of the dashboard 2 to protect the passenger in the front passenger seat. The airbag system 3 includes an airbag module 4 (see reference). Figure 2 ), airbag cover 5 and airbag mounting structure 10.

[0020] The airbag device 3 includes, for example, a driver's side airbag, a passenger's side airbag, a side airbag, and a curtain airbag. In this embodiment, the airbag device 3 is a passenger's side airbag.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the airbag module 4 has an airbag 4a, an airbag shell 4b, multiple hooks 4c, and an inflator 4d.

[0022] The airbag 4a is formed into a bag shape and is folded and stored in the airbag housing 4b. The airbag 4a deploys and inflates in an emergency. Multiple hooks 4c secure the airbag housing 4b to the dashboard 2. An inflator 4d generates gas to deploy and inflate the airbag 4a.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the airbag cover 5 is located on the passenger side of the instrument panel 2. The airbag cover 5 includes an integral type that is integrated with the instrument panel 2 and a separate type that is installed on the instrument panel 2 separately. In this embodiment, the airbag cover 5 is an integral type, constituting a part of the instrument panel 2.

[0024] The airbag cover 5 normally covers the airbag module 4 from the surface. The airbag cover 5 has a crack line 6. In an emergency, the airbag cover 5 cracks from the crack line 6 under the pressure of the deployed and inflated airbag 4a, thereby forming an opening that allows the airbag 4a to bulge into the vehicle interior.

[0025] The crack line 6 is a groove shape formed concavely from the back of the airbag cover 5 and does not reach the surface of the airbag cover 5. The crack line 6 is configured in a generally H-shape having a transverse crack line portion 6a extending in the general vehicle width direction and left and right longitudinal crack line portions 6b extending from both ends of the transverse crack line portion 6a in the general vehicle front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the crack line 6 further has a pair of transverse crack line portions 6c connecting the two ends of the longitudinal crack line portions 6b respectively. A pair of opening and closing portions 7 capable of forming openings are formed on the airbag cover 5 by the crack line 6. Furthermore, in the generally H-shaped crack line 6, the transverse crack line portion 6a is the position where cracking should occur first.

[0026] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 The airbag installation structure 10 will be explained. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the area near the guide section 50. Figure 4 This is a perspective view taken from the back to illustrate the airbag mounting structure 10. Figure 5 It shows from Figure 4 A perspective view of the airbag installation structure 10 with the guide section 50 and the baffle 60 removed. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the guide section 50 and the baffle 60.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the airbag mounting structure 10 is used to mount the airbag 4a to the dashboard 2. The airbag mounting structure 10 has a mounting part 20, a pair of hinge parts 30, a pair of door parts 40, a guide part 50, and a baffle 60.

[0028] The mounting part 20 is molded from resin material. The mounting part 20 has an opening 20a that is opened when the airbag 4a is deployed. An airbag housing 4b for accommodating the airbag 4a is mounted to the mounting part 20 via a hook 4c. The mounting part 20 has a body part 21, a flange part 22, a through hole 23, and multiple reinforcing ribs 24 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0029] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the main body 21 is formed into a generally rectangular cylindrical shape. Figure 2 As shown, an opening 20a is formed at one end 21a of the main body 21. An airbag module 4 is installed at the other end 21b of the main body 21.

[0030] A flange portion 22 is formed along the entire outer periphery of one end portion 21a of the body portion 21. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the flange 22 is mounted in a manner that abuts against the back of the instrument panel 2. The flange 22 is fused to the back of the instrument panel 2 to reinforce the instrument panel 2.

[0031] The through hole 23 penetrates the body portion 21 along its thickness direction. The hook 4c of the airbag module 4 is hooked into the through hole 23. Thus, the airbag module 4 is installed in the mounting portion 20.

[0032] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, multiple reinforcing ribs 24 are provided at intervals on the outer periphery of the flange portion 22. The reinforcing ribs 24 connect the body portion 21 and the flange portion 22 to provide reinforcement.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, a pair of hinge portions 30 are provided, each holding the door portion 40 in a rotatable manner. The hinge portion 30 is integrally formed with the door portion 40 and the mounting portion 20. The hinge portion 30 is formed by protruding into the inside of the opening 20a (within the unfolding channel 8), thus having a generally U-shaped cross-section. When the airbag 4a unfolds and the door portion 40 opens, the generally U-shaped cross-section of the hinge portion 30 extends outward from the opening 20a, while the hinge portion 30 rotates from the connection point with the mounting portion 20. Here, the unfolding channel 8 refers to the space formed by the door portion 40, the airbag 4a, and the mounting portion 20. The airbag 4a, provided in the unfolding channel 8, is mounted obliquely to the mounting portion 20 such that the distance to one hinge portion 30 is greater than the distance to the other hinge portion 30. That is, the airbag 4a is mounted to the mounting portion 20 in a state that is oblique to the door portion 40 and not perpendicular to it in the unfolding direction.

[0034] The door portion 40 is integrally formed with the mounting portion 20 and the hinge portion 30. One end 41 of the door portion 40 is configured to run along the transverse split line 6a of the instrument panel 2. That is, at least one end 41 of the door portion 40 runs along the split line 6 of the instrument panel 2. The side ends of both ends of one end 41 of the door portion 40 run along the longitudinal split line 6b of the instrument panel 2. The door portion 40 is mounted in contact with the back of the airbag cover 5. The door portion 40 is fused to the back of the airbag cover 5 to reinforce the airbag cover 5.

[0035] A pair of door portions 40 are provided facing each other on the inner side of the transverse slit line portion 6a, with one end 41 serving as the free end of each other. The door portions 40 are opened by rotating one end 41 around the hinge portion 30 when the airbag 4a is deployed. Each door portion 40 has a free end stop portion 42.

[0036] The free end stop 42 extends along the axial direction of the rotation axis of the hinge portion 30 (also referred to as the extension direction of the hinge portion 30, which is the width direction of the vehicle 1 when mounted in front of the passenger seat of the vehicle 1). Figure 4 As shown, in the state where the airbag 4a is retracted, that is, in the state before the airbag 4a is deployed, the free end 61 of the baffle 60 abuts against the free end stop 42. The free end stop 42 defines the position of the free end 61.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the guide portion 50 is configured to protrude from the body portion 21 of the mounting portion 20 toward the deployment channel 8. The guide portion 50 reduces the volume of the deployment channel 8 and guides the deployment of the airbag 4a. The guide portion 50 is molded from resin material. The guide portion 50 has a flat portion 51, a protrusion 52, an inclined portion 53, and a front end portion 54.

[0038] Here, as described above, the airbag 4a disposed within the deployment channel 8 is mounted obliquely on the mounting portion 20 such that the distance to one hinge portion 30 is greater than the distance to the other hinge portion 30. Therefore, space is easily created between the airbag 4a and the hinge portion 30.

[0039] In this regard, in the airbag mounting structure 10, the guide portion 50 is installed at the position where the hinge portion 30 on the side of the mounting portion 20 that is farther away from the airbag 4a is connected. In this way, the guide portion 50 fills the space between the airbag 4a and the hinge portion 30, thereby enabling the pressure to be concentrated on the crack line (transverse crack line portion 6a) when the airbag 4a expands in the deployment channel 8.

[0040] In addition, by providing the guide part 50 and the baffle 60, the area of ​​the airbag 4a abutting against the back of the door part 40 is reduced, so when the airbag 4a inflates in the deployment channel 8, the pressure can be easily concentrated on the crack line (the transverse crack line part 6a).

[0041] The guide portion 50 has high rigidity when it intersects with the baffle 60. Here, rigidity refers to the difficulty (small amount of deformation) of the airbag 4a when it is deployed and inflated, and the pressure inside the deployment channel 8 increases. That is, when the internal pressure of the airbag 4a increases within the deployment channel 8, the guide portion 50 is less prone to deformation (smaller amount of deformation) than the baffle 60 when the airbag 4a contacts the guide portion 50 and the baffle 60. The guide portion 50 has reinforcing ribs 56 on its back side that does not face the deployment channel 8. As a result, the rigidity of the guide portion 50 is improved (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the guide portion 50 and the mounting portion 20 are separately disposed and mounted on the mounting portion 20. Therefore, the mounting portion 20 and the guide portion 50 can be formed separately, wherein the mounting portion 20 and the hinge portion 30 are formed as one piece. Therefore, for example, the mounting portion 20 and the guide portion 50 can be formed with different materials or with different thicknesses, thereby easily improving the rigidity of the guide portion 50.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the flat portion 51 is provided along the mounting portion 20 and mounted on the mounting portion 20. A through hole (not shown) is provided on the flat portion 51 at a position coinciding with the through hole 23 of the mounting portion 20, through which the hook 4c of the airbag module 4 is inserted.

[0044] The protrusion 52 protrudes from the mounting portion 20, narrowing the deployment channel 8 between the airbag 4a and the door portion 40. The protrusion 52 protrudes inward from the mounting portion 20 within a range that does not overlap with the airbag 4a when viewed from the opening portion 20a. Therefore, interference between the guide portion 50 and the airbag 4a can be prevented during airbag installation.

[0045] The inclined portion 53 connects the upper end of the flat portion 51 and the lower end of the protrusion 52. The inclined portion 53 is inclined in such a way that the unfolding channel 8 gradually narrows from the connection with the flat portion 51 toward the connection with the protrusion 52.

[0046] The front end portion 54 is provided at the upper end of the guide portion 50. The front end portion 54 extends from the upper end of the protrusion 52 and connects the protrusion 52 and the mounting portion 20. The front end portion 54 is configured to be approximately perpendicular to the mounting portion 20. The inner peripheral end portion 54a of the unfolding channel 8 in the front end portion 54 is located closer to the outer peripheral side of the unfolding channel 8 (closer to the main body portion 21) than the connecting portion 54b to which the baffle 60 is connected.

[0047] The inner peripheral end portion 54a functions as an anti-rotation part when the baffle 60 rotates. This prevents the baffle 60 from rotating beyond necessary limits and placing a load on its axis of rotation (the connection portion 54b where the baffle 60 connects to the guide portion 50), thereby preventing damage to the baffle 60. Furthermore, while the inner peripheral end portion 54a functions as an anti-rotation part in this embodiment, it is not limited to this; the anti-rotation part can also be a protrusion or the like extending from the front end portion 54 towards the baffle 60. That is, from the viewpoint of functioning as an anti-rotation part, its shape and arrangement are not particularly limited.

[0048] The inner peripheral end portion 54a is located at a predetermined distance from the connection portion 54b between the baffle 60 and the guide portion 50 in the direction of airbag 4a deployment. This predetermined distance is at least equivalent to the thickness of the baffle 60. That is, the front end portion 54 is located closer to the mounting portion 20 than the connection portion 54b between the baffle 60 and the guide portion 50. Specifically, the front end portion 54 is located closer to the mounting portion 20 than the connection portion 54b by a distance at least equivalent to the thickness of the baffle 60.

[0049] Therefore, when the baffle 60 is folded down until it rotates and hits the inner peripheral end 54a (anti-rotation part) of the front end 54 of the guide part 50, the amount by which the baffle 60 protrudes into the unfolding channel 8 is reduced. As a result, the situation where the connecting part 54b of the baffle 60 interferes with the inflating airbag 4a can be suppressed.

[0050] The baffle 60 is integrally formed with the guide portion 50. Alternatively, the guide portion 50 and the baffle 60 can be formed separately and then assembled. In this case, by forming the guide portion 50 and the baffle 60 with different materials or making them with different thicknesses, the rigidity of the guide portion 50 can be made higher than that of the baffle 60.

[0051] The baffle 60 is connected to the guide portion 50 and is located between the airbag 4a and the hinge portion 30. The baffle 60 extends along the extending direction of the hinge portion 30. The baffle 60 has a free end 61, an abutment portion 62, and a pair of ribs 70 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0052] When the airbag 4a deploys, the baffle 60 is bent by the force of the airbag 4a, and when the airbag 4a deploys, it rotates together with the door 40 around the connecting part 54b. The baffle 60 is connected to the guide part 50 near the front end 54 of the guide part 50 in the deployment direction of the airbag 4a.

[0053] A baffle 60 is provided between the airbag 4a and the hinge part 30, so that when the airbag 4a is deployed, the pressure generated by the expansion of the airbag 4a is concentrated between a pair of door parts 40 (transverse crack part 6a). In addition, it prevents the airbag 4a from directly contacting the rotation axis of the hinge part 30, thereby preventing damage to the hinge part 30.

[0054] The connection portion 54b between the baffle 60 and the guide portion 50 is a predetermined distance away from the front end portion 54 of the guide portion 50. This predetermined distance is smaller than the length of the abutment portion 62 of the baffle 60.

[0055] Here, when the airbag 4a is deployed, if the inner peripheral end 54a of the guide portion 50 is located in a position where the rotation of the baffle 60 cannot be restricted when the door portion 40 is fully open (i.e., assuming there is no anti-rotation portion), there is a concern that the force acting on the baffle 60 will cause the rotation angle of the baffle 60 to become too large and the baffle 60 to deform significantly.

[0056] In response, the airbag mounting structure 10 connects a baffle 60 at a predetermined distance from the front end 54 of the guide portion 50. Therefore, if the baffle 60 rotates, it abuts against the inner circumferential end 54a of the front end 54 of the guide portion 50, thus limiting the rotation of the baffle 60. This prevents the application of forces that could cause significant deformation of the baffle 60.

[0057] The free end 61 abuts against the door portion 40 when the airbag 4a is retracted. The free end 61 abuts against the free end stop portion 42, thereby defining its position.

[0058] In this way, the free end 61 of the baffle 60 abuts against the free end stop 42, thus allowing the position of the baffle 60 to be determined as desired. In addition, the baffle 60 is constrained by the door portion 40, thus preventing the baffle 60 from shaking and producing a rattling sound due to vibrations when the vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0059] The abutment portion 62 extends a predetermined length from the connection portion 54b of the baffle 60. When the airbag 4a is deployed, the abutment portion 62 abuts against the inner peripheral end 54a of the front end portion 54. The abutment portion 62 is formed to be thicker than the other parts of the baffle 60.

[0060] Thus, when the airbag 4a deploys and the baffle 60 rotates, the abutment portion 62, which is thicker than other parts of the baffle 60, abuts against the inner peripheral end portion 54a of the front end portion 54 of the guide portion 50. Therefore, it can withstand the large force acting on the baffle 60 due to the impact when the baffle 60 rotates and abuts against the inner peripheral end portion 54a.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, ribs 70 are provided at both ends 63 of the baffle 60 in the extending direction (the same as the axis of rotation of the hinge portion 30, and in the width direction of the vehicle 1 when mounted on the vehicle 1) and connected to the guide portion 50. Ribs 70 reinforce both ends 63 of the baffle 60, making the rigidity of both ends 63 higher than that of the central portion 64. In other words, the central portion 64 of the baffle 60 is relatively weaker than the two ends 63. Here, the two ends 63 also include areas located a few millimeters away from both ends in the extending direction of the baffle 60.

[0062] For example, instead of providing ribs 70, the two ends 63 of the baffle 60 in the extending direction can be formed to be thicker than the central portion 64. That is, the baffle 60 only needs to have a higher rigidity in the axial direction of the two ends 63 during rotation than the rigidity of the central portion 64 between the two ends 63.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a guide portion 55 is provided on a surface opposite to the surface of the main body 21 where the guide portion 50 is provided, instead of the guide portion 50. The guide portion 55 does not have a protrusion 52 and an inclined portion 53, but only has a flat portion 51 and a front end portion 54. Similar to the guide portion 50, a baffle 60 is also connected to the guide portion 55. Alternatively, a pair of guide portions 50 can be provided on a pair of opposite flat surfaces of the main body 21 instead.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The function of the airbag mounting structure 10 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the state of airbag 4a during deployment. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the deployed state of airbag 4a.

[0065] In the event of an emergency, such as a collision with vehicle 1, the airbag device 3 is activated to protect the front passenger occupant based on signals from a collision detection sensor (not shown). If the airbag device 3 is activated, the airbag 4a inflates under the action of gas generated by the inflator 4d and presses down the airbag cover 5.

[0066] Here, we analyze the case where no guide section is provided and only a baffle is installed in the mounting section (comparative example). In this case, the baffle is positioned in the deployment channel formed by the upper surface of the airbag and the body of the mounting section. If the airbag deploys and inflates, the baffle deflects, and consequently, the pressure cannot be concentrated at the crack line between the door sections. In particular, when the baffle is installed in the mounting section, the baffle deflects by rotating from the contact position with the mounting section, which serves as the base of the baffle, thus the amount of deflection is large.

[0067] In this regard, in the airbag mounting structure 10, a guide portion 50 with higher rigidity than the baffle 60 protrudes from the mounting portion 20 to narrow the deployment channel 8, and the baffle 60 is connected to the guide portion 50. Therefore, the high rigidity of the guide portion 50 reduces the volume of the deployment channel 8, thus allowing pressure to be concentrated between the door portions 40 (transverse slit portion 6a) when the airbag 4a inflates. In addition, the connection between the baffle 60 and the guide portion 50 protruding from the mounting portion 20 allows for miniaturization of the baffle 60. As a result, due to the miniaturization of the baffle 60, the deflection of the baffle 60 is correspondingly reduced compared to the comparative example described above, making it easier for the pressure when the airbag 4a inflates to be concentrated between the door portions 40.

[0068] If the airbag 4a inflates and the pressure inside the deployment channel 8 increases, the airbag cover 5 cracks from the crack line 6 and opens the opening / closing part 7. The airbag 4a further inflates toward the outside of the opening / closing part 7 (towards the vehicle interior) and restrains the body of the front passenger occupant seated in the front passenger seat.

[0069] Here, when the opening / closing portion 7 of the airbag cover 5 is opened, the transverse cracking portion 6a cracks first near the center and then extends towards both ends. Preferredly, the longitudinal cracking portion 6b cracks after the transverse cracking portion 6a cracks (see reference). Figure 1 That is, preferably, the airbag cover 5 is in a state where a pair of opening and closing parts 7 split open from the center and open in opposite directions (the so-called left and right opening door state).

[0070] To address this, a baffle 60 is provided between the airbag 4a and the hinge portion 30 in the airbag mounting structure 10. Therefore, when the airbag 4a deploys, the pressure generated by its expansion is concentrated between the pair of door portions 40 (the transverse slit line 6a), preventing pressure from being applied to the hinge portion 30. Thus, in the airbag mounting structure 10, under the pressure generated by the expansion of the airbag 4a, the airbag cover 5 cracks from the central transverse slit line 6a.

[0071] Furthermore, ribs 70 are provided at both ends 63 of the baffle 60. Because of the ribs 70 at both ends 63 of the baffle 60, the rigidity of the two ends 63 becomes higher than that of the central portion 64 of the baffle 60. Therefore, with respect to the baffle 60, the area near the relatively weak central portion 64 deforms first, followed by the area near both ends 63.

[0072] Therefore, under the pressure generated by the expansion of the airbag 4a, the airbag cover 5 also cracks first near the center of the transverse crack line 6a, and then expands to both ends from there, so that the longitudinal crack line 6b cracks after the transverse crack line 6a cracks. Therefore, in the airbag mounting structure 10, the crack lines 6 can crack in an ideal sequence, opening the opening and closing portion 7 of the airbag cover 5 together with the door portion 40.

[0073] Based on the above implementation methods, the following effects are obtained.

[0074] The airbag mounting structure 10 for mounting the airbag 4a to the dashboard 2 includes: a door portion 40, at least one end 41 of which is provided along the slit line 6 of the dashboard 2, and one end 41 is opened when the airbag 4a is deployed; a mounting portion 20, having an opening 20a in which the door portion 40 is opened when the airbag 4a is deployed, and for mounting the airbag housing 4b that accommodates the airbag 4a; a hinge portion 30, which is connected to the mounting portion 20 and holds the door portion 40 in a rotatable manner; a guide portion 50, which protrudes from the mounting portion 20 to narrow the deployment channel 8 between the airbag 4a and the door portion 40 and guides the deployment of the airbag 4a; and a baffle 60, which is connected to the guide portion 50 and is located between the airbag 4a and the hinge portion 30, and is subjected to force under the action of the airbag 4a when the airbag 4a is deployed and rotates together with the door portion 40, wherein the rigidity of the guide portion 50 is higher than the rigidity of the baffle 60.

[0075] According to this design, the guide portion 50, which protrudes from the mounting portion 20 and narrows the deployment channel 8, has higher rigidity than the baffle 60. Therefore, when the airbag 4a inflates, the higher rigidity of the guide portion 50 reduces the volume of the deployment channel 8, making it easier for the pressure generated by the inflation of the airbag 4a to concentrate at the crack line 6. Furthermore, by connecting the baffle 60 to the guide portion 50, the baffle 60 is miniaturized. Thus, when the airbag 4a inflates in the deployment channel 8 below the door portion 40, even if the baffle 60 deflects, its deflection is correspondingly reduced due to its miniaturization.

[0076] Furthermore, in the baffle 60, the rigidity of the two ends 63 in the axial direction of rotation is higher than the rigidity of the central portion 64 between the two ends 63. Specifically, the baffle 60 has ribs 70 at each end 63 that are connected to the guide portion 50.

[0077] In this design, ribs 70 are provided at both ends 63 of the baffle 60. Due to the presence of ribs 70, the rigidity of the ends 63 of the baffle 60 becomes higher than that of the central portion 64. Therefore, with respect to the baffle 60, deformation occurs first near the central portion 64, followed by deformation near the ends 63. Consequently, when the airbag 4a expands under pressure, the airbag cover 5 also cracks first near the center in the transverse crack line portion 6a, and then expands towards both ends, resulting in the longitudinal crack line portion 6b cracking after the transverse crack line portion 6a. Therefore, in the airbag mounting structure 10, the crack lines 6 can crack in an ideal sequence, allowing the opening / closing portion 7 of the airbag cover 5 to open together with the door portion 40.

[0078] In addition, the guide portion 50 has an anti-rotation portion (inner peripheral end portion 54a) that restricts the rotation of the baffle 60 when the airbag 4a is deployed.

[0079] In this design, if the baffle 60 rotates, it abuts against the inner peripheral end 54a of the front end 54 of the guide portion 50, thus restricting the rotation of the baffle 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the application of forces that could cause large deformation of the baffle 60.

[0080] Furthermore, the inner peripheral end 54a is located at a predetermined distance from the connection portion 54b between the baffle 60 and the guide portion 50 in the direction of airbag 4a deployment. Specifically, the predetermined distance is at least equivalent to the thickness of the baffle 60.

[0081] In this design, the front end portion 54 is located closer to the mounting portion 20 than the connecting portion 54b by a distance equivalent to the thickness of the baffle 60. Therefore, when the baffle 60 rotates and abuts against the inner peripheral end portion 54a of the front end portion 54 of the guide portion 50, the baffle 60 will not protrude from the guide portion 50 into the deployment channel 8. This prevents the baffle 60 from interfering with the inflating airbag 4a.

[0082] In addition, in the baffle 60, the abutting part 62 that hits the anti-rotation part (inner peripheral end 54a) when the airbag 4a is deployed is formed to be thicker than other parts.

[0083] According to this design, when the baffle 60 rotates, the abutment portion 62, which is thicker than other portions, abuts against the inner peripheral end portion 54a of the front end portion 54 of the guide portion 50. Therefore, it can withstand the large force acting on the baffle 60 due to the impact when the baffle 60 rotates and abuts against the inner peripheral end portion 54a.

[0084] In addition, when the airbag 4a is viewed from the opening 20a, the guide portion 50 protrudes from the mounting portion 20 within a range that does not overlap with the airbag 4a.

[0085] According to this scheme, interference from the guide section 50 can be prevented when the airbag 4a deploys and inflates.

[0086] In addition, the guide section 50 and the mounting section 20 are separately provided and installed on the mounting section 20.

[0087] According to this design, the mounting portion 20 and the guide portion 50, which are integrally formed with the hinge portion 30, can be formed separately. Therefore, for example, the mounting portion 20 and the guide portion 50 can be formed with different materials or with different thicknesses, thus easily improving the rigidity of the guide portion 50.

[0088] In addition, the free end 61 of the baffle 60 abuts against the door 40 when the airbag 4a is housed, and the door 40 has a free end stop 42 for defining the position of the free end 61.

[0089] According to this design, the free end 61 of the baffle 60 abuts against the free end stop 42, thus allowing the position of the baffle 60 to be determined as desired. Furthermore, the baffle 60 is constrained by the door portion 40, thereby preventing the baffle 60 from shaking and producing a rattling sound due to vibrations during vehicle 1 operation.

[0090] In addition, a pair of door portions 40 are provided opposite each other at one end 41 along the crack line (transverse crack line portion 6a), and a pair of hinge portions 30 are provided in such a way that each door portion 40 can be rotated and held in place. The airbag 4a is obliquely mounted on the mounting portion 20 such that the distance to one hinge portion 30 is greater than the distance to the other hinge portion 30. The guide portion 50 is mounted on the mounting portion 20 at the position where the hinge portion 30 on the side with the greater distance from the airbag 4a is connected.

[0091] In this design, the airbag 4a is installed at an angle on the mounting part 20 such that the distance to one hinge part 30 is greater than the distance to the other hinge part 30. Therefore, a space is easily generated between the airbag 4a and the hinge part 30, but the guide part 50 fills the space. Thus, when the airbag 4a expands in the deployment channel 8, the pressure can be concentrated on the crack line (transverse crack line part 6a).

[0092] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments are only a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiments.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, the front end portion 54 is located closer to the mounting portion 20 than the connecting portion 54b by a distance equivalent to at least the thickness of the baffle 60. Alternatively, it can be... Figure 9 As shown in the modified example, the height of the front end 54 from the mounting part 20 is the same as that of the connecting part 54b.

[0094] The high rigidity of the guide section 50 also reduces the volume of the deployment channel 8 in this case, so when the airbag 4a expands in the deployment channel 8 below the door section 40, the pressure is easily concentrated at the crack line 6.

[0095] This application claims priority to Japan Patent Office Patent Application No. 2021-132385, filed on August 16, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An airbag mounting structure for mounting an airbag to a dashboard, characterized in that, have: A door portion, at least one end of which is disposed along the slit line of the dashboard, and said end is opened when the airbag deploys; The mounting part has an opening that is opened when the airbag is deployed, and is used to mount the airbag housing that accommodates the airbag. A hinge portion, which connects to the mounting portion and holds the door portion in a rotatable manner; A guide portion protrudes from the mounting portion to narrow the deployment channel between the airbag and the door portion, and guides the deployment of the airbag; and A baffle, which is connected to the guide portion, The baffle is located between the airbag and the hinge to prevent the airbag from contacting the hinge when the airbag is deployed, and under the force of the airbag, it rotates together with the door when the airbag is deployed. The rigidity of the guide portion is higher than that of the baffle. The guide portion protrudes from the mounting portion within a range that does not overlap with the airbag when viewed from the opening. The door portions are provided in a pair, with each of them positioned opposite each other at one end along the crack line. The hinge portions are provided in a pair in such a way that each of the door portions can be rotatably held in place. The airbag is mounted at an angle to the mounting portion such that the distance to one of the hinge portions is greater than the distance to the other hinge portion. The guide portion is installed at the position where the hinge portion is connected to the side of the mounting portion that is farther away from the airbag.

2. The airbag installation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the baffle, the rigidity at both ends of the rotating axial direction is higher than the rigidity of the central portion between the two ends.

3. The airbag installation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The baffle has ribs at both ends that are connected to the guide portion.

4. The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide portion has an anti-rotation portion that restricts the rotation of the baffle when the airbag deploys.

5. The airbag installation structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The anti-rotation part is located at a predetermined distance from the connection between the baffle and the guide part in the direction of airbag deployment.

6. The airbag installation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The specified distance is a distance equivalent to at least the thickness of the baffle.

7. The airbag installation structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the baffle, the portion that abuts against the anti-rotation part when the airbag is deployed is thicker than the other portions.

8. The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide portion and the mounting portion are separately disposed and mounted on the mounting portion.

9. The airbag mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The free end of the baffle abuts against the door when the airbag is housed. The door portion has a free end stop for defining the position of the free end.

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