An automobile airbag mechanism

Abstract

An automobile safety air bag mechanism, including an instrument desk and the air bag assembly arranged in the lower side position of the instrument desk, the air bag assembly includes controller, gas generator and air bag body, in the inflation state, the air bag body forms the first buffer body of left and right extension under the instrument desk and the two second buffer bodies that respectively connect with the two ends of the first buffer body and extend downwards, the accommodating space is formed between the two second buffer bodies, and the gas generator is connected with the upper side of the first buffer body.The first buffer body and the second buffer body of the utility model can provide the buffering effect when the foot is impacted in the up-down, left-right direction, reduce the probability and degree of ankle injury, and can also limit the excessive dorsiflexion of ankle when the vehicle collides front and back, and limit the excessive lateral turning of ankle when the vehicle collides left and right, thereby reducing the risk of ligament tear and fracture in all directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive airbag technology, and specifically to an automotive airbag mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] According to data from the National Traffic Accident In-Depth Investigation, approximately 38% of occupants in frontal collisions suffer lower limb injuries of varying degrees. Among these, ankle sprains, ligament tears, and fractures account for as much as 65%, far exceeding the proportion of injuries to other parts of the legs. Existing airbag systems (such as head airbags, side airbags, and knee airbags) primarily focus on protecting the upper body and thighs, with relatively little research on protecting the ankle, a vulnerable area. When a vehicle collides, the occupant's feet undergo violent displacement due to inertia. For example, in a frontal collision, the foot may strike the brake pedal or the lower part of the dashboard forward; in a side collision, the foot may be squeezed to the side; and in a rear-end collision, the foot may overextend backward. This multi-directional inertial displacement can easily lead to excessive flexion, extension, and twisting of the ankle joint, causing ligament damage, joint dislocation, and even fractures. Ankle injuries not only have long recovery periods and high costs, but more seriously, about 20% of severe ankle injuries can lead to long-term loss of mobility for passengers, affecting their daily work and life, and causing long-term human and material losses to families and society.

[0003] Patent application CN202422038162.6 discloses a passenger-side leg airbag for automobiles. The airbag, positioned below the dashboard, inflates to form an upper and lower buffer bladder. The area between the upper and lower buffer bladders constitutes a V-shaped or U-shaped space for the passenger's feet. While this technical solution provides V-shaped or U-shaped space for the feet to be inserted to avoid impact during an accident, it primarily offers protection in the vertical and horizontal directions, offering poor protection in side collisions. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides an automotive airbag mechanism that can specifically protect the ankles of front-seat occupants during a vehicle collision, preventing excessive flexion, extension, and twisting of the ankle joint, and reducing the probability of ankle injury in an accident.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An automotive airbag mechanism includes a dashboard and an airbag assembly disposed on the lower side of the dashboard. The airbag assembly includes a controller, a gas generator, and an airbag body. The controller is used to trigger the gas generator and inflate the airbag body. In the inflated state, the airbag body forms a first buffer extending along the left and right sides of the vehicle below the dashboard and two second buffers extending downward and connected to both ends of the first buffer. An accommodating space is formed between the two second buffers, such that when the feet of the front passenger are in the accommodating space, they are wrapped by the upper first buffer and the second buffers on the left and right sides. The gas generator is connected to the upper side of the first buffer.

[0007] Furthermore, the left and right extension length of the first buffer body is 20~25cm.

[0008] Furthermore, the vertical extension length of the second buffer body is 15~20cm.

[0009] Furthermore, the front and rear widths of the first buffer body and the second buffer body are 10~20cm.

[0010] Furthermore, the dashboard includes a lower side panel facing the bottom of the vehicle, the lower side panel having a mounting portion, and the airbag assembly being connected to the lower side panel via the mounting portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting portion has a trigger port facing the bottom of the vehicle, and the airbag assembly is located inside the trigger port in the uninflated and deployed state, and does not protrude from the outer surface of the lower shell plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the mounting part includes a mounting groove recessed towards the interior of the instrument panel, and the gas generator and the airbag body are disposed within the mounting groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the mounting slot is provided with a fixing component and a wiring hole, the gas generator is fixedly connected to the fixing component, and the controller is located inside the instrument panel and connected to the gas generator through the wiring hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the trigger port is provided with an encapsulation plate, which includes two plate units arranged along the left and right sides of the vehicle, and the mating sides of the two plate units form a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0015] Furthermore, two airbag assemblies are provided on the lower part of the dashboard, with the two airbag assemblies corresponding to the driver's seat and the passenger seat, respectively.

[0016] The following beneficial effects can be achieved by applying the solution of this utility model:

[0017] 1. After the airbag of this utility model inflates, it forms a first buffer body located on the upper side of the foot and two second buffer bodies located on the left and right sides of the foot. The first and second buffer bodies can provide a cushioning effect when the foot is subjected to impacts in the vertical and horizontal directions, reducing the probability and severity of ankle injury.

[0018] 2. Through the structural and dimensional design of the first and second buffer bodies, this utility model enables the airbag to expand and not only restrain excessive vertical and horizontal displacement of the ankle joint, but also actively limit ankle twisting: when the vehicle is impacted from the front or rear, the height design of the first buffer body ensures that the part of itself near the front of the vehicle and the part near the rear of the vehicle contact the instep and the lower leg respectively, limiting excessive dorsiflexion of the ankle. When the vehicle is impacted from the side, the spacing design of the two second buffer bodies limits the lateral rotation of the ankle, thereby reducing the risk of ligament tearing and fracture in all aspects.

[0019] 3. When not triggered, this utility model can be hidden inside the lower side panel of the dashboard, without affecting the legroom of the occupants, and without requiring any changes to the existing cockpit layout, making it compatible with various passenger car interior designs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of this utility model in the triggered state.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag assembly in the triggered state in the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag assembly in the non-triggered state in the embodiment;

[0023] In the figure, 1-instrument panel, 11-lower shell plate, 12-mounting part, 121-mounting groove, 122-fixing part, 123-wiring hole, 124-encapsulation plate, 1241-plate unit, 1242-snap structure, 2-airbag assembly, 21-controller, 22-gas generator, 23-airbag body, 231-first buffer, 232-second buffer, 233-accommodation space. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0025] Example

[0026] Reference Figure 1and Figure 2 One embodiment of this utility model provides an automotive airbag mechanism, which includes an instrument panel 1 and an airbag assembly 2 disposed on the lower side of the instrument panel. The airbag assembly 2 includes a controller 21, a gas generator 22, and an airbag body 23. The controller 21 is interconnected with the vehicle's electronic stability system (ESP) and the main airbag controller (ACU) and integrates a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a pressure sensor, which can accurately identify the collision type (frontal, side) and collision intensity to ensure accurate triggering timing. The gas generator 22 is used to receive signals from the controller 21 and quickly generate gas to inflate the airbag body 23. A high-efficiency pyrotechnic gas generator or a cold-generated gas generator can be selected as needed. The airbag body 23 is made of high-strength nylon 66 fabric and treated with a tear-resistant coating. Its volume in the folded state is about 1 / 20 of that in the unfolded state. The airbag is equipped with multiple sets of reinforcing ribs and buffer layers to ensure stable shape and sufficient impact resistance after deployment. In the deployed state, the airbag body 23 forms a first buffer 231 extending along the left and right sides of the car below the dashboard 1 and two second buffers 232 extending downwards and connected to the two ends of the first buffer 231 respectively. An accommodating space 233 is formed between the two second buffers 232, so that when the feet of the front passenger are in the accommodating space 233, they are surrounded by the first buffer 231 on the upper side and the second buffers 232 on the left and right sides. The gas generator 22 is connected to the upper side of the first buffer 231.

[0027] More specifically, in one embodiment of this invention, after the airbag body deploys, the lateral extension length of the first buffer 231 is selected in the range of 20-25cm, and the vertical extension length of the second buffer is selected in the range of 15-20cm. In this size configuration, the lateral width of the accommodating space 233 allows the two second buffers 232 to fit snugly against the outer side of the ankles, and the vertical height of the accommodating space 233 positions the first buffer 231 between the instep and the calf, with the height of the first buffer lower than the foot length. When the vehicle is subjected to a frontal or rearal impact, the portion of the first buffer 231 near the front of the vehicle and the portion near the rear of the vehicle contact the instep and calf respectively, limiting excessive dorsiflexion of the ankle. When the vehicle is subjected to a lateral impact, the spacing between the two second buffers 232 limits lateral rotation of the ankle, thereby comprehensively reducing the risk of ligament tears and fractures. The frontal and rearal widths of the first and second buffers can be designed as needed; from the perspective of protection area, a width of 10-20cm is preferred.

[0028] This utility model can be selectively implemented in the driver's seat or the front passenger seat of a vehicle as needed to achieve the corresponding protection effect.

[0029] In one embodiment of this utility model, the airbag assembly is provided with a pressure relief hole. The internal pressure of the airbag is dynamically adjusted through the pressure relief hole. The initial pressure reaches 30 kPa to quickly form support, and then drops to 15 kPa to buffer the impact and avoid secondary damage caused by excessive pressure.

[0030] In some embodiments of this invention, the airbag assembly can be concealed inside the dashboard 1 when not deployed, to avoid affecting the occupant's legroom. Figure 3 Taking the illustrated embodiment as an example, the dashboard 1 includes a lower shell plate 11 facing the bottom of the vehicle. The lower shell plate 11 has a mounting portion 12, and the mounting portion 12 has a downwardly opening mounting groove 121 recessed into the dashboard. A sealing plate 124 is provided at the groove opening of the mounting groove 121. The airbag assembly 2 can be hidden in the mounting groove when not triggered. When triggered, the airbag body 23 inflates and pushes open the sealing plate 124, forming... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. In a more specific embodiment, the gas generator 22 and the airbag body 23 are encapsulated in a mounting slot, while the controller 21 is located inside the instrument panel. The bottom of the mounting slot 121 is provided with a fixing member 122 and a wiring hole 123. The gas generator 22 is fixedly connected to the fixing member 122, and the controller 21 is connected to the gas generator 22 through the wiring hole 123.

[0031] To facilitate airbag deployment and reduce the impact on the feet when the encapsulation plate is pushed open, in one embodiment, the encapsulation plate 124 is designed to include two plate units 1241, one on the left and one on the right. The two plate units 1241 have a locking head and a locking groove on their adjacent sides, respectively. The two plate units 1241 are connected to each other by a relatively weak snap-fit ​​structure 1242. When the airbag is deployed, the two plate units are pushed open to the left and right sides respectively to avoid impacting the occupant's feet.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A car airbag mechanism, characterized in that: The system includes a dashboard (1) and an airbag assembly (2) located on the lower side of the dashboard. The airbag assembly (2) includes a controller (21), a gas generator (22), and an airbag body (23). The controller (21) is used to trigger the gas generator (22) and inflate the airbag body (23). In the inflated state, the airbag body (23) forms a first buffer (231) extending along the left and right sides of the vehicle below the dashboard (1) and two second buffers (232) extending downward and connected to the two ends of the first buffer respectively. A receiving space (233) is formed between the two second buffers, so that when the feet of the front passenger are in the receiving space (233), they are wrapped by the upper first buffer (231) and the second buffers (232) on the left and right sides. The gas generator (22) is connected to the upper side of the first buffer (231).

2. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left and right extension length of the first buffer body (231) is 20~25cm.

3. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical extension length of the second buffer body (232) is 15~20cm.

4. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front and rear widths of the first buffer body (231) and the second buffer body (232) are 10~20cm.

5. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dashboard (1) includes a lower side shell (11) facing the bottom of the vehicle, the lower side shell having a mounting part (12), and the airbag assembly (2) is connected to the lower side shell (11) through the mounting part (12).

6. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting part (12) has a trigger port facing the bottom of the vehicle. The airbag assembly (2) is located inside the trigger port in the uninflated state and does not protrude from the outer surface of the lower shell plate (11).

7. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting part (12) includes a mounting groove (121) recessed towards the inside of the instrument panel, and the gas generator (22) and the airbag body (23) are disposed in the mounting groove (121).

8. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the mounting slot (121) is provided with a fixing part (122) and a wiring hole (123). The gas generator (22) is fixedly connected to the fixing part (122). The controller (21) is located inside the instrument panel (1) and is connected to the gas generator (22) through the wiring hole (123).

9. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The trigger port is provided with a sealing plate (124), which includes two plate units (1241) arranged along the left and right sides of the vehicle. The sides of the two plate units (1241) that meet each other form a snap-fit ​​connection.

10. The automotive airbag mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The instrument panel (1) is provided with two airbag assemblies (2) on the lower side, with the two airbag assemblies corresponding to the driver's seat and the passenger seat respectively.

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