Airbag for a front passenger seat in a vehicle

Abstract

Airbag for a front passenger seat in a vehicle which has: an airbag cover (100) which is rotated outwards by activation of the airbag to protect an occupant sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein the airbag cover (100) has a tear groove (110) which is formed to be torn apart at the lower part by the deployment pressure of the airbag, wherein the airbag cover (100) has a beveled part (120) which is provided at both ends of the airbag cover (100) and is beveled towards an outside, and wherein the airbag cover (100) has a variable part (130) whose thickness varies with respect to a lower center of the airbag cover (100), a shaft section (140) which extends integrally in a rearward direction along the lower part of the airbag cover (100) and on which a mounting opening (42) connected to an airbag housing is formed; and a crash cushion (200) which is formed in one piece with the airbag cover (100) by injection molding and is provided with an insert part (210) which in one piece contacts the beveled part (120) of the airbag cover (100) with a surface in order to support the airbag cover (100) when the airbag cover rotates outwards in order to fulfill a joint function for actuating the airbag cover (100).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(a) Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle.

[0002] In one method for manufacturing the same, an airbag cover with a crash pad (or dashboard hereinafter referred to as crash pad) is formed in one piece by injection molding to improve uniformity at a material boundary line and to prevent the occurrence of fading and scratching of an airbag cover due to residual stress.

[0003] An airbag device for a front driver's seat, which is arranged in a dashboard in front of the front driver's seat, is known from DE 103 24 586 A1.

[0004] The application of a two-component injection molding process for the manufacture of an airbag device for a front driver's seat, which is arranged in a dashboard in front of the front driver's seat, is known from JP 2001 - 294 060 A. (b) Description of the related technique

[0005] In general, interest in an airbag for a driver's seat and an airbag for a front passenger seat gradually increases with the improvement of vehicle safety requirements and the tightening of related regulations.

[0006] The airbag can be installed inside a steering handle to prevent a driver's head from colliding with the steering wheel, or it can be installed inside a crash cushion in front of a front passenger seat to protect an occupant in the front passenger seat.

[0007] A conventional airbag for a front passenger seat contains an airbag housing which is equipped with an airbag inside a crash cushion, a cover plate which is mounted on a crash cushion in front of the airbag housing and is equipped with a rotating part, a shaft for connecting the airbag housing to the crash cushion and an airbag cover which is arranged in front of the crash cushion.

[0008] In such a conventional airbag structure, pressure is applied to a cover plate when the airbag unfolds, and a tear line formed on the cover is torn in such a way that the airbag unfolds.

[0009] In a conventional method for forming the airbag cover, a crash pad is first formed by injection molding, and after the crash pad has solidified somewhat, the injection for the airbag cover is carried out.

[0010] At this time, residual stress may occur with the solidified crash pad on a boundary surface of the airbag cover whose surface touches the crash pad, so that the event of fading and scratching may occur while the airbag cover is removed and cooled.

[0011] Furthermore, an indentation point can be created on a surface due to excessive strength of the bonding part of the boundary surface, thus reducing productivity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention was undertaken in an effort to provide an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same, which has the advantages of improving uniformity at a material boundary line by joining the material of a crash pad and the material of an airbag cover together in molten states, and which prevents the occurrence of fading or scratching due to separate residual stress and reduces the overall time of the manufacturing process of an airbag cover.

[0013] The present invention provides an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle, which is defined in independent claim 1.

[0014] The cross-sectional shape of the tear groove of the airbag cover can be a “∧” shape or an “H” shape.

[0015] The airbag cover can be made of a TPO material and the crash pad can be made of a PPF material and formed by injection molding in the shape of an ellipse in such a way that the filling is only carried out on one area of ​​the airbag cover.

[0016] A temperature sensor can be positioned under the airbag cover to allow for precise valve slide adjustment during the simultaneous injection molding of the airbag cover and the crash pad. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a state in which an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is filled with material. The Fig. Figures 4A to 4C show a method for manufacturing an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. <Beschreibung der Bezugsnummern, welche Hauptelemente in den Zeichnungen anzeigen> 10 Temperature sensor 110 Tear groove 130 variable part 200 crash pads 100 Airbag cover 120 beveled part 140 shaft section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a state in which an airbag for a front passenger seat of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is filled with material and the Fig. Figures 4A to 4C show a method for manufacturing an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Regarding the Fig. 1 to 4C is an airbag for a front passenger seat according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising an airbag cover 100 which is rotated outwards by actuation of the airbag to protect an occupant sitting in a front passenger seat of a vehicle, wherein the airbag cover 100 includes a tear groove 110 which is formed to be torn at the lower part by the deployment pressure of an airbag, a chamfered part 120 which is provided at both ends of the airbag cover 100 and is chamfered towards an outside, and a variable part 130 whose thickness varies with respect to a lower center of an airbag cover body, and the airbag comprises the following: a shaft part 140 which extends integrally in a rearward direction on a lower part of the airbag cover 100 and on which a mounting opening 142 connected to an airbag housing is formed;and a crash cushion 200, which is formed in one piece with the airbag cover 100 by injection molding and is provided with an insert part 210, which in one piece contacts the beveled part 120 of the airbag cover 100 with its surface in order to support the airbag cover 100 when the airbag cover 100 rotates outwards.

[0020] The cross-sectional shape of the tear groove 110 of the airbag cover 100 can have a “∧” shape or an “H” shape.

[0021] The airbag cover 100 is made of TPO material, and the crash pad is made of PPF material. Both are injection-molded in an elliptical shape, ensuring that inflation occurs only in one area of ​​the airbag cover. The reason the airbag cover 100 is made of TPO is that its temperature-sensitive properties mean that the airbag's operational performance remains consistent even with changes in temperature distribution.

[0022] A temperature sensor 10 is arranged under the airbag cover 100 so that a precise valve slide adjustment is applied for the simultaneous injection molding of the airbag cover 100 and the crash cushion 200.

[0023] A method for manufacturing an airbag for a front passenger seat of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises the following: a material injection step ST100 for simultaneously injecting the materials of the crash pad 200 and the airbag cover 100 in a state such that upper and lower molds 2 and 4 and a slide mold 5 are coupled to one another in such a way that the airbag cover 100 is formed in one piece with the crash pad 200 by injection molding; a mold retraction step ST200 for retracting the entire assembly of the upper and lower molds 2 and 4 and the slide mold 5 after the injection of the materials; and an airbag cover removal step ST300 for removing the airbag cover 100 by moving the slide mold 5 forward after the formation of the airbag cover 100.

[0024] In the material injection step ST100, materials of the crash pad 200 and the airbag cover 100 are injected, and the material injection step ST100 includes a filling speed control step ST310 to regulate a filling speed in order to form the airbag cover 100 in such a way as to prevent the material from being injected into any area beyond the area of ​​the airbag cover 100.

[0025] An airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a method for manufacturing it will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0026] In relation to Fig. In step 4A, the upper and lower forms 2 and 4 are joined together to form the airbag cover 100 on the crash pad 200, as shown in the drawing. In step ST100, the materials are injected simultaneously into the airbag cover 100 and the crash pad 200 in a coupled state by a separate injection device (not shown).

[0027] In relation to Fig. 4B are used to form the airbag cover 100 and the crash pad 200, which consist of different materials, in one piece by injection molding, as in Fig. Figure 4A shows that temperature information, acquired by the temperature sensor 10 located under the airbag cover 100, is input into a valve spool control 20. The valve spool control 20 receives information from the temperature sensor 10, which detects the temperature according to the flow of materials injected into the airbag cover 100 and the crash pad 200, and controls a suitable valve adjustment such that the material is filled into the area that necessarily needs to be filled with material.

[0028] That is, the area of ​​the airbag cover 100 is filled with TPO material, and since the TPO material is expensive and its stiffness is relatively lower than that of PPF, which is the material of the crash pad 200, the area of ​​the airbag cover 100 should be minimized in order to maintain the basic stiffness of the crash pad 200.

[0029] In relation to Fig. 3. The regulation (ST110) of the filling rate is necessary to form the airbag cover 100, in order to fill the material only into the area of ​​the airbag cover 100. As shown in the drawing, when filling the TPO material into the airbag cover 100 through a valve slide, the material filling rates are set in the directional sequence c)b)a.

[0030] In relation to Fig. 4C moves the slider shape 5 forward after completion of the injection of materials into the airbag cover 100 and the crash pad 200 in order to remove the airbag cover 100 at step ST300 in a state that the upper and lower shapes 2 and 4 and the slider shape 5 are retracted.

[0031] The actuation of an airbag cover of an airbag of a front passenger seat according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0032] Regarding the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the airbag cover 100 is provided with the variable part 130, the thickness of which varies in the width direction with respect to a lower center of an airbag cover body. As shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line AA, the airbag cover 100 has a thickness a at its center and a thickness b at both ends, the thickness b being relatively less than the thickness a.

[0033] As shown in a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB, similar to the cross-section taken along the line AA, a thickness b is also relatively less than a thickness a, and in a cross-sectional view taken along a line CC, a thickness 100 is formed along a longitudinal direction of the airbag cover.

[0034] In relation to Fig.3. The airbag cover 100 is formed by injection molding with material filling rates in the direction sequence c)b)a. The reason the injection molded part has different thicknesses, as described above, is that the injection molding of the airbag cover 100 is carried out in an elliptical shape, since the TPO, which is the material of the airbag cover 100, is expensive. When the airbag cover 100 is formed using the method described above, its stiffness is improved, and at the same time, the TPO material is injected only into the area where the airbag cover 100 needs to be formed.

[0035] The operation of an airbag cover on a front passenger seat is as follows.

[0036] When a vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, a detection sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle detects the collision and deploys an airbag (not shown).

[0037] The airbag unfolds in a forward direction of an airbag housing by means of an inflation device (not shown), which is provided separately, and applies an expansion force to a lower part of the airbag cover 100.

[0038] While the tear groove 110 is torn by the expansion force, the airbag cover 100 is unfolded into a cabin and the beveled part 120 of the airbag cover 100 is formed in a state in which it touches the insert part 210 of the crash pad 200 with its surface in order to fulfill a joint function for actuating the airbag cover 100.

[0039] Since the airbag cover 100 is completely rotated by the expansion force of the airbag, the airbag cover 100 is not torn, thus preventing an occupant in the front passenger seat from being injured by broken pieces of the crash pad 200 or the airbag cover 100 and ensuring that they are safely protected from the impact of a vehicle accident.

[0040] Although the invention has been described in connection with what is currently considered to be practical, exemplary embodiments, it should be clear that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements which are contained within the nature and scope of the appended claims.

[0041] As described above, in an airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention, since the crash pad and the airbag cover are melted simultaneously in order to be joined together, the material bonding strength is excellent and the residual stress on the joint surface where the crash pad and the airbag cover meet does not occur, so that the phenomenon of fading or scratching does not occur.

[0042] Furthermore, the crash pad and airbag cover are formed simultaneously through injection molding, thus reducing the overall production time, enabling faster work and improved productivity. Additionally, the expensive TPO material can be used efficiently, thereby reducing material costs.

Claims

Airbag for a front passenger seat for a vehicle, comprising: an airbag cover (100) which is rotated outwards by actuation of the airbag to protect an occupant seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, wherein the airbag cover (100) has a tear groove (110) which is formed to be torn at the lower part by the deployment pressure of the airbag, wherein the airbag cover (100) has a beveled part (120) which is provided at both ends of the airbag cover (100) and is beveled towards an outside, and wherein the airbag cover (100) has a variable part (130) whose thickness varies with respect to a lower center of the airbag cover (100), a shaft part (140) which extends integrally in a rearward direction along the lower part of the airbag cover (100) and on which a mounting opening (42) connected to an airbag housing is formed;and a crash cushion (200) which is formed in one piece with the airbag cover (100) by injection molding and is provided with an insert part (210) which in one piece contacts the beveled part (120) of the airbag cover (100) with a surface in order to support the airbag cover (100) when the airbag cover rotates outwards in order to fulfill a joint function for actuating the airbag cover (100). Airbag according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the tear groove (110) of the airbag cover (100) has a “∧” shape or an “H” shape. Airbag according to claim 1, wherein the airbag cover (100) is made of a TPO material and the crash pad (200) is made of a PPF material and is formed by injection molding in an elliptical shape such that the filling is carried out only in one area of ​​the airbag cover (100).

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