DUAL-FUNCTION MOUNTING BRACKET FOR AN AIRBAG VEHICLE PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A mounting bracket (PF) is associated with an airbag protection device (DP) comprising a housing (BD) supported by a support bracket (PS) and housed in a dashboard (PB) of a vehicle supported by a crossmember (TP), and comprises: - a main part (PPP) having a first end (E1) fixedly attached to this crossmember (TP) and a second end (E2) to which this support bracket (PS) is coupled, and - an auxiliary part (PAP) to which the support bracket (PS) is fixedly attached and rotatably mounted on this second end (E2) so as to allow its rotation when the support bracket (PS) is tilted by a displacement of the housing (BD) caused by an impact on the dashboard (PB). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: DUAL-FUNCTION MOUNTING BRACKET FOR AN AIRBAG VEHICLE PROTECTION DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising a dashboard supported by a crossmember and housing an airbag protection device comprising a housing supported by a support bracket, and more specifically the fixing bracket which is fixedly attached to such a crossmember and to which such a support bracket is fixedly attached. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include, on the one hand, a dashboard supported by a crossmember and housing an airbag protection device comprising a housing supported by a support bracket, and, on the other hand, a fixing bracket having a first end fixedly attached to this crossmember and a second end to which this support bracket is fixedly attached.

[0003] The mounting bracket is currently arranged to absorb the forces transmitted to it by the support bracket when the mechanism (generally pyrotechnic), housed in the casing, triggers the inflation of the airbag following the detection of an impact on the vehicle. It therefore exhibits significant rigidity designed to allow for the correct predefined deployment of the airbag through a defined opening in the dashboard and then above it.

[0004] When the dashboard is subjected to an impact in the area above the airbag protection device, for example, due to a head collision by a person who has passed through the windshield, this area deforms as it compresses and strikes the airbag protection device housing. Since the support bracket is fixed to the other end of the mounting bracket in a predefined position, it almost completely prevents the housing from moving, and therefore the compression of the impacted area of ​​the dashboard by the head is almost instantaneously and almost completely stopped. Such an interruption constitutes what those skilled in the art call a "hard point," which can cause significant bodily injury to the person who collides with the windshield and then the dashboard.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] It proposes in particular for this purpose a fixing bracket, on the one hand, intended to be associated with an airbag protection device comprising a housing supported by a support bracket and suitable for being housed in a dashboard of a vehicle supported by a crossmember, and, on the other hand, comprising a main part having a first end suitable for being fixedly attached to this crossmember and a second end to which this support bracket is suitable for being coupled.

[0007] This fixing bracket is characterized by the fact that it also includes an auxiliary part to which the support bracket is fixedly attached and mounted for rotation on the second end so as to allow its rotational drive when the support bracket is tilted by a displacement of the housing caused by an impact suffered by the dashboard.

[0008] Thus, the indentation of the impacted area of ​​the dashboard is no longer interrupted by the housing, and the latter, by its movement made possible by the rotation of the auxiliary part (and therefore of the support leg) advantageously participates in the absorption of part of the energy of the impact, which makes it possible to limit bodily injury to the person who collided with the windshield of the vehicle and then the dashboard.

[0009] The fastening bracket according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0010] - the auxiliary part can be rotationally mounted on the second end of the part main at a predefined angle so as to be initially placed in a plane parallel to a direction perpendicular to a bottom wall of the case and making an acute angle with a normal to a top face of the dashboard;

[0011] - the auxiliary part may include at least one through hole suitable for being traversed by a rod of a fixing screw ensuring the fixed attachment of the support leg to the auxiliary part;

[0012] - the main part and the auxiliary part can be part of a single piece;

[0013] - in the presence of the last option, the one-piece part can be made in a rigid metal;

[0014] - also in the presence of the last option, the one-piece component may include, on the one hand, an upper wall comprising the second end and extended by the auxiliary part, and, on the other hand, two side walls folded downwards from two opposite edges of the upper wall, in order to present a cross-section in the general shape of a U.

[0015] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising, on the one hand, a dashboard supported by a crossmember and housing an airbag protection device comprising a casing supported by a bracket support, and, on the other hand, a fixing bracket of the type shown above, fixedly attached to this cross member and to which the support bracket is fixedly attached.

[0016] For example, the housing can be installed in the dashboard by having a bottom wall having a normal parallel to the support tab and making an acute angle with a normal to an upper face of the dashboard. Brief description of the figures

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:

[0018] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, part of an example of a vehicle dashboard comprising an airbag protection device and an example of an embodiment of a mounting bracket according to the invention attached to a crossmember and to which the airbag protection device is fixedly attached,

[0019] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the crossbar and fixing bracket of [Fig.1], before the securing of the support bracket of the airbag protection device,

[0020] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal plane and vertical, the dashboard of the [Fig. 1] before a collision, and

[0021] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal plane and vertical, the dashboard of the [Fig.l] during a collision with a head in the area placed above the airbag protection device. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] The invention aims in particular to provide a fixing bracket PF intended to be fixedly attached to a crossmember TP of a dashboard PB of a vehicle and to which is adapted to be coupled a support bracket PS of an airbag protection device DP housed in this dashboard PB, and ensuring two functions.

[0023] In what follows, vehicle V is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be of the automobile type. For example, it is a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising a dashboard housing an airbag protection device including a mounting bracket to be secured to a mounting bracket.

[0024] In Figures 1 to 4, the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral sides (or longitudinal) including the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y.

[0025] Figures 1, 3 and 4 schematically illustrate at least partially part of an example of a dashboard PB intended to equip a vehicle (here a car) and comprising an airbag protection device DP and an example of an embodiment of a fixing bracket PF according to the invention.

[0026] The dashboard PB is supported and fixed to a crossmember TP and houses the airbag protection device DP in an internal space which opens at the level of a top opening masked, for example by an area of ​​its skin PDP delimited by a peripheral weakening zone, and through which its airbag must deploy in a predefined manner.

[0027] This airbag protection device DP comprises a housing BD containing at least the airbag and the mechanism (for example, pyrotechnic) responsible for triggering the inflation of the airbag following the detection of an impact on the vehicle and having certain predefined characteristics. Furthermore, this housing BD has a base plate PDF to which a support bracket PS is fixedly attached for supporting this housing BD. It should be noted that this support bracket PS extends in a plane parallel to the normal of this base plate PDF. Moreover, this support bracket PS includes a lower end that is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket PF according to the invention.

[0028] It should also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 3 and 4, that a CT part, frequently called a "firing channel" and generally made of a deformable plastic material, can be coupled to the upper part of the BD housing. This firing channel CT is generally fixedly attached to the PDP skin (on the side of its lower (or inner) face opposite its upper (or outer) face FS), and is intended to guide the initial deployment of the airbag.

[0029] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, a PF fixing tab, according to the invention, comprises a main part PPP and an auxiliary part PAP.

[0030] The main part PPP comprises first El and second E2 with opposite ends. The first end El is designed to be fixedly attached to the cross member TP. Preferably, and as illustrated, this main part PPP is straight.

[0031] The auxiliary part PAP is rotatably mounted on the second end E2 of the main part PPP, and the lower end of the support leg PS is intended to be fixedly attached to it (PAP). Thus, the support leg PS is coupled to the second end E2. This rotatable mounting allows the part to be driven in rotation auxiliary PAP when the PS support leg is tilted by a displacement of the BD housing which is caused by a shock suffered by the PB dashboard.

[0032] In other words, if the support bracket PS initially (i.e., before an impact) has an inclination defined by an axis aii making an initial angle with the vertical direction Z (see [Fig. 3]), then in the event of an impact (for example, due to a collision with the head TEP of a person who has passed through the vehicle's windshield) causing the impacted area of ​​the dashboard PB to be pushed down to the housing BD, the latter (BD) can now move because the support bracket PS can change its inclination thanks to the rotational capacity of the auxiliary part PAP to which it is fixedly attached. This new inclination is then defined by an axis aif making a final angle with the vertical direction Z different from its initial angle, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4].Since the impact of the head on the dashboard PB is no longer interrupted by the housing BD, the latter (BD) no longer constitutes a hard point, but advantageously participates in absorbing part of the impact energy during its movement, thus limiting bodily injury to the person who collided with the windshield and then the dashboard PB.

[0033] It should be noted that in [Fig. 4], illustrating a situation where a PET head impacts the area above the airbag protection device DP, the angle at represents the angular deviation between the normal np of the upper surface FS of the skin PDP and the direction of the PET head as it begins to penetrate the skin PDP (represented by arrow F2). Here, this angle is approximately 25°. It should also be noted that in [Fig. 4] the firing channel CT is decoupled from the housing BD, but in reality it remains coupled to the latter (BD) during its rotation, and is therefore subject to deformation.

[0034] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 4, the housing BD can be installed in the dashboard PB with the normal to its bottom wall PDF parallel to the support bracket PS and initially forming an acute angle with the normal np to the upper face FS of the dashboard skin PDP of the dashboard PB. The housing BD is therefore inclined with respect to this normal np. In this case, the auxiliary part PAP can be rotationally mounted on the second end E2 at a predefined angle so as to be initially positioned in a plane that is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall PDF of the housing BD and forming an acute angle with the normal np to the upper face FS of the dashboard skin PDP of the dashboard PB.

[0035] This arrangement is particularly advantageous because it allows the PF mounting bracket to absorb the forces transmitted to it by the PS support bracket (arrow Fl in [Fig.3]) when the mechanism, housed in the BD casing, triggers the inflation of the airbag following the detection of an impact suffered by the vehicle and featuring certain predefined characteristics. Thus, the PF fixing bracket ensures a dual function, namely absorbing the forces during inflation and rotating during an impact to enable the absorption of part of the energy of an impact.

[0036] It should be noted that the initial axis aii is here parallel to the arrow Fl, in order to allow optimal absorption of the transmitted forces.

[0037] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], the auxiliary part PAP may include at least one through hole TT which is suitable for being passed through by the shank of a screw (or bolt) for fixing ensuring the fixed attachment of the support leg PS to this auxiliary part PAP.

[0038] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 4, the main part PPP and the auxiliary part PAP may form a single piece. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the auxiliary part PAP could be attached and rotationally mounted on the second end E2 of the main part PPP.

[0039] In the case of a one-piece part, the latter can, for example, be made of a rigid metal in order to have a stiffness that allows it to withstand the forces transmitted by the PS support tab during inflation, without deforming.

[0040] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 4, the one-piece part may comprise a top wall PAS and two side walls PAL. In this case, the top wall PAS includes the second end E2 and is extended by the auxiliary part PAP, and the two side walls PAL are folded downwards from two opposite edges BL of the top wall PAS, so as to present a cross-section in the general shape of an (inverted) U. Such an arrangement can be obtained by machining and bending or stamping (metal fabrication). The possibility of rotating the auxiliary part PAP relative to the second end E2 can result from a local reduction in thickness and / or width at the interface with the latter (E2).

[0041] But, the one-piece part could also be made by molding a metallic material, and possibly have a solid PPP main part rather than a U-shaped cross-section.

Claims

Demands

1. Mounting bracket (PF) for an airbag protection device (DP) comprising a housing (BD) supported by a support bracket (PS) and adapted to be housed in a dashboard (PB) of a vehicle supported by a crossmember (TP), said mounting bracket (PF) comprising a main part (PPP) having a first end (E1) adapted to be fixedly attached to said crossmember (TP) and a second end (E2) to which is adapted to be coupled said support bracket (PS), characterized in that it further comprises an auxiliary part (PAP) to which is adapted to be fixedly attached said support bracket (PS) and rotatably mounted on said second end (E2) so as to allow its rotational drive when said support bracket (PS) is tilted by a displacement of said housing (BD) caused by an impact suffered by said dashboard (PB).

2. Fixing bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that said auxiliary part (PAP) is rotationally mounted on said second end (E2) at a predefined angle so as to be initially placed in a plane parallel to a direction perpendicular to a bottom wall (PDF) of said housing (BD) and making an acute angle with a normal to a top face (FS) of said dashboard (PB).

3. Fixing bracket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said auxiliary part (PAP) comprises at least one through hole (TT) suitable for being passed through by a shank of a fixing screw ensuring the fixed attachment of said support bracket (PS) to said auxiliary part (PAP).

4. Fixing bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said main part (PPP) and said auxiliary part (PAP) are part of a single piece.

5. Fixing bracket according to claim 4, characterized in that said one-piece part is made of a rigid metal.

6. A fastening bracket according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said one-piece part comprises i) an upper wall (PAS) having said second end (E2) and extended by said auxiliary part (PAP), and ii) two side walls (PAL) folded downwards from two opposite edges (BL) of said upper wall (PAS), in order to present a cross-section in the general shape of a U.

7. Vehicle comprising a dashboard (PB) supported by a crossmember (TP) and housing an airbag protection device (DP) comprising a housing (BD) supported by a support bracket (PS), characterized in that it further comprises a fixing bracket (PF) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, fixedly attached to said crossmember (TP) and to which said support bracket (PS) is fixedly attached.

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said housing (BD) is installed in said dashboard (PB) having a bottom wall (PDF) having a normal parallel to said support bracket (PS) and making an acute angle with a normal to an upper face (FS) of said dashboard (PB).

9. Vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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