vehicle

Abstract

To enhance the restraining force of curtain airbags on occupants in the event of a collision with a vehicle. [Solution] A vehicle according to one aspect of this technology includes a curtain airbag stored in the upper part of the side of the passenger compartment and deployed downward along the side when inflated, a pillar trim covering the center pillar, and a movable body that moves between the center pillar and the pillar trim, wherein the pillar trim has an upper pillar trim and a lower pillar trim located continuously below the upper pillar trim, and at least a part of the movable body is capable of projecting into the passenger compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to the technical field of vehicles that protect occupants by deploying airbags during collisions.

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are provided with airbags for protecting occupants during collisions. There are various types of airbags, and a curtain airbag that protects occupants from collisions on the side of the vehicle is one of them.

[0003] It is desirable for the curtain airbag to contact the occupant's head as soon as possible when a collision with the vehicle occurs. However, simply increasing the size of the airbag requires a large amount of gas to inflate the airbag, and there is a problem that it takes time to inflate.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for bringing the airbag into contact with the occupant earlier without increasing the size of the airbag by providing a protruding portion in the pillar portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the protruding portion of the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is assumed to be of a size that does not get in the way when the airbag is not inflated. Therefore, when it is necessary to protect a small-statured occupant, or when the front seat slide position is set towards the rear, the time until the rear occupant's head comes into contact with the curtain airbag may be longer, and there is a risk that it will not be able to exert appropriate restraint force.

[0007] This technology was developed in light of the above circumstances and aims to enhance the restraining force of curtain airbags on occupants in the event of a collision with a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle according to one aspect of this technology includes a curtain airbag stored in the upper part of the side of the passenger compartment and deployed downward along the side when inflated, a pillar trim covering the center pillar, and a movable body that moves between the center pillar and the pillar trim, wherein the pillar trim has an upper pillar trim and a lower pillar trim located continuously below the upper pillar trim, and at least a portion of the movable body is capable of projecting into the passenger compartment. For example, during a side collision of a vehicle, the moving part moves from its stowed position to its protruding position in conjunction with the deployment of the curtain airbag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This technology makes it possible to enhance the restraining force of curtain airbags on occupants in the event of a collision with a vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the exterior of the vehicle. [Figure 2] This figure shows the area near the center pillar of the vehicle as seen from inside the vehicle in the first embodiment. [Figure 3]This figure shows a portion of the upper pillar trim and lower pillar trim 16 in the first embodiment, with some parts cut out. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the storage position of the plate in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the plate in the first embodiment in the state following Figure 4, and depicts the state in which the spring stopper is released. [Figure 6] This figure shows the state of the plate in the first embodiment, following Figure 6, and depicts the state in which the plate is moving upward. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the protruding position of the plate in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the protruding position of the plate in the first embodiment from a different angle. [Figure 9] This figure shows the state in which both the curtain airbags and rear seat airbags are deployed in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by the control unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the restricting projection as a restricting part in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the state in which the restricting projection, which acts as a restricting part in the second embodiment, is located in a non-restricting position. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows the protruding position of the plate in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows an example of the processing performed by the control unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating the vehicle related to the first modified example. [Figure 17] This figure shows the protruding position of the plate when the first stop actuator is not activated in the first modified example. [Figure 18]It is a diagram showing the protruding position of the plate when the first stop actuator in the first modification is operated.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0011] <1. Configuration of Vehicle> The configuration of the vehicle 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, the front-rear direction is described with the traveling direction of the vehicle as the front, and the left-right direction is shown in the state facing the front of the vehicle.

[0012] The vehicle 1 includes a front window 2, a plurality of side windows 3, and a rear window 4. The framework between the front window 2 and the side windows 3 is provided as a front pillar 5, the framework between the side windows 3 is provided as a center pillar 6, and the framework between the side windows 3 and the rear window 4 is provided as a rear pillar 7.

[0013] The upper end portions of each of the front pillar 5, the center pillar 6, and the rear pillar 7 are connected to a plate-like roof 8 facing the vertical direction.

[0014] The vehicle 1 includes various sensors 9 and a control device 10. The sensor 9 is an example of a detection unit. For example, an acceleration sensor, an impact sensor, a pressure sensor, a posture sensor of the vehicle 1, etc. can be adopted.

[0015] The control device 10 is configured to have one or more processors, a storage unit, etc., and realizes a predetermined function by executing a predetermined program. For example, the control device 10 determines whether to deploy various airbags including the curtain airbag 14 based on the sensor signal from the sensor 9.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a view of the vicinity of the center pillar 6 of the vehicle 1 as seen from the passenger compartment side.

[0017] A roof trim 11, which serves as an interior component, is provided on the passenger compartment side of the roof 8.

[0018] A front pillar trim 12, which serves as an interior component, is provided on the passenger compartment side of the front pillar 5.

[0019] A center pillar trim 13, which serves as an interior component, is provided on the passenger compartment side of the center pillar 6.

[0020] In the left and right side edges of the roof 8 and the front pillar 5, curtain airbags 14 are housed between interior components such as the roof trim 11 and front pillar trim 12 and the frame.

[0021] The curtain airbag 14 is formed in a bag shape and, when a side collision or offset collision occurs with the vehicle 1, inflates and deploys approximately downward under the control of the control device 10.

[0022] The center pillar trim 13 consists of an upper pillar trim 15 positioned above and a lower pillar trim 16 positioned below. In Figure 2, the lower pillar trim 16 is shown, with its internal components indicated by dashed lines.

[0023] The lower pillar trim 16 is provided continuously below the upper pillar trim 15.

[0024] The upper pillar trim 15 and the lower pillar trim 16 are provided as separate components.

[0025] A space is formed between the upper pillar trim 15 and the lower pillar trim 16 and the center pillar 6. Various structures related to the seat belt 17 are housed in the space around and inside the upper pillar trim 15 and the lower pillar trim 16.

[0026] Specifically, the upper pillar trim 15 is provided with a belt anchor 18 having a ring-shaped portion through which a seat belt 17 is inserted. The belt anchor 18 may be adjustable in the vertical direction relative to the upper pillar trim 15.

[0027] A pretensioner mechanism 19 is located in the space between the lower pillar trim 16 and the center pillar 6, near the floor panel. Figure 3 shows the various parts located inside the lower pillar trim 16. Note that Figure 3 is a diagram showing the inside of the lower pillar trim 16 more clearly by cutting out a part of the lower pillar trim 16.

[0028] The pretensioner mechanism 19 is a mechanism that allows the seat belt 17 to be retracted by instruction from the control device 10 when a collision occurs with the vehicle 1. In other words, the control device 10 determines whether or not to operate the pretensioner mechanism 19 based on the signal from the sensor 9.

[0029] The pretensioner mechanism 19 holds one end of the seat belt 17.

[0030] In the space between the lower pillar trim 16 and the center pillar 6, a movable body that can move vertically is positioned above the pretensioner mechanism 19. In the following description, a plate-shaped plate 20 facing left and right will be given as an example of the movable body.

[0031] The plate 20 is positioned on the passenger compartment side of the seat belt 17 stretched between the belt anchor 18 and the pretensioner mechanism 19.

[0032] The plate 20 is designed to be able to move vertically within the space between the lower pillar trim 16 and the center pillar 6.

[0033] A moving mechanism for moving the plate 20 vertically is positioned in the space between the lower pillar trim 16 and the center pillar 6. The moving mechanism comprises two guides, specifically a first guide 21 and a second guide 22, that guide the vertical movement of the plate 20, and a drive unit that applies force to the plate 20 for movement.

[0034] The first guide 21 is located in front of the second guide 22.

[0035] The first guide 21 is provided as a rail member that extends substantially vertically along the front end of the plate 20.

[0036] The second guide 22 is provided as a rail member that extends substantially vertically along the rear end of the plate 20.

[0037] The plate 20 has a first guided portion 23 that moves vertically when guided by a first guide 21, and a second guided portion 24 that moves vertically when guided by a second guide 22.

[0038] The first guided portion 23 and the second guided portion 24 are provided, for example, as roller members that can slide against the rail member.

[0039] Furthermore, the configuration of the first guide 21 and the first guided portion 23 can be configured in various ways, as long as the first guided portion 23 is movable along the extending direction of the first guide 21. The same applies to the configuration of the second guide 22 and the second guided portion 24.

[0040] The space between the lower pillar trim 16 and the center pillar 6 is provided with a pushing part P that pushes the plate 20 approximately upward, and a restricting part Q that restricts the upward movement of the plate 20. The pushing part P functions as the aforementioned drive unit.

[0041] Various configurations are possible for the push-up section P and the regulating section Q. In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle 1 is configured to have a spring member P1 as the pressing part P. The spring member P1 is, for example, a compression coil spring.

[0042] The spring member P1 may be configured to bias the plate 20 itself upward, or it may be configured to bias the first guided portion 23 and the second guided portion 24 of the plate 20 upward. In this example, the vehicle 1 has a spring member P1F corresponding to the first guided portion 23 of the plate 20 and a spring member P1R corresponding to the second guided portion 24.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 is configured to have a spring stopper Q1 as a regulating part Q, which maintains the compressed state of the spring member P1. The spring stopper Q1 is configured to inhibit the movement of the spring member P1 back to its free length, and may be, for example, a stopper that fixes the distance between the two ends of the spring member P1, a clamp that holds the spring member P1 in a compressed state, or an electromagnetic solenoid or damper mechanism that holds it at a specific compressed position.

[0044] A spring stopper Q1F is positioned between the spring member P1F and the first guided portion 23. Additionally, a spring stopper Q1R is positioned between the spring member P1R and the second guided portion 24.

[0045] The restricting unit Q is controlled to a state where it does not restrict the movement of the plate 20 in the event of a collision with the vehicle 1. That is, the control device 10 controls the restricting unit Q to release the restriction based on the signal from the sensor 9.

[0046] Furthermore, the restricting unit Q is not limited to a configuration in which the restriction is released by control by the control device 10. For example, the restricting unit Q may be configured in which the restriction is released mechanically in response to the operation of the pretensioner mechanism 19 or the inflation and deployment operation of the curtain airbag 14.

[0047] The upward movement of plate 20 by the pushing part P is restricted or released depending on the state of the restricting part Q. The specific movement of plate 20 by the pushing part P and the restricting part Q will be described later.

[0048] Vehicle 1 has front seats 25 and rear seats mounted on the upper part of the floor panel. There are two front seats 25, spaced apart on the left and right.

[0049] The rear seat airbag 27 is housed inside the front seat 25. The rear seat airbag 27 inflates and deploys in front of the rear seat occupant's head as appropriate, according to the control of the control device 10.

[0050] <2. Plate Behavior> The behavior of plate 20 will be explained with reference to the attached diagram.

[0051] Figure 3 shows the plate 20 in its storage position.

[0052] As shown in the figure, in the storage position, the plate 20 is positioned such that the first guided portion 23 engages with the first guide 21 located in front of the plate 20, and the second guided portion 24 engages with the second guide 22 located behind the plate 20.

[0053] The spring member P1F, which is a compression coil spring, is positioned below the first guided portion 23 in a compressed state.

[0054] Furthermore, the spring member P1R is positioned below the second guided portion 24 in a compressed state.

[0055] In other words, the spring members P1F and P1R are arranged in a state that has a biasing force.

[0056] The spring stopper Q1F obstructs the transmission of the biasing force of the spring member P1F to the first guided portion 23. In other words, the spring stopper Q1F does not move due to the upward force applied by the spring member P1F.

[0057] Similarly, the spring stopper Q1R also hinders the transmission of the biasing force of the spring member P1R to the second guided portion 24.

[0058] At the upper end of the first guide 21, there is a first stopper 28 that restricts and stops the further upward movement of the first guided portion 23, which is guided upward by the first guide 21.

[0059] At the upper end of the second guide 22, there is a second stopping section 29 that restricts and stops the further upward movement of the second guided section 24, which is guided upward by the second guide 22.

[0060] The first stop section 28 and the second stop section 29 are, for example, stoppers provided at the ends of each rail member, which are the first guide 21 and the second guide 22.

[0061] The first stopping section 28 is located above the second stopping section 29. Furthermore, the length of the first guide 21 may be longer than that of the second guide 22, so the first stop 28 may be positioned above the second stop 29. Alternatively, the lengths of the first guide 21 and the second guide 22 may be the same, but the first stop 28 may be located at the end of the first guide 21, while the second stop 29 may be located below the end of the second guide 22, so the first stop 28 may be positioned above the second stop 29.

[0062] In this example, the length of the first guide 21 is made longer than the length of the second guide 22, so that the first stop 28 is positioned above the second stop 29.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, a protruding hole 30 that opens upward is formed at the upper end of the lower pillar trim 16. The protruding hole 30 is a hole through which the plate 20 protrudes from the inside of the lower pillar trim 16 into the passenger compartment. A seat belt 17 is also inserted through the protruding hole 30.

[0064] Next, we will explain the process by which plate 20 moves from the storage position to the protruding position.

[0065] For plate 20 to move from the storage position to the protruding position, as shown in Figure 5, the spring stopper Q1F moves between the spring member P1F and the first guided portion 23. Similarly, the spring stopper Q1R moves between the spring member P1R and the second guided portion 24.

[0066] The movement of spring stoppers Q1F and Q1R transmits the upward force generated by the biasing force of spring member P1F to the first guided portion 23. Furthermore, the upward force generated by the biasing force of spring member P1R is transmitted to the second guided portion 24.

[0067] The biasing force of the spring members P1F and P1R pushes the first guided portion 23 and the second guided portion 24 upward, causing the first guided portion 23 to move upward guided by the first guide 21, and the second guided portion 24 to move upward guided by the second guide 22.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the plate 20 moves approximately upward until the second guided portion 24 contacts the second stop portion 29 located at the upper end of the second guide 22. After the second guided portion 24 contacts the second stop portion 29, further upward movement of the second guided portion 24 is restricted, and only the guidance of the first guided portion 23 by the first guide 21 continues, causing the first guided portion 23 to move further upward.

[0069] Consequently, the orientation of plate 20 changes to one in which the upper end is tilted backward relative to the lower end.

[0070] When the first guided portion 23 comes into contact with the first stop portion 28 located at the upper end of the first guide 21, further upward movement of the first guided portion 23 is restricted. As a result, the plate 20 moves to the protruding position, as shown in Figure 7.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, the plate 20 in the protruding position also maintains a posture in which its upper end is tilted further back than its lower end.

[0072] The movement of the plate 20 from the storage position to the protruding position is performed before the curtain airbag 14 inflates downward and fully deploys.

[0073] During the inflation and deployment process, the curtain airbag 14 contacts the plate 20 from above after it has moved to its protruding position. The approximately central portion of the curtain airbag 14 in the longitudinal direction inflates and deploys between the front seat 25 and the upper pillar trim 15 and lower pillar trim 16. However, as shown in Figure 9, it is deflected by the forceful collision with the plate 20 located in the protruding position, causing it to deploy further offset towards the center of the vehicle width.

[0074] As a result, in the event of a collision from the front of the vehicle 1, or when a yawing motion occurs in the occupants, the head of the rear seat occupant, which falls towards the space between the front seat 25 and the upper pillar trim 15 or lower pillar trim 16, will make contact with the curtain airbag 14 at an early stage, thereby protecting the occupant's head.

[0075] <3. Processing Flow> Figure 10 shows an example of the processing performed by the control device 10 of vehicle 1. Note that the processing shown in Figure 10 is an excerpt of only the processing related to the operation of the curtain airbag 14.

[0076] Furthermore, although each process shown in Figure 10 is executed by the processor and circuits of the control device 10, for the sake of explanation, it will be described here as "executed by the control device 10." The same applies to the other flowcharts.

[0077] In step S101 shown in Figure 10, the control device 10 acquires detection results from the sensor 9, which acts as a detection unit.

[0078] In step S102, the control device 10 determines whether the conditions for the curtain airbag 14 to operate have been met. The curtain airbag 14 may operate when various types of collisions are detected, or it may operate preventively when various types of collisions are anticipated.

[0079] If the control device 10 determines that the operating conditions are not met (step S102: No determination), it returns to step S101. That is, the control device 10 continues to acquire detection results from the sensor 9, which acts as the detection unit, until the operating conditions are met.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined that the operating conditions have been met (step S102: Yes determination), the control device 10 activates the pretensioner mechanism 19 in step S103.

[0081] Next, in step S104, the control device 10 releases the restriction by the restricting unit Q and transmits the force from the pushing unit P to the plate 20. As a result, the plate 20 begins to move upward.

[0082] In step S105, the control device 10 activates the inflation mechanism of the curtain airbag 14 by igniting the explosives, etc.

[0083] The control device 10 terminates the process related to the deployment of the curtain airbag 14 upon completion of step S105.

[0084] The processing order of steps S103, S104, and S105 can be changed as appropriate. For example, even if step S104 is executed after step S105, if it is possible to position the plate 20 in the protruding position before the curtain airbag 14 is fully inflated, step S105 may be executed before step S104.

[0085] <4. Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, vehicle 1A differs from vehicle 1 in the configuration of the regulating section Q. The same configuration as in vehicle 1 in the first embodiment will not be described.

[0086] In vehicle 1A, the upper pillar trim 15 and the lower pillar trim 16A that constitute the center pillar trim 13 are formed as separate parts. Also, as shown in Figure 11, in vehicle 1A, a portion of the seat belt 17 and plate 20A are positioned in the space between the lower pillar trim 16A and the center pillar 6.

[0087] Plate 20A is positioned closer to the center pillar 6 than the seat belt 17, i.e., on the outside of the vehicle.

[0088] Plate 20A is biased upward by spring members P1F and P1R, similar to plate 20 in the first embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, plate 20A has a first guided portion 23 guided by the first guide 21 and a second guided portion 24 guided by the second guide 22. In Figure 11, the first guide 21, the second guide 22, the first guided portion 23, and the second guided portion 24 are not shown.

[0090] Vehicle 1A is equipped with a restricting projection Q2, which is a projection or the like, located inside the lower pillar trim 16A, as a restricting part Q that restricts the upward movement of plate 20A.

[0091] The lower pillar trim 16A is movable between the mounting position shown in Figure 11, where it is attached to cover the center pillar 6, and the open position shown in Figure 12, where its upper part is detached from the center pillar 6. In normal conditions when no collision or other incident occurs in vehicle 1A, the lower pillar trim 16A is in the mounting position.

[0092] As shown in Figure 11, the restricting projection Q2 is positioned in a restricting position that restricts the upward movement of the plate 20A when the lower pillar trim 16A is in the mounting position.

[0093] When a collision occurs in vehicle 1A and the upper body of the front seat occupant tilts forward, the seat belt 17 is pulled strongly and the pretensioner mechanism 19 is activated, causing the portion of the seat belt 17 between the portion held by the belt anchor 18 and the portion held by the pretensioner mechanism 19 to become approximately straight.

[0094] The movement of the seat belt 17 pushes the upper end of the lower pillar trim 16A toward the center in the vehicle width direction, separating it from the center pillar 6. As a result, the lower pillar trim 16A moves to the open position.

[0095] As the lower pillar trim 16A moves from the mounting position to the open position, the restricting projection Q2 moves from the restricting position to the unrestricted position shown in Figure 12.

[0096] Since the restricting protrusion Q2, located in an unrestricted position, does not restrict the upward movement of the plate 20A, the plate 20A moves from the retracted position to the protruding position.

[0097] The plate 20A, located in the protruding position, has its upper end positioned further back than its lower end, similar to the plate 20 in the first embodiment. That is, in the protruding position, the upper end of the plate 20A is tilted towards the rear seat.

[0098] <5. Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, vehicle 1B is equipped with a first stop actuator 31 and a second stop actuator 32, instead of the first stop unit 28 and second stop unit 29 that stop the upward movement of plate 20 in the first embodiment.

[0099] Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, vehicle 1B is equipped with a first guide 21B and a second guide 22B that guide the vertical movement of plate 20B. The upper ends of the first guide 21B and the second guide 22B are approximately aligned.

[0100] Vehicle 1B is equipped with a first stop actuator 31 that stops the upward movement of the first guided portion 23 of plate 20B relative to the first guide 21B. Vehicle 1B is also equipped with a second stop actuator 32 that stops the upward movement of the second guided portion 24 of plate 20B relative to the second guide 22B.

[0101] Furthermore, the upward movement of the first guide 21B is achieved, similar to the first embodiment, by moving the spring stopper Q1F from between the spring member P1F and the first guided portion 23, and by moving the spring stopper Q1R from between the spring member P1R and the second guided portion 24.

[0102] The first stop actuator 31 may be provided on the first guided portion 23 of the plate 20B, or on the first guide 21B. In this example, the first stop actuator 31 is provided on the first guided portion 23 and moves vertically together with the first guided portion 23. When stopping the upward movement of the plate 20B, it interferes with the first guide 21B, thereby restricting and stopping any further upward movement of the first guided portion 23 relative to the first guide 21B.

[0103] Similarly, the second stop actuator 32 in this example is also provided on the second guided portion 24 and moves vertically together with the second guided portion 24. Furthermore, when stopping the upward movement of the plate 20B, the second stop actuator 32 interferes with the second guided portion 24, thereby restricting and stopping any further upward movement of the second guided portion 24 relative to the second guide 22B.

[0104] The first stop actuator 31 and the second stop actuator 32 in vehicle 1B can be configured to operate at different timings.

[0105] Figure 14 shows the protruding position of the plate 20B when the operation timing of the first stop actuator 31 is delayed compared to that of the second stop actuator 32, indicated by a solid line.

[0106] As can be seen from Figure 14, since the upward movement of the first guided portion 23 continues even after the upward movement of the second guided portion 24 is stopped, the upper end of the plate 20B in the protruding position is located behind the lower end.

[0107] As a result, the inflated curtain airbag 14, which is in the process of deploying, makes contact with the plate 20B from above after it has moved to its protruding position, and deploys behind the front seats, offset towards the center of the vehicle width.

[0108] Figure 14 shows the protruding position of the plate 20B when the operation timing of the second stop actuator 32 is delayed compared to that of the first stop actuator 31, indicated by a dashed line.

[0109] As can be seen from Figure 14, since the upward movement of the second guided portion 24 continues even after the upward movement of the first guided portion 23 is stopped, the upper end of the plate 20B in the protruding position is located in front of the lower end.

[0110] As a result, the inflated curtain airbag 14, which is in the process of deploying, makes contact with the plate 20B from above after it has moved to its protruding position, and deploys in front of the front seats, offset towards the center in the width direction of the vehicle. The behavior of this curtain airbag 14 makes it possible to protect the head of a front-seat occupant if, for example, the vehicle 1B is hit from the rear and the occupant's head is pressed against the front seat 25.

[0111] Figure 15 shows an example of the processing performed by the processor and other components of the control device 10 in the third embodiment. Note that the same step numbers are used for processing similar to that shown in Figure 10, and explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0112] The control device 10 repeats the process in step S101 until the conditions for the curtain airbag 14 to activate are met. Then, if the control device 10 determines in step S102 that the conditions for the curtain airbag 14 to activate are met, it executes both the processes in steps S103 and S104.

[0113] Next, in step S121, the control device 10 determines whether or not to prioritize the protection of the front seat occupants. For example, in cases where there are no occupants in the rear seats, it is determined that the protection of the front seat occupants should be prioritized.

[0114] On the other hand, regarding the passenger side, in cases where there are no occupants in the front seats but there are occupants in the rear seats, it is determined that the protection of the occupants in the front seats does not take priority.

[0115] In other cases, the result of step S121 may change as appropriate depending on factors such as the direction in which the impact of the collision is applied to vehicle 1 and the yaw behavior of the occupants.

[0116] If it is determined that the protection of the front seat occupants should be prioritized (step S121: Yes determination), the control device 10 proceeds to step S122 and drives the first stop actuator 31 to stop the first guided part 23 first. Subsequently, in step S123, the control device 10 drives the second stop actuator 32 to stop the second guided part 24 later.

[0117] On the other hand, if it is determined that protecting the front seat occupants is not a priority (step S121: No determination), the control device 10 proceeds to step S124 and drives the second stop actuator 32 to stop the second guided section 24 first. Subsequently, in step S125, the control device 10 drives the first stop actuator 31 to stop the first guided section 23 later.

[0118] After completing either step S123 or step S125, the control device 10 activates the inflation mechanism of the curtain airbag 14 in step S105.

[0119] Note that the processing order of steps S103, S104, S121, and S105 can be changed as appropriate.

[0120] <6. Variation> Let's look at some variations. The first modified vehicle 1C is equipped with the first stop unit 28 and the second stop unit 29 in the first embodiment, as well as only one of the first stop actuator 31 and the second stop actuator 32 in the third embodiment.

[0121] Let's explain this in detail by referring to Figure 16. For example, vehicle 1C includes a first guide 21 extending vertically along the front edge of plate 20C and a second guide 22 extending vertically along the rear edge of plate 20C.

[0122] Furthermore, vehicle 1C is provided with a first stopping section 28 at the upper end of the first guide 21 and a second stopping section 29 at the upper end of the second guide 22. The first stopping section 28 is located above the second stopping section 29.

[0123] Furthermore, vehicle 1C is equipped with a first stop actuator 31 but not a second stop actuator 32.

[0124] If a collision with vehicle 1C occurs and the goal is to protect the rear-seat occupants, the first stop actuator 31 is not activated.

[0125] As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the upper end of plate 20C in the protruding position is located behind the lower end.

[0126] Furthermore, if it is desired to protect the front seat occupants in the event of a collision with vehicle 1C, the first stop actuator 31 is activated at a timing before the second guided portion 24 of plate 20C comes into contact with the second stop portion 29.

[0127] As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the upper end of plate 20C in the protruding position is located forward of the lower end.

[0128] In the first modified example, vehicle 1C reduces the opportunities to operate the first stop actuator 31 compared to the third embodiment, thereby reducing the probability of malfunction in the attitude control of plate 20C.

[0129] As another variation, in the example mentioned above, a spring member P1 was given as the pressing part P. However, the pressing part P is not limited to this; it may also be a mechanism using explosives or a mechanism driven by electromagnetic control. In other words, various mechanisms can be used for P.

[0130] Furthermore, upward movement of the movable body such as the plate 20 may be achieved by driving the mechanism that moves the movable body in conjunction with the pretensioner mechanism 19. Alternatively, upward movement of the movable body such as the plate 20 may be achieved by releasing a mechanism that restricts upward movement of a biased movable body in conjunction with the pretensioner mechanism 19.

[0131] Furthermore, in the example described above, the center pillar trim 13, which is positioned to cover the center pillar 6, is shown to be divided into two separate components: an upper pillar trim 15 and a lower pillar trim 16.

[0132] The design is not limited to this, however, the upper pillar trim 15 and the lower pillar trim 16 may be integrated to form the center pillar trim 13. In this case, for example, a portion of the center pillar trim 13 may be formed at an appropriate vertical position, through which the plate 20 (20A, 20B, 20C) can protrude into the passenger compartment. The portion of the center pillar trim 13 through which the plate 20 (20A, 20B, 20C) can protrude may be formed as a hole of a size through which the plate 20 (20A, 20B, 20C) can pass, or it may be a portion of the center pillar trim that is weak enough to break when the plate 20 (20A, 20B, 20C) moves upward.

[0133] <7. Summary> As explained by the various examples described above, vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C relating to this technology include a curtain airbag 14 that is stored in the upper part of the side (inner surface in the width direction of the vehicle) inside the passenger compartment and deploys downward along the side when inflated, a pillar trim (center pillar trim 13) that covers the center pillar 6, and a movable body (plates 20, 20A, 20B, 20C) that moves between the center pillar 6 and the pillar trim. The pillar trim has an upper pillar trim 15 and lower pillar trims 16 and 16A that are located continuously below the upper pillar trim 15, and at least a part of the movable body is capable of protruding into the passenger compartment. For example, in the event of a side collision involving vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the moving body moves from its stowed position to its protruding position in conjunction with the deployment of the curtain airbag 14. As a result, the curtain airbag 14, which deploys downward, is offset and guided toward the passenger compartment upon contact with the moving object. Therefore, the heads of rear-seat occupants can be pressed against the curtain airbag 14 more quickly, reducing the risk of injury to occupants and improving safety. In particular, when yawing behavior occurs in vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the heads of the rear-seat occupants tilt toward the space between the center pillar trim 13 of the center pillar 6 and the front seats 25. In such cases, the curtain airbags 14 are offset toward the passenger compartment and deployed, significantly improving the safety of the rear-seat occupants.

[0134] Vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C are equipped with a moving mechanism for moving the movable body (plates 20, 20A, 20B, and 20C). The moving mechanism may include first guides 21 and 21B that extend along the direction of movement of the movable body and guide its movement, second guides 22 and 22B that are positioned at a distance from the first guides 21 and 21B in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, extend along the direction of movement of the movable body and guide its movement, and a drive unit (pushing part P, spring member P1, etc.) that applies a moving force to the movable body. The movement of the movable body is guided by the first guide 21 and the second guide 22, allowing for smooth movement of the movable body from the storage position to the protruding position. Furthermore, since variations in the protruding position of the movable body can be reduced, the shape of the curtain airbag 14 after deployment can be brought closer to the intended shape, allowing the curtain airbag 14 to perform appropriately.

[0135] In vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the upper end on the front side of the vehicle and the upper end on the rear side of the vehicle of a moving body that is guided by the first guide (21, 21B) and the second guide (22, 22B) and is stopped after protruding into the vehicle compartment may be at different positions in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the vertical position of the protruding part of the moving body is different for the part guided by the first guide 21 (first guided part 23) and the part guided by the second guide 22 (second guided part 24). Specifically, when the first guide 21 is located further forward than the second guide 22, and the upper end of the first guide 21 is located above the upper end of the second guide 22, the front end of the moving body is guided to move higher than the rear end, so that in the protruding position, the upper part of the moving body tilts towards the rear of the vehicle. In other words, the moving body tilts towards the rear seats. As a result, the curtain airbag 14 is offset towards the rear seat occupants and deployed, thereby enhancing the head protection effect for rear seat occupants. On the other hand, if the first guide 21 is located further forward than the second guide 22, and the upper end of the first guide 21 is located lower than the upper end of the second guide 22, the rear end of the moving body is guided to move higher than the front end, so that in the protruding position, the upper part of the moving body tilts forward. That is, the moving body tilts towards the front seats. As a result, the curtain airbags 14 deploy on the driver's and passenger's side, thereby enhancing the head protection effect for the front seat occupants.

[0136] In vehicles 1, 1A, and 1C, the first guide 21 is positioned further forward than the second guide 22, and the upper ends of the first guide 21 and the second guide 22 are at different positions in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The moving body (plates 20, 20A, and 20C) is guided so that its lower end on the front side of the vehicle is guided up to the upper end of the first guide 21, and its lower end on the rear side of the vehicle is guided up to the upper end of the second guide 22. As a result, when at least a portion of it is stopped protruding into the passenger compartment, it may adopt a tilted posture with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, the upper end of the moving body tilts forward or backward when it is in the protruding position. Therefore, the curtain airbag 14 interferes with the moving body when deployed and deploys on the side of the front seat occupant or the rear seat occupant, thereby enhancing the head protection effect for the front seat occupant or the rear seat occupant.

[0137] Vehicle 1B may include a detection unit (sensor 9) for detecting the status of occupants inside the vehicle, a first guide 21B extending along the direction of movement of the movable body (plate 20B) and guiding the movement of the movable body from a stowed position to a protruding position, a second guide 22B located behind the first guide 21B and extending along the direction of movement of the movable body and guiding the movement of the movable body from a stowed position to a protruding position, a first stop actuator 31 for stopping the movement of the movable body relative to the first guide 21B, and a second stop actuator 32 for stopping the movement of the movable body relative to the second guide 22B. Furthermore, the vehicle 1B includes one or more processors (such as the CPU of the control device 10) and a storage medium (such as memory) in which a program executed by one or more processors is stored. The program includes one or more instructions, and one or more instructions may cause one or more processors to execute a process to activate either the first stop actuator 31 or the second stop actuator 32 first, based on the detection result of the detection unit. The first stop actuator 31 and the second stop actuator 32 may be operated by operating only one of them, or by operating both in sequence. For example, if the head of a rear-seat occupant tilts diagonally forward towards the space between the center pillar trim 13 of the center pillar 6 and the front seat, the second stop actuator 32 is activated to stop the guidance of the moving body by the second guide 22B located at the rear. As a result, only the guidance by the first guide 21B located at the front of the vehicle continues, the upper end of the moving body tilts backward, and the curtain airbag 14 deploys between the head of the rear-seat occupant and the center pillar trim 13. On the other hand, if the head of the front seat occupant tilts diagonally backward towards the space between the center pillar trim 13 of the center pillar 6 and the front seat, the first stop actuator 31 is activated to stop the guidance of the moving body by the first guide 21B located in front. As a result, only the guidance by the second guide 22B located in rear of the vehicle continues, the upper end of the moving body tilts forward, and the curtain airbag 14 deploys between the head of the front seat occupant and the center pillar trim 13. In this way, by controlling the direction in which the moving body tilts according to the forces acting on the vehicle 1B and its occupants, it becomes possible to adjust the deployment direction of the curtain airbag 14. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately protect the occupants depending on the situation, thereby improving safety.

[0138] In vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the moving mechanism may include a push-up part P (spring member P1) that pushes the movable body (plates 20, 20A, 20B, 20C) located in the storage position toward the protruding position, and a restricting part Q (spring stopper Q1, restricting projection Q2) that restricts the movement of the movable body from the storage position toward the protruding position. The movement of the movable body from the storage position toward the protruding position may be achieved by releasing the restriction by the restricting part Q. This makes it possible to adopt a simple configuration, such as a spring member P1 and a spring stopper Q1, and to obtain the aforementioned functions and effects without causing a significant increase in cost or manufacturing difficulty.

[0139] Furthermore, the embodiments and modified examples described above can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] Vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C 6 Center pillar 9. Sensor (detection unit) 10. Control device (processor) 13 Center Pillar Trim (Pillar Trim) 14 Curtain airbags 15 Upper Pillar Trim 16, 16A Lower pillar trim 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Plate (Mobile Unit) 21, 21B First Guide 22, 22B Second Guide 31 First stop actuator 32 Second stop actuator P Push-up part (drive unit) P1, P1F, P1R Spring members (drive unit)

Claims

1. A curtain airbag is stored in the upper part of the side of the vehicle interior and deploys downward along the side when inflated, The pillar trim that covers the center pillar, The system includes a movable body that moves between the center pillar and the pillar trim, The pillar trim comprises an upper pillar trim and a lower pillar trim located continuously below the upper pillar trim. At least a portion of the aforementioned movable body is made capable of protruding into the vehicle interior. vehicle.

2. The system includes a moving mechanism for moving the aforementioned moving body, The aforementioned moving mechanism is A first guide extending along the direction of movement of the moving body and guiding the movement of the moving body, A second guide is positioned at a distance from the first guide in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, extends along the direction of movement of the moving body, and guides the movement of the moving body. The unit includes a drive unit that applies a moving force to the moving body. The vehicle according to claim 1.

3. When the moving body, guided by the first and second guides, is protruded into the vehicle interior and stopped, the upper end on the front side of the vehicle and the upper end on the rear side of the vehicle are at different positions in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 2.

4. The first guide is located further forward than the second guide. The upper end of the first guide and the upper end of the second guide are at different positions in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The moving body is guided so that its lower end on the front side of the vehicle is guided up to the upper end of the first guide, and its lower end on the rear side of the vehicle is guided up to the upper end of the second guide, so that when it is stopped with at least a portion of it protruding into the passenger compartment, it adopts a posture that is tilted with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle. The vehicle according to claim 3.

5. A detection unit that detects the status of occupants inside the vehicle, A first stop actuator for stopping the movement of the moving body relative to the first guide, A second stop actuator for stopping the movement of the moving body relative to the second guide, One or more processors, A storage medium storing a program executed by one or more processors, The program includes one or more instructions, The one or more instructions cause the one or more processors to execute a process to activate either the first stop actuator or the second stop actuator first, based on the detection result of the detection unit. The vehicle according to claim 2.

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