Instrument panel structure

Abstract

To improve flexibility of arrangement of a table.SOLUTION: An airbag 16 is stored in a storage position SP in an instrument panel 11 and supplied with a gas to be deployed to an area located rearward of the instrument panel 11. A table 22 may be displaced between a first position P1 which is located adjacent to an upper surface part 11a of the instrument panel 11 and a second position located at the rear relative to the first position P1. The table 22 is located at a higher position than the storage position SP when placed in the first position P1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an instrument panel structure. [Background technology]

[0002] The instrument panel structure described in Patent Document 1 includes an airbag and a table. The airbag is housed inside the instrument panel. The table is displaceable between a position inside the instrument panel and a position rearward of that position. When the table is located inside the instrument panel, it is positioned lower than the airbag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-85437 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the instrument panel structure described in Patent Document 1, the table is located below the airbag inside the instrument panel, which places restrictions on the vertical position of the table. It has been desired to improve the degree of freedom in table placement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Various aspects of the instrument panel structure for solving the above problems will be described. [Mode 1] An instrument panel structure comprising: an airbag stored in a storage position inside an instrument panel and deployed rearward of the instrument panel when gas is supplied; and a table that is displaceable between a first position adjacent to the top surface of the instrument panel and a second position further rearward than the first position, wherein the table is positioned higher than the storage position when in the first position.

[0006] With this configuration, the vertical position of the table is less likely to be restricted by the storage position of the airbag than when the storage position is above the first position, thereby improving the degree of freedom in table placement.

[0007] [Aspect 2] An instrument panel structure as described in [Aspect 1], wherein the table is positioned at the first position by being stored inside the instrument panel so as to extend horizontally, and is displaced to the second position by being pulled rearward from the first position.

[0008] With the above configuration, if the table is stored in a tilted state inside the instrument panel, the table must be pulled out rearward in a tilted state, but the table with the above configuration is easier to pull out than in such a case, thereby improving the efficiency of the occupant's work in pulling out the table.

[0009] [Aspect 3] An instrument panel structure as described in [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], which includes a connecting part connected to the table via a rotating shaft, the table being rotatable relative to the connecting part with the rotating shaft as the center of rotation, and the rotating shaft being located inside the instrument panel regardless of the position of the table.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the appearance can be improved compared to when the rotating shaft is exposed to the outside of the instrument panel. [Aspect 4] An instrument panel structure described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 3], wherein the instrument panel has an abutment portion that can abut against the table from below the table when the table is positioned at a lower position where its rear end is lower than the table positioned at the second position.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the table is prevented from being displaced below the lower position by the contact portion being brought into contact with the table, and therefore deformation of the table caused by the table being displaced below the lower position can be prevented.

[0012] [Aspect 5] An instrument panel structure described in any one of [Aspect 1] to [Aspect 4], wherein the table is rotatable relative to the instrument panel so that the table is positioned at an upper position where the rear end portion of the table is positioned higher than the table positioned at the second position.

[0013] With the above configuration, even if the deployed airbag hits the table from below, the table rotates and moves to an upper position as the airbag deploys. If the table does not rotate to an upper position, the positional relationship between the table and the airbag needs to be set so that the table does not interfere with the deployment of the airbag, but the above configuration increases the degree of freedom in this positional relationship. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this invention, the degree of freedom in table arrangement can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an instrument panel and a table module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an instrument panel. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the table module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a table module. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the table module. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a table module. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a table module. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a table module. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a table module. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a table module. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an instrument panel and a table module in a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an instrument panel and a table module in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an instrument panel structure will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the vehicle width direction, and the up-down direction when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal plane are referred to as the longitudinal direction L, the vehicle width direction W, and the up-down direction Z, respectively. Also, the front and rear in the longitudinal direction L are referred to as the front and rear. The top and bottom in the up-down direction Z are referred to as the top and bottom.

[0017] <Instrument panel> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an instrument panel 11 is provided in front of a passenger seat 10a of a vehicle 10. The instrument panel 11 includes an upper surface portion 11a extending in the front-rear direction L and the vehicle width direction W, and a rear surface portion 11b positioned below the upper surface portion 11a. A panel opening 11c is formed in the instrument panel 11 between the upper surface portion 11a and the rear surface portion 11b in the up-down direction Z. The panel opening 11c communicates with the interior of the instrument panel 11 and opens rearward of the instrument panel 11.

[0018] A contact portion 11d is provided on a part of the rear surface portion 11b. In other words, the instrument panel 11 includes the contact portion 11d. The contact portion 11d constitutes, for example, a part of the rear surface portion 11b that is located at the top.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, a reinforcement 12 extending in the vehicle width direction W is provided inside an instrument panel 11. A windshield 13 is disposed above the instrument panel 11, and is inclined so that its upper portion is positioned further rearward. An airbag module 14 and a table module 20 are provided inside the instrument panel 11.

[0020] <Airbag module> The airbag module 14 includes an airbag case 15, an airbag 16, and an inflator 17. The airbag case 15 has an airbag opening 15a that opens rearward. The airbag opening 15a may, for example, face the rear surface 11b of the instrument panel 11 in the front-rear direction L. The front end of the airbag case 15 is closed. When the airbag 16 deploys and inflates, the airbag 16 passes through the airbag opening 15a.

[0021] The airbag case 15 is located inside the instrument panel 11. Specifically, the airbag case 15 is preferably provided at the same position as the reinforcement 12 in the vertical direction Z, or below the reinforcement 12. The airbag case 15 is spaced downward from the upper surface portion 11a of the instrument panel 11.

[0022] The inflator 17 is attached to the front end of the airbag case 15. The inflator 17 generates inflation gas and supplies the inflation gas to the airbag 16.

[0023] <Airbag> The airbag 16 has a well-known configuration that unfolds and inflates when inflation gas is supplied from an inflator 17. The airbag 16 is stored in a folded state in an airbag case 15. As a result, the airbag 16 is stored in a storage position SP inside the instrument panel 11. The storage position SP corresponds to the position of the airbag case 15. Since the airbag case 15 is spaced downward from the upper surface portion 11a of the instrument panel 11, the storage position SP is a position spaced downward from the upper surface portion 11a.

[0024] In the initial stage of inflation of the airbag 16, the airbag 16 is deployed behind the instrument panel 11 by the supply of gas. As indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1, the airbag 16 has an upper inflatable portion 16a and a lower inflatable portion 16b. The upper inflatable portion 16a has a size that allows it to deploy and inflate between the instrument panel 11 and the upper body of the occupant P, particularly between the upper surface portion 11a of the instrument panel 11 and the region from the head PH to the chest PT of the occupant P. The lower inflatable portion 16b has a size that allows it to deploy and inflate between the instrument panel 11 and the knees PK of the occupant P.

[0025] The table module 20 includes a case 21, a table 22, and a connecting portion 23. The table module 20 is located inside the instrument panel 11.

[0026] <Case> 3, the case 21 includes a case upper surface portion 31, a case lower surface portion 32, a first case side surface portion 33, a second case side surface portion 34, and a case end surface portion 36. The case upper surface portion 31 and the case lower surface portion 32 are rectangular flat plates extending perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The case upper surface portion 31 and the case lower surface portion 32 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0027] The first case side surface portion 33 and the second case side surface portion 34 are shaped like rectangular flat plates extending perpendicular to the vehicle width direction W. The first case side surface portion 33 and the second case side surface portion 34 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction W. The first case side surface portion 33 connects the right end of the case upper surface portion 31 to the right end of the case lower surface portion 32. The second case side surface portion 34 connects the left end of the case upper surface portion 31 to the left end of the case lower surface portion 32. The case upper surface portion 31, the case lower surface portion 32, the first case side surface portion 33, and the second case side surface portion 34 form a case tubular portion 35. The case tubular portion 35 is shaped like a rectangular tube extending in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0028] The case end surface portion 36 has a rectangular flat plate shape extending perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction L. The case end surface portion 36 closes an opening located at the front end of the case tubular portion 35. A case opening 37 that opens rearward is formed at the rear end of the case tubular portion 35. The case opening 37 is defined and formed by the rear end of the case upper surface portion 31, the rear end of the case lower surface portion 32, the rear end of the first case side surface portion 33, and the rear end of the second case side surface portion 34. The case opening 37 is a rectangular opening.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the case 21 is located inside the instrument panel 11 and adjacent to the upper surface 11a of the instrument panel 11. Specifically, the case upper surface 31 is located adjacent to the upper surface 11a of the instrument panel 11 in the vertical direction Z. The case 21 is located above the airbag case 15. In other words, the case 21 is located above the storage position SP where the airbag 16 is stored. The case 21 is located such that the case opening 37 faces the panel opening 11c in the front-rear direction L.

[0030] 3 and 4, the table 22 includes a table main body 41 and a first protrusion 42. The dimension of the table 22 in the vehicle width direction W is smaller than the dimension between the inner surfaces of the case tubular portion 35 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0031] The table main body 41 is shaped like a substantially rectangular flat plate. The table main body 41 includes a table upper surface 43, a table lower surface 44, a first table side surface 45, and a second table side surface 46. The table upper surface 43 and the table lower surface 44 are substantially rectangular flat surfaces extending perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The first table side surface 45 connects the right end of the table upper surface 43 to the right end of the table lower surface 44. The second table side surface 46 connects the left end of the table upper surface 43 to the left end of the table lower surface 44. The first table side surface 45 and the second table side surface 46 are flat surfaces extending perpendicular to the vehicle width direction W.

[0032] A first recess 47 and a second recess 48 are formed in the table main body 41. The first recess 47 is formed by partially recessing a first table side surface 45 and a second table side surface 46 into a cylindrical shape. The second recess 48 is formed by partially recessing a first table side surface 45 and a second table side surface 46 into a cylindrical shape. The first recess 47 and the second recess 48 formed in the first table side surface 45 open to the right. The first recess 47 and the second recess 48 formed in the second table side surface 46 open to the left.

[0033] When the table 22 is viewed from the vehicle width direction W, the first recess 47 formed in the first table side surface 45 and the first recess 47 formed in the second table side surface 46 are positioned to overlap each other. When the table 22 is viewed from the vehicle width direction W, the second recess 48 formed in the first table side surface 45 and the second recess 48 formed in the second table side surface 46 are positioned to overlap each other.

[0034] The first recess 47 is formed at a position spaced forward from the rear end of the first table side surface 45, and at a position spaced forward from the rear end of the second table side surface 46. The second recess 48 is formed at a position on the first table side surface 45 and the second table side surface 46 that is shifted forward from the position where the first recess 47 is formed. On each of the first table side surface 45 and the second table side surface 46, the first recess 47 and the second recess 48 are spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0035] The first protrusion 42 is provided at the front end of the table main body 41. The first protrusion 42 has a triangular prism shape extending in the vehicle width direction W. The first protrusion 42 has first end surface portions 42a at both ends in the vehicle width direction W. The first end surface portions 42a are triangular flat surfaces extending perpendicular to the vehicle width direction W. The first end surface portion 42a located at the right end of the first protrusion 42 is flush with a portion of the first table side surface 45 adjacent to it in the front-rear direction L. The first end surface portion 42a located at the left end of the first protrusion 42 is flush with a portion of the second table side surface 46 adjacent to it in the front-rear direction L.

[0036] The first protruding portion 42 includes a first inclined surface portion 42b. The first inclined surface portion 42b is a rectangular flat surface located in front of the first protruding portion 42. The first inclined surface portion 42b extends in the front-to-rear direction L and is inclined so that the rear portion is positioned higher. The front end of the first inclined surface portion 42b is connected to the front end of the first end surface portion 42a.

[0037] <Connection part> The connecting portion 23 includes a connecting body 51, a first support portion 52a, a second support portion 52b, and a second protrusion 53. The dimension of the connecting portion 23 in the vehicle width direction W is larger than the dimension of the table 22 in the vehicle width direction W and smaller than the dimension of the space between the inner surfaces of the case tubular portions 35 in the vehicle width direction W.

[0038] The connecting main body portion 51 includes a main body upper surface portion 55, a first side surface portion 56, and a second side surface portion 57. The main body upper surface portion 55 is a rectangular flat plate extending perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. The first side surface portion 56 and the second side surface portion 57 are also rectangular flat plate extending perpendicular to the vehicle width direction W. The first side surface portion 56 extends downward from the right end of the main body upper surface portion 55. The second side surface portion 57 extends downward from the left end of the main body upper surface portion 55. The first side surface portion 56 and the second side surface portion 57 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction W. A space is defined inside the connecting main body portion 51 by the main body upper surface portion 55, the first side surface portion 56, and the second side surface portion 57.

[0039] The first support portion 52a extends rearward from the rear end of the first side surface portion 56. The second support portion 52b extends rearward from the rear end of the second side surface portion 57. The first support portion 52a and the second support portion 52b are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction W. The left end face of the first support portion 52a is flush with the left end face of the first side surface portion 56. The right end face of the second support portion 52b is flush with the right end face of the second side surface portion 57.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a rotating shaft 58 is provided on the first support portion 52a and the second support portion 52b. The rotating shaft 58 includes a shaft body 58a and an elastic member 58b. The shaft body 58a is cylindrical and extends in the vehicle width direction W. In the rotating shaft 58 provided on the first support portion 52a, the shaft body 58a extends leftward from the first support portion 52a. In the rotating shaft 58 provided on the second support portion 52b, the shaft body 58a extends rightward from the second support portion 52b.

[0041] The elastic member 58b is, for example, a spring. The elastic member 58b is connected to each of the first support portion 52a and the second support portion 52b and the shaft body 58a. In the rotating shaft 58 provided on the first support portion 52a, the elastic member 58b urges the shaft body 58a leftward. In the rotating shaft 58 provided on the second support portion 52b, the elastic member 58b urges the shaft body 58a rightward. The elastic member 58b is expandable and contractible in the vehicle width direction W. The shaft body 58a is displaced in the vehicle width direction W in response to the contraction of the elastic member 58b.

[0042] In rotating shaft 58 provided on first support portion 52a, when the tip of shaft body 58a is pressed toward first support portion 52a, elastic member 58b contracts, causing shaft body 58a to be displaced in a direction approaching first support portion 52a. In rotating shaft 58 provided on first support portion 52a, when the tip of shaft body 58a is not pressed, elastic member 58b assumes its natural length, causing shaft body 58a to be displaced in a direction away from first support portion 52a.

[0043] In rotating shaft 58 provided on second support portion 52b, when the tip of shaft body 58a is pressed toward second support portion 52b, elastic member 58b contracts, causing shaft body 58a to be displaced in a direction approaching second support portion 52b. In rotating shaft 58 provided on second support portion 52b, when the tip of shaft body 58a is not pressed, elastic member 58b assumes its natural length, causing shaft body 58a to be displaced in a direction away from second support portion 52b.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second protrusion 53 is provided on a lower portion of the front end of the connecting body 51. The second protrusion 53 includes a pair of second end surface portions 53a and a second inclined surface portion 53b. The pair of second end surface portions 53a are triangular flat plates extending perpendicular to the vehicle width direction W. The pair of second end surface portions 53a face each other in the vehicle width direction W. One of the pair of second end surface portions 53a extends forward from the first side surface portion 56, and the other extends forward from the second side surface portion 57. Of the pair of second end surface portions 53a, the left end surface of the second end surface portion 53a located on the right is flush with the left end surface of the first side surface portion 56, and the right end surface of the second end surface portion 53a located on the left is flush with the right end surface of the second side surface portion 57.

[0045] The second inclined surface portion 53b has a rectangular flat plate shape and is located in front of the second protrusion 53. The second inclined surface portion 53b extends in the front-rear direction L and is inclined so that the rear portion is positioned higher. The front end of the second inclined surface portion 53b is connected to the front ends of the pair of second end surface portions 53a.

[0046] The pair of second end surface portions 53a and second inclined surface portions 53b define a space inside the second protruding portion 53. The space inside the second protruding portion 53 is connected to the space inside the connecting main body portion 51. The space inside the connecting portion 23 corresponds to the space inside the second protruding portion 53 and the space inside the connecting main body portion 51.

[0047] <Positional relationship between the case, table, and connecting part> The front portion of the table 22 is stored inside the connecting portion 23. The rear portion of the table 22 is exposed rearward from inside the connecting portion 23. The table 22 is displaceable in the front-to-rear direction L inside the connecting portion 23. The first table side surface 45 is aligned with the left end surface of the first side surface portion 56 and the left end surface of the first support portion 52a. The second table side surface 46 is aligned with the right end surface of the second side surface portion 57 and the right end surface of the second support portion 52b.

[0048] When the relative positions of table 22 and connecting portion 23 are such that rotation shaft 58 and first recess 47 face each other, shaft body 58a is inserted into first recess 47. Shaft body 58a provided on first support portion 52a is inserted into first recess 47 formed in first table side surface 45. Shaft body 58a provided on second support portion 52b is inserted into first recess 47 formed in second table side surface 46. In this way, connecting portion 23 is connected to table 22 via rotation shaft 58.

[0049] When the relative positions of table 22 and connecting portion 23 are such that rotation shaft 58 and second recess 48 face each other, shaft body 58a is inserted into second recess 48. Shaft body 58a provided on first support portion 52a is inserted into second recess 48 formed in first table side surface 45. Shaft body 58a provided on second support portion 52b is inserted into second recess 48 formed in second table side surface 46. In this way, connecting portion 23 is connected to table 22 via rotation shaft 58.

[0050] With the rotary shaft 58 inserted into the second recess 48, the table 22 can rotate around the rotary shaft 58 relative to the connecting portion 23. The rotary shaft 58 is located inside the instrument panel 11 regardless of the position of the table 22.

[0051] A front portion of the first protrusion 42 of the table 22 can be housed inside the second protrusion 53 of the connecting part 23, and the other portion of the first protrusion 42 can be housed inside the connecting main body 51. When the front portion of the first protrusion 42 is housed inside the second protrusion 53, the first end surface 42a is aligned along the left end surface of one of the pair of second end surface portions 53a and the right end surface of the other second end surface portion 53a. When the front portion of the first protrusion 42 is housed inside the second protrusion 53, the first inclined surface 42b is aligned along the lower surface of the second inclined surface portion 53b.

[0052] The front portion of table 22 and the entirety of connecting portion 23 can be stored inside case 21. The rear portion of table 22 is exposed rearward from the inside of case 21. Connecting portion 23 is displaceable in the front-to-rear direction L inside case 21. Note that, for example, connecting portion 23 may be displaceable inside case 21 while sliding along the inner surface of case cylindrical portion 35. For example, connecting portion 23 may be connected to a rail member (not shown) provided on the inner surface of case 21, and thereby be displaceable inside case 21 along the rail member.

[0053] The table 22 is integrated with the connecting portion 23 via the rotation shaft 58 and can be displaced together with the connecting portion 23 in the front-to-rear direction L inside the case 21. The right end surface of the first side surface portion 56 and the right end surface of the first support portion 52a are aligned with the left end surface of the first case side surface portion 33. The left end surface of the second side surface portion 57 and the left end surface of the second support portion 52b are aligned with the right end surface of the second case side surface portion 34.

[0054] The table 22 is displaceable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. In this embodiment, the table 22 is displaceable to a third position P3 and a fourth position P4 in addition to the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0055] <1st position> 1 and 4, the first position P1 is a position where the table 22 is adjacent to the upper surface 11a of the instrument panel 11. More specifically, when the table 22 is in the first position P1, the entire connecting portion 23 and the front portion of the table 22 are housed inside the case 21 and are located inside the instrument panel 11. Therefore, when the table 22 is in the first position P1, the rotation shaft 58 is located inside the instrument panel 11. The table 22 is located at the first position P1 by being housed inside the instrument panel 11 so as to extend in the horizontal direction. The longitudinal direction L and the vehicle width direction W correspond to the horizontal direction.

[0056] When the table 22 is in the first position P1, the front portion of the first protrusion 42 of the table 22 is housed inside the second protrusion 53 of the connecting part 23. The rotating shaft 58 is inserted into the first recess 47. Therefore, the table 22 and the connecting part 23 are integrated via the rotating shaft 58.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the case 21 is located above the storage position SP where the airbag 16 is stored, and therefore the table 22 is located above the storage position SP when it is located at the first position P1.

[0058] <2nd position> 6 and 7, the table 22 is displaced to the second position P2 by being pulled backward from the first position P1. That is, the second position P2 is a position further rearward than the first position P1. The table 22 is displaced to the first position P1 by being pushed forward from the second position P2.

[0059] The table 22 is displaced between the first position P1 and the second position P2 while the rotary shaft 58 remains inserted in the first recess 47. Therefore, the table 22 is displaced between the first position P1 and the second position P2 while being integrated with the connecting portion 23 via the rotary shaft 58. When the table 22 is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the front-rear direction L, the relative position of the connecting portion 23 with respect to the table 22 does not change.

[0060] The table module 20 is provided with a restricting portion (not shown) that restricts rearward displacement of the connecting portion 23 when the table 22 is at the second position P2. When the rotation shaft 58 is inserted into the first recess 47, the restriction of the displacement of the connecting portion 23 by the restricting portion restricts rearward displacement of the table 22 beyond the second position P2.

[0061] When the table 22 is in the second position P2, the front portion of the connecting portion 23 and the front portion of the table 22 are housed inside the case 21. The entire connecting portion 23 and the front portion of the table 22 are located inside the instrument panel 11. Therefore, when the table 22 is in the second position P2, the rotation shaft 58 is located inside the instrument panel 11. The rear portion of the table 22 is exposed to the outside of the instrument panel 11.

[0062] Since table 22 is stored inside instrument panel 11 so as to extend horizontally at first position P1, table 22 is positioned so as to extend horizontally when displaced to second position P2 by being pulled rearward from first position P1. Therefore, table top surface 43 when table 22 is at second position P2 is a horizontal plane, and objects placed on table top surface 43 are unlikely to be displaced.

[0063] When an object is placed on the table top surface 43, a downward load is applied to the table main body 41. At this time, the first inclined surface 42b of the table 22 and the second inclined surface 53b of the connecting part 23 come into contact with each other, thereby preventing the table main body 41 from tilting.

[0064] <3rd position> 8 and 9, the table 22 is displaced to the third position P3 by being pulled backward from the second position P2. That is, the third position P3 is a position further rearward than the second position P2. The table 22 is displaced to the second position P2 by being pushed forward from the third position P3.

[0065] The position of the connecting portion 23 does not change between when the table 22 is at the second position P2 and when it is at the third position P3. That is, the entire connecting portion 23 is located inside the instrument panel 11. Therefore, when the table 22 is at the third position P3, the rotation shaft 58 is located inside the instrument panel 11.

[0066] 5, when the table 22 is displaced rearward from the state in which it is in the second position P2, the rotary shaft 58 does not displace together with the connecting portion 23. Therefore, as the table 22 is displaced rearward, the tip of the shaft body 58a is pressed against the first table side surface 45 and the second table side surface 46. This causes the elastic member 58b to contract and the shaft body 58a to come out of the first recess 47. While the table 22 is displaced between the second position P2 and the third position P3, the tip of the shaft body 58a slides against the first table side surface 45 and the second table side surface 46.

[0067] When table 22 is displaced to third position P3, axle body 58a faces second recess 48 in the vehicle width direction W. At this time, axle body 58a is biased by elastic member 58b and displaces toward table 22, so that axle body 58a is inserted into second recess 48. In this way, when table 22 is at third position P3, table 22 and connecting portion 23 are connected via rotation shaft 58.

[0068] 8 and 9, when the table 22 is in the third position P3, the first inclined surface 42b of the table 22 is further rearward from the second inclined surface 53b of the connecting part 23 than when the table 22 is in the second position P2. Therefore, when the table 22 is in the third position P3, the first inclined surface 42b of the table 22 and the second inclined surface 53b of the connecting part 23 cannot come into contact with each other. The table 22 becomes rotatable relative to the connecting part 23 around the rotation shaft 58.

[0069] Since the table 22 is rotatable as described above, the table 22 is not maintained at the third position P3 unless the table 22 is supported by the occupant P. When the table 22 is in the third position P3, the table 22 will be displaced downward by its own weight.

[0070] <4th position> 10, the table 22 is displaced from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4 by rotating with respect to the connecting portion 23 around the rotation shaft 58. With the rotation shaft 58 inserted into the second recess 48, the table 22 rotates around the rotation shaft 58.

[0071] When the table 22 is in the fourth position P4, the portion of the table main body 41 that is rearward of the second recess 48 is positioned lower than when the table 22 is in the third position P3. When the table 22 is in the fourth position P4, the portion of the table main body 41 that is forward of the second recess 48 is positioned higher than when the table 22 is in the third position P3. When in the fourth position P4, the table 22 extends at an angle such that the more rearward the portion is positioned lower.

[0072] When the table 22 is at the fourth position P4, the table 22 of this embodiment is aligned with the contact portion 11d in the vertical direction Z, and is spaced upward from the contact portion 11d. The table 22 can be displaced from the fourth position P4 to the third position P3 by displacing the rear end 41a of the table main body 41 upward. At this time, the table 22 rotates around the rotation shaft 58 with the shaft main body 58a inserted in the second recess 48. The rear end 41a of the table main body 41 corresponds to the rear end of the table 22.

[0073] The position of the connecting portion 23 does not change between when the table 22 is at the fourth position P4 and when it is at the third position P3. That is, the entire connecting portion 23 is located inside the instrument panel 11. Therefore, when the table 22 is at the fourth position P4, the rotation shaft 58 is located inside the instrument panel 11.

[0074] As the table 22 moves from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4, the first inclined surface 42b of the table 22 approaches the main body upper surface 55 of the connecting part 23. When the table 22 is in the fourth position P4, the first inclined surface 42b of the table 22 abuts against the main body upper surface 55. This abutment maintains the position of the table 22 at the fourth position P4.

[0075] When the table 22 is in the fourth position P4, the table top surface 43 is inclined relative to the horizontal. By displacing the table 22 between the second position P2 and the fourth position P4, the occupant P can switch the table top surface 43 between a horizontal surface and an inclined surface depending on the purpose of the table 22. When the table 22 is in the fourth position P4, for example, placing a laptop computer on the inclined table top surface 43 improves the operability of the laptop computer by the occupant P compared to placing the laptop computer on a horizontal surface.

[0076] <Lower position> When the table 22 is in the fourth position P4 and a large downward load is applied to the table 22, such as when an object heavier than the load capacity of the table 22 is placed on the table top surface 43, the table 22 may be displaced from the fourth position P4 to the lower position LP. At this time, with the first inclined surface 42b of the table 22 and the main body top surface 55 in contact with each other, the table main body 41 is bent by the load, and the table 22 is positioned at the lower position LP, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 10. The lower position LP is a position where the rear end 41a is positioned lower than the table 22 when it is positioned at the second position P2, when the table 22 is in the lower position LP.

[0077] When the table 22 is located at the lower position LP, the table 22 abuts against the abutment portion 11d. When the table 22 is located at the lower position LP, the abutment portion 11d can abut against the table 22 from below the table 22. By the table 22 abutting against the abutment portion 11d in this manner, the table 22 is prevented from being displaced below the lower position LP. Therefore, deformation of the table 22 caused by the table 22 being displaced below the lower position LP can be prevented.

[0078] The operation of the embodiment will be described. 1, if the airbag 16 is to be deployed above the instrument panel 11, it is preferable that no components be placed in the space above the storage position SP of the airbag 16 in order to ensure smooth deployment of the airbag 16. The airbag 16 of this embodiment is deployed rearward of the instrument panel 11 when gas is supplied to it. Therefore, it is not necessary to leave a space above the storage position SP of the airbag 16 for the airbag 16 to deploy. As a result, in this embodiment, the table 22 can be placed above the storage position SP of the airbag 16 while enabling smooth deployment of the airbag 16.

[0079] The table 22 is preferably placed at a position in the vertical direction Z that is easy for the occupant P to use. For example, when the table 22 is in the second position P2, the table 22 is preferably located above the knees PK of the occupant P. In order to set the second position P2 at such a preferable position, it is preferable to set the first position P1 at a relatively high position that is close to the upper surface 11a of the instrument panel 11.

[0080] In this embodiment, the table 22 is located above the storage position SP when it is located at the first position P1. Therefore, the arrangement position of the table 22 in the vertical direction Z is less likely to be restricted by the storage position SP of the airbag 16 than when the storage position SP of the airbag 16 is located above the table 22 when it is located at the first position P1. The position of the table 22 in the vertical direction Z can be optimized to a position that is easy for the occupant P to use.

[0081] The effects of the embodiment will be described. (1) The table 22 is displaceable between a first position P1, which is a position adjacent to the upper surface portion 11a of the instrument panel 11, and a second position P2, which is a position rearward of the first position P1. When the table 22 is located at the first position P1, it is located above the storage position SP. Therefore, the position of the table 22 in the vertical direction Z is less likely to be restricted by the storage position SP of the airbag 16 than when the storage position SP is located above the first position P1. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the placement of the table 22 can be improved.

[0082] (2) The table 22 is located at the first position P1 by being stored inside the instrument panel 11 so as to extend horizontally. The table 22 is displaced to the second position P2 by being pulled rearward from the first position P1. If the table 22 is stored inside the instrument panel 11 in an inclined state, the table 22 will be pulled rearward in an inclined state. However, the table 22 of this embodiment is easier to pull out than in such a case. Therefore, the efficiency of the occupant P's work in pulling out the table 22 can be improved.

[0083] (3) The connecting portion 23 is connected to the table 22 via a rotation shaft 58. The table 22 is rotatable relative to the connecting portion 23 around the rotation shaft 58. The rotation shaft 58 is located inside the instrument panel 11 regardless of the position of the table 22. Therefore, the appearance can be improved compared to when the rotation shaft 58 is exposed to the outside of the instrument panel 11.

[0084] (4) The instrument panel 11 includes the contact portion 11d that can contact the table 22 from below the table 22 when the table 22 is located at the lower position LP, which is located below the rear end portion 41a of the table 22 when the table 22 is located at the second position P2. Therefore, the contact between the table 22 and the contact portion 11d prevents the table 22 from being displaced below the lower position LP. Therefore, deformation of the table 22 caused by the table 22 being displaced below the lower position LP can be prevented.

[0085] <Example of change> The embodiment can be modified as follows: The embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0086] The contact portion 11d may contact the table 22 at the fourth position P4. In this case, the lower position LP corresponds to the fourth position P4. In this case, the lower position LP is also a position where the rear end portion 41a is located lower than the table 22 at the second position P2.

[0087] The contact portion 11d may be omitted from the instrument panel 11. Furthermore, the contact portion 11d may be provided on a member other than the instrument panel 11. The first recess 47 and the second recess 48 may be provided in the connecting portion 23 , and the rotation shaft 58 may be provided in the table 22 .

[0088] With the rotation shaft 58 inserted into the first recess 47, the table 22 may be rotatable around the rotation shaft 58 relative to the connecting portion 23. In this case, for example, the table module 20 may be provided with a mechanism that can switch between a state in which the table 22 rotates around the rotation shaft 58 with the rotation shaft 58 inserted into the first recess 47 and a state in which the table 22 does not rotate. Also, in this case, the second recess 48 may be omitted from the table 22.

[0089] The table 22 may not be displaceable to the third position P3 or the fourth position P4. In this case, the second recess 48 may be omitted from the table 22. The elastic member 58b may be omitted from the rotating shaft 58, so that the shaft body 58a does not displace from the state where it is inserted into the first recess 47. In this case as well, the table 22 is displaceable between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0090] The rotation shaft 58 may be exposed to the outside of the instrument panel 11 when the table 22 is located at a position rearward of the first position P1. The rotation shaft 58 may be exposed to the outside of the instrument panel 11 regardless of the position of the table 22.

[0091] The table 22 may be located at the first position P1 by being stored inside the instrument panel 11 so as to extend at an angle relative to the horizontal. In this case, the table 22 is displaced from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by being pulled out rearward in an inclined state.

[0092] At least one of the case 21 and the connecting portion 23 may be omitted from the table module 20. As shown in FIG. 11 , the table 22 is not limited to being pulled rearward from the first position P1 to the second position P2. For example, the table 22 may be rotated from the first position P1 around the support shaft 60 to be displaced to the second position P2. In this case, when the table 22 is located at the first position P1, it is positioned above the instrument panel 11 and adjacent to the upper surface 11a of the instrument panel 11. That is, when the table 22 is located at the first position P1, it is positioned above the storage position SP of the airbag 16. The support shaft 60 is, for example, located at the rear end of the table 22 when it is located at the first position P1. The support shaft 60 is integrated with the table 22. The support shaft 60 is rotatably connected to a member other than the table 22, such as the instrument panel 11. When the table 22 is rotated around the support shaft 60 by the operation of the occupant P, the table 22 is displaced between the first position P1 and the second position P2. Table 22 when located at second position P2 is shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 11. When located at second position P2, table 22 may be restricted from rotating downward from second position P2 by a restricting portion (not shown).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 12 , the table 22 may be displaced to an upper position HP indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 12 by rotating about a rotation shaft 58. The upper position HP is a position of the table 22 where the rear end 41a is positioned higher than the table 22 positioned at a second position P2 indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 12 . That is, in this case, the table 22 is rotatable relative to the instrument panel 11 about the rotation shaft 58 so that the table 22 is positioned at the upper position HP. For example, the table 22 may be displaced to the upper position HP by rotating about the rotation shaft 58 from the second position P2. In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 58 is exposed to the outside of the instrument panel 11 when the table 22 is in the second position P2. Note that the rotation shaft 58 may be located inside the instrument panel 11 regardless of the position of the table 22. The table module 20 in this embodiment may include at least one of a case 21 and a connecting portion 23, although these are not shown in FIG. 12 . In this case, the shapes of the case 21 and the connecting portion 23 are set so that the table 22 does not interfere with the case 21 and the connecting portion 23 when the table 22 is displaced to the upper position HP. In addition, the rotation shaft 58 is rotatably connected to, for example, any one of the case 21, the connecting portion 23, and the instrument panel 11. This allows the table 22 to rotate relative to the instrument panel 11 around the rotation shaft 58.

[0094] When the table 22 is in the second position P2, if the deployed airbag 16 comes into contact with the table 22 from below, the table 22 is pushed by the deploying airbag 16 and rotates around the rotation axis 58. As a result, as the airbag 16 deploys, the table 22 is displaced to the upper position HP while rotating around the rotation axis 58.

[0095] According to this modification, the following effects can be obtained. (5) The table 22 is rotatable relative to the instrument panel 11 so that the table 22 is positioned at an upper position HP where the rear end 41a is positioned higher than the table 22 positioned at the second position P2. Therefore, even if the deployed airbag 16 contacts the table 22 from below, the table 22 rotates and moves to the upper position HP as the airbag 16 deploys. If the table 22 does not rotate toward the upper position HP, the positional relationship between the table 22 and the airbag 16 needs to be set so that the table 22 does not interfere with the deployment of the airbag 16. The above-described modified example allows for greater flexibility in determining such a positional relationship.

[0096] In the above modified example, a weakened portion such as a notch may be provided in a portion of the table 22. The rotation axis 58 may be omitted from this table 22. In this case, when the deployed airbag 16 contacts the table 22 from below, the table 22 bends at the weakened portion as the airbag 16 deploys, and is displaced to the upper position HP while rotating about the bent point. Therefore, even in this modified example, the table 22 can rotate with respect to the instrument panel 11 so that the table 22 is positioned at the upper position HP, where the rear end 41a is located higher than the table 22 positioned at the second position P2.

[0097] The table 22 of the embodiment may be rotatable to the upper position HP around the rotation axis 58. In this case, the table 22 is rotatable relative to the instrument panel 11 so that the rear end 41 a of the table 22 is positioned at the upper position HP higher than the table 22 positioned at the second position P2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] HP…Upper position L: Horizontal front-to-back direction LP…Lower position SP…Storage position P1…1st position P2…Second position W: Vehicle width as the horizontal direction 11...Instrument panel 11a...Top part 11d...Contact part 16...Airbag 22...Table 23...Connection part 41a...Rear end 58...Rotation axis

Claims

1. an airbag that is stored in a storage position inside an instrument panel and that deploys behind the instrument panel when gas is supplied to the airbag; an instrument panel structure including a table that is displaceable between a first position that is a position adjacent to an upper surface portion of the instrument panel and a second position that is a position rearward of the first position, the instrument panel includes a contact portion that is capable of contacting an underside of the table from below to above when the table is located at a lower position in which a rear end portion of the instrument panel is located lower than the table located at the second position with the airbag stored at the stored position, The instrument panel structure, wherein the table is positioned higher than the storage position when positioned at the first position.

2. 2. The instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the table is located at the first position by being stored inside the instrument panel so as to extend horizontally, and is displaced to the second position by being pulled rearward from the first position.

3. a connecting portion connected to the table via a rotation shaft, the table is rotatable relative to the connecting portion around the rotation axis; 3. The instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis is located inside the instrument panel regardless of the position of the table.

4. 3. The instrument panel structure according to claim 1, wherein the table is rotatable relative to the instrument panel so that the table is positioned at an upper position where a rear end of the table is positioned higher than the rear end of the table positioned at the second position.

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