CN100389986C - Air bag device for knee protection - Google Patents

Abstract

An air bag device for knee protection (M1), wherein an air bag (26) folded and stored under a steering column (3) is developed and inflated while rising from the lower side of the steering column (3) along the lower surface of the column cover (9a) during an inflation process, and the shape of the air bag after completing the inflation is formed generally in a plate shape capable of covering at least the lower surface of the column cover, whereby, even if the knee of the operator is close to the column cover in the state of the operator depressing a brake pedal, the developed and inflated air bag can be advanced smoothly into a space between the knee of the operator and the lower surface of the column cover, and the developed and inflated air bag can accurately protect the knee so that the knee of the operator does not interfere with the column cover.

Description

The protection air bag device for knee

The application's application number that to be applicant Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. submit to December 20 2002 applying date is dividing an application of 01811469.5 application.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of air bag that expanding gas is flowed into and launch to expand and to protect the protection air bag device for knee of the knee of chaufeur.

Background technology

In the prior art, as Japanese kokai publication hei 6-32195 communique, disclosed devices such as the open communique 0684167A1 of European patent, the open communique 0818360A1 of European patent being arranged known to the device people of knee of protection chaufeur.That is, in conventional device, push the outstanding safety pad of the knee of chaufeur when being provided in start near the steering column cover below bearing circle.Perhaps in conventional device, can protect the air bag of the knee ground expansion expansion of chaufeur when being provided in start.

But, in the device that existing protection knee is used, be to make safety pad or the outstanding form of air bag in the narrow space between the knee of post cover and chaufeur.Particularly when start, mostly be that chaufeur is when having stepped on brake pedal.Under these circumstances, the space between the knee of Steering gear and chaufeur becomes narrower.

Therefore, in existing apparatus, room for improvement is arranged for the aspect of the knee of certain protection chaufeur.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is the invention that solves above-mentioned problem, even its objective is the narrow protection air bag device for knee that also can protect knee really in space between the knee that a kind of post cover and chaufeur are provided.

Protection air bag device for knee of the present invention is that it makes expanding gas flow into the protection air bag device for knee that the air bag that launches to expand can be protected the knee of chaufeur.And the shape when air bag finishes its expansion expansion becomes the roughly plate shape of the following at least side that covers the post cover, and this post cover is used to cover Steering gear.

In addition, airbag fold is accommodated in the below of post cover, while can be below the post cover when launch expanding side rise and launch expansion.

Protection air bag device for knee of the present invention, the air bag that launch to expand rises below the post cover from the lower side of Steering gear in expansion phase and launches expansion on one side.And the inflation-completing shape of air bag becomes the roughly plate shape of the following at least side that can cover the post cover.Therefore, even depressed state of brake pedal etc. at chaufeur, the knee of chaufeur and post cover are approaching, between the air bag that launches to expand also successfully enters into below the knee of chaufeur and the post cover.And, make the air bag that finishes that launches to expand can make the knee of chaufeur and post cover positively protect knee uninterruptedly.

Therefore, protection air bag device for knee of the present invention is even the narrow space between the knee of post cover and chaufeur also can be protected knee iwis by air bag.

The sample attitude that rises below the post cover of air bag can not carried out from the expansion expansion initial stage of air bag yet.That is, air bag if in launching expansion phase with the near moment rising below the post cover of the knee side joint of chaufeur.

And, air bag can be accommodated in the post cover the bottom inside or be accommodated in the lower plate of instrument carrier panel of post cover below.And, when in the lower plate of instrument carrier panel, taking in air bag,, air bag is successfully risen below the post cover because air bag is incorporated in the position different with the post cover.

In addition, air bag preferably in order to safeguard the roughly plate shape of inflation-completing shape, sets the connecting device that partly is connected between the perisporium relative on the thickness direction.In such formation, the finish state of state of expanding is kept roughly plate shape by connecting device easily.Therefore, in such formation, can easily make the disposition of gasbag that launches to expand below the post cover of narrow space and between the knee of chaufeur.

In addition, air bag for make inflation-completing shape can be below the post cover side, preferably will set shortlyer at the length dimension of the fore-and-aft direction of the perisporium of the relative upper side of thickness direction than the length dimension of the fore-and-aft direction of the perisporium of relative lower side on thickness direction.In such formation, the air bag that launch to expand becomes its crooked such sample attitude in upper lateral top, can be easily below the post cover side connect airtight with it.Its result in such formation, can make air bag more successfully enter to below the post cover of narrow space and between the knee of chaufeur.

In addition, air bag also can make accordingly by the multi-disc balloon member of three-dimensional severing with inflation-completing shape and combine formation.In such formation,, the air bag that launches to expand when finishing is connected airtight iwis with the following side of post cover owing to can form air bag three-dimensionally.

In addition, the air bag that has folded preferably is accommodated in the shell that makes the rear view of vehicle side opening.At this moment, can the air bag that expanding gas is flowed into and expand is outstanding from the shell aperture to the rear view of vehicle side opening.Therefore, the air bag projected direction is stable, launches when can successfully rise below the post cover to expand.

The periphery of taking in the opening of shell at air bag can set the guiding board.Air bag when this guiding board guiding launches to expand is so that it is below the post cover.In such formation,, air bag expands Yi Bian further being risen below the edge post cover by the guiding of guiding board really.

In addition, the shell of taking in air bag preferably with its axial arrangement for the axial almost parallel of Steering gear.Under kind of situation, can make the projected direction of air bag become axial direction by shell along Steering gear, make it stable.Its result, the air bag when launching to expand is outstanding below the post cover more iwis.

In addition, when taking in air bag in the enclosure, also can form the air bag assembly.This air bag assembly is to take in the air bag that is folded in the enclosure and supply with the charging blower of expanding gas and form to air bag.And, this air bag assembly when carrying on vehicle, as long as be fixed on the Steering gear or be fixed on the body side of the vehicle of the left and right directions both sides that are positioned at Steering gear, in such formation, can be in advance as the detail assembly airbag apparatus.In such formation, airbag apparatus is easy to the assembling operation of vehicle.And, in such formation owing to make each parts integrated, so each parts also transfiguration is easy to the operation of the lift-launch of vehicle.

When the body side of the left and right sides that the air bag assembly is connected Steering gear, can easily the air bag assembly be assembled on the vehicle with Steering gear with interfering.

In addition, air bag by air cell covering covering body rear side when being accommodated in the shell, on air cell covering, be provided with the air bag pushing that is carried out expansion and door portion.And the hinge when preferably door portion will open in order to open downwards is provided in the lower end side of a portion.

In such formation, the door portion of air cell covering is made opening type downwards, when the air bag pushing that is unfolded expansion is opened, opens from upper end side.Therefore, launching the air bag that expands opens originally from the upper side of the open area of opening of door portion outstanding in door portion.That is, the air bag that launches expansion is given prominence to towards the top easily.Its result is Yi Bian the side rising successfully launches to expand below the air bag one edge post cover.In addition, the air bag that is folded can improve the outward appearance of airbag apparatus owing to covered and be equipped on the vehicle by air cell covering.

Above-mentioned air cell covering can form as one with the lower plate of the instrument carrier panel of post cover below or in the bottom of post cover and post is hood-shaped becomes one.At this moment, because air cell covering and lower plate or post is hood-shaped becomes one, therefore, even the protection air bag device for knee is equipped near the outward appearance reduction that also can not make on the vehicle post cover.

In addition, the door portion of air cell covering is preferably by rupturing and openable structure the fracture reservations that are configured in periphery.In such formation, the door portion of air cell covering can make air cell covering body (general portion) outward appearance around its outward appearance and the door portion consistent.Therefore, the outward appearance of air cell covering is good.

In addition, the hinge of door subordinate end also can be configured in the position of more leaning on vehicle front side than door portion upper end.In the formation of such door portion, compare with simple formation comparative example and can obtain following action effect.Comparative example is as guaranteeing that the expand state of open area of needed air cell covering of airbag deployment is with the structure of door portion along the vertical configuration.In addition, the door portion of comparative example is provided in hinge the lower end of a portion.

In the door portion of above-mentioned formation, the hinge of lower end side is configured in upper end than door portion more by vehicle front side.Therefore, in above-mentioned door portion, the width dimensions of the above-below direction of the edge door portion of door portion itself is bigger than the width dimensions of the above-below direction of the door portion of comparative example.Its result, in above-mentioned door portion, can dwindle can guarantee airbag deployment expand needed air cell covering aperture area the opening angle of the door portion when opening.That is, its hinge of door portion in the comparative example as the center of gyration of door portion along vertical configuration be configured on the vehicle fore-and-aft direction with roughly the same position, the upper end of door portion on.Therefore, in comparative example,, need along general horizontal direction ground enlarged opening angle it be opened door portion in order to ensure the expand aperture area of needed air cell covering of airbag deployment.But, in above-mentioned door portion, be that hinge with lower end side is configured in than the upper end of door portion more by the front side of vehicle.Therefore, in above-mentioned door portion, door portion self becomes big along the width dimensions in the above-below direction of door portion (radius of turn when opening for door portion).Its result in above-mentioned door portion, even the opening angle of door portion is little, also can guarantee the expand aperture area of needed air cell covering of airbag deployment.And, in above-mentioned door portion because opening angle is little, when it is opened to little than the door portion of comparative example of the outstanding width of the rear view of vehicle side of horizontal direction.That is, and door portion is compared along the comparative example of vertical configuration, in above-mentioned formation, the upper end of door portion, to become on the horizontal direction of end (rearward end) of driver side the outstanding width to the rear view of vehicle side when promptly opening little.Outstanding to the rear view of vehicle side of horizontal direction when in other words, the door portion of above-mentioned formation can suppress to open.

Its result, the door portion of above-mentioned formation is because the overhang to the rear view of vehicle side when having suppressed to open when airbag deployment expands can make air bag successfully launch to expand.

In addition, also can in door portion, connect the angle limits device that limits open angle.This angle limits device can make air bag guarantee the open angle of door highlightedly and limit it and open a ground more than open angle and be connected on the door from shell.In such formation, when being pushed open by the air bag that launches to expand, door portion keeps and guarantees the expand open angle of needed aperture area of airbag deployment, and by opening more than the angle limits device restriction regulation open angle.Therefore, the upper end of the door portion when airbag deployment expands, the position that becomes the end (rearward end) of driver side when opening are limited, and can suppress a portion outstanding towards the rear view of vehicle side of horizontal direction.Its result, in above-mentioned formation, door portion can make air bag successfully launch to expand to the overhang of rear view of vehicle side when being suppressed at the airbag deployment expansion.

In addition, in door portion, set the lower end side hinge, between lower end side hinge and door portion upper end, set at least one secondary hinge portion in its lower end side.And door portion also can constitute the mode that open at the position of the upper side at the equipping position place that makes secondary hinge portion downwards.Such formation when by the air bag pushing that launches to expand a portion being opened with opening downwards, is opened from upper end side.And door portion can carry out bending from the secondary hinge portion that is configured in the top and open.Therefore, compare with the door portion that the lower end side hinge only is set, the radius of turn of the essence of upper end can shorten from the lower end side hinge to door portion in the door portion of above-mentioned formation.The door portion of above-mentioned formation can suppress to guarantee outstanding to the rear view of vehicle side when airbag deployment has been opened with expanding needed aperture area.Its result, the door portion of above-mentioned formation, door portion can make air bag successfully launch to expand to the overhang of rear view of vehicle side when expanding by suppressing airbag deployment.

In addition, when the shell of taking in the air bag that has folded is covered its rear view of vehicle side and air cell covering and has the door portion that the air bag that is inflated pushes open by air cell covering, also can constitute following form.That is, in door portion, set hinge when opening thereon on the side of distolateral or lower end side.In addition, door portion is configured in than the lower edge of the opening of shell more its lower end by upper side and makes the width dimensions of above-below direction of a portion littler than the width dimensions of the above-below direction of shell aperture.And the body beyond the door portion of air cell covering (general portion) constitutes the lower side of covering shell opening.Such formation can obtain following such action effect.

That is, in the above-described configuration, door portion makes the size of its above-below direction littler than the size of the above-below direction of shell aperture.Therefore, compare with the door portion that the width dimensions of above-below direction and the width dimensions of the above-below direction of shell aperture is roughly the same, the door portion of above-mentioned formation, outstanding to the rear view of vehicle side in the time of can suppressing it and can guarantee that airbag deployment is opened with expanding needed aperture area.In addition, air bag when launch expanding in the shell of the lower position that is configured in Steering gear below the post cover side be contained with above the rear view of vehicle side, launching expansion.Therefore, even the lower side of shell aperture is covered by the body of air cell covering, the air bag that launches to expand is by suppressing with the interference of air cell covering body by the upper side of shell aperture.Its result, above-mentioned formation, the overhang to the rear view of vehicle side of door portion can make air bag successfully launch to expand when expanding by suppressing airbag deployment.

In addition, air bag is provided with the post cover side wall portion that is configured in post cover side when finishing that launches to expand and is configured in the chaufeur sidewall portion of driver side when finishing with launching to expand.And air bag preferably folds into row by the reel with its upper lateral post cover side wall portion side volume and folds.Such structure can make airbag deployment volume ground remove folding when airbag deployment expands.At this moment, air bag and post cover side pole power are closely removed folding.Therefore, suppressed outstanding to driver side, launched to expand while air bag more successfully rises below the post cover.

In addition, when reel folding ground folded airbag, preferably often fold with vertical folding operation.Should vertical folding operation be that two edge are indulged folding near center side ground about making under the open and flat state of opening with air bag, be folded into the operation of the width dimensions that can take in left and right directions in the enclosure.In such formation, when airbag deployment expands, can cover below the post cover with the area wideer than the width dimensions of the left and right directions of shell.

In above-mentioned vertical folding operation, preferably respectively the left and right end portions of air bag is folded to post cover side wall portion side.At this moment air bag have left and right directions central authorities near central part and be positioned at this central part about the end.In such formation, vertical when folding by expansion being flowed into gas remove in the air bag, at first the central part of chaufeur sidewall portion is outstanding to driver side, and simultaneously, the left and right end portions that links to each other with its central part is given prominence to driver side.At this moment, the left and right end portions of air bag is configured in the side of post cover side wall portion respectively when vertical folding.Therefore, the left and right end portions of air bag is done one's utmost to suppress to make folding the elimination highlightedly to driver side.That is, the left and right end portions of air bag on one side orientation column cover side direction left and right directions is launched widely, on one side eliminate folding.Its result, air bag can be protected the knee of chaufeur by suppressing to launch expansion to the outstanding width dimensions of left and right directions that makes of driver side with broadening iwis.

In addition, air bag also can constitute, and its underpart side is used the upstream side position of gas as expanding, with the downstream side part of its upper side as expanding gas.And, in such air bag, preferably will expand with gas at the upstream side position towards left and right directions two side flow, flow to upstream side then as the air bag of downstream side part.In such formation, expand when using gas in the upstream side position of air bag, to flow towards left and right directions two side flow.Therefore, air bag then makes the expansion of the downstream side part of upper side finish by suppressing to launch expansion towards the outstanding width dimensions of its left and right directions that makes of driver side with broadening.Its result, air bag launches to expand towards the outstanding width dimensions of left and right directions that makes of driver side by suppressing with broadening, even an air bag also can be protected two knees of chaufeur iwis.

At this moment air bag is provided with the chaufeur sidewall portion of the post cover side wall portion and the driver side of post cover side, sets the airflow limitation part of joint pin cover side wall portion and chaufeur sidewall portion again in air bag.This airflow limitation part forms ground, gas communication hole respectively and is set along left and right directions in air bag between the two ends, the left and right sides of limited part and the left and right sides in the air bag.And this gas flow limited part is divided upstream side position and downstream side part.That is, this gas flow limited part will expand and flow towards left and right directions both sides ground at the upstream side position with gas, then, flow to the upper side as the air bag of downstream side part through the gas communication hole.Therefore, such formation is by the gas flow limited part confined expansion gas flow positively that is provided in the air bag.Its result, such formation, air bag by suppressing outstanding and stably make the width dimensions of left and right directions launch to expand to driver side with enlarging.And the airflow limitation member then can make the constancy of volume the earth fold with air bag when air bag is taken in if form with having flexible cloth.In addition, the airflow limitation part can be certain with the thickness limits of air bag when airbag inflation finishes, and can further suppress outstanding to chaufeur.

In addition, in the air bag that has set the said flow limited part, the thickness limits device of the thickness of restriction air bag is set in downstream side part preferably.In such formation, the finish downstream side part of air bag of state of expanding is kept roughly plate shape easily by the thickness limits device.Therefore, the air bag of such formation is configured in easily to below the post cover of narrow space and between the knee of chaufeur.

In addition, in the air bag that has set the said flow limited part, take in the position that the position breaks away from and be that it takes near the position the position from air bag when preferably the airflow limitation part is provided in air bag and launch expands.Such formation, when airbag deployment expands from air bag take in the position outstanding and below the post cover, rise originally can by the airflow limitation part make air bag to the left and right direction promptly launch.Therefore, the airflow limitation part can further suppress air bag outstanding to driver side.

In addition, in the air bag that has set the said flow limited part, when setting the thickness limits device of joint pin cover side wall portion and chaufeur sidewall portion, preferably the connecting portion with chaufeur sidewall portion of thickness limits device is provided in than the interference position with knee chaufeur air bag and more uses the upstream side of gas by expanding.In such formation, at the expansion expansion can be thickeied air bag and knee chaufeur by the configuration position of thickness limits device when finishing interference position.Therefore, make the air bag that launches to expand when finishing protect the knee of chaufeur effectively by thick position.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the section-drawing of running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the expression first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is near the front elevation of air bag of first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of expression first embodiment when expanding.

Fig. 4 is the section-drawing at the IV-IV position of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is the section-drawing at the V-V position of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is the birds-eye view of the air bag that uses in first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is the section-drawing at the VII-VII position of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is the section-drawing of running condition of the airbag apparatus of expression second embodiment.

Fig. 9 is near the front elevation of post cover of second embodiment.

Figure 10 is the section-drawing of the modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 11 is the birds-eye view of the other modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 12 is the block diagram of the another modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 13 is the figure of Fabrication procedure that represents again the air bag of other modified example.

Figure 14 is the section-drawing at the XIV-XIV position of expression Figure 13.

Figure 15 is other the birds-eye view of modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 16 is the section-drawing at the XVI-XVI position of expression Figure 15.

Figure 17 is the birds-eye view of the other again modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 18 is the section-drawing at the XVIII-XVIII position of expression Figure 17.

Figure 19 is the section-drawing of the other again modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 20 is the block diagram of the other again modified example of expression air bag.

Figure 21 is the section-drawing of the other connection bearing state of expression airbag apparatus.

Figure 22 is the section-drawing of the other again connection bearing state of expression airbag apparatus.

Figure 23 is the section-drawing of the modified example of expression airbag apparatus.

Figure 24 is the section-drawing of the airbag apparatus of expression the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 25 is near the front elevation of post cover of expression the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 26 is the figure of the airbag deployment of expression the 3rd embodiment when expanding.

Figure 27 is the section-drawing of airbag apparatus of the modified example of expression the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 28 is the section-drawing of expression as the running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the 4th embodiment.

Figure 29 is the amplification profile of the protection air bag device for knee of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 30 is the section-drawing at the XXX-XXX position of Figure 29.

Figure 31 is near the front elevation of post cover of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 32 is the birds-eye view that is illustrated in the air bag of the 4th embodiment use.

Figure 33 is the section-drawing at the XXXIII-XXXIII position of Figure 32.

Figure 34 is the folding scheme drawing of the air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 35 is the folding constructed profile of the air bag of expression Figure 34.

Figure 36 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 4th embodiment when expanding.

Figure 37 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 4th embodiment when expanding, the state after expression Figure 36.

Figure 38 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 4th embodiment when expanding.

Figure 39 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 4th embodiment when expanding, and is the state after expression Figure 37.

Figure 40 is the finish scheme drawing of state of the expansion of air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 41 is the other folding constructed profile of the air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 42 is the other more folding constructed profile of the air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 43 is the other more folding constructed profile of the air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 44 is the folding constructed profile of the air bag among expression Figure 43.

Figure 45 is the section-drawing that the state in the other shell is taken in the air bag of Figure 43 again in expression.

Figure 46 is the other more folding constructed profile of the air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 47 is the folding constructed profile of the air bag of expression Figure 46.

Figure 48 is the other more folding constructed profile of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 49 is the folding scheme drawing of the air bag of expression Figure 48.

Figure 50 is the birds-eye view of the other modified example of expression the 4th embodiment air bag.

Figure 51 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXI-XXXXXI position of expression Figure 50.

Figure 52 is the birds-eye view of other again modified example of the air bag of expression the 4th embodiment.

Figure 53 is the section-drawing of running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of expression the 5th embodiment.

Figure 54 is the folding skeleton diagram that is illustrated in the air bag that uses among Figure 53.

Figure 55 is the section-drawing of expression as the running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the 6th embodiment.

Figure 56 is the amplification profile of the airbag apparatus of expression the 6th embodiment.

Figure 57 is near the front elevation of post cover of the 6th embodiment.

Figure 58 is the birds-eye view of the air bag that uses among the 6th embodiment.

Figure 59 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXIX-XXXXXIX position of Figure 58.

Figure 60 is the folding skeleton diagram of the air bag of expression the 6th embodiment.

Figure 61 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 6th embodiment when expanding.

Figure 62 is the figure of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 6th embodiment when expanding, the state after expression Figure 61.

Figure 63 is the finish scheme drawing of state of the expansion of air bag of expression the 6th embodiment.

Figure 64 is the birds-eye view of modified example of the air bag of expression the 6th embodiment.

Figure 65 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXXIV-XXXXXXIV position of expression Figure 64.

Figure 66 is the section-drawing of the modified example of expression the 6th embodiment.

Figure 67 is the section-drawing of expression as the running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the 7th embodiment.

Figure 68 is near the front elevation of post cover of the 7th embodiment.

Figure 69 is the birds-eye view of the air bag that uses in the 7th embodiment.

Figure 70 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX position of Figure 69.

Figure 71 is the scheme drawing of airbag inflation when finishing of expression the 7th embodiment.

Figure 72 is the section-drawing of expression as the running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the 8th embodiment.

Figure 73 is near the front elevation of post cover of the 8th embodiment.

Figure 74 is the section-drawing of expression as the running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the 9th embodiment.

Figure 75 is the amplification profile of the protection air bag device for knee of the 9th embodiment.

Figure 76 is near the front elevation of post cover of the 9th embodiment.

Figure 77 is the scheme drawing of airbag inflation when finishing of expression the 9th embodiment.

Figure 78 is the section-drawing of expression as the running condition of the protection air bag device for knee of the tenth embodiment.

Figure 79 is the amplification profile of the protection air bag device for knee of the tenth embodiment.

Figure 80 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX position of Figure 78.

Figure 81 is the amplification profile of protection air bag device for knee that has disposed other angle limits member in the tenth embodiment.

Figure 82 is the amplification profile of expression as the protection air bag device for knee of the 11 embodiment.

Figure 83 is the amplification profile of the expansion of the air bag of explanation the 11 embodiment when expanding.

Figure 84 is the amplification profile of expression as the protection air bag device for knee of the 11 embodiment.

Figure 85 is illustrated among the 12 embodiment, has changed the amplification profile of protection air bag device for knee of the position of hinge.

Figure 86 is other the section-drawing of anchor fitting that expression is used for door portion is fixed to the body of air cell covering.

Figure 87 is the section-drawing of other again anchor fitting that expression is used for door portion is fixed to the body of air cell covering.

Figure 88 is the section-drawing of other again anchor fitting that expression is used for door portion is fixed to the body of air cell covering.

Figure 89 is the section-drawing of the protection air bag device for knee of the 13 embodiment.

Figure 90 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXXX position of Figure 89.

Figure 91 is the amplification front elevation of the fastening core of the binding clasp among expression the 13 embodiment.

Figure 92 is the amplification plan view of lid of the binding clasp of expression the 13 embodiment.

Figure 93 is the amplification longitudinal diagram of lid of the binding clasp of expression the 13 embodiment.

Figure 94 is the amplification profile of running condition (the first fastening state) of the binding clasp of explanation the 13 embodiment.

Figure 95 is the amplification profile of running condition (the second fastening state) of the binding clasp of explanation the 13 embodiment.

Amplification profile when Figure 96 is the opening of door portion of expression the 13 embodiment.

Figure 97 is the amplification profile of the protection air bag device for knee of the 14 embodiment.

Figure 98 is the section-drawing at the XXXXXXXXXVIII-XXXXXXXXXVIII position of Figure 97.

Figure 99 is the amplification profile of the angle limits member of the 14 embodiment.

Figure 100 is the amplification profile of the angle limits member of the door portion of the 14 embodiment when having opened.

The specific embodiment

Form of implementation of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.The invention is not restricted to form of implementation.All changes in the claim scope or relevant equivalent comprise within the scope of the claims.

The protection air bag device for knee M1 of the 1st form of implementation is such as shown in Figure 1, 2, is configured to the below of post cover 9 of the following 9a side of post cover 9, comprises air bag 26, charging blower 21, and shell 19.After folding, air bag 26 accommodates the below of Steering gear 3.Charging blower 21 is supplied with to expand to air bag 26 and is used gas.Shell 19 is accommodated air bag 26 and charging blower 21.

Post cover 9 is made by the synthetic resin of cardinal principle square tube shape, the Steering gear 3 of coverage direction dish 1 below.Post cover 9 is along the axial arrangement of Steering gear 3.That is, post cover 9 disposes obliquely towards the back upper place, and vehicle front side is configured to the below, and the rear view of vehicle side is configured to the top.In addition, the following 9a of post cover 9 forms oblong substantially, forms the curved surface shape towards the back upper place on the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

On Steering gear 3, make key cylinder 7a, leaning device operating portion (control lever) 7c, and telescoping mechanism operating portion (control lever) 7d of the steering locking of bearing circle 1 as appurtenances configurations.These parts 7a, 7c, 7d expose or configuration projectedly from post cover 9.In addition, key cylinder 7a is configured to the right flank of post cover 9, is convexly equipped with the 9c of cover portion of half truncated cone shape substantially at post cover 9 with covering its position.In addition, tilt operation bar 7c is configured to the left surface of post cover 9, and the inserting hole 9b of telescoping mechanism control lever 7d left border side of 9a below the post cover disposes projectedly.

Steering gear 3 is made of the column tube 5 around the main shaft 4 that is connected in bearing circle 1, the covering main shaft 4.Unshowned leaning device and telescoping mechanism etc. in the layout circle between main shaft 4 and column tube 5.Leaning device is used to adjust the angle of the anchor ring P of bearing circle 1.In addition, telescoping mechanism is used to make bearing circle 1 to stop towards moving axially of main shaft 4.

Shell 19 is made by sheet metal, is made of the surrounding wall portion 19a of cardinal principle square tube shape and the rectangular bottom wall portion 19b of cardinal principle of sealing surrounding wall portion 19a bottom surface.Shell 19 utilizes carriage 6 to be connected and fixed in the part that does not move of the column tube 5 of Steering gear 3.Shell 19 is configured to the opening 19c that is surrounded by surrounding wall portion 19a in the rear view of vehicle side.Shell 19 make surrounding wall portion 19a axially below the post cover 9a (along Steering gear 3 axially) configuration.This be because, this collocation form from the air bag 26 of accommodating from shell 19 when protruding easily below the post cover of post cover 9 9a protrude.

Charging blower 21 like that, is made of body 22 and 2 bracket part 23 shown in Fig. 1,6.Thereby body 22 forms and makes the electric signal input can discharge the cylinder type that expands and constitute with gas ground.Body 22 has the gas discharge outlet 22a (with reference to Fig. 6) that the expansion of making is discharged with gas.In the occasion of form of implementation, charging blower 21 from the regulation the control setup input electrical signal and start.When these charging blower 21 starts, the not shown air bag that is equipped on bearing circle 1 is also from the control setup input electrical signal of regulation, with charging blower 21 starts simultaneously.Bracket part 23 has protection ring 23a and bolt 23b.Protection ring 23a is as the sheet metal goods, but undergauge ground produces plastic deformation and clamping body 22.Bolt 23b protrudes from protection ring 23a.Charging blower 21 is wrapped into by air bag 26 in body 22 installation bracket portions 23.Charging blower 21 will pass shell 19 from the bolt 23b that air bag 26 protrudes, and use nut 24 to be connected to carriage 6.Like this, charging blower 21 installs and fixes carriage 6 with air bag 26 and shell 19.

The folding air bag 26 that is contained in the shell 19 is contained in the inside of the lower plate 13 of instrument carrier panel 11 lower side.Around the instrument carrier panel 11 covering post covers 9.The circumference 14 of the cubic tubular of 9a side configuration cardinal principle half below the post cover of lower plate 13.Circumference 14 and the post cover below vacate gap S between the 9a periphery.The flat door of internal configurations portion 16 in the vehicle front side of circumference 14.Door portion 16 covers the rear side of folding air bag 26 of accommodating, promptly covers the opening 19c of the rear view of vehicle side of surrounding wall portion 19a.The hinge 17 that constitutes by integral hinge in the boudary portion configuration of the lower plate 13 of the lower edge side of door portion 16.

This one 16 is pushed by air bag 26 when air bag 26 launches to expand, and is center of gyration with hinge 17, makes upper limb 16a side turn round and open towards the below of rear view of vehicle side.Promptly door portion 16 opens towards the below.This one 16 makes hinge 17 form agley along circumference 14.For this reason, door portion 16 is towards rear view of vehicle side standard-sized sheet, but opens with more shallow angle.The effect of guiding board is played by door portion 16, and 9a leads on ground below the post cover so that the air bag 26 of the expansion of expanding is easy to.The upper face side of post cover 9 covers the upper plate 12 of instrument carrier panel 11.

Air bag 26 is formed by fabrics such as having flexible polyester and polyamide.Shape when air bag 26 will launch expand to finish forms the rectangular general plate shape of cardinal principle of 9a below the post cover of the essence that can cover post cover 9.In the occasion of form of implementation, air bag 26 shown in Fig. 6,7 like that, perisporium by on thickness direction in opposite directions upper face side upside cloth 27 and below the downside cloth 28 of side constitute.Upside cloth 27 constitutes the wall portion 27 of post cover 9 sides, and downside cloth 28 constitutes the wall portion 28 of driver's side.

Position, the rear end configuration cover 26e of portion of right border 26d when air bag 26 expands end.The 26e of cover portion can cover as the cover portion 9c of 9a side below the post cover as the key cylinder 7a of appurtenances.Like that, when launching to expand, the following 9a of the 9c of cover portion of covering post cover 9 and the 7b ground, back of right flank and key cylinder 7a constitute (with reference to Fig. 2) to the 26e of cover portion of form of implementation shown in Fig. 4,5.In addition, this air bag 26 has near the body 26g the central authorities of 9a below the post cover that can cover the below that comprises flexible control lever 7d when launch expanding.In addition, air bag 26 has the 26f of cover portion in the left border side, and the 26e of cover portion is not big like that for the 26f of this cover portion.The 26f of cover portion can cover the below of leaning device control lever 7c side.Leaning device control lever 7c with Steering gear 3 be central shaft arrangement to the position of the 9c of cover portion symmetry.

In addition, like that, dispose a plurality of (being 2 in an embodiment) conduct is sheet 29 with post cover side wall portion 27 and driver's side wall portion 28 interconnective devices to Figure 26 shown in Fig. 6,7.Being sheet 29 is made as the size t of air bag 26 necessarily substantially, can keep the general plate shape of air bag 26.That is be that sheet 29 has the function as the thickness limits device of air bag 26.In addition, be that the long size LU of film of the fore-and-aft direction of 29 of sheets sets shortlyer than the long size LD of film of the fore-and-aft direction of cooresponding downside cloth 28 near the central authorities of the fore-and-aft direction of post cover side wall portion 27 sides.According to such formation, the post cover side wall portion 27 of the air bag 26 when launching to expand is easy to the curved surface towards the back upper place of 9a below the post cover in intimate contact.In addition, the post cover side wall portion 27 in front end (lower end) the 26b side of air bag 26 forms inserting hole 27a.Insert each bolt 23b of logical charging blower 21 at these inserting holes 27a.

The following describes the lift-launch of protection air bag device for knee M1 to vehicle.At first, under the state of interior dress charging blower 21, folded airbag 26.Each bolt 23b of charging blower 21 protrudes from inserting hole 27a.In addition, the not shown lead of the working signal input usefulness of extending from body 22 is drawn from the not shown inserting hole of the regulation of air bag 26.

Behind the folded airbag 26, air bag 26 is encased, from shell 19 each bolt 23b is protruded through packing film by rupturable not shown packing film.At each the bolt 23b that protrudes laminal not shown spring nut is installed, folding air bag 26 and charging blower 21 are accommodated in the shell 19.Like this, form installation air bag assembly SA.

Air bag 26 unfold at first the state that flattens from overlapping post cover side wall portion 27 and driver's side wall portion 28 ground, the nearly center side of post cover side wall portion 27 side joints turn back about two edge 26c, 26d.Then, as shown in Figure 1, rear end (upper end) the 26a side of air bag 26 is folded towards post cover side wall portion 27 sides as upper face side with being rolled into tubular.Like this, as be rolled into tubular,, also be easy to reel is opened, thereby make 26a side 9a below the post cover in rear end launch expansion even then when air bag 26 launches to expand, contact with the upper face side of driver's knee.When the folded part of roll-up state is removed when folding by expansion is flowed into gas, folded part releasing roll-up state and remove folding.That is, removed folded portions by the folding rotating force of inertia of not removing the position, not by towards driver's side wall portion 28 laybacks, but towards post cover side wall portion 27 laybacks of rolling side.Under this state, folded part is removed folding.For this reason, be converted into barrel-contoured folded part, when releasing is folding, removing folding agley towards post cover side wall portion 27 sides.Like this, at folding position, 9a launches to expand smoothly below the post cover.

Certainly, as not considering this point, also rear end 26a side can be folded towards driver's side wall portion 28 sides as following side with being rolled into tube.Perhaps air bag 26 makes rear end 26a side enter into ground in the air bag 26 successively to fold near such cactus of front end 26b side.In addition, air bag 26 also can be folded by folding grade of wrinkle with making rear end 26a side joint front end 26b side.

In addition, draw from packing film, simultaneously, draw from the not shown inserting hole of shell 19 from the not shown lead that body 22 extends.

The installation air bag assembly SA (airbag apparatus M1) that utilizes nut 24 will accommodate air bag 26 and 21 in shell 19 is fixed in carriage 6; in addition; not shown lead is connected to control circuit,, then protection air bag device for knee M1 can be carried vehicle as instrument carrier panel 11 is installed to vehicle.

After will protecting air bag device for knee M1 to carry vehicle, be input to body 22, then discharge to expand and use gas from gas discharge outlet 22a as electric signal with regulation.For this reason, air bag 26 expands, and not shown packing film is broken, and simultaneously, pushes the door portion 16 of lower plate 13 open.Air bag 26 9a below the post cover rises and launches to expand.Air bag 26 after finish to launch expanding, rear end 26a is configured to 9a below the post cover rear end 9d near.

That is, air bag 26 rises from toe lateral 9a below the post cover of the below of the 9c of cover portion of post cover 9 when launch expanding, and launches to expand into rear end 9c.In addition, air bag 26 is tabular with the roughly oblong that its inflation-completing shape becomes the following 9a side that can cover post cover 9.Therefore, even step on the knee and the post cover 9 of chaufeur under the state of brake pedal at chaufeur approaching, the air bag 26 that launches to expand also successfully enters below the knee of chaufeur and the post cover between the 9a.And the air bag 26 that finishes that launches to expand can make the knee of chaufeur not protect knee really with post cover 9 with interfering.

In addition, in first embodiment, the air bag 26 that has folded is accommodated in the shell 19 that makes the rear view of vehicle side opening.In such formation, can the air bag 26 that expansion is flowed into gas and expand is outstanding from the shell aperture 19c to the rear view of vehicle side opening.Therefore, air bag 19c can use projected direction stable, when successfully 9a rises below the post cover, launch to expand.

Particularly in first embodiment, the shell 19 of taking in air bag 26 make its axially and the axial almost parallel of Steering gear 3 be configured.Therefore, by shell 19, the projected direction of air bag 26 is stable along the axial direction of Steering gear 3.Its result, the air bag 26 when launch expanding more below post cover 9 9a give prominence to.

In addition, under the situation of first embodiment, the air bag 26 when launch expanding has the 26e of cover portion and constitutes the structure that is covered with the key cylinder 7a of the 9c of cover portion of 9a side below the post cover.Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, even the knee K of chaufeur will interfere with the key cylinder 7a that gives prominence to from post cover 9 under the state that clips the 9c of cover portion, the 26e of air cell covering portion also can protect the knee K of chaufeur iwis.And, particularly under the situation of embodiment, as shown in figure 35, constitute the back 7b side that also covers key cylinder 7a.Therefore, the 26e of cover portion can further prevent the key cylinder 7a that formed by derby and the interference of knee K.

Under the situation of the 1st embodiment, the air bag 26 that launch to expand constitutes and covers key cylinder 7a, and its body 26g or the 26f of cover portion cover, and is disposed at the following side of the appurtenances 7 of the leaning device control lever 7c of Steering gear 3 and telescoping mechanism control lever 7d.Therefore, even the knee K of chaufeur and these control lever 7c, 7d interference, the body 26a of air bag 26 or the knee K that the 26f of cover portion also can positively protect chaufeur.

Air bag 26 also can constitute not only to cover as embodiment as embodiment and expose or outstanding appurtenances 7a7c7d from post cover 9, but also covers fully by the configuration position of the appurtenances with rigidity 7 of post cover 9 coverings.

In addition, in first embodiment, the following 9a side of 26 covering posts of the air bag cover 9 that launches to expand.But, also can be as the formation the protection air bag device for knee M2 of second embodiment.

As Fig. 8, shown in Figure 9, this protection air bag device for knee M2, it launches dilated air bag 26A and is constituted as near the instrument carrier panel 11 that covers the post cover 9.And, disposing right-hand key cylinder 61 that is configured in post cover 9 at the position of the upper plate 12A of the instrument carrier panel 11 that covers by air bag 26A.In addition, disposing the stopping brake disengaging bar 62 of the left that is configured in post cover 9 at the position of the lower plate 13A of the instrument carrier panel 11 that covers by air bag 26A.And air bag 26A that launches to expand and air bag 26 similarly have body 26g and the 26e26f of cover portion.Body 26g covers the following 9a of post cover 9.The 26e of cover portion side below key cylinder 61 covers near the side of back.The 26f of cover portion side below disengaging bar 62 covers near the side of back.

It is sheet 29 and constitute similarly with first embodiment that roughly oblong is tabular that air bag 26A is setting by portion within it.In addition, the formation of the position of other of upper plate 12A and lower plate 13A or shell 19 charging blowers 21 is identical with first embodiment.Therefore, on those positions, mark the label identical, omit the explanation at those positions with first embodiment.In addition, on the left surface of post cover 9, disposing the operating portion (control lever 7e) of leaning device and telescoping mechanism dual-purpose as the appurtenances 7 of Steering gear 3.In addition, its lift-launch engineering to vehicle of this airbag apparatus M2 is also identical with first embodiment.

In the airbag apparatus M2 of this second embodiment, if air bag 26A launch to expand, while then air bag 26A rises from lower side 9a below the post cover of the below of post cover 9 and launches to expand near the 9d of rear end.And it is tabular that the inflation-completing shape of air bag 26A also forms the roughly oblong of the following 9a side that can cover post cover 9.Therefore, even depress under the state of brake pedal at chaufeur, the knee and the post cover 9 of chaufeur be approaching, the air bag 26A that launches to expand also successfully enters below the knee of chaufeur and the post cover between the 9a.And the air bag 26A that finishes that launches to expand can make the knee of chaufeur and post cover 9 positively protect knee uninterruptedly.

In addition, air bag 26A constitutes the nearby part of instrument carrier panel 11 that covers post cover 9.Can be by 9a side below the big scope covering post cover.Therefore, air bag 26A can make protection domain bigger than air bag 26.That is, air bag 26A can protect the knee of chaufeur effectively with big scope.Particularly in a second embodiment, though on upper plate 12A or lower plate 13A configuration key cylinder 61 or disengaging bar 62, also cover those positions by the 26e26f of cover portion.Therefore, air bag 26A can protect the knee of chaufeur iwis from those parts 6162.

This air bag 26A also can constitute and not only cover key cylinder 61 or disengaging bar 62, and cover from instrument carrier panel 11 expose or outstanding parts and post cover 9 nearby be configured in configuration position in the instrument carrier panel 11 with rigid parts.

In the air bag 2626A of the one the second embodiment, as perisporium relative on the Width that partly is connected air bag 2626A each other, be that post cover side wall portion 27 chaufeur sidewall portions 28 mutual connecting devices are setting be sheet 29.Therefore, expand finish the air bag 2626A of state can easily keep roughly tabular, its result, air bag 26,26A can easily be configured between the knee K into 9a below the post cover of narrow space and chaufeur.

Certainly, as not considering this point, then also can not be provided with as shown in figure 10 is the connecting device of sheet 29 grades, and the outer peripheral edges of post cover side wall portion 27 chaufeur sidewall portions 28 are interconnected, and constitutes air bag 26,26A.

In addition, be sheet 29 as the one the second embodiment, be configured along the left and right directions of vehicle bandedly with extending.But, as the air bag 26B of Figure 11, can will be that sheet 29 is a sheet 29 along banded configuration of the fore-and-aft direction of vehicle with extending also.And the configuration quantity that is sheet 29 can be one or more, can suitably set.

But, as the air bag 26 of first embodiment, charging blower 21 nearby set on the left and right directions that is configured in vehicle be sheet 29D (with reference to Fig. 6) time, can obtain following such action effect.That is, this is the effect that sheet 29D plays the airflow limitation part.And, be sheet 29D be divided in the air bag 26 with than be sheet 29D more by the position (bottom) of charging blower 21 sides as the upstream side position 31 of expanding with gas, be sheet 29D more uses gas as expansion by the position (top) of rear end (upper end) 26a side downstream side part 32 with the ratios in the air bag 26.And direction is mobile to the left and right at upstream side position 31 with gas in expansion, flows to downstream side part 32 through gas communication hole 3333.Therefore, be that sheet 29D rises air bag 26 9a below the state lower edge post cover that direction expansion is to the left and right opened when launching to expand.Gas communication hole 33 is that to be provided in be gap between the left and right sides edge 26c26d of the two ends, the left and right sides of sheet 29d and air bag 26.

In addition, in order to ensure the roughly plate shape of air bag, also can use with the mode of sewing up or bonding etc. between the surrounding wall portion as the mutual connection means of the perisporium that connects air bag partly relative on the thickness direction.In addition, air bag 36 as shown in figure 12 is such, in order to make the bonding each other of perisporium itself, is forming the joint portion 39 of bonding partly post cover side wall portion 37 chaufeur sidewall portions 38 grades.Also its joint portion 39 can be constituted connecting device.

In addition, also can knit and form air bag by the bag shape, make on the thickness direction relatively perisporium mutually part in conjunction with constituting connecting device by its binding site.

In addition, in the air bag 2626A of embodiment, the length dimension LU of the fore-and-aft direction of the upside cloth 27 of relative upper side sets shortlyer than the length dimension LD of the fore-and-aft direction of the downside cloth 28 of relative lower side on thickness direction on the thickness direction with air bag 2626A.Therefore, the air bag 2626A when launch expanding becomes makes its crooked sample attitude in (rear end) 26A side direction top, upper end, connect airtight easily below the post cover 9a side.Its result, air bag 2626A can more successfully enter between the knee into 9a below the post cover of narrow space and chaufeur.

In addition, in order to make below the air bag that launches expansion type and the post cover 9a carry over 9a below the post cover with connecting airtight, again the length dimension of the fore-and-aft direction of the perisporium of upper side relative on the thickness direction is set in short-term, also can be resembled the air bag 46 shown in Figure 131 4 and constitute than the length dimension of the fore-and-aft direction of the perisporium of lower side relative on the thickness direction.This air bag 46 uses lignilite 30 that crease 49 is set on the part of air bag sidewall 47 after using lignilites 30 to sew up between the periphery of identical shaped post cover side wall portion 47 chaufeur sidewall portions 48.The long position 49a of crease 49 both can be located at interior all sides of air bag 46, also can resemble in the graphic parantheses make it be exposed to the outer circumferential side of air bag 46.The configuration quantity of crease 49 is not limited to one, also can resemble the air bag 56 shown in Figure 151 6 along two of fore-and-aft direction configurations.And crease 49 also can become the formation of configuration more than three.If the configuration quantity of crease 49 is increased, the fore-and-aft direction size of the perisporium (upside cloth post cover side wall portion) 47 of the upper side when expansion is finished is shorter than the fore-and-aft direction length dimension of the perisporium (downside cloth chaufeur sidewall portion) 48 of lower side.In addition, if make crease 49 a plurality of along the fore-and-aft direction configuration, then balance is good, and the length dimension of the perisporium 47 of upper side is shortened.

In addition, also can constitute like that to the air bag 66 shown in Figure 171 8.This air bag 66 is with lignilite 30 grades the contraction in length ground of the fore-and-aft direction of post cover side wall portion 67 to be combined in the end, front and back of length dimension adjustment part 69 on the outer circumferential side of wall portion 67.Therefore, air bag 66 is when expansion finishes, and wall portion 67 is adjusted cloth 69 tractives and the length dimension of the fore-and-aft direction of wall portion 67 is lacked than chaufeur sidewall portion 68.In such air bag 66, compare the length dimension that can shorten the fore-and-aft direction of housing sidewall 67 easily with the air bag 56 of a plurality of above-mentioned creases 49 of configuration.

In addition, also can constitute like that by air bag 76 as shown in figure 19.This air bag 76 is knitted by the bag shape and is formed, and the radical of squeezing into of the line when woven (warp parallel) is that the radical of post cover side wall portion 77 is than chaufeur sidewall portion more than 78.In this air bag 76, post cover sidewall 77 is difficult to stretch when launching to expand.The fore-and-aft direction length dimension of the wall portion 77 when therefore, air bag 76 its expansions finish is than the weak point of chaufeur sidewall portion 78.

In addition, in the one or two embodiment, represented to have sewed up the such plane air bag 2626A of post cover side wall portion 27 chaufeur sidewall portions 28 of flat expand state.But air bag 86 as shown in figure 20 is such, also can make with the air bag blank of the regulation sheet number of the cooresponding three-dimensional severing of inflation-completing shape to combine stereo structure ground to form air bag 86.Under the situation of illustrated embodiment, form by the balloon member 86a that forms post cover side wall portion 87, these three balloon member 86a86b86c of balloon member 86c of forming the 88 balloon member 86b of chaufeur sidewall portion and being formed for the mutual banded connecting wall portion 89 of the periphery of connecting wall portion 8788.And air bag 86 can suitably make these balloon member 86a86b86c in conjunction with making by sewing up bonding welding etc.In such air bag 86, can form three-dimensionally and make inflation-completing shape carry over 9a below the post cover.Air bag 86 when therefore, the expansion expansion finishes connects airtight 9a side below post cover 9 iwis.

In addition, in the one or two embodiment, air bag 2626A is accommodated in the inside of lower plate 1313A of instrument carrier panel 11 of the below of post cover 9 after folding.Therefore, the one or two embodiment with situation about being accommodated in behind the airbag fold in the post cover 9 is compared the accommodation space that can guarantee air bag 2626A easily.In addition, air bag 2626A is accommodated in the inside of lower plate 1313A of the below of post cover 9.Therefore, when launch expanding, air bag 2626A can be easily and successfully below the post cover of the top of taking in the position 9a rise.

In addition, in the one or two embodiment, represented shell 19 is connected the situation that is bearing in post 3 sides with air bag 2626A that has folded or charging blower 21.But shell 19 also can not be bearing in post 3 sides, can connect as illustrated in fig. 21 to be bearing on the lower plate 13.In addition, shell 19 also can utilize carriage 6 connections to be bearing on the rib R of automobile body B side as illustrated in fig. 22.In addition, rib R be configured in Steering gear 3 near, be used to connect support column 3.

In addition, in the one the second embodiment, setting at the rear that is folded the air bag 2626A that takes in when launching to expand and to be pushed by air bag 2626A and openable door portion 16.That is, fold air bag 26 and become the state of using 16 shutoff of door portion.Therefore, under such formation, can constitute the outward appearance of the below of post cover 9 well by door portion 16.In addition, door portion 16 can prevent that foreign matter is blended among the air bag 2626A that has been folded.

In addition, in the one the second embodiment, door portion 16 is provided in the inside of the lower plate 1313A of instrument carrier panel 11.Therefore, be difficult to differentiation and have or not airbag apparatus M1M2.That is, the vehicle that does not carry airbag apparatus with carried in the vehicle of airbag apparatus, near the outward appearance below the post cover 9a is roughly the same.Its result, the following outward appearance that can suppress to have carried the post cover 9 in the vehicle of airbag apparatus is lower than the vehicle of non-lift-launch airbag apparatus.

When the air bag 2626A that has folded is taken in the depths in the lower plate 1313A of the instrument carrier panel 11 below post cover 9, its take in the position be difficult to from chaufeur etc. visual to.Therefore, also can resemble a portion 16 is not set as shown in Figure 23.At this moment, air bag 2626A is expanded with the gap S expansion of post cover 9 from the circumference 14 of lower plate 1313A.

And, in the one or two embodiment, represented that door portion 16 when air bag 2626A launch expanded is provided in the situation of private side of the lower plate 1313A of instrument carrier panel 11.But, also can constitute the such structure of airbag apparatus M3 of the 3rd embodiment of Figure 24～shown in Figure 26.In this airbag apparatus M3, the rear end side of the lower plate 13 at the rear of the air bag 26 that is contained after folding is provided with a 16A of portion.The 16A of this has the hinge 17A and the fracture reservations 15 of the lower edge side of being configured in.Hinge 17A is configured to roughly circular-arc, is made of integral hinge.Fracture reservations 15 are the thin wall shape that can rupture, and extend upward point-blank from the two ends, the left and right sides of hinge 17A.The 16A of this is pushed by air bag 26 when the expansion of air bag 26 is expanded and makes 1515 fractures of fracture reservations, is that centre of gration makes upper limb 16a open (opening) downwards to the revolution of rear view of vehicle side with hinge 17A.Its hinge of the 16A of this 17A forms roughly semicircle arcuation.Therefore, the 16A of door portion does not open with shallow angle to rear view of vehicle side standard-sized sheet ground.That is, the 16A of door portion plays the effect that makes the air bag 26 easy guiding boards that 9a guides on ground below the post cover that launch expansion.In this airbag apparatus M3, the operating portion of leaning device and telescoping mechanism dual-purpose (control lever) 7e is configured on the left surface of post cover 9, though different in this, other member is identical with first embodiment, the identical label of mark omits its explanation on those members.

And, in this airbag apparatus M3, if air bag 26 launches to expand, the 16A while air bag 26 pushes the door open and rise from lower side 9a below the post cover of the below of post cover 9 and to launch expansion.And air bag 26 is tabular with the roughly oblong that its inflation-completing shape is set at the following 9a side that can cover post cover 9.Therefore, approaching even chaufeur depresses the knee and the post cover 9 of chaufeur under the state of brake pedal, the air bag 26 that launches to expand also successfully enters below the knee of chaufeur and the post cover between the 9a.Its result, air bag 26 can make the knee of chaufeur not interfere ground protection knee really with post cover 9.

In addition, in the 3rd embodiment, the 16A of this can directly visual mode to be provided in the face side of car inboard with exposing.Therefore, the lower plate 13B itself that has set the 16A of door portion becomes the air cell covering 13B of the rear view of vehicle side that covers the air bag 26 that is folded or shell 19.And the 16A of door portion that is provided in the 3rd embodiment on the air cell covering 13B is opening type downwards, and the hinge 17A when opening is provided in the lower end side of the 16A of portion.In such formation, the 16A of door portion is opening type downwards, when air bag 26 pushings that are unfolded expansion are opened, opens from upper end 16a side.Therefore, the air bag 26 that launch to expand is outstanding opening originally from the upper side of the open area OA that opens of the 16A of door portion of the 16A of door portion.The air bag 26 that promptly launches to expand is given prominence to towards the top easily.Its result successfully launches to expand while air bag 26 9a side below the post cover rises.In addition, therefore the air bag 26 that is folded can improve the outward appearance of airbag apparatus M3 owing to be covered with lift-launch on vehicle by air cell covering 13B.

The lower plate 13B of the instrument carrier panel 11 of this air cell covering 13B and post cover 9 belows forms as one.Therefore, even airbag apparatus M3 carries near the outward appearance reduction that also can not make on the vehicle post cover 9.

In addition, the 16A of door portion of this air cell covering 13B becomes and makes the formation of opening after fracture reservations 15 fracture that is provided in periphery.That is, the 16A of door portion of air cell covering 13B can make its outward appearance consistent with air cell covering body (general portion) 13a around the 16A of door portion.Therefore, air cell covering 13B comprises a 16A of portion and can constitute good surface appearance interior.

In first～the 3rd embodiment, taking in air bag 2626A by the 1616A of door portion mulched ground in the lower plate 1313A of the instrument carrier panel 11 below post cover 9.But, below the knee that can enter chaufeur smoothly and the post cover between the 9a, then also air bag can be accommodated in the post cover 9 if the air bag 9a below the post cover that launch to expand launches to expand.That is, also can be below post cover 9 9a side self the 9c of cover portion below or below the lower side at substantial middle position of above-below direction of post cover 9 of 9a side self folding air bag is accommodated in (with reference to the post cover 9A of Figure 72 73) in the post cover 9 by the door portion mulched ground that can push open.

In addition, in the 1616A of door portion of first～the 3rd embodiment, make the effect of the air bag 2626A guiding part that 9a guides below the post cover when launching to expand, but, as shown in figure 27, also can on the lower edge side periphery of the opening 19c of the rear view of vehicle side of the surrounding wall portion 19a of shell 19A guiding board 20 be set, this guiding board 20 is used to guide the air bag 26 when launching expansion and makes its 9a below the post cover.In addition, the guide card 25 (with reference to the long and two-short dash line among Figure 32 6) of the gas flow that confined expansion uses can be set near charging blower body 22 also, so that the expansion of discharging from charging blower body 22 is with gas flow 9a below the post cover.

In addition, when on the 1616A of door portion, being provided with the function of conduct guiding board, as embodiment, except configuration shape restriction opening angle, also can constitute as illustrated in fig. 21 by hinge 1717A.That is, the 1616A of door portion around or the 1616A of door portion angle limits member 18 originally is set, this angle limits member 18 interferes to come the 16A of limiting door portion when the 1616A of door portion opens opening angle on one's body.

In addition, in each embodiment M1M2M3, at assembling air bag assembly SA before vehicle boarded.Air bag assembly SA forms by taking in the air bag 2626A that is folded and supply with the charging blower 21 that expands with gas to air bag in shell 19.And in each embodiment, this air bag assembly SA is fixed on the automobile body B of Steering gear 3 or vehicle or is installed on the lower plate 13 when carrying on vehicle.Such formation can be assembled airbag apparatus M1M2M3 in advance as parts.Therefore, in such formation, airbag apparatus M1M2M3 is easy to the assembling operation of vehicle.In addition, because can each member integrated, therefore, the operation of each parts before vehicle boarded be also easy in such formation.Air bag assembly SA also can be installed on the lower plate 13, but in order to ensure installation strength, preferably is installed in to have on rigidity Steering gear 3 or the automobile body B.

Then, the protection air bag device for knee M4 to conduct the 4th embodiment of Figure 28～shown in Figure 31 describes.This airbag apparatus M4 is maintained on the tabular holding plate 117 as retaining member, and this holding plate 117 is configured in the below of post cover 9.As shown in figure 31, holding plate 117 is configured in the below of post cover 9.And holding plate 117 uses double-screw bolt to be fixed on the FCFR of vehicle frame portion about configuration respectively.Airbag apparatus M4 have the below that is accommodated in Steering gear 3 air bag 129, to air bag 129 supply with expanding gas charging blower 124, take in the shell 119 of air bag 129 and charging blower 124.And, airbag apparatus M4 make shell 119 be configured in holding plate 117 vehicle front side be installed on the holding plate 117.

In the 4th embodiment, the Steering gear 3 that post cover 9 or post cover 9 are covered with etc. is and the roughly the same structure of first～the 3rd embodiment.

And shell 119 has air bag incorporating section 120 and charging blower incorporating section 121 shown in Figure 28～30 as sheet metal system.The air bag 129 that has been folded is taken in air bag incorporating section 120, has opening 120d in the rear view of vehicle side.Charging blower incorporating section 121 is configured in the vehicle front side of air bag incorporating section 120, is used to take in charging blower 124.Air bag incorporating section 120 is rectangular shape roughly.Air bag incorporating section 120 has roughly cubic barrel-contoured surrounding wall portion 120a and bottom wall portion 120b.Bottom wall portion 120b is configured in the vehicle front side of surrounding wall portion 120a, has the intercommunicating pore 120c that is communicated with charging blower incorporating section 121.Charging blower incorporating section 121 is rectangular shape roughly.Charging blower incorporating section 121 has surrounding wall portion 121a and bottom wall portion 121b.Surrounding wall portion 121a is roughly cubic barrel shape, is configured on the periphery of the intercommunicating pore 120C on the bottom wall portion 120b that is formed on air bag incorporating section 120, and bottom wall portion 121b is configured in the vehicle front side of surrounding wall portion 121a.

And the width dimensions on the vehicle above-below direction of air bag incorporating section 120 and charging blower incorporating section 121 is roughly the same shown in Figure 28 29.In addition, the width dimensions W1 on the left and right vehicle wheel direction of air bag incorporating section 120 forms greatlyyer than the width dimensions W2 on the left and right vehicle wheel direction of charging blower incorporating section 121 as shown in figure 30.

Giving prominence to foreign side at the periphery of the opening 120d of air bag incorporating section 120 and to be used for shell 119 is installed in flange part 120e on the holding plate 117.And in an embodiment, shown in Figure 28 29, the bolt that shell 119 uses are not shown etc. is fixed on the holding plate 117 flange part 120e.In addition, shell 119 when the air bag of taking in 129 is outstanding from shell 119 for make its 9a below post cover 9 outstanding and with the axial O of surrounding wall portion 120a121a below the post cover 9a (along Steering gear 3 axially) configuration.

Shown in Figure 28～303233, charging blower 124 has body 125 and two bracket part 126126 of air-cylinder type.Body 125 has the gas discharge outlet 125a that the expansion of making is discharged with gas.This charging blower 124 is also same with the charging blower 21 of first embodiment, make from the electric signal of the control setup of regulation simultaneously input direction dish 1 usefulness airbag apparatus and by start.But the bracket part 23 of each bracket part 126 and first embodiment similarly have clamping body 125 sheet metal system retaining ring 126a and from the outstanding bolt 126b of retaining ring 126a.Charging blower 124 is assembled into bracket part 126126 on the body 125 and by air bag 129 and surrounds, and is accommodated in the charging blower incorporating section 121.And by coupling nut 127 on each bolt 126 of giving prominence to from incorporating section 121, charging blower 124 is fixed on the charging blower incorporating section 121 with air bag 129.In addition, on body 125, connecting lead not shown in the figures.

Holding plate 117 is a sheet metal system, is configured in the lower side of the instrument carrier panel 11 on every side that covers post cover 9 shown in Figure 28 2931.And holding plate 117 its car inboards are covered by the lower plate 13 of the lower side of instrument carrier panel 11.Lower plate 13 also plays air cell covering 112.On holding plate 117, forming opening 117a, to be communicated with the opening 120d of shell 119.Forming roughly tabular door 114 (114A114B) of oblong on air cell covering 112, this 114 air bag 129 that is unfolded when expanding pushes and opens to the car inboard.These doors 114 form as one with air cell covering 112, shown in Figure 29 31, are setting thin-wall fracture reservations 113 around.Fracture reservations 113 are seen from the car inboard and are roughly H word shape.The 114a of door portion of the vehicle upper side in each one 114 is configured in the upper limb side with hinge 115, and the 114B of door portion of under-vehicle side is configured in following side with its hinge 115.And, each 114A114B of be set to respectively to vehicle up and down direction open.In an embodiment, the 114A114B of door portion is the direction setting of opening up and down, but also can become the structure that direction is to the left and right opened.In addition, the door portion reservations 315 that will rupture as the door portion 314 of Figure 68 are seen from the car inboard and are configured to the reverse U shape shape, also can be made of a slice.At this moment door portion 314 makes hinge 316 be configured in lower edge side opening type downwards.

Air bag 129 forms by having weaving cotton cloth of flexible polyester or polyamide etc., shown in Figure 32 33, its shape set that launch to expand when finishing is rectangular plate shape roughly.Air bag 129 expands in expansion and has wall portion 133 that becomes post cover 9 sides and the wall portion 134 that becomes chaufeur D side when finishing.Setting on the post cover side wall portion 133 of the lower end of air bag 129 (front end) 129b and taking in the incorporating section 133a that charging blower 124 is installed.Incorporating section 133a is being set highlightedly to vehicle front side.On the 133a of incorporating section, forming through hole 133b with interspersed each bolt 126b.

And, air bag 129 have left and right directions central authorities near central part 129c and be positioned at central part 129c about 129d right part, left part 129f.Charging blower 124 is incorporated among the central part 129c of lower end (front end) 129b side of air bag 129.Shown in Figure 31 40, air bag 129 rises from shell 119 9a side below post cover 9 when launching to expand.And, air bag 129 can protect chaufeur D near the two knee KRKL near the scope the huckle T.

Shown in Figure 32 33, setting a plurality of in air bag 129 is sheet 135, this is that sheet 135 is used for joint pin cover side wall portion 133 chaufeur sidewall portions 134 to each other, is that sheet 135 is to be used to make the gauge of the air bag 129 when launching to expand to become certain thickness limits member.Be that sheet 135 (135D135U) forms by having flexible material equally with air bag 129.And be sheet 135D the upper side nearby of incorporating section 133a and left and right vehicle wheel direction almost parallel disposing.This is that the allocation position of sheet 135D is taken in position (shell 129) to the inboard position that breaks away from of car and be position nearby, its incorporating section being configured in as shown in figure 37 under the situation of embodiment when launch expanding from air bag in air bag 129.It is near sheet 135U is configured in air bag 129 along the vehicle above-below direction left and right directions center, upper end (front end).Be that sheet 135D135U makes the gauge of the air bag 129 except the 133a of incorporating section for certain when airbag deployment expands.And being sheet 135D135U is configured between the 9a for the air bag 129 that launches to expand is successfully invaded below the knee K of chaufeur D and the post cover.

In addition, be that sheet 135D has the effect of expanding with the position 131 in the position 130 of the upstream side of gas G and downstream dividing in the air bag 129.That is be that sheet 135D is divided into the upstream side position 130 of lower side and the downstream side part 131 of upper side with air bag 129.

In addition, be the effect that sheet 135D plays the airflow limitation part.That is be that both ends, left and right sides 135a135b two edge 129e129g from about the air bag 129 of sheet 135D are disposing with leaving.Therefore, between end 135a135b and edge 129e129g, disposing air-flow through hole 136136 respectively.And, expand with gas G be sheet 135D limit and in upstream side position 130 to left and right directions two side flow, pass through air-flow through hole 136136 flow downstream sides 131 then.

This airbag apparatus M4 is described to the lift-launch of vehicle.Folded airbag 129 under built-in the state of charging blower 124 at first.Each bolt 126b of charging blower 124 is giving prominence to from through hole 133b respectively.The not shown through hole of the lead not shown in the figures regulation from air bag 129 of extending from body 125 is drawn.

Being folded under the embodiment situation of air bag 129 undertaken by vertical folding process and folded these two operations of operation of cross break.

At first that 134 contacts of chaufeur sidewall portion are open and flat on post cover sidewall 133 shown in Figure 34 A in vertical folding process.Then shown in Figure 34 B, two edge 129e129g about gas hood 129 and incorporating section 133a side (central part 129c side) are closely folded.At this moment, respectively with about near the two edge 129e129g orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides folding and become the shape shown in the A of Figure 35.Two edge parts 137137 after folding are folded near incorporating section 133a side ground.At this moment, two edge parts 137137 after folding orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides are respectively turned back and are formed folding position 138138.Its result, the left and right end portions 129d129f side of air bag 129 is folded into post cover side wall portion 133 sides by corrugated.Then, vertical folding process is finished.

At this moment, in an embodiment, shown in the B of Figure 35, the width dimensions W1 (with reference to Figure 30) of the left and right directions of the left and right directions width dimensions W3 of the air bag 129 of the state that has been folded and the air bag incorporating section 120 of shell 119 is roughly the same or some littler than it.

Then, in the cross break operation, shown in the D of Figure 34, the air bag 129 behind the vertical folding is folded from 129a orientation column cover side wall portion 133 side reel ground, upper end.By this reel folding, operation is folded in the cross break that finishes, and the folding operation of air bag 129 is finished.And, after folding,, that each bolt 126b is outstanding from packaging film by rupturable packaging film not shown in the figures parcel air bag 129.Then make each bolt 126b outstanding from shell 119, the nut 127 of screwing on each outstanding bolt 126b is installed in charging blower 124 and air bag 129 on the shell 119, assembling air bag assembly SA.At this moment, charging blower 124 is incorporated in the charging blower incorporating section 121, and folding air bag 129 is incorporated in the air bag incorporating section 120.In addition, the not shown lead that extends out from charging blower body 125 comes out and draws from the not shown through hole of shell 119 from packaging film.

Use flange part 120e to be fixed on the holding plate 117 by the air bag assembly SA that shell 119, charging blower 124 and air bag 129 constitute.The FCFR of vehicle frame portion of configuration about using bolt respectively the left and right directions two ends of holding plate 117 to be fixed on.And, not shown lead is connected on the control circuit, be installed on the vehicle by upper plate 12 and lower plate 13 instrument carrier panel 11, then shown in Figure 28～30, airbag apparatus M4 can be carried on vehicle.For fracture reservations 113 ruptures sleekly, preferably fix lower plate 13 as air cell covering 112 at the periphery of the peristome 117a of holding plate 117.

At airbag apparatus M4 after vehicle boarded, if, then discharge to expand and use gas G, air bag 129 expansions from gas discharge outlet 125a to the electric signal of charging blower body 125 input regulations.So the packaging film that air bag 129 does not show figure breaks and pushes the 114A114B of door portion of air cell covering 112 open.Then, 9a rises below the vertical folding edge post cover of cross break superimposition Yi Bian the air bag 129 of roughly plate shape is opened, and launches simultaneously to expand.

At this moment, in the airbag apparatus M4 of the 4th embodiment, air bag 129 is rolled into tubular ground with upper end 129a orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides in advance and folds.Therefore, shown in Figure 36 37, when opening the volume of reel, 129a side 9a below the post cover in upper end launches expansion to air bag 129, as shown in figure 40, has finished expansion and has expanded when the inflow expansion is folded with gas G elimination cross break.At this moment, therefore air bag 129 can suppress outstanding to the knee K of chaufeur D direction owing to fold near the releasing of post cover 9 sides with doing one's utmost when launching to expand.Its result, while air bag 129 suppressed to the outstanding of chaufeur D side and successfully below the post cover 9a rise and launch expansion.In addition, even air bag 129 contacts also and can like that successfully launch to the volume of opening reel with the knee K of chaufeur D, can not give chaufeur unnecessary thrust pressure.

In the air bag 129 of the 4th embodiment, when spool type folded airbag 129, fold through vertical folding process.Then, two edge 129e129f indulge foldingly near central part 129c side ground about making under the state that air bag 129 is open and flat in vertical folding process, are folded into and can be accommodated in the interior width dimensions W3 of shell 119 (air bag incorporating section 120).Therefore, in the airbag apparatus M4 of the 4th embodiment, the expansion of air bag 129 is the wide area of left and right directions width dimensions W1 than shell 119 (air bag incorporating section 120) when expanding, and air bag 129 can cover 9a below the post cover.Its result, the two knee KLKR of the scope protection chaufeur D that air bag 129 can be roomy.

In addition, in the 4th embodiment, flow into gas G that air bag 129 has been removed is vertical when folding making to expand, as shown in figure 38, the chaufeur sidewall portion 134 that at first disposes the central part 129c of charging blower 124 gives prominence to and near with chaufeur D side joint from shell 119.Then, the end 129d129f about linking to each other with its central part 129c is outstanding near with chaufeur D side joint from shell 119 respectively.

In addition, as shown in figure 39, along with the inflow of expanding with gas G, the folding position 138,138 of two edge 129e129g sides has been eliminated folding respectively about air bag 129.At this moment, adjacent with central part 129c left and right sides both ends 129d129f is folded to post cover side wall portion 133 sides respectively shown in the B of Figure 35 when vertical folding.Therefore, the left and right sides edge 129c129g that suppresses air bag 129 side-prominent to chaufeur D respectively with doing one's utmost, promptly becomes the state of orientation column cover 9 sides, Yi Bian direction is expanded it and opened folding to the left and right.

Therefore, the protection air bag device for knee M of the 4th embodiment can obtain the action effect same with the 1st～3 embodiment.And because air bag 129 has suppressed outstanding to chaufeur D side, and the width dimensions ground that enlarges left and right directions launches expansion, therefore, can protect the two knee KR.KL of chaufeur D iwis.

The protection knee air bag M4 of the 4th embodiment, air bag 129 be by being that sheet 135D will expand with gas G at the upstream side position 130 of air bag lower side towards left and right directions two side flow, makes it flow to upper side as the air bag 129 of downstream side part 131 then.In such air bag 129, expansion is towards left and right directions two side flow (with reference to Figure 32) when flowing in upstream side position 130 with gas G.Therefore, it is side-prominent and launch to expand with the width dimensions that left and right directions is opened in expansion towards chaufeur D that the lower side of air bag 129 suppresses, and then, the expansion of the downstream side part 131 of upper side finished.Its result, air bag 129 has suppressed outstanding towards chaufeur D side more, launches expansion with the width dimensions ground that enlarges left and right directions, even air bag 129 also can be protected the two knee KLKR of chaufeur D iwis.

Particularly in the air bag 129 of the 4th embodiment, that setting joint pin cover side wall portion 133 and chaufeur sidewall portion 134 as the airflow limitation parts in the upstream side position 130 is sheet 135D.As this airflow limitation part be sheet 135D in air bag 129, set along left and right directions respectively between the left and right sides 129e129g in two ends, left and right sides 135a135b and air bag 129, to form air-flow through hole 136.In constituting like this, be sheet 135D confined expansion positively with the flowing of gas G by being provided in the air bag 129, air bag 129 has been suppressed to chaufeur D side-prominent, stably enlarges left and right directions size ground and launches expand (with reference to Figure 38 39).Be sheet 135D owing to form, therefore can not can when taking in air bag 129 make volume become the earth and fold with air bag 129 by having flexible cloth.In addition, airflow limitation part 135D joint pin cover side wall portion 133 and chaufeur sidewall portion 134.Therefore, airflow limitation part 135D expands when finishing at air bag 129, can be necessarily with the thickness limits of air bag 129, can further suppress outstanding towards chaufeur D side.

In addition, in the air bag 129 of the 4th embodiment, in downstream side part 131, also be provided with the thickness that can limit air bag 129 the thickness limits device be sheet 135U.That is, expand and to finish the downstream side part 131 of air bag 129 of state by being that sheet 135U safeguards roughly plate shape easily.Therefore, be that sheet 135U can easily be configured in air bag 129 between the knee KLKR as 9a below the post cover of narrow space and chaufeur D.

In addition, in the air bag 129 of the 4th embodiment, as the airflow limitation part is that sheet 135D is provided in air bag when launch expanding and takes in position 119 to the inboard position that breaks away from of car and be to become it to take near the position position (Figure 37) in air bag 129.In such formation, air bag 129 the air bag when launch expanding take in position 119 outstanding and the 9a side rises below housing originally by the airflow limitation part 135 of the clearance envelope Z that is positioned at the car inboard can further make air bag 129 promptly to the left and right direction launch.Therefore, can further to suppress air bag 129 side-prominent to chaufeur D for airflow limitation part 135D.

In the 4th embodiment, air bag assembly SA uses holding plate 117 to be connected on the structural portion FCFR of automobile body B side of the left and right sides of Steering gear 3.Therefore, in this airbag apparatus M4, can easily air bag assembly SA be assembled on the vehicle with Steering gear 3 with interfering.Certainly, in the 4th embodiment, also similarly air bag 129 charging blowers 124 shells 119 of airbag apparatus M4 are assembled into parts in advance as air bag assembly SA with first～the 3rd embodiment.Therefore, can make airbag apparatus M4 easy to the assembling operation transfiguration of vehicle.In addition, in such formation, owing to can make each parts integrated, therefore, each parts is easy to the lift-launch operation transfiguration of vehicle.

In an embodiment, represented the flange part 120e of shell 119 is connected situation on the holding plate 117 with bolt etc.But, also can make the structure that directly flange part 120e is fastened on by flange part 120e being prolonged save holding plate 117 on the FCFR of vehicle frame portion.

In addition, in the 4th embodiment, by the folding position 138138 of two edge 129e129g sides about bellows-folded folded airbag 129.But the folding ripple folding of orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides of both ends, the left and right sides 129d129f of air bag 129 also is not limited to above-mentioned method for folding.For example, also can carry out like that to Figure 41 Figure 42.In the air bag 129 of Figure 41, the folding position 138138 of two ends, the left and right sides 129d129f side of air bag 129 has two sections ripples to fold.And each folding position 138 disposes two ends, the left and right sides 129e129g of post cover 129 respectively toward the outer side in post cover side wall portion 133 sides.In the air bag 129 of Figure 42, the folding position 138138 of both ends, left and right sides 129d129f is folding by three sections ripple foldings.And each folding position 138 is at post cover wall portion 133 sides two edge 129e129g towards about incorporating section 133 sides ground configuration body 133 respectively.

If make by the folding position 138 of such ripple folding, then when using flap folded airbag 129, can suitably change the order or the position of folder flap, the degree of freedom of folding process is increased.

After having finished vertical folding process under the state such shown in Figure 41 42, transfer to the folded operation of cross break of the reel folding of having narrated.

In addition, the vertical folding of air bag 129 also can fold as Figure 43 42.At first, shown in Figure 43 A, with chaufeur sidewall portion 134 and post cover side wall portion 133 open and flat contiguously opening.Then shown in the B of Figure 43 with two edge 129e129g about air bag 129 respectively orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides to carry out reel folding with rolling, finish vertical folding process.Wall portion 133 sides of post cover side be configured in as shown in figure 44 respectively by the folding position 140140 of the vertical both ends 129d129f that folds.In the same manner by the folding situation of above-mentioned method for folding, the width dimensions W4 of the left and right directions of the air bag 129 that is folded become with shell 119 in the width dimensions W1 of left and right directions of air bag incorporating section 120 roughly the same or than its some little sizes.

Then, shown in the C of Figure 43, the air bag 129 that is folded is folded from upper end 129a orientation column cover side wall portion 133 side spool types with rolling, finish the cross break operation, finished the folding operation of air bag 129.

If folded airbag 129 in this wise, when air bag 129 launched to expand, two edge 129e129g removed when folding like that separating uncoiling about air bag 129, remove folding near post cover 9 sides ground with doing one's utmost.Therefore, the 129d129f of the left and right sides portion side of air bag 129 can suppress outstanding towards chaufeur D side more.

When the 140140 inflow expansions of the folding position of the state of rolling up are folding with the gas elimination, remove folding while the state of rolling up is opened at folding position 140140.That is, removed folding position because the force of inertia of the folding rotation of not eliminating the position is pulled to a side of rolling up.And under this state, folding position 140140 is eliminated folding.Eliminate folding at above-mentioned folding means 140140 in the mode that bends to post cover side wall portion 133.Its result, at above-mentioned folding position 140140,9a launches to the left and right vehicle wheel direction below the post cover.

In addition, also air bag 129 can be accommodated in as shown in Figure 45 the shell 142.Shell 142 has the roughly OBL bottom wall portion 142b of the vehicle front side of the surrounding wall portion 142a of cubic barrel shape roughly and sealing surrounding wall portion 142a.Shell 142 becomes the width dimensions that can take in charging blower 124 as shown in figure 45 with the width dimensions W5 of its left and right vehicle wheel direction.And shell 142 similarly utilizes the flange part 142d on the opening 142c periphery that is formed on surrounding wall portion 142a to be fixed on the holding plate 117 with above-mentioned shell 119.

The folding of air bag 129 when being accommodated in such shell 142 carries out as follows.At first, in vertical folding process, shown in Figure 46 A46B46C, similarly indulge both ends, the left and right sides 129d129f of folded airbag 129, form folding position 138138 with Figure 34.Then will fold position 138138 shown in Figure 46 D keeps on the state ground that is configured in post cover side wall portion 133 sides respectively, the outside face with the central part 129c that is positioned in chaufeur sidewall portion 134 mode of (on the rear view of vehicle side on the driver side) and folds.That is, air bag 129 is folded into as shown in Figure 47 shape.At this moment, the width dimensions W6 of the left and right directions of air bag 129 becomes roughly the same or than its some little sizes with the left and right directions width dimensions W5 of shell 142.

Then, shown in Figure 46 E, similarly the air bag 129 that is folded is rolled into tubular ground from upper end 129a orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides with above-mentioned folding and folds, finish the folded operation of cross break, thereby finished the folding operation of air bag 129.

If folded airbag 129 is then compared with the method for folding to narrate shown in Figure 34 etc. in this wise, can make the width dimensions W6 that indulges the left and right directions that folds the air bag 129 when finishing little.

And, when having folded air bag 129 in this wise, flow into to expand in air bag 129 that it is vertical when folded to have eliminated with gas, at first the chaufeur sidewall portion 134 of charging blower 124 central part 129c nearby is outstanding near with chaufeur D side joint from shell 142.At this moment, central part 129c will be positioned on the outside face of central part 129c of chaufeur sidewall portion 134 folding position 138138 to the left and right direction launch with pushing away.Then, when indulging folding, shown in the BC of Figure 46, be folded in post cover side wall portion 133 sides respectively with above-mentioned similarly adjacent left and right end portions 129d129f with central part 129c.Therefore, with above-mentioned same, Yi Bian Yi Bian inhibition is outstanding to driver side, promptly folding with the state direction expansion to the left and right releasing of orientation column cover 9 sides with doing one's utmost respectively for the left and right sides edge 129e129g side of air bag 129.

As previously discussed, fold if make both ends, the left and right sides 129d129f of air bag 129 be configured in post cover side wall portion 133 sides ground respectively, the folding position 138138 of both ends 129d129f can be positioned in also then that (on wall portion 134 sides of driver side) fold the width dimensions of left and right directions on the outside face of central part 129c of chaufeur sidewall portion 134 littlely.That is, in such method for folding, inhibition is outstanding to chaufeur D side, and the width dimensions of two directions makes air bag 129 launch to expand with widening about can making.Its result can protect the two knee KRKL of chaufeur D iwis.

Shown in Figure 48 49, it is folding that air bag 129 also can at first carry out both ends, the left and right sides 129d129f side reel respectively orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides volume, indulges folding process.Then, its folding position 140140 is positioned in respectively on wall portion 134 sides of driver side folded airbag 129.

In the 4th embodiment, using and disposed the expansion of discharging as restriction from charging blower 124 is the air bag 129 of sheet 135D135U with the mobile gas flow limited part of gas G.But airbag apparatus M4 also can use the air bag 152 with airflow limitation part 159 such shown in Figure 50 51.

This air bag 152 has post cover side wall portion 157 and chaufeur sidewall portion 158.On post cover side wall portion 157, forming the incorporating section 157a and the through hole 157b that are used to take in charging blower 124.And disposing rectification cloth 159 roughly cylindraceous at the upstream side position 154 of the gas G of the lower side of air bag 152 as the airflow limitation part.Rectification cloth 159 covers the periphery of charging blower 124, and its left and right directions both sides become opening 159a159a.In addition, disposing in the downstream side part 155 of the gas G of the upper side of air bag 152 is sheet 160, this be sheet 160 with the air bag of having narrated 129 be sheet 135u in the same manner joint pin cover side wall portion 157 chaufeur sidewall portions 158 to each other, the gauge when being used to make the expansion of downstream side wall portion 155 to expand is certain.

If air bag 152 is made such structure, then as shown in figure 50 in upstream side position 154, rectification cloth 159 make the expansion of discharging from charging blower 124 with gas G towards left and right directions two side flow.Then, expanding gas G flows to downstream side part 155 between the 152a152b of the left and right sides openings at two ends 159a159a of rectification part 159 and air bag about 152 two edge.Therefore, this air bag 152 also can suppress outstanding towards chaufeur D side by rectification cloth 159 iwis when launch expanding, can make the width dimensions of left and right directions launch to expand with enlarging.That is, air bag 152 has suppressed outstanding towards chaufeur D side when launching to expand, and can make the width dimensions of left and right directions enlarge ground and launch to expand.Its result can protect the two knee K of chaufeur D iwis.

In addition, also can use such guide member 177 that is located on the charging blower 173 shown in Figure 52 as the airflow limitation part.

The air bag 164 that has disposed charging blower 173 has post cover side wall portion 169 and chaufeur sidewall portion 170.Set the incorporating section 169a that is used to take in charging blower 173 at post cover side wall portion 169.Setting on the downstream side part 167 of the upper side of air bag 164 is sheet 171, this be sheet 171 joint pin cover side wall portions 169 chaufeur sidewall portions 170 to each other, the gauge when being used to make the expansion of downstream side part 167 to expand is certain.And, on the upstream side position 166 of the lower side of air bag 164, disposing charging blower 173.Charging blower 173 has body 174 and two bracket part 176176.Form and towards about air bag 164, to discharge the gas discharge outlet 175175 that expands with gas G by two edge 164a164b at the two ends, the left and right sides of body 174.And near the two ends, the left and right sides of body 174 configuration as the guide member 177177 of airflow limitation part.Each guide member 177 becomes upper side at least tabular of blanketing gas discharge orifice 175175.

In such guide member 177, shown in Figure 52, in upstream side position 166, expand and to be guided member 177177 guidings and towards the discharge of the left and right directions both sides of air bag 164 from the gas discharge outlet 175175 of charging blower 173 with gas G, therefore, air bag 164 has positively suppressed outstanding towards chaufeur D side when launch expanding, the width dimensions ground that enlarges left and right directions launches expansion.Its result, air bag 164 has suppressed to the outstanding of chaufeur D side can to protect the two knee K of chaufeur D iwis so that the width dimensions of left and right directions launches to expand with enlarging.

In illustrated embodiment, guide member 177 is illustrative to be tabular member.But, be not limited to this as the shape of the guide member of airflow limitation member.For example also can use barrel-contoured member.In illustrated embodiment, guide member 177 is provided in body 174, will guide towards the left and right directions both sides with gas from the expansion that gas discharge outlet 175175 is discharged.But, also can become and on charging blower 173, not dispose guide member 177177, will use gas G from the body 174 direct left and right sides from the expansion that gas discharge outlet 175175 is discharged towards air bag 164.That is, also can become the structure that charging blower itself utilizes gas discharge outlet 175 grades and establishes the airflow limitation member.

In addition, as air bag, also can use the air bag 182 of the airbag apparatus M5 of the 5th embodiment shown in Figure 53 54.On this air bag 182, near the central authorities at the boundary position of the post cover side wall portion 185 of lower end 182 and chaufeur sidewall portion 186, setting the incorporating section 184 of taking in charging blower 124.This air bag 182 has near both ends, the left and right sides 182d182f of the left and right sides edge 182e182g side that links to each other with central part 182c of central part 182c the central authorities of left and right directions.This air bag 182 the folding folding position 187187 of its both ends, left and right sides 182d182f shown in Figure 54 is configured in the wall portion 185 sides ground of post cover side respectively by vertical folding.Then, air bag 182 is folded foldedly to carry out reel from upper end 182a orientation column cover side wall portion 185, and is accommodated in the shell 119.

In this air bag 182, the incorporating section 184 that charging blower 124 is installed is configured on the body 183 same straight lines with air bag 182.In addition, body 183 is called the position in addition, incorporating section of air bag 182, even such air bag 182, when launching to expand, after the expansion of discharging from charging blower 124 at first flow into the body 183 with gas, flow towards upper end 182a along central part 182c.And reel is folding to expand to chaufeur D side while untie near the central part 182c of chaufeur sidewall portion 186.Then, same with air bag 129, the folding position 187187 of the end 182d182f about linking to each other with central part 182c on one side flows into expanding gas and unties below the folding edge post cover 9a side respectively and launch expansion.At this moment, it is side-prominent to chaufeur D that air bag 182 suppresses when launching to expand with doing one's utmost, expands the width dimensions ground of opening left and right directions and launch to expand.Its result, air bag 182 can be protected the two knee K of chaufeur D iwis.

When in shell shown in Figure 45 142, taking in air bag 182, promptly will roll up when being the vertical folding of sheet when folding, folding position 187187 will be positioned in shown in the CD of Figure 46 in the chaufeur sidewall portion 186.Then, be that sheet is folding as long as roll up.

In addition, in the four or five embodiment, represented after air bag is indulged folding process, to carry out the situation that the folded operation of cross break folds.But, also can after the cross break operation, indulge the folding operation though be difficult to obtain the action effect of the four or five embodiment.In addition, in the folded operation of cross break, also can fold by bellows-folded.In addition, vertical folding operation or cross break operation also can suitably to add cross break midway folded or vertical folding.For example, in the folding process of as shown in Figure 46 air bag 129, at first air bag 129 is folded into the state shown in Figure 46 B.Then upper end 129a orientation column cover side wall portion 133 sides volumes reel is folded near the middle part of above-below direction of air bag 129.Then, the vertical state shown in Figure 46 D that folds to is finished vertical folding.And the air bag that also reel can be folded into midway carries out the reel folding and cross break is folded with finishing.

The protection air bag device for knee M6 of the 6th embodiment shown in Figure 55～Figure 57 then, is described.This airbag apparatus M6 and the four or five embodiment are maintained on the tabular holding plate 117 of retaining member as the below that is configured in post cover 9 equally.Airbag apparatus M6 has the air bag 226 that is folded, supply with to air bag 226 and expand with the charging blower 124 of gas, take in the shell 142 of air bag 226 and charging blower 124.And, airbag apparatus M6 make shell 142 be configured in holding plate 117 vehicle front side be installed on the holding plate 117.

Steering gear 3, instrument carrier panel 11, charging blower 124, holding plate 117 that post cover 9, post cover 9 covers are identical with the 4th embodiment, on each position distance pole identical with the 4th embodiment number, omit its explanation.In addition, the shell 142 also shell with shown in Figure 45 is identical, and the mark label identical with Figure 45 omits its explanation on each position.

Air bag 226 forms by having weaving cotton cloth of flexible polyester or polyamide etc.And it is roughly the same that the air bag 129 of this air bag 226 and the 4th embodiment extends to down square shape with lower end 129b.That is, air bag 226 has post cover side wall portion 231 and chaufeur sidewall portion 232 shown in Figure 58 59, and its shape of launching to expand when finishing becomes the roughly rectangular slab of direction extension up and down.Lower side at post cover side wall portion 231 is setting the incorporating section 230 that is used to take in installation charging blower 124.Incorporating section 230 is stayed in the shell 142 when air bag 226 launches to expand.Body 227 beyond the incorporating section 230 of air bag 226 is outstanding from shell 142 when air bag 226 launches to expand.On incorporating section 230, forming the through hole of the bolt 126b that is used to wear charging blower 124.

This body 227 has top 228 and bottom 229 under the situation of the 6th embodiment.The expansion upward of top 228 9a side below shell 142 covering post covers 9 can be protected near the huckle from above-knee of chaufeur D.Bottom 229 is deployed into the below medially from the car that shell 142 covers air cell coverings 122, can protect shank from the bottom of the knee of chaufeur D near.This air bag 226 is accommodated in the shell 142 behind folding top 228 of reel and the bottom 229 respectively shown in Figure 55 56.

And, shown in Figure 58 59, on top 228, setting a plurality of as connecting device be sheet 233, this be sheet 233 joint pin cover sidepieces 231 chaufeur sidewall portions 232 to each other so that the gauge of airbag deployment when expanding is certain.Under the situation of embodiment, air bag 226 and the 4th embodiment's is that similarly to set two be sheet 233D233U to sheet 135.This is that sheet 233D233U is that top 228 that the gauge when the expansion on top 228 is expanded necessarily will launch to expand successfully invades below the knee K of chaufeur D and the post cover between the 9a.Be sheet 233U and the 4th embodiment be that sheet 135U is same, be configured in from top 228 central authorities substantial middle near the left and right directions of upper end 228a along the above-below direction of vehicle.

And, be sheet 233D and the 4th embodiment be sheet 135D similarly near the incorporating section 230 on top 228 with left and right vehicle wheel direction almost parallel be configured.This is that sheet 233D plays and is divided into the effect of expanding with the position 227d in the position 227c of the upstream side of gas G and downstream in the body 227 with air bag 226.That is be that sheet 233D is divided into the upstream side position 227c of lower side and the downstream side part 227d of upper side with body 227.And, be the effect that sheet 233D plays the airflow limitation part.That is be that both ends, left and right sides 233a233b two edge 227a227b from about the body 227 of sheet 233D are being configured with leaving.Therefore, end 233a233b and edge 227a227b separately between setting gas communication 227e227e respectively.And, expand with gas G be sheet 233D restriction and in the 227c of upstream side position to left and right directions two side flow, then, pass through gas communication hole 227e227e and flow to downstream side part 227d.In addition, be the allocation position of sheet 233D and be that sheet 135D is provided in the body 227 of air bag 266 when launching to expand from air bag to take in position (shell 142) to the inboard position that breaks away from of car and be configured in and become it and take near the position position.

Airbag apparatus M6 is described to the lift-launch of vehicle, at first at built-in folded airbag 226 under the state of charging blower 124.Each bolt 126b of charging blower 126 is outstanding from through hole 230a respectively.The not shown lead that extends from body 125 extracts from the not shown through hole of the regulation of air bag 226.

The folding of air bag 226 undertaken by the folded operation of the cross break behind vertical folding process and the vertical folding process.Vertical folding process at first shown in Figure 60 A with post cover side wall portion 231 and chaufeur sidewall portion 232 open and flat overlappingly opening.Shown in Figure 60 B the side of two edge 227a227b orientation column cover side wall portions 231 about body 227 being carried out reel with rolling then folds.The position that reel is folding is positioned in the chaufeur sidewall portion 232 of rear view of vehicle side shown in Figure 60 C then, to fold with the roughly the same width of the left and right directions width of shell 142.Thus, vertical folding process is finished.

Shown in Figure 60 D, operation is folded in cross break, top 228 is carried out reel ground from upper end 228a in post cover side wall portion 231 sides folds, and, from lower end 229a in post cover side wall portion 231 side reel ground folding lower part 229.Thus, the folded operation of cross break is finished.

Then, wrap up air bag 226 by the packaging film not shown in the figures that can rupture, each bolt 126b is given prominence to through packaging film and from shell 142 in the folding back of air bag 226.Then, on each outstanding bolt 126b, link nut 127 and folding air bag 226 and charging blower 124 are accommodated in the shell 142, assembling air bag assembly SA.When in addition, the not shown lead that extends from charging blower body 125 comes out from packaging film, come out from the not shown through hole of shell 142.

And, with flange part 142d air bag assembly SA is fixed on the holding plate 117.Then, the two ends with the left and right directions of holding plate 117 are fixed by bolts to respectively on the structural portion FCFR of the vehicle about being configured in.And, not shown lead is connected on the control circuit, and the upper plate 12 and the lower plate 13 (air cell covering 112) of instrument carrier panel 11 is installed on the vehicle, shown in Figure 55, airbag apparatus M6 can be carried on vehicle.

After airbag apparatus M6 is equipped on the vehicle,, then discharges to expand and use gas G from gas discharge outlet 125a to the electric signal of charging blower body 125 input regulations.Then, the door portion 114 (114A114B) that air bag 226 expands and not shown packaging film broken and push air cell covering 112 open, launch respectively to expand up and down in top 228 and bottom 229 9a and air cell covering 112 surfaces below the post cover.

Specifically, the expansion of discharging from gas discharge outlet 125a flows in the air bag 226 with gas G, and air bag 226 makes a 114A114B open up and down shown in Figure 61 and launches to expand.At this moment, temporarily outstanding near the boundary position of the top 2 of air bag 226 its bodies 227 and bottom to the car body rear side.And, top 228 and bottom 229 respectively by reel folding.Therefore, separate the volume that uncoiling is a sheet on one side when launch expanding, the upper end 228a side on top 228 is launched to expand along post cover bottom 9a shown in Figure 61 62, the lower end 229a side of bottom 229 is also launched expansion along air cell covering 112 surfaces.Its result, it is outstanding to knee K direction to suppress air bag 226, the thrust pressure towards the knee K of chaufeur D can be suppressed low.In addition, even the air bag of embodiment 226 contacts with the knee K of chaufeur D, also can open volume ground and successfully launch.

In addition, air bag 226 its bodies 227 of the 6th embodiment about two edge 227a227b by towards car body front side reel.Therefore, when launch expanding, top 228 and bottom 229 when direction is opened the volume of reel to the left and right, the ground of direction expansion to the left and right launches.

In the 6th embodiment, near the incorporating section 230 on top 228 with left and right vehicle wheel direction almost parallel to dispose be sheet 233d.In addition, in top 228 from being that near two ends, the left and right sides 233a233b of sheet 233D gas communication hole 227e flows into to expand and uses gas G.Therefore, expanded and launch in direction expansion ground to the left and right at the expansion initial stage in top 228.Its result can suppress air bag 226 outstanding to knee K direction in the 6th embodiment.

As mentioned above, in the airbag apparatus M6 of the 6th embodiment, the air bag 226 that launches to expand launches in the mode of the following 9a side of covering post cover 9, has from top 228 that shell 142 launches upward and the bottom 229 of launching downwards from shell 142.Therefore, shown in Figure 63, near the top 228 of air bag 226 covers huckle T from the top of the knee K of chaufeur D, near the bottom 229 of air bag 226 covers shank L from the bottom of the knee K of chaufeur D.Its result, the air bag 226 that launches to expand is to protect the knee K of chaufeur D iwis in the scope of broadness.

In addition, even in the 6th embodiment, make the fixing holding plates 117 of shell 142 that the two ends of left and right directions are fixed on the FCFR of vehicle frame portion about being configured in.Therefore, airbag apparatus M6 remains on the FCFR of vehicle frame portion with being stabilized.In addition, the air bag of finishing 226 that launch to expand also is held plate 117 stable supporting.If do not consider these points, then can become the structure that does not dispose holding plate 117 yet.That is, also can be shown in the long and two-short dash line of Figure 66 like that, shell 142 usefulness carriages 6 are affixed on the not mobile position of column jecket 5 of Steering gear 3.According to such formation, shell 142 is fixed by carriage 6 and 117 two positions of holding plate.Therefore, can more stably keep airbag apparatus M6.

In addition, even in the 6th embodiment, the axial O of the surrounding wall portion 142a of shell 142 and the axial almost parallel of Steering gear 3.Therefore, air bag 226 9a ground below the post cover can invaded air bag 226 (particularly top 228) between the knee K of post cover 9 and chaufeur D when rear view of vehicle is side-prominent smoothly.Its result, air bag 226 can more positively keep the top of the knee K of chaufeur D.

As mentioned above, in the 6th embodiment, also can obtain the action effect identical with the 4th embodiment.And in the 6th embodiment, air bag 226 extends to the below with its underpart 229, can be with huckle T, knee K and the shank L of big scope protection chaufeur D.

In addition, also can use the air bag 236 shown in Figure 64 65 as air bag.This air bag 236 is same with the air bag 226 of the above embodiments, have body 237 and incorporating section 240, and body 237 has top 238 and bottom 239.On incorporating section 240, forming the through hole 240a of the bolt 126b that is used for interspersed charging blower 124.And, in air bag 236, disposing rectification cloth 244 as the airflow limitation part.Rectification cloth 244 becomes the roughly cylindric of the periphery that covers charging blower 124.And on rectification cloth 244, setting opening 244a244a in left and right vehicle wheel direction both sides.In this air bag 236, the upstream side position 245 of expanding with gas G is near the rectification cloth 244, and expansion is provided in this two place, position of below of the rectification cloth 244 of the position of upper side of rectification cloth 244 on top 238 and bottom 239 with the downstream side part 246 of gas G.

In addition, on top 238 and bottom 239 respectively set respectively a joint pin cover side wall portion 241 chaufeur sidewall portions 242 mutual be sheet 243 (243D243U).Respectively be sheet 243 is configured in left and right directions along the vehicle above-below direction central authorities.

Even this air bag 236 is accommodated in the shell 142 after also similarly folding with air bag 226.And, when launching to expand, in this air bag 236, flow out the direction both sides to the left and right with gas G opening 244a244a from rectification part 244 shown in Figure 64 from the expansion that charging blower 124 is discharged.Therefore, can prevent to be fed directly to top 238 and bottom 239 with gas G from the expansion that charging blower 124 is discharged.And, expand with gas G from two edge 237a237b effluents about body 237 to top 238 upper end 238a side and the lower end 239a side of bottom 239.Its result, under the state of direction expansion to the left and right, launch to expand in top and the bottom 238239 near the rectification part 244 of body 237a.That is, top 238 and bottom 239 are suppressed outstanding to chaufeur D side at the expansion initial stage, the width dimensions of left and right directions is launched to expand with enlarging, thereby can protect huckle T, knee K and the shank L of chaufeur D iwis.

Then the protection air bag device for knee M7 to the 7th embodiment shown in Figure 67 68 describes.This airbag apparatus M7 be provided in below the Steering gear 3 post cover 9 below.In this airbag apparatus M7, have air bag 326, charging blower 321, take in shell 319, the air cell covering 312 of air bag 326 and charging blower 321.

Steering gear 3, post cover 9 and instrument carrier panel 11 are identical with the four～six embodiment, and the mark drawing reference numeral identical with each embodiment omitted explanation on each position.

Shell 319 is sheet metal systems, has the bottom wall portion 319b of roughly rectangular shape of the direction side of going forward of the surrounding wall portion 319a of cubic barrel shape roughly and the vehicle among the sealing surrounding wall portion 319a.In addition, the following rear of the vehicle of surrounding wall portion 319a becomes opening 319c to side.And the flange part 319d of the periphery of shell 319 its opening 319c is fixed by bolts on the FCFR of vehicle frame portion of the left and right sides that is disposed at Steering gear 3.

Charging blower 231 is identical with each embodiment's, has body 322 and two bracket part 323323 of air-cylinder type shown in Figure 67 6970.Body 322 has the gas discharge outlet 322a that expanding gas is discharged.And body 322 side by side moves with the not shown airbag apparatus that is equipped on the bearing circle 1.But each bracket part 323 constitutes by the retaining ring 323a of the sheet metal system of clamping body 322 with from the outstanding bolt 323b of retaining ring 323a.

Charging blower 321 is being assembled bracket part 323323 on body 322, be wrapped in by air bag 326, is accommodated in the shell 319.And by linking nut 324 from shell 319 each outstanding bolt 323b, charging blower 321 is fixed on the shell 319.In addition, on body 322, connecting not shown lead.

Air cell covering 312 has air cell covering body 313 and door portion 314.Door portion 314 is formed on the air cell covering body 313, near the under-vehicle side the opening 319c of covering shell 319.And identical with the four～six embodiment under the situation of the 7th embodiment, air cell covering body 313 is formed on shown in Figure 67 68 on the lower plate 13 of instrument carrier panel 11.Door portion 314 is configured in the substantial middle of above-below direction of air cell covering body 313 of the below of post cover 9 shown in Figure 68.Door portion 314 is seen as roughly oblong-shaped from the car inboard.Around door portion 314, setting and be seen as the roughly thin-wall fracture reservations 315 of reverse U shape shape from the car inboard.And, forming the thin-wall hinge 316 that constitutes by integral hinge in the lower end side of door portion 314.Therefore, door portion 314 is that centre of gration is opened downwards with hinge 316 by air bag 326 pushing the time.

Air bag 326 forms by having weaving cotton cloth of flexible polyester or polyamide etc.And its shape when finishing of launching to expand of air bag 326 forms the following 9a side that can cover post cover 9 shown in Figure 69 70 roughly oblong is tabular.And, the perisporium of air bag 326 have the post cover side wall portion 327 of the relative upper face side of thickness direction and below the chaufeur sidewall portion 328 of side.The 326b side is forming through hole 327a in the lower end of post cover side wall portion 327, and this through hole 327a is used for each bolt 323b of interspersed charging blower 321.

Shown in Figure 70, what air bag 326 was setting a plurality of (are two at present embodiment) as connecting device is sheet 329, it is mutual that this is that sheet 329 is used for joint pin cover side wall portion 327 chaufeur sidewall portions 328, so that the gauge of air bag 326 is roughly certain, can keep roughly plate shape.

Be that sheet 329 (329U329D) similarly forms by having flexible material with air bag 326.These be sheet 329U329D and left and right vehicle wheel direction almost parallel be configured in about.

And, upper side (rear view of vehicle side) be sheet 329U and connecting portion Ud chaufeur sidewall portion 328 by the interference position 36h that is configured in air bag 326 and knee K chaufeur D when launching to finish shown in Figure 70 more by the upstream side of the usefulness gas G that expands (side approaching) with charging blower 321.In addition, this is that the connecting portion Ud with chaufeur sidewall portion 328 of sheet 329U is connected than being more lower side (expanding with the upstream side of gas G) of sheet 329U and connecting portion Uc post cover side wall portion 327.

Therefore, when the expansion of air bag 326 was expanded, being configured in was that the interference position 326h of upper side of sheet 329U is set at and can increases thickness with doing one's utmost and bring into play high buffer action (with reference to Figure 71).And, even this position 326h has entered into the state of recess 2, before interfering, can not produce the chaufeur sidewall portion 328 that will interfere position 326h concavo-convexly yet and become level and smooth curved surface from lower side with knee K.Recess 2 is near the positions of end cover 1a that are recessed to the central authorities of bearing circle 1 the rear end 9d of 9a below the post cover upward.

In addition, lower side be the allocation position of sheet 329D shown in Figure 71, be to take in position (shell 319) to the inboard position that breaks away from of car from air bag when launching to expand in air bag 326, and configuration is located at it and becomes and take in position nearby, position.

In addition, the interference position 326h of the upper end of air bag 326 (front end) 326a side expands in expansion and makes its gauge thicker than other position when finishing.But the upper end 326a side of air bag expands few with the influx of gas G in launching expansion phase.Therefore, the upper end 326a side of air bag launch to expand finish before successfully below the knee K of chaufeur D and the post cover between the 9a.

In addition, be that sheet 329D plays and will be divided into the effect of expansion with position 331 with the position 332 in downstream of the upstream side of gas G in the air bag 326.That is be that sheet 329D is divided into the upstream side position 331 of lower side and the downstream side part 332 of upper side with air bag 326.

It is the effect that sheet 329D plays the airflow limitation part.That is be that both ends, left and right sides 329a329b two edge 326e326g from about the air bag 326 of sheet 329D are being configured with leaving.Therefore, between end 329a329b and edge 326e326g, setting gas communication hole 333333 respectively.And expanding with gas G is that sheet 329D limits and flow to the left and right directions both sides in upstream side position 331, and process gas communication hole 333333 flows to downstream side part 332 then.

The 7th embodiment airbag apparatus M7 is described to the lift-launch of vehicle.Folded airbag 326 under built-in the state of charging blower 321 at first.Each bolt 323b of charging blower 321 is outstanding from through hole 327a, and the not shown through hole from the extended not shown lead of charging blower body 322 from the regulation of air bag 236 comes out.

Folding and Figure 49 of air bag 326 is same to be folded through vertical folding process and the folded operation of cross break.When vertical folding process finishes, the folding position of both ends, left and right sides 326d326f is loaded on chaufeur sidewall portion 328 sides of central part 326c.In addition, in the folded operation of cross break, the side of upper end 326a side orientation column cover side wall portion 327 is carried out reel with rolling fold.

After folding, the rupturable not shown packaging film parcel of air bag 326 usefulness makes each bolt 323b outstanding from packaging film.And, air bag 326 and charging blower 321 are accommodated in the shell 319, make each bolt 323b outstanding simultaneously, can form as if 324 on nut of binding on each outstanding bolt 323b and assemble the air bag assembly SA that air bag 326, charging blower 321 and shell 319 form integratedly from shell 319.

Draw from packaging film from charging blower body 322 extended not shown leads, and come out from the not shown interspersed mouth of shell 319.

The structural portion FCFR of automobile body B side that air bag assembly SA is connected the flange part 319a of shell 319 with bolt the left and right sides of Steering gear 3 goes up and is equipped on the vehicle.And not shown lead is connected on the control circuit.If the upper plate 12 and the lower plate 13 of instrument carrier panel 11 are installed on the vehicle, then airbag apparatus M7 can be equipped on the vehicle.

And, on airbag apparatus M7 lift-launch on the vehicle after, if, then discharge to expand and use gas from gas discharge outlet 322a to the electric signal of charging blower body 322 input regulations.So air bag 326 expands, not shown packaging film is broken, and pushes the door portion 314 of air cell covering 321 open, thereby while below the post cover 9a rise and launch to expand.And, shown in Figure 71, launch the knee K of dilated air bag 326 protection chaufeur D.

The airbag apparatus M7 of the 7th embodiment can obtain and same action effects such as the 4th embodiment.And in the 7th embodiment, shown in Figure 71, as the thickness limits device is that the interference position 326h that sheet 329U329D is configured in the K of air bag 326 and knee chaufeur D when finishing than launch expanding more expands with the upstream side of gas G.In such formation, launch to expand when finishing, can make the interference position 326h of K of air bag 326 and knee chaufeur D thicker than the configuration position that is sheet 329U329D.Therefore, the air bag 326 that the expansion expansion is finished can be protected the knee K of chaufeur D effectively by thick position 326h.

In the air bag 326 that launch to expand when finishing, it is sheet 329U329D and limit its thickness that the position 326i of the front side of the shank L of side at one's knees that is configured in chaufeur D is disposing.Therefore, the air bag 326 that launches to expand when finishing need not ground compressing shank L.

In the 7th embodiment, oblique down direction, not along Steering gear 3 and post cover below the 9a of direction of principal axis under the back of the surrounding wall portion 319a of shell 319 towards opening 319a side.Therefore, in the initial stage that the expansion of air bag 326 is expanded, given prominence to from shell 319 towards oblique direction down from the general horizontal direction of rear view of vehicle side easily by the position that reel folds.

But the door portion 314 of air cell covering 312, opens from upper end 314a side when the air bag 236 that is unfolded expansion is pushed open for opening downwards.Therefore, the air bag 326 that launches to expand was being opened door 314 originally, and the upper side (rear view of vehicle side) of the open area OA that opens from door portion 314 is outstanding.That is it is outstanding towards the top easily, to launch the air bag 326 that expands.And 326 in air bag is folded to the mode of the side volume of post cover side wall portion 327 upper end 326a in the cross break operation by reel.Therefore, air bag 326 is in expansion expansion phase thereafter, if remove the folding folding then 9a rising below the post cover slidably of reel.Its result, in expansion expansion phase thereafter, air bag 326 can successfully enter below the knee K of chaufeur D and the post cover in the narrow space between the 9a.

In addition, in the 7th embodiment, the situation in the lower plate 13 of the below of having represented to protect air bag device for knee M7 to be provided in Steering gear 3.But; if air bag 9a below the post cover of launching to expand launches to expand below the knee K that can successfully enter into chaufeur D and the post cover between the 9a; then, also can shown in Figure 72 73, will protect air bag device for knee M8 to be provided in the post cover 9A of below of Steering gear 3.

In this airbag apparatus M8, air cell covering 312 and post cover 9A are formed on the lower end side of post cover 9A.On air cell covering 312, set a portion 314.Around door portion 314 sees that from the car inboard fracture reservations 315 with the reverse U shape shape are provided in, with lower end side as hinge 316.Therefore, when this one 314 opens being pushed by air bag 326, make the fracture of fracture reservations 315 and upper end 314a is turned round downwards, open in the mode of opening downwards.

And, the position of not moving of the column jecket 5 that shell 319A is fastened on Steering gear 3 with the bolt 323b and the nut 324 of carriage 6, charging blower 321.

The folding process of charging blower 321, air bag 326 and air bag is identical with the 7th embodiment.

And, even the 8th embodiment also can obtain the action effect identical with the 7th embodiment if make air bag 326 launch to expand.In addition, air cell covering 312 forms with post cover 9A.Therefore, even keep air bag device for knee M8 to carry near the outward appearance the post cover 9A is reduced.

Even the 8th embodiment is also same with the 7th embodiment, the door portion 314 of its air cell covering 312 is the structures by fracture reservations 315 fracture that is configured in periphery is opened.That is, the door portion 314 of air cell covering 312 can make its outward appearance consistent with air cell covering body (the general portion) 313 around the door portion 314.Therefore, the outward appearance of air cell covering 312 is good.

Then, protection air bag device for knee M9 as the 9th embodiment shown in Figure 74～Figure 77 is described.This airbag apparatus M9 is also identical with each embodiment, is provided in the below as the post cover 9 of the lower position of Steering gear 3.Airbag apparatus M9 has the air cell covering 412 of the rear view of vehicle side of air bag 26, charging blower 21, shell 419 and covering shell 419.

Steering gear 3, post cover 9, instrument carrier panel 11 and each one thereof are identical with each embodiment, mark the label identical with each embodiment, omit its explanation.

In addition, charging blower 21, air bag 26 and each one thereof are identical with first embodiment, mark the label identical with first embodiment, omit its explanation.

Shell 419 is sheet metal systems, has the roughly bottom wall portion 419b of the roughly rectangular shape of the vehicle front side of surrounding wall portion 419a, the obstruction surrounding wall portion 419a of cubic barrel shape.And shell 419 usefulness carriages 6 are fastened on the position of not moving of column jecket 5 of Steering gear 3.In addition, the rear view of vehicle side of surrounding wall portion 419a is opening 419c.Shell 419 is identical with first embodiment, when the air bag of taking in 26 is outstanding from shell 419, for make air bag 26 9a below post cover 9 outstanding and with the axial O of surrounding wall portion 419a below the post cover 9a (along Steering gear 3 axially) configuration.

Air cell covering 412 has air cell covering body 413 and door portion 414.Door portion 414 forms as one with body 413.Be configured near the rear view of vehicle side of opening 419c of covering shell 419.And air cell covering body 413 forms as one with the lower plate 13 of instrument carrier panel 11 shown in Figure 74～76, on the framework of not shown stationkeeping at vehicle.

Shown in Figure 76, door portion 414 is configured in the substantial middle of above-below direction of air cell covering body 413 of the below of post cover 9, sees from the car inboard to form roughly rectangular shape.And door portion 414 is setting around it and is seeing the thin-wall fracture reservations 415 that are roughly the reverse U shape shape from the car inboard.In addition, door portion 414 becomes the shape that bloats the ground bending from upper end 414a side to the below downwards with its profile shape, with side-prominent towards the rear view of vehicle of oblique below.And door portion 414 is setting the thin-wall hinge 416 that is made of integral hinge and is constituting opening type downwards in its lower end side.Hinge 416 is configured in the vehicle front side and being positioned at than the lower edge 419d of shell aperture 419c more by the below of vehicle front side more than the upper end 414a of door portion 414 shown in Figure 74～76 shown in Figure 74 75.

This airbag apparatus M9 is also identical with first embodiment towards the lift-launch of vehicle.That is, built-in charging blower 21 in air bag 26 came folded airbag 26 as vertical folding process and the folded operation of the collapsible cross break of reel through regulation having narrated among the 4th embodiment.With the packaging film parcel air bag 26 of rupturable not figure, make each bolt 23b outstanding then from packaging film.And, air bag 26 is accommodated in the shell 419, and each bolt 23b is outstanding from shell 419, and the laminal not shown spring nut of assembling forms the air bag assembly SA that is made of air bag 26 charging blowers 21 shells 419 on each outstanding bolt 23b.

And, with nut 24 air bag assembly SA is fixed on the carriage 6, if instrument carrier panel 11 and air cell covering 412 are installed on the vehicle, then airbag apparatus M9 can be equipped on the vehicle.

At airbag apparatus M9 after vehicle boarded, if discharge expansion gas from the gas discharge outlet 22a of charging blower body 22, then air bag 26 expands, the door portion 414 that the packaging film that figure is not shown breaks and pushes air cell covering 412 simultaneously open, and 9a launches expand (with reference to Figure 77) below the post cover.

At this moment, in the 9th embodiment, shown in Figure 75, the hinge 416 of the lower end side of door portion 414 is more leaned on vehicle front side than the upper end 414a of door portion 414.Particularly under the situation of embodiment, the lower edge 419d that hinge 414 is positioned at than shell aperture 419c more leans on vehicle front side.In such formation, compare the overhang of the rear view of vehicle side of door portion 414 in the time of can suppressing to expand with comparative example, thereby can be to make air bag 26 launch to expand smoothly from the expansion moon at air bag 26.Comparative example becomes the expand state of open area OA of needed air cell covering 412 of the expansion that can guarantee air bag 26, with door portion along roughly vertical configuration (that is, the door portion of comparative example is the door portion that is configured in the position of dimension line W12).In addition, the door portion of comparative example also is provided in hinge the lower end of a portion.

In the door portion 414 of the 9th embodiment, because hinge 416 is positioned at front side, therefore, the width dimensions W11 of the above-below direction of the edge door portion 414 of door portion 414 itself is bigger than the width dimensions W12 of the above-below direction of the door portion of comparative example.Its result in door portion 414, can dwindle the opening angle θ 1 of a portion 414.Opening angle θ 1 be the expansion that can guarantee air bag 26 expand needed air cell covering 412 open area OA the opening angle of the door 414 when opening.In addition, its hinge of door portion of comparative example is located at position roughly the same with the upper end of door portion on the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.Therefore, in comparative example, in order to ensure the expansion of air bag 26 expand needed air cell covering 412 open area OA and need make a portion open opening angle θ 2 significantly along general horizontal direction.But, in the door portion 414 of the 9th embodiment, the hinge 416 of lower end side is configured in than the upper end 414a of door portion more by vehicle front side.Therefore, in door portion 414, the width dimensions W11 of the above-below direction of the edge door portion 414 of door portion itself (being to open 414 o'clock radius of turn of door) becomes big.Its result, in door portion 414, even the opening angle θ 1 of door portion is little, the expand open area OA of needed air cell covering 412 of the expansion that also can easily guarantee air bag 26.And in the door portion 414 of embodiment, because opening angle θ 1 is little, the outstanding width to the rear view of vehicle side on the horizontal direction a when portion is opened is littler than the door portion of comparative example.That is, compare along the comparative example of vertical configuration with making a portion, in the formation of embodiment, can make a portion 414 upper end 414a, become driver side when promptly opening the outstanding width of the rear view of vehicle side in horizontal direction of end (rearward end) 414a little.In other words, in the door portion 414 of embodiment, outstanding to the rear view of vehicle side of horizontal direction in the time of can suppressing to open.Therefore, in the door portion of comparative example, the upper end when opening is configured in the position of the H of Figure 75, and in the door portion 414 of embodiment, the upper end 414a when opening is positioned at than H position more by vehicle front side.

The overhang to rear view of vehicle side when its result, the door portion 414 of the 9th embodiment can suppress to open when its expansion at air bag 26 is expanded can make air bag 26 successfully launch to expand.

In addition, even airbag apparatus M9 when pushing open for the air bag 26 of opening and be unfolded expansion downwards in door portion 414, opens from upper end 414a side.Therefore, launch the air bag 26 that expands door portion 414 open outstanding from the upper end of open area OA originally.Its result, airbag apparatus M9, its air bag that launches to expand 26 are easily towards the top highlightedly, successfully the 9a side is launched to expand below the post cover.

In the 9th embodiment, door portion 414 forms to carry out bending from upper end 414a side to the form that bloats below the below to the side-prominent mode of the rear view of vehicle of oblique below.But door portion 414 is not limited to the shape of having narrated, as long as hinge 416 is positioned at than upper end 414a and more is configured to vehicle front side.Specifically, also can be as the 16A of door portion among the airbag apparatus M3 of the 3rd embodiment of Figure 24～shown in Figure 26, door portion 16414 is a substantially planar, is configured to towards oblique below towards vehicle front side from the upper end side to the below.In addition, door portion 414 also can become tabular, be configured to along vertical from upper end 414a near the lower edge 419b of shell aperture 419c, again near the lower edge 419d of shell aperture 419c towards the oblique shape that tilts etc. of below of vehicle front side direction.

But door portion 414 considers from the aspect of save spaceization, it is disposed agley.In addition, if the hinge 416 and the distance of the vehicle fore-and-aft direction of upper end 414a are strengthened, the upper end 414a that then can further suppress a portion 414 is outstanding to rear view of vehicle.Therefore, door portion 414 preferably is configured to shown in the 9th embodiment to bloat the ground bending towards the side-prominent form of the rear view of vehicle of oblique below downwards to the below from upper end 416a side, and, hinge 416 is configured in the front side that more leans on vehicle than the lower edge 419d of shell aperture 419c.

Then, protect air bag device for knee M10 to describe to the tenth embodiment shown in Figure 78～80.Airbag apparatus M10 is shown in Figure 78, and the part beyond its air cell covering 413 is and the identical formation of airbag apparatus M9 of the 9th above-mentioned embodiment, gives identical drawing reference numeral, omits its explanation.

Air cell covering 433 and the 9th embodiment have air cell covering body 434, door portion 435 equally.Door portion 435 forms as one with air cell covering body 434.In addition, door portion 435 is configured near the rear view of vehicle side of opening 419c of covering shell 419.Air cell covering body 434 is tabular with door portion 435 shown in Figure 78 79.In addition, air cell covering body 434 and door portion 435 the lower side of post cover 9 from upper side to below towards the vehicle front side crustal inclination disposing.The door portion 414 of door portion 435 and the 9th embodiment similarly is configured in the substantial middle of the above-below direction of air cell covering body 434, sees from the car inboard to constitute roughly rectangular shape.Door portion 435 is shown in Figure 80, and the width dimensions W14 of its left and right directions is bigger than the width dimensions W13 of the left and right directions of shell 419.In addition, door portion 435 and the 9th embodiment are setting around it equally to regard as from the car inboard and are being the thin-wall fracture reservations 436 of reverse U shape shape roughly.In addition, door portion 435 sets thin-wall hinge 437 in lower end side, constitutes opening type downwards.

And, near configuration connecting rod mechanism 439 two edge about door portion 435.Each connecting rod mechanism 439 is by connecting the angle limits device that case peripheral wall 419a of portion and door portion 435 come the open angle of limiting door portion 435.Each connecting rod mechanism 439 is made of the connecting rod 440A440B of two long strip-board shapes shown in Figure 79 Figure 80.Each connecting rod 440A440B is connected between the 440b440a of end rotationally by pin 441.

And the end 440a of each connecting rod 440A is by axle mounting outside about shell surrounding wall portion 419b, and the end 440b of each connecting rod 440B is by the side of axle mounting at the shell 419 of door portion 435.Each connecting rod mechanism 439 is when door 435 is being closed, and connecting rod 440A440B bends to V-shape mutually, and when opening in door portion 435, mutual intersection angle enlarges, and connecting rod 440A440B becomes linearity.

In the tenth embodiment, shown in Figure 79, become under the state of linearity at the connecting rod 440A440B of each connecting rod mechanism 439, keep the open angle of the regulation of a portion 435.The open angle of the regulation of door portion 435 is that the door of opening 435 can be guaranteed the open area OA that the expansion of air bag 26 is expanded.In addition, each connecting rod 440A440B of connecting rod mechanism 439 becomes under the state of linearity, and door portion 435 is limited above the opening of its angle.

In such formation, when pushing open by the air bag 26 that launches to expand, by connecting rod mechanism 439 portion 435 is kept with the opening angle of guaranteeing the needed open area OA of air bag 26 expansion expansions and open as the angle limits device in door portion 435.In addition, by connecting rod mechanism 439 limiting door portions 435 its opening more than the open angle.The 435 upper end 435a of door portion when therefore, air bag 26 launches to expand, the position that becomes end (rearward end) 435a of driver side when having opened are limited.Its result compares with the situation of using the door portion do not dispose connecting rod mechanism 439, and door portion 435 can suppress rear view of vehicle to horizontal direction to giving prominence to.Certainly, door portion 435 is limited in by connecting rod mechanism 439 and can guarantees that air bag 26 launches the position of the needed open area OA of expansion.Therefore, door portion 435 can not make air bag 26 successfully launch to expand with air bag 26 with interfering.

Therefore, airbag apparatus M10 can obtain the action effect identical with first embodiment.And door portion 435 can make air bag 26 successfully launch to expand to the overhang of rear view of vehicle side in the time of can being suppressed at air bag 26 expansion expansions.

In addition, same with above-mentioned airbag apparatus M9 in airbag apparatus M10, door portion 435 opens from upper end 435a side.Therefore, launch the air bag 26 that expands and open in door portion 435 that the upper side from open area OA is outstanding originally.Its result, even airbag apparatus M10 is also identical with airbag apparatus M9, the air bag 26 that launches to expand is outstanding towards the top easily, the 9a side is successfully launched to expand below the post cover.And door portion 435 becomes the state that is limited its open angle by the angle limits device, and the face 435b of the air bag side of door portion 435 9a below the post cover gives prominence to and also can guide air bag 26.

Be not limited to above-mentioned connecting rod mechanism 439 as the angle limits device.For example shown in Figure 81, also can dispose the frenulum 444 of band shape or rope form.This frenulum 444 has flexible material by cloth etc. and forms, and connects shell 419 and door portion 435.The length setting of this frenulum 444 guarantees that for keeping air bag 26 launches the open angle of the needed open area OA of expansion and can limit the above length of opening of its open angle.This frenulum 444 is contained with the state to the vehicle front side deflection near two edge about door portion 435 under the state of having closed door 435.

Then, the protection air bag device for knee M11 to the 11 embodiment shown in Figure 82 83 describes.In this airbag apparatus M11, shown in Figure 82, the parts beyond the air cell covering 447 are formations same with the airbag apparatus M9 of the 9th embodiment, mark identical drawing reference numeral, omit its explanation.

Shown in Figure 82, air cell covering 447 has air cell covering body 448 and door portion 449 equally with the airbag apparatus M9M10 that had narrated.Door portion 449 forms as one with air cell covering body 448, and is configured near the rear view of vehicle side of opening 419c of covering shell 419.Air cell covering body 448 and door portion 449 and above-mentioned airbag apparatus M10 form tabular equally, the lower side of post cover 9 from upper end side to below towards the vehicle front side direction tiltedly below inclination.

Door portion 449 and above-mentioned airbag apparatus M9M10 similarly are configured in the substantial middle on the above-below direction of air cell covering body 448, see it is oblong-shaped roughly from the car inboard.Around door portion 449, set and be seen as the roughly thin-wall fracture reservations 450 of reverse U shape shape from the car inboard.Door portion 449 is setting thin-wall lower end side hinge 451 and is becoming opening type downwards in its lower end side.In addition, the roughly midway location of the above-below direction between lower end side hinge 451 and door portion upper end 449 setting by the thin-wall integral hinge constitute secondary hinge portion 452.Secondary hinge portion 452 is along long the setting of left and right directions gold of door portion 449.Secondary hinge portion 452 can be with the position of the upper side of secondary hinge portion 452, be that the 449b of top side door portion opens downwards.

In constituting like this, reservations 450 fractures were pushed the door open 449 o'clock, 449a opens from the upper end.Therefore, shown in Figure 83 A, at first, secondary hinge portion 452 carries out bending, and the 449b of top side door portion that is configured in the upper side of secondary hinge portion 452 opens in the mode of opening downwards.Then, shown in Figure 83 B, lower end side hinge 451 is carried out bending, and the 449b of bottom side door portion that is configured in the upper side of lower end side hinge 451 opens, and the integral body of door portion 449 is opened.

That is, door portion 449 when opening entirely so that secondary hinge portion 452 above the state of the top 449b of side door portion bending, the side door 449c of portion in bottom opens.Therefore, compare, in this one 449, can dwindle the substantial radius of turn d1 of the upper end 449a from lower end side hinge 451 to door portion with the situation of using the door portion that only is provided with lower end side hinge 451.The width dimensions W15 along the above-below direction of door that the radius of turn that only is provided with the door portion of lower end side hinge 451 becomes a portion itself is bigger than radius of turn d1.When its result, door portion 449 have opened in the expansion that can guarantee air bag 26 with expanding needed open area OA, can suppress to become outstanding to the rear view of vehicle side of horizontal direction of the end 449a of driver side.

Therefore, even the airbag apparatus M11 of the 11 embodiment is also identical with the 90 embodiment, in the time of can being suppressed at air bag 26 and launching to expand door portion 449 to the overhang of rear view of vehicle side, thereby can make air bag 26 launch sleekly to expand.

In addition, also the airbag apparatus M9M10 with above-mentioned is identical in airbag apparatus M11, makes a portion 449 for opening downwards.Therefore, the air bag 26 that launches to expand is opened originally door portion 449, and is outstanding from the upper side of open area OA.Its result, also same with airbag apparatus M9M10 in airbag apparatus M11, the air bag 26 that launches to expand is outstanding towards the top easily, and the 9a side is successfully launched to expand below the post cover.

In addition, in airbag apparatus M11,, then can obtain following action effect if the bending strength of the secondary hinge portion 452 that will be made of integral hinge is set for a short time.That is, when air bag 26 launched to expand, even the knee of the end 449a of door portion 449 and chaufeur is interfered, also shown in the long and two-short dash line of Figure 83 D, end 449a was pushed by the knee of chaufeur.Therefore, door portion 449 can make it scratch the district to vehicle front side by secondary hinge portion 452.Therefore, airbag apparatus M11 can more positively protect the knee of chaufeur.

In airbag apparatus M11, disposing a secondary hinge portion 452, still, also can dispose plural secondary hinge portion 452.In addition, the wall thickness of change fracture reservations that also can be suitable is so that door portion 449 opens easily from upper end 449a side.Specifically, the fracture reservations that will be positioned at the side of the 449b of top side door portion form thinner than the fracture reservations of the side side that is configured in the 449c of bottom side door portion.And will being positioned near the upper end 449a of the 449b of top side door portion fracture reservations, to form the fracture reservations of side of the side that is positioned at top side door subordinate 449b thinner.In such formation, be configured in the easy more fracture of fracture reservations of upper side more.Its result, door portion 449 successfully opens from upper end 449a side when being carried out air bag 26 pushings that launch expansion.

Then protect air bag device for knee M12 to describe to the 12 embodiment shown in Figure 84.This airbag apparatus M12, the parts beyond its air cell covering 456 are formations identical with the airbag apparatus M9 of the 9th embodiment, mark identical Reference numeral, omit its explanation.

Air cell covering 456 is identical with above-mentioned airbag apparatus M9M10M11, has air cell covering body 457, door portion 458.Door portion 458 forms as one with air cell covering body 457.In addition, the mode with near the rear view of vehicle side the opening 419c of shell 419 is being configured.Air cell covering body 457 and door portion 458 and above-mentioned airbag apparatus M10M11 similarly be tabular, the lower side of post cover 9 from upper end side to below inclination below the vehicle front side direction is oblique.Door portion 458 is identical with above-mentioned airbag apparatus M9M10M11, is configured in the substantial middle of the above-below direction of air cell covering body 457, is seen as roughly oblong-shaped from the car inboard.

And the lower end 458a of door portion 458 is configured in the upper side of the lower edge 419d of shell aperture 419c.That is, door portion 458 itself is littler than the width dimensions W17 along the above-below direction of opening 419c of shell aperture 419c along the width dimensions W16 of the above-below direction of door portion 458.And, around door portion 458, setting in the same manner with above-mentioned airbag apparatus M9M10M11 and to be seen as the roughly thin-wall fracture reservations 459 of reverse U shape shape from the car inboard.And door portion 458 sets thin-wall hinge 460 in lower end 458a side, opens and be set at downwards.In addition, the lower side of shell aperture 419c is covered by air cell covering body 457.

If air cell covering 456 is constituted such structure, then the width dimensions W16 of the above-below direction of the edge door portion 458 of door portion 458 itself is littler than the width dimensions W17 along the above-below direction of opening 419c of the opening 419C of shell 419.Therefore, compare with the situation of configuration door portion that the width dimensions of above-below direction and the width dimensions of the above-below direction of shell aperture 419c is roughly the same, in this one 458, the upper end 458b of the door portion 458 in the time of can suppressing air bag 26 and expand, become rear view of vehicle side end 458b, in horizontal direction outstanding of driver side when opening.

In the 12 embodiment, the lower end 458a of door portion 458 is provided in the upper side more than the lower edge 419d of shell aperture 419c, and the lower side of shell aperture 419c is covered by air cell covering body 457.But in this constituted, the direction of principal axis O of the 419a of case peripheral wall portion was along the axial arrangement of Steering gear 3, and air bag 26 launches to expand above the rear view of vehicle side in the mode of 9a side below post cover 9 in its shell 419 at the lower position of post cover 9.Therefore, even the lower side of shell aperture 419c is covered by airbag body portion 459, the air bag 26 that launches to expand also passes through the upper side of shell aperture 419c.And air bag 26 is by suppressing outstanding from shell 419 with the interference of air cell covering body 417 with doing one's utmost, thereby successfully launches to expand.

Therefore, even the airbag apparatus M12 of the 12 embodiment is also identical with the 9th～11 embodiment, door portion 458 can successfully make air bag 26 launch to expand to the overhang of rear view of vehicle side in the time of can being suppressed at air bag 26 expansion expansions.

In airbag apparatus M12, door portion 458 is set at downwards in lower end 458a side configuration hinge 460 and opens.But the direction of opening of door portion 458 is not limited to this, also can be for example constitutes upward in the upper end of door portion 458 458b side configuration hinge 460 and with door portion 458 to open shown in Figure 85.

In the 91 embodiment, air cell covering body 413343448457 forms as one with door portion 414435449458 in addition.But, also can shown in Figure 86～88, form air cell covering body 464 and door portion 465 respectively independently as air cell covering 463.

Air cell covering 463 shown in Figure 86～88 is for example connected an end and the air cell covering body 464 of door portion 465 by the hinge (not shown) of hinge etc.And, also can dispose combining device 466 at the end 465a of the door portion 465 that separates on the above-below direction (being the upper end) in diagram with hinge.This combining device 466 combines the closed condition of keeping a portion 465 with air cell covering body 464.

Combining device 466 shown in Figure 86 is made of recess 464a and protuberance 465b, and recess 464a is arranged on shell 419 sides of the end of air cell covering body 464.Protuberance 465b can be arranged on the end 465a of a portion 465 with recess 464a chimericly.

In addition, the combining device shown in Figure 87 466 constitutes by board 468 with in conjunction with lug boss 469.Be configured in towards shell 419 near the end 465a of a portion 465 in conjunction with lug boss 469 side-prominently.Board 468 is configured in shell 419 sides of air cell covering body 464, and having can be in conjunction with the 468a of combined hole portion of lug boss 469.

Combining device 466 shown in Figure 88 is made of board 468 and fastening claw 470, fastening claw 470 near the 465a of the end of door portion 465 towards shell 419 side-prominent and with the engaging of board 468 in conjunction with carrier 468b.

In addition, under any circumstance, when air bag 26 expansion expansions pushed the door open portion 465, the bonding state of combining device 466 also can easily be disengaged.

Air cell covering 412433447456 itself can form as one with the lower plate 13 or the end cover 9A of instrument carrier panel 11, perhaps also can form with lower plate 13 or end cover 9A relatively independently.Such formation is not limited to air cell covering body and the situation that door portion forms as one, and also is same when being integrally formed by other.But, when forming as one, can make outward appearance good.

In addition, on airbag apparatus M9M11M12, also can be disposed at angle limits member (connecting rod mechanism 439 is a sheet 444) among the airbag apparatus M10.In addition, also can be as the structure of the such secondary hinge portion of configuration airbag apparatus M11 in the door portion 414 of airbag apparatus M9.

In addition, when other was integrally formed the door portion 465 of air cell covering 463, the protection air bag device for knee M13 of the 13 embodiment that also can be shown in Figure 89 90 constituted like that.Each one of the tenth embodiment shown in this airbag apparatus M13 and Figure 78～80 is roughly the same.But, be that the door portion 465 and the body 464 of airbag apparatus 463 form relatively independently, simultaneously, replace the limiting member of door portions 465 with clamping part 530 with the difference of the tenth embodiment.Therefore, the identical symbol of mark the tenth embodiment such as charging blower 21, air bag 26 and shell 419 omits its explanation.

Clamping part 530 be configured in a portion 465 about near two edge.Each clamping part 530 is inserted in the fastening hole 508 of carriage 507, and fastening is on carriage 507.Carriage 507 is fixed on the left and right sides of shell 419.In addition, on shell 419, on the extended line of the clamping part 530 on each carriage 507, setting stop part 510 in fastening.Stop part 510 is installed on the carriage 509 on the left and right sides face that is fixed in shell 419.Fixing nut 509a on each carriage 509, stop part 510 spirals are engaged in each nut 509a and go up and set.When stop part 510 is got lower door portion 465 in maintenance etc., be cancelled.

Shown in Figure 89～93, each clamping part 530 is made of fastening core 531 and the cover 541 that is contained in outward on the fastening core 531.

Fastening core 531 is by the metal manufacturing of rod iron with rigidity etc., has connecting portion 532, large-diameter portion 533, neck 534 and head 535.Connecting portion 532 is discoideus, is embedded in the portion 465, and is connected with door portion 465.Large-diameter portion 533 becomes link to each other with connecting portion 532 cylindric, neck 534 from the end face of large-diameter portion 533 with the diameter circle column littler than large-diameter portion 533 give prominence to.Head 535 is connected with the leading section 534a of neck 534, and its outside dimension is bigger than neck 534.This head 535 has tapering 535a535b.Tapering 535b is configured in base portion side, and towards the front enlarged-diameter, tapering 535a is configured in the leading section side, and diameter diminishes towards the leading section side.

Cover 541 is formed by the synthetic resin of the elastically deformable of polyamide (66 nylon) or olefin hydrocarbons thermoplasticity elastic body etc. or rubber etc.Cover 541 forms roughly cylindric, and front is become heavy wall and becomes tapered.When cover 541 was loaded on the fastening core 531 shown in Figure 89,90,92～94 outside, near the base portion (tapering 535b) that covers head 535 large-diameter portion 533, and fastening was on head 535.This cover 541 is on being coated at fastening core 531 time, and the circular flange part 548 that is positioned at the end of base portion side contacts with door portion 465, and front covers near the head 536 of fastening core 531.

Cover 541 has the fastening fixed part 542 of front and the cylindrical portion 544 of base portion side.Fastening fixed part 542 becomes thick-wall taper until base portion side makes outside dimension become megarelief.And, on the outer peripheral face between cylindrical portion 544 and the fastening fixed part 542, forming first groove 543.First groove 543 can chimeric fastening hole 508 inner peripheral surface position 508a.Cylindrical portion 544 its internal diameter sizes are bigger than fastening fixed part 542.In addition, cylindrical portion 544 with its outside dimension be set at the outside footpath size of the bottom of first groove 543 about equally.In addition, on cover 541 from the front end of fastening fixed part 542 to forming a plurality of slits 547 near the cylindrical portion 544.

The fastening state to fastening hole 508 of this clamping part 530 has two kinds of the first fastening state and the second fastening states.

The first fastening state is to have adorned the state that inserts the inner peripheral surface position 508a in chimeric fastening hole 508 in the fastening hole 508, in first groove 543 under 541 the state of covering outside on fastening core 531 shown in the AB of Figure 94.In this first fastening state, when the direction of extracting from fastening hole 508 is drawn clamping part 530, shown in Figure 94 C, make cover 541 fastenings under the state on the carriage 507, the head 535 of fastening core 534 is movable near first groove 543.Should move since near fastening fixed part 542 configuration slit 547, the internal diameter that makes fastening fixed part 542 enlarges and transfiguration is easy.But fastening fixed part 542 becomes near first groove 543 and is heavy wall.Therefore the head 535 of fastening core 531 is not extracted from fastening fixed part 542, can not pass the position in fastening hole 508.That is, under the first fastening state of the inner peripheral surface position 508a in chimeric fastening hole 508 on cover 541 first groove 543, fastening core 531 can not be extracted from fastening hole 508.

In addition, in the C of Figure 94, expression fastening core 531 is along the state of the axial linearity ground drawing in fastening hole 508.But under vehicle boarded state, fastening core 531 is 535 sides from the head, move while large-diameter portion 533 sides are shaken with descending.

The second fastening state is the state that clamping part 530 is pressed into fastening hole 508 sides shown in the A of Figure 95.In this second fastening state, clamping part 530 shown in the B of Figure 95, makes cover 541 fastenings when the direction of extracting from fastening hole 508 is drawn under the state on the carriage 507, and the head 535 of core 531 can pass fastening fixed part 542.At this moment, the fastening fixed part 542 of cover 541 is owing to 508 disengagings from the fastening hole of its thick-wall base portion side, and therefore, head 535 can successfully pass fastening fixed part 542.In addition, head 535 can break away from from carriage 507 after passing cylindrical portion 544.That is, the position of the cylindrical portion 544 of cover 541 is under the second fastening state of the position that is disposed at fastening hole 508, and fastening core 531 can be extracted from fastening hole 508.

And, in this clamping part 530, shown in Figure 89 90, under the first fastening state, a portion 465 is connected on the shell 419, the opening 464b of airbag body portion 464 stops up in door portion 465.In addition, being carried out when launching swelling gasbag 26 pushings a portion 465 being opened, shown in Figure 89 96, under 535 state of not extracting of fastening core 531, beat door opening portion 465 with near the amounts that head 535 moves to first groove 543 from fastening hole 508.And, beat door opening portion 465 with the shift motion of head 535, air bag 26 is outstanding from the opening 419c464b of shell 419 or air cell covering body 464.

In addition, wait when unloading lower door portion 465 in maintenance, take off stop part 510, be pressed onto vehicle front side near the allocation position with the clamping part 530 of door portion 465, it is the second fastening state that each clamping part 530 is shifted.Then, drawing door portion 465, each covers near the fastening cylindrical portion 544 that makes cover 431 of 530 fastening core 531 and can extract from fastening hole 508 under the state on 508 peripheries of fastening hole, covers 431 and extracts from fastening hole 508 then, is contained in outward on the fastening core 531.

When common, setting stop part 510.Therefore, for the position that makes cylindrical portion 544 is positioned at the position in fastening hole 508, even thrust door portion 465, also as the long and two-short dash line of the B of Figure 94, the head 535 of fastening core 531 also contacts with stop part 510.Therefore, clamping part 630 can be to the second fastening state transitions.

In addition, door portion 456 needs only the state that is contained on each fastening core 531 to the installation of shell 419 outside making cover 541, and each clamping part 530 is inserted in fastening holes 508, and the inner peripheral surface position 508a in chimeric fastening hole 508 gets final product on first groove 543.

And in the airbag apparatus M13 of the 13 embodiment, door portion 465 makes its lower end 465c be configured in the vehicle front side of the below of upper end 465a, stops up the opening 464b of air cell covering body 464 and the opening 419c of shell 419.In addition, when opening, be configured in a portion 465 about clamping part 530 be not the upper side that is connected its above-below direction with respect to door portion 465, but be connected the roughly midway location of above-below direction.And clamping part 530 by the rim bearing in fastening hole 508, is shaking on the above-below direction at center but axially can not move and can carry out with fastening hole 508 along it.Therefore, when door portion 465 is unfolded air bag 26 pushing of expansion, make a portion 465 upper end 465a side open width than lower end 465c side to open width big, become the form that can open.Therefore, the effect of guiding board itself is played by door portion 465.Promptly door portion 465 guides the projected direction of air bag 26 by top (face of the air bag side) 465d that opens midway below air bag.

In addition, the clamping part 530 of the 13 embodiment then can be provided in the door portion of each embodiment if independently form with respect to door portion.

In addition, the clamping part 530 of the 13 embodiment forms linearity with fastening core 531 and cover 541.But, also can form the clamping part 530A of the 14 embodiment shown in axis image pattern 97～Figure 100 of fastening core 531 and cover 541 circular-arc like that.The circular arc of this axis is that the hinge 437 with door portion 435 is the circular arc at center.

The 14 embodiment protects air bag device for knee M14, is the roughly the same formation of airbag apparatus M13 with the tenth embodiment shown in Figure 78 79.That is in the 14 embodiment, be, with the connecting rod mechanism 439 of clamping part 530A replacement as the angle limits member.The identical symbol of mark omits its explanation on the parts identical with the tenth embodiment.

In the protection air bag device for knee M14 that uses so crooked clamping part 530A, clamping part 530A is shown in Figure 99 100, and the head 535 of fastening core 531 moves near first groove 543 of cover 541, the open angle of limiting door portion 435.

In addition, also can with the crooked clamping part 530A of the 4th embodiment and stop part 510 and with and be used in the 13 embodiment.

Claims (9)

1. protection air bag device for knee, it is expanding gas to be flowed into and the air bag that launches to expand can be protected the protection air bag device for knee of the knee of chaufeur,

Shape when above-mentioned air bag finishes its expansion expansion becomes the roughly plate shape of the following at least side that can cover the post cover, and this post cover covers Steering gear,

Above-mentioned air bag is side rising below the above-mentioned post cover in an edge when launching to expand, on one side the deployable below that folds and be accommodated in with expanding above-mentioned Steering gear, it is characterized in that,

Above-mentioned air bag with its underpart side as above-mentioned expansion upstream side position with gas, with its upper side as the downstream side part of above-mentioned expansion with gas,

And constitute make above-mentioned expansion with gas at above-mentioned upstream side position towards left and right directions two side flow, then, make it flow to upper side as the above-mentioned air bag of above-mentioned downstream side part.

2. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, above-mentioned air bag has the chaufeur sidewall portion of the post cover side wall portion and the driver side of above-mentioned post cover side,

And, the cross break operation of above-mentioned air bag by upper end side is folded on above-mentioned post cover side wall portion side reel ground, and two edge indulge these two operations of vertical folding process of rolling near center side ground and are folded about making, thus be incorporated in the air bag incorporating section.

3. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, above-mentioned air bag has the chaufeur sidewall portion of the post cover side wall portion and the driver side of above-mentioned post cover side,

And, in above-mentioned air bag, set the airflow limitation part and above-mentioned air bag is divided into above-mentioned upstream side position and above-mentioned downstream side part along left and right directions, the said flow limited part connects above-mentioned post cover side wall portion and above-mentioned chaufeur sidewall portion, thereby form airflow hole between the left and right sides in two ends, the left and right sides and above-mentioned air bag

The said flow limited part make above-mentioned expansion with gas at above-mentioned upstream side position towards left and right directions two side flow, then, flow to upper side as the above-mentioned air bag of above-mentioned downstream side part through the above-mentioned gas flow orifice.

4. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 3; it is characterized in that; the position that sets of the said flow limited part in the above-mentioned air bag is; when the expansion of above-mentioned air bag is expanded, take in the width dimensions of the left and right directions of the opening of taking in the position greater than above-mentioned air bag to the width dimensions of inboard position that breaks away from of car and left and right directions in the position from air bag.

5. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, above-mentioned air bag has the thickness limits device of the thickness of the above-mentioned air bag of restriction in above-mentioned downstream side part.

6. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, above-mentioned thickness limits device is also used as the said flow limited part.

7. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, above-mentioned thickness limits device is for being sheet.

8. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, the said flow limited part is configured in when launch expanding from air bag and takes in the position that the position breaks away from and be to become near above-mentioned position of taking in the position in above-mentioned air bag.

9. protection air bag device for knee as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, is setting the thickness limits device that connects above-mentioned post cover side wall portion and above-mentioned chaufeur sidewall portion in above-mentioned air bag,

The connecting portion with above-mentioned chaufeur sidewall portion of above-mentioned thickness limits device is configured in interference position than above-mentioned air bag and knee above-mentioned chaufeur more by the upstream side of above-mentioned expansion with gas.

Images