CN101081612A - Impact energy absorbing knee bolster system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a knee bolster capable of efficiently absorbing collision energy even if force input direction when a knee of a rider is collided with the knee bolster is deviated not only in the vehicle width direction but also in the vertical direction, a passenger lower limb protection method and a vehicle provided with a knee bolster. Upper and lower portions of right and left ends of a plate 11 with a knee being collided therewith are connected to a steering member 6 by arm members. Wedge-shaped spaces are formed between curved parts formed on a rear end of each arm member and the plate 11. The longitudinal positions of inflexion points of the curved parts are different from each other between the upper arm members and the lower arm members. The wedge-shaped spaces are collapsed by the input of a load F, and the collision energy can be efficiently absorbed against the load F1 input in the direction substantially orthogonal to the plate 11 and also against the load F2 deviated in the vehicle width direction or the vertical direction at an adequate angle (theta).

Description

Kneepad, method for protecting lower limb of passenger and the automobile that disposes kneepad

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of kneepad, the method for protecting lower limb of passenger of occupant's knee and automobile that disposes kneepad when vehicle collision, protected.

Background technology

As everyone knows, kneepad in the past has plenty of the position relative with the chaufeur knee that is installed in Steering gear by rubber bush and strut free to rotately, at the chaufeur knee from respect to overall width direction bevelled direction collision kneepad the time, this kneepad rotates towards the direction over against chaufeur, the collision energy of average two knees is also absorbed (for example, with reference to patent documentation 1).

Patent documentation 1: the real flat 4-70556 communique (the 6th page, Fig. 1) of opening of Japan

Summary of the invention

But, this kneepad in the past uses when the generation of overall width direction departs from the input direction of occupant's knee, and according to occupant's body size difference, when the knee position when above-below direction departs from, because above-below direction is fixedly mounting kneepad at a certain angle relatively, therefore, especially can't absorb energy effectively for tall person occupant and little chap occupant.

Therefore, even the input direction when the invention provides a kind of occupant's knee collision kneepad not only when the overall width deviation in driction but also when above-below direction departs from, can both effectively absorb kneepad, the method for protecting lower limb of passenger of collision energy and the automobile that disposes kneepad.

The present invention is a kind of kneepad that absorbs the energy in occupant's knee when collision, its main being characterised in that, the load input link that possesses the knee collision, and the top and the bottom that make these both ends, load input link left and right sides are connected to the place ahead frame member and at left and right directions and the double-type a plurality of arm members of above-below direction, rear end at each arm member forms curve, between above-mentioned curve and above-mentioned load input link, form the wedge-like spatial portion, and, different mutually on the fore-and-aft direction position arm member up that makes above-mentioned curve point of inflection and the arm member of below.

According to the present invention, load when occupant's knee collides the load input link is supported by the place ahead frame member across a plurality of arm members, and, wedge-like spatial portion between curve that forms on each arm member and load input link is pressed along with the distortion of curve to collapse, thereby can absorb the collision energy of knee.

At this moment, arm member is different mutually with below arm member place up owing to the fore-and-aft direction position that makes above-mentioned curve point of inflection, therefore, consider human injury's mechanism and tolerance and suitable human body movement and the load of controlling when colliding, even the input direction in when collision also can more effectively absorb collision energy when overall width direction or above-below direction depart from.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the section drawing of front portion, compartment, and the installing condition of kneepad in the present invention's the 1st embodiment represented in summary.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 1st embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the exploded perspective view of the kneepad of the present invention's the 1st embodiment.

Fig. 4 is the lateral plan of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 1st embodiment.

The lateral plan of the action of kneepad when Fig. 5 represents that for using (a)～(c) successively occupant's knee collides in the present invention's the 1st embodiment.

Fig. 6 is the birds-eye view of the action when representing that with (a) and (b) collision load is input to kneepad in the present invention's the 1st embodiment successively.

Fig. 7 is the lateral plan of the action when representing that with (a) and (b) collision load is input to kneepad in the present invention's the 1st embodiment successively.

Fig. 8 is for representing that with birds-eye view (a) and lateral plan (b) load is to the instruction diagram of the input direction of kneepad input in the present invention's the 1st embodiment.

Fig. 9 is the instruction diagram of the antagonistic force characteristic of kneepad relative load input direction in expression the present invention the 1st embodiment.

Figure 10 is the block diagram of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 2nd embodiment.

Figure 11 is the exploded perspective view of the kneepad of the present invention's the 2nd embodiment.

Figure 12 is the lateral plan of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 2nd embodiment.

Figure 13 is the block diagram of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 14 is the exploded perspective view of the kneepad of the present invention's the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 15 is the lateral plan of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 16 collides the instruction diagram of the state of kneepad for occupant's knee in expression the present invention the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 17 is the block diagram of the installing condition of kneepad in expression the present invention the 4th embodiment.

Figure 18 is the exploded perspective view of the kneepad of the present invention's the 4th embodiment.

Figure 19 is the A-A amplification sectional view of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is the block diagram of the installing condition of the kneepad that is provided with the antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 5th embodiment.

Figure 21 is the block diagram of the operating state of antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 5th embodiment.

Figure 22 is the lateral plan of Vehicular body front, the installing condition of the various sensors of control antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 5th embodiment.

Figure 23 is the instruction diagram of the control flow chart of antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 5th embodiment.

Figure 24 is for detecting the take one's seat lateral plan of method of state of occupant by occupant sensor in expression the present invention the 5th embodiment.

Figure 25 is for measuring the instruction diagram of the measuring method of lower limb by occupant sensor in expression the present invention the 5th embodiment.

Figure 26 is for being provided with the block diagram of the kneepad installing condition of antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 6th embodiment.

Figure 27 is the block diagram of the operating state of antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 6th embodiment.

Figure 28 is for measuring the instruction diagram of the measuring method of lower limb by occupant sensor in expression the present invention the 6th embodiment.

Figure 29 is the block diagram of the installing condition of the kneepad that is provided with the antagonistic force optional feature in expression the present invention the 7th embodiment.

The specific embodiment

Below, the embodiment that present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying.

The 1st embodiment

The 1st embodiment that Fig. 1～Fig. 9 represents kneepad of the present invention, method for protecting lower limb of passenger and disposes the automobile of kneepad; Fig. 1 represents the cutaway view of the front portion, compartment of kneepad installing condition for summary; Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the installing condition of expression kneepad; Fig. 3 is the exploded perspective view of kneepad; Fig. 4 is the lateral plan of the installing condition of expression kneepad, the lateral plan of the action of the kneepad when Fig. 5 collides for using (a)～(c) expression occupant knee successively.

In addition, Fig. 6 is the birds-eye view of the action when representing that with (a) and (b) collision load is input to kneepad successively, Fig. 7 is the lateral plan of the action when representing that with (a) and (b) collision load is input to kneepad successively, Fig. 8 is for representing the instruction diagram of load input to the input direction of kneepad input with birds-eye view (a) and lateral plan (b), Fig. 9 is for representing the instruction diagram of kneepad with respect to the antagonistic force characteristic of load input direction.

As shown in Figure 1, the kneepad 10 of present embodiment is that object sets with the front stall occupant, and occupant's (chaufeur) D lower limb that are sitting on the operator's saddle 2 with protection are that example describes especially in the present embodiment.

There is gauge panel 3 in the place ahead at the operator's saddle 2 of automobile 1, in the rearward end of the Steering gear 4 that passes this gauge panel 3 bearing circle 5 is installed.The steering component 6 as frame member along the configuration of overall width direction in gauge panel 3 supports Steering gears 4, and the upper surface of gauge panel 3 is covered by gauge panel ornament 7, and its lower surface is covered by bottom ornament 8 simultaneously.

And, in gauge panel 3 bottoms of automobile 1 and at the above-mentioned kneepad 10 of Partial K configuration that impales with Fig. 1 solid line of bottom ornament 8 inboards in the knee the place ahead that is arranged in lower limb of passenger.

As Fig. 2, shown in Figure 3, above-mentioned kneepad 10 has: as the plate 11 of the load input link of the knee Dn of occupant D collision, make the top and the bottom at these both ends, plate 11 left and right sides be connected to the place ahead steering component 6 and at left and right directions and the double-type a plurality of arm member 12A～12D of above-below direction.And, among Fig. 2 with the state representation arm member 12A～12D of perspective board 11.

Above-mentioned plate 11 forms rectangular-shaped that integral body grows crosswise by the raw material that is enough to resist the input load, for example steel plate etc., is formed with at its left and right directions central portion to be circular-arcly to the outstanding bellying 11a of rear view of vehicle (occupant D one side).

And, arm member 12A above the right-hand configuration of vehicle, arm member 12B above the configuration of vehicle left, arm member 12C below the right-hand configuration of vehicle and below the configuration of vehicle left these 4 arm members of arm member 12D constitute above-mentioned a plurality of arm member 12A～12D.

It is rectangular-shaped that each arm member 12A～12D forms the cross section, top arm member 12A, 12B reduce left and right sides width gradually and form the thin shape of front end to rear view of vehicle (occupant side) from length direction (fore-and-aft direction) centre portion, and below arm member 12C, 12D reduce up and down width gradually and form the thin shape of front end to rear view of vehicle (occupant side) from length direction (fore-and-aft direction) centre portion.

And, the base end part (vehicle front end) that makes above-mentioned each arm member 12A～12D by welding is in conjunction with (joint portion Wa～Wd) in above-mentioned steering component 6, and, make the top ends (rear view of vehicle end) of each arm member 12A～12D be incorporated into the top and the bottom at the both ends, the left and right sides at above-mentioned plate 11 back sides (vehicle front side face) by bolt 13 and nut 13a.

At this, kneepad 10 for present embodiment, the rear end that forms the thin shape of front end at above-mentioned each arm member 12A～12D forms curve 20a～20d respectively, between above-mentioned curve 20a～20d and above-mentioned plate 11, form wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d, and, as shown in Figure 4, make the fore-and-aft direction position of point of inflection P1～P4 of above-mentioned curve 20a～20d different mutually on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up.

In addition; method for protecting lower limb of passenger for present embodiment; be connected to the steering component 6 and the load when left and right directions and the double-type a plurality of arm member 12A of above-below direction～12D supporting knee Dn collides the plate 11 of above-mentioned kneepad 10 in the place ahead by the top and the bottom that make these both ends, plate 11 left and right sides; rear end at each arm member 12A～12D forms curve 20a～20d; by being pressed, the wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d that forms between above-mentioned curve 20a～20d and above-mentioned plate 11 collapses; absorb the energy in when collision, and make the fore-and-aft direction position arm member 12A up of point of inflection P1～P4 of above-mentioned curve 20a～20d; 12B and below arm member 12C; 12D is last different mutually.

For above-mentioned each arm member 12A～12D, the top ends of each curve 20a～20d is combined with plate 11, make each curve 20a～20d form level and smooth bending, thus, the top ends of above-mentioned curve 20a～20d is a tangential direction with respect to the back side of plate 11.

And, when making the top ends bending of above-mentioned each arm member 12A～12D, bend away initial portion at this and be set with above-mentioned point of inflection P1～P4, as shown in Figure 4, point of inflection P1, the P2 that makes top arm member 12A, 12B with respect to point of inflection P3, the P4 of below arm member 12C, 12D to rear view of vehicle departure distance D1.In addition, as shown in Figure 2, at this moment, the point of inflection P3 of the relative below of the point of inflection P1 of top arm member 12A arm member 12C is along left and right directions departure distance L, and the point of inflection P4 of the relative below of the point of inflection P2 of top arm member 12B arm member 12D is along left and right directions departure distance L.

Therefore, point of inflection P1, the P2 of top arm member 12A, 12B than point of inflection P3, the P4 of below arm member 12C, 12D more near plate 11, therefore, up the radius of curvature of curve 20a, the 20b of the last formation of arm member 12A, 12B become than below the radius of curvature of the curve 20c, the 20d that form on arm member 12C, the 12D little.

And in the present embodiment, the bending direction that makes above-mentioned curve 20a～ 20d arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, 12D up is last different mutually.

That is, the curve 20a, the 20b that make top arm member 12A, 12B that is to say that respectively towards the bending of phase faces direction towards the curve 20a of left bend arm member 12A, the while is towards the curve 20b of right-hand bend arm member 12B.In addition, curve 20c, the 20d of below arm member 12C, 12D are respectively towards the top bending.

Therefore, the spatial portion of triangular shape forms wedge-like spatial portion 21a, the 21b of top arm member 12A, 12B by forming roughly between lateral surface 12Aa, the 12Ba of curve 20a, 20b and plate 11, and the spatial portion of triangular shape forms wedge-like spatial portion 21c, the 21d of below arm member 12C, 12D by forming roughly between downside 12Ca, the 12Da of curve 20c, 20d and plate 11.

In addition, at this moment, the size that makes above-mentioned wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d is different mutually on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up.

Promptly, at curve 20a, form top arm member 12A between 20b and the plate 11, the wedge-like spatial portion 21a of 12B, 21b, simultaneously, at curve 20c, form below arm member 12C between 20d and the plate 11, the wedge-like spatial portion 21c of 12D, 21d, at this moment, top arm member 12A, the curve 20a of 12B, the radius of curvature of 20b becomes smaller, simultaneously, below arm member 12C, the curve 20c of 12D, the radius of curvature of 20d is bigger, with below arm member 12C, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12D 21c, the 21d size greater than with top arm member 12A, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12B 21a, 21b.

And in the present embodiment, the position that makes above-mentioned each arm member 12A～12D and the joint portion Wa～Wd of steering component 6 is different mutually on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up.

Promptly, as shown in Figure 2, the joint portion Wc that makes below arm member 12C with respect to the joint portion Wa that is configured in right-hand top arm member 12A of vehicle to vehicle left departure distance L, simultaneously, the joint portion Wd that makes below arm member 12D with respect to the joint portion Wb of the top arm member 12B that is configured in the vehicle left to the right-hand departure distance L of vehicle.That is to say that top arm member 12A, 12B are biased to the foreign side that is positioned at below arm member 12C, 12D.

By above-mentioned formation; for kneepad 10, the method for protecting lower limb of passenger of present embodiment and the automobile 1 that disposes kneepad 10; if because of when the situation of automobile 1 generation frontal collision etc. to the force of inertia of occupant D effect to vehicle front; then occupant D becomes shown in Fig. 5 (b) from the general enforcement state of Fig. 5 (a) and moves to vehicle front, and the waist Dw of occupant D, huckle Dt and knee D n move to vehicle front thereupon.

So, knee Dn collides the plate 11 of kneepad 10 with load F, at this moment the load F that is input to plate 11 is supported by the place ahead steering component 6 across 4 arm member 12A～12D, simultaneously, as Fig. 6, shown in Figure 7, pressed to collapse because of curve 20a～20d distortion at the curve 20a～20d that forms on each arm member 12A～12D and the wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d between the plate 11, thereby can be absorbed the collision energy of knee Dn.

Promptly, if to plate 11 input collision load F, then become and shown in Fig. 6 (b), 7 (b), make plate 11 (right-hand the figure) displacement S forwards like that, and wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d of each arm member 12A～12D is collapsed by pressure from the general state shown in Fig. 6 (a), Fig. 7 (a).

At this moment, owing to make the fore-and-aft direction position arm member 12A up of point of inflection P1～P4 of above-mentioned curve 20a～20d, 12B and below arm member 12C, 12D is last different mutually, therefore, human body movement and load when suitably controlling the collision of considering human injury's mechanism and tolerance, as Fig. 8 (a), (b) shown in, input direction during collision is when overall width direction or above-below direction depart from, that is to say, even for load F1 and load F2, also can more effectively absorb collision energy, this load F1 be the load of importing along approximately vertical with tablet 11 direction, and this load F2 is for to have departed from suitable angle θ with respect to this load F1 in overall width direction and above-below direction.

That is, as shown in Figure 9, as can be seen, the antagonistic force characteristic of the above-mentioned load F1 shown in the solid line and the antagonistic force characteristic of the above-mentioned load F2 shown in the dotted line are described with roughly overlapping state, and any can absorb energy effectively for load F1, F2.And the counteraction characteristic of Shi Yonging is set at the stabilized zone α of the antagonistic forces upstanding portion that will increase of two load F1, F2 in fact.

In addition, in the present embodiment, because the bending direction that makes above-mentioned curve 20a～20d (perhaps, direction with the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of each curve 20a～20d 21a～21d, open wide direction or depth direction) different mutually, therefore, the antagonistic force characteristic when knee D n collides plate 11 can not be subjected to the restriction of the occupant D bodily form and roughly the same, and, can consider human injury's mechanism and tolerance same as described abovely and control the human body movement and the load in when collision.And, in the present embodiment, though be bending direction (direction of the wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d) difference that makes the curve 20a～20d of 4 arm members, but above-mentioned direction difference as if a pair of arm member about making at least or pair of right and left arm member, then can pass through above-mentioned a pair of arm member, counteraction characteristic when making knee Dn collide plate 11 is not subjected to the occupant D bodily form and restriction such as load input direction etc. and roughly the same, can consider human injury's mechanism and tolerance simultaneously and human body movement and load when controlling collision same as described abovely.

And, in the present embodiment, because (this is a pair of for arm member 12A and arm member 12C to make up and down a pair of arm member, perhaps arm member 12B and arm member 12D this is a pair of) the fore-and-aft direction of point of inflection and different mutually (this is a pair of for point of inflection P1 and point of inflection P3 in the left and right directions position, make above-mentioned fore-and-aft direction and left and right directions position mutually different (that is, making their offset or dish D1 or distance L each other); This is a pair of for point of inflection P2 and point of inflection P4, make above-mentioned fore-and-aft direction and left and right directions position different mutually (promptly, make their offset or dish D1 or distance L each other)), therefore, even by this point, counteraction characteristic in the time of yet can making knee Dn collide plate 11 is not subjected to the restriction of the occupant D bodily form and load input direction etc. and roughly the same, simultaneously, can consider human injury's mechanism and tolerance and human body movement and load when controlling collision same as described abovely.

And, even suppose to make the fore-and-aft direction position difference of the point of inflection of pair of right and left arm member, counteraction characteristic in the time of yet can making knee Dn collide plate 11 by above-mentioned pair of right and left arm is not subjected to the restriction of the occupant D bodily form and load input direction etc. and roughly the same, and, in the time of can considering the collision of human injury's mechanism and tolerance and control human body movement and load same as described abovely.

In addition, in the present embodiment, because the size that makes above-mentioned wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d is different mutually on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up, therefore, can make top arm member 12A, 12B different with the absorption and distribution of the energy of below arm member 12C, 12D, thereby control energy uptake, and easy controlled deformation pattern easily.Therefore, can consider human injury's mechanism and tolerance and more effectively the human body movement and the load in when collision control.

Have again, since with the size of below arm member 12C, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12D 21c, 21d greater than with top arm member 12A, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12B 21a, 21b, therefore, shown in Fig. 7 (b), when load F is input to plate 11, below wedge-like spatial portion 21c, 21d produce bigger distortion, the bottom displacement SL of plate 11 becomes than the big (SU＜SL) of top displacement SU, plate 11 tilts along the shape of occupant D knee Dn, therefore, can reduce the shearing force that huckle Dt and knee Dn joint produce, thereby alleviate the lower limb burden.

In addition, because the position that makes each arm member 12A～12D and the joint portion Wa～Wd of steering component 6 combinations is different mutually on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up, therefore, with respect to the difference input that produces because of the occupant D bodily form and posture different towards plate about in the of 11, left and right directions, each arm member 12A～12D is configured in optimal position, above-mentioned arm member 12A～12D can laterally not topple over, the load F that is imported into plate 11 can be delivered to steering component 6, and be dispersed in car body one side.

The 2nd embodiment

Figure 10～Figure 12 represents the 2nd embodiment of the present invention, to the component part mark identical Reference numeral identical with above-mentioned the 1st embodiment, omit repeat specification, Figure 10 is the block diagram of the installing condition of expression kneepad, Figure 11 is the exploded perspective view of kneepad, and Figure 12 is the lateral plan of expression kneepad installing condition.

As Figure 10～shown in Figure 12, the kneepad 10A of present embodiment has the structure identical with the kneepad 10 of the 1st embodiment substantially, have plate 11 and arm member 12A～12D, rear end at each arm member 12A～12D forms curve 20a～20d, forms wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d between above-mentioned curve 20a～20d and above-mentioned plate 11.

And, the bending direction that makes above-mentioned curve 20a～ 20d arm member 12A, 12B up is last different mutually with below arm member 12C, 12D, the main difference point of present embodiment and the 1st embodiment is: make curve 20a, the 20b court separately among top arm member 12A, the 12B deviate from the direction bending, that is to say, the curve 20a that makes arm member 12A is towards right-hand bending, and the curve 20b that makes arm member 12B simultaneously is towards the left bending.In addition, curve 20c, the 20d of below arm member 12C, 12D are respectively towards the below bending.

Therefore, wedge-like spatial portion 21a, the 21b of arm member 12A, 12B above forming between medial surface 12Ab, the 12Bb of curve 20a, 20b and the plate 11, simultaneously, wedge-like spatial portion 21c, the 21d of arm member 12C, 12D below forming between upper side 12Cb, the 12Db of curve 20c, 20d and the plate 11.

In addition, as shown in figure 12, even in the present embodiment, also be to make the fore-and-aft direction position of point of inflection P1～P4 of curve 20a～20d side-play amount (D) be arranged on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up same as shown in Figure 4ly and different mutually, simultaneously, the size that makes wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d is different mutually on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D up.

And as shown in figure 10, the position that makes each arm member 12A～12D and the joint portion Wa～Wd of steering component 6 combinations has side-play amount (distance L ') on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D and different mutually up.

And, in the present embodiment, the bending direction of curve 20a, the 20b of arm member 12A, 12B and the curve 20c of below arm member 12C, 12D, the bending direction of 20d above considering, determine above-mentioned displacement (distance L '), to the direction skew opposite with the 1st embodiment, that is to say that top arm member 12A, 12B are biased to the side that is positioned at below arm member 12C, 12D.

Therefore, according to present embodiment, then curve 20a, the 20b of top arm member 12A, 12B are to deviating from the direction bending, simultaneously, curve 20c, the 20d of below arm member 12C, 12D is crooked downwards, though different with the concrete structure of the 1st embodiment in this, its action effect is identical with the 1st embodiment.

The 3rd embodiment

Figure 13～Figure 16 represents the 3rd embodiment of the present invention, to the component part mark identical Reference numeral identical with above-mentioned the 1st embodiment, omit repeat specification, Figure 13 is the block diagram of the installing condition of expression kneepad, Figure 14 is the exploded perspective view of kneepad, Figure 15 is the lateral plan of the installing condition of expression kneepad, and Figure 16 is the instruction diagram of the state of expression occupant knee collision kneepad.

As Figure 13～shown in Figure 15, the kneepad 10B of present embodiment also has the formation identical with the kneepad 10 of the 1st embodiment basically, have plate 11 and arm member 12A～12D, rear end at each arm member 12A～12D forms curve 20a～20d, forms wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d between above-mentioned curve 20a～20d and above-mentioned plate 11.

And, the main difference point of the kneepad 10B of present embodiment and the kneepad 10 of the 1st embodiment is: above-mentioned plate 11 is divided into 2 parts up and down, with top arm member 12A, 12B supporting upper plate 11U, and by below arm member 12C, 12D supporting lower plate 11L, and, as shown in figure 16, correspondingly dispose upper plate 11U, and correspondingly dispose lower plate 11L with the upper end height of the shin bone Sb of the occupant D that takes one's seat with the leading section height of the thigh Tb of the occupant D that takes one's seat.

Promptly, separated above-mentioned upper plate 11U and above-mentioned lower plate 11L are in joined near-earth configuration of above-below direction, by bolt 13 and nut 13a top arm member 12A, 12B top ends are combined with the both ends, the left and right sides of upper plate 11U, and, the top ends of below arm member 12C, 12D is combined with the both ends, the left and right sides of lower plate 11L by bolt 13 and nut 13a.Certainly, make the base end part of each arm member 12A～12D combine (joint portion Wa～Wd) with steering component 6 by welding.

At this moment, when occupant's knee Dn collides upper plate 11U and lower plate 11L, the antagonistic force that above-mentioned top arm member 12A, 12B and above-mentioned below arm member 12C, 12D produce respectively below the arm member place than above the arm member place little.

In addition, present embodiment is also identical with the 1st embodiment, curve 20a～20d that the rear end of each arm member 12A～12D forms with above and formation wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d between lower plate 11U, the 11L, and, as shown in figure 15, there is bias (distance D 1) the point of inflection P1～P4 fore-and-aft direction position that makes each curve 20a～20d on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D and different mutually up.

And, as Figure 13, shown in Figure 14, the curve 20a, the 20b that make top arm member 12A, 12B are respectively towards relative direction bending, and, the size that makes wedge-like spatial portion 21a～ 21d arm member 12A, 12B up is last different mutually with below arm member 12C, 12D, and there is bias (distance L) position that makes each arm member 12A～12D and joint portion Wa～Wd steering component 6 combinations on arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, the 12D and different mutually up.

By above-mentioned formation, according to present embodiment, certainly can obtain the action effect identical with the 1st embodiment, at above-below direction plate 11 is divided into 2 parts, dispose accordingly by top arm member 12A with the leading section height of the occupant D thigh Tb that takes one's seat, the upper plate 11U of 12B supporting, and, dispose accordingly by below arm member 12C with the upper end height of the occupant D shin bone Sb that takes one's seat, the lower plate 11L of 12D supporting, therefore, as shown in figure 16, when the knee Dn of occupant D collides plate 11, bear input from huckle Dt by upper plate 11U, can pass through top arm member 12A, 12B is delivered to steering component 6 with this load, thereby is dispersed in car body one side.In addition, bear input, can this load be delivered to steering component 6 by below arm member 12C, 12D, thereby be dispersed in car body one side from knee Dn by lower plate 11L.

; as described above plate 11 is being divided under the state of 2 parts up and down; the antagonistic force that makes below arm member 12C, the last generation of 12D is littler than top arm member 12A, 12B's; therefore; as shown in figure 16; (S2) moved in the shearing that can reduce thigh Tb and shin bone Sb, like this, can alleviate the damage for the ligament Li that connects thigh Tb and shin bone Sb.

The 4th embodiment

Figure 17～Figure 19 represents the 4th embodiment of the present invention, the Reference numeral identical to the component part mark identical with the respective embodiments described above omits repeat specification, and Figure 17 is the block diagram of the installing condition of expression kneepad, Figure 18 is the exploded perspective view of kneepad, and Figure 19 is 17 A-A amplification sectional view.

As Figure 17, shown in Figure 180, the kneepad 10C of present embodiment is basic identical with the kneepad 10 of the 1st embodiment, have plate 11 and arm member 12A～12D, rear end at each arm member 12A～12D forms curve 20a～20d, forms wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d between above-mentioned curve 20a～20d and above-mentioned plate 11.

And, the main difference point of the kneepad 10C of present embodiment and above-mentioned each embodiment is: be provided with and steering component 6 bonded assembly transom 12E, 12F, this transom 12E, 12F will be configured between the base end part of right-hand top arm member 12A of vehicle and below arm member 12C respectively and be configured in the top arm member 12B of vehicle left and the base end part of below arm member 12D between assemble, in addition, make the bending direction of above-mentioned curve 20a～20d different with the respective embodiments described above.

That is, make above-mentioned transom 12E, 12F form the rectangular-shaped tubulose in cross section, as shown in figure 19, right-hand top arm member 12A of vehicle and below arm member 12C base end part separately are overlapping with being configured in, and insert among the rear opening 12Ea of transom 12E; And, the top arm member 12B and the below arm member 12D base end part separately that are configured in the vehicle left is overlapping, insert among the rear opening 12Fa of transom 12F.

At this moment, right-hand arm member 12A, the 12C of vehicle combines by welding W respectively with transom 12F with arm member 12B, the 12D of transom 12E and vehicle left, and, combine by lining cement B mutually between overlapped arm member 12A and the base end part of 12C and between the base end part of arm member 12B and 12D.And the arm member 12A～12D of present embodiment compares with the above-mentioned arm member shown in the respective embodiments described above, has shortened base end part one side.

And, make the leading section of above-mentioned transom 12E, 12F be incorporated into steering component 6 by welding, (joint portion We, Wf) and, make the leading section of each arm member 12A～12D be incorporated into the back side of plate 11 by bolt 13 and nut 13a.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, bending direction for each curve 20a～20d, the curve 20a, the 20b that make top arm member 12A, 12B are towards the top bending, and, curve 20c, the 20d that makes below arm member 12C, 12D be towards away from each other direction bending, and promptly, the curve 20c that makes arm member 12C is towards right-hand bending, and the curve 20d that makes arm member 12D is towards the left bending.

At this moment, in the present embodiment, top arm member 12A, 12B reduce up and down width gradually and become the thin shape of front end to rear view of vehicle from base end part, and below arm member 12C, 12D reduce left and right sides width gradually and become the thin shape of front end to rear view of vehicle from base end part.

In addition, identical with the 1st enforcement direction, point of inflection P1, P2 with respect to curve 20a, the 20b of top arm member 12A, 12B, point of inflection P3, the P4 of curve 20c, 20d that makes below arm member 12C, 12D be to vehicle front (base end part direction) skew, make with below arm member 12C, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12D 21c, 21d greater than with top arm member 12A, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12B 21a, 21b.

Therefore, according to present embodiment, load F in the time of can the knee Dn of occupant D being collided plate 11 by top arm member 12A, 12B and below arm member 12C, 12D and then by transom 12E, 12F is delivered to steering component 6, thereby be dispersed in vehicle one side, at this moment, identical with the respective embodiments described above, owing to press the wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d that collapses, the energy in the time of can effectively absorbing collision.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the curve 20a, the 20b that make top arm member 12A, 12B are towards the top bending, and, make curve 20c, the 20d court direction bending away from each other of below arm member 12C, 12D, therefore, even make under the unfixed situation of the input direction of plate 11 in build and posture because of occupant D, also can control the load of considering occupant D tolerance, the injury when alleviating knee Dn collision.

And, identical with the 1st embodiment, since with the size of below arm member 12C, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12D 21c, 21d than big with top arm member 12A, the cooresponding wedge-like spatial portion of 12B 21a, 21b, therefore, load F is when being input to plate 11, and below wedge-like spatial portion 21c, 21d distortion is bigger, and these plate 11 bottoms are to big than top of the displacement of vehicle front, can reduce the shearing force of the joint generation of occupant D huckle Dt and knee Dn, thereby alleviate the lower limb burden.

The 5th embodiment

Figure 20～Figure 25 represents the 5th embodiment of the present invention, to the component part mark identical Reference numeral identical with above-mentioned the 1st embodiment, omit repeat specification, Figure 20 is provided with the block diagram of installing condition of the kneepad of antagonistic force optional feature for expression, Figure 21 is the block diagram of the operating state of expression antagonistic force optional feature, Figure 22 is the lateral plan of body forward structure, the installing condition that the various sensors of antagonistic force optional feature are controlled in expression, and Figure 23 is the instruction diagram of the control flow chart of expression antagonistic force optional feature.

In addition, Figure 24 detects the take one's seat lateral plan of method of state of occupant for expression by occupant sensor, and Figure 25 measures the instruction diagram of the measuring method of lower limb by occupant sensor for expression.

As shown in figure 20, the kneepad 10D of present embodiment is basic identical with the kneepad 10 (with reference to Fig. 2) of the 1st embodiment, have plate 11 and arm member 12A～12D, rear end at each arm member 12A～12D forms curve 20a～20d, forms wedge-like spatial portion 21a～21d between above-mentioned curve 20a～20d and above-mentioned plate 11.

And, as shown in figure 20, the main difference point of the kneepad 10D of present embodiment and above-mentioned the 1st embodiment is, be provided with to above-mentioned plate 11 additional antagonistic forces as the antagonistic force optional feature promptly, pair of right and left air bag device 30A, 30B, and, as shown in figure 22, be provided with: as detect occupant D take one's seat state occupant's state-detection parts occupant sensor 40, prediction and detect the crash sensor 41 of vehicle collision and as the control unit 42 of antagonistic force function unit.When collision detection, this control unit 42 is controlled the counteraction distribution and the size that append on the plate 11 from above-mentioned air bag device 30A, 30B in view of the state of taking one's seat of occupant D.

As shown in figure 20, above-mentioned air bag device 30A, 30B are installed on the steering component 6 as frame member in plate 11 the place aheads, and face mutually with the both ends, the left and right sides of this plate 11, and as shown in figure 21, control signal according to above-mentioned control unit 42 expands, launches respectively, independently the back side of stripper plate 11 (vehicle front side face) 11b.

As shown in figure 20, above-mentioned air bag device 30A, 30B have: with accommodation section 32A, the 32B that bag 31A, 31B (with reference to Figure 21) fold and hold, instantaneous to charging blower 33A, the 33B of each bag 31A, 31B supply as the gas of working fluid when collision.

And, right-hand air bag device 30A faces mutually with the right part of plate 11 (right side among Figure 20), be installed in the trailing flank of steering component 6 by hold-down bolt 34, and, the air bag device 30B of left faces mutually with the left part of plate 11 (left side among Figure 20), be installed in the trailing flank of steering component 6 by hold-down bolt 34, from above-mentioned control unit 42 separately to each charging blower 33A, 33B input action signal.

In addition, at the pressure regulating valve that is respectively arranged with to the path of bag 31A, 31B supply gas from above-mentioned charging blower 33A, 33B outside the figure, by each pressure regulating valve the gaseous tension in each bag 31A, 31B is regulated, from above-mentioned control unit 42 respectively to above-mentioned pressure regulating valve input pressure control signal.

Therefore, as shown in figure 21, when above-mentioned charging blower 33A, 33B work, bag 31A, 31B expand, launch, both ends, the left and right sides from back side 11b stripper plate 11, each arm member 12A～12D is out of shape because of the collision of knee Dn, can come regulating plate 11 will be pressed into this amount of being pressed into of vehicle front by the antagonistic force of safety air bag 30A, 30B.

At this moment, by the work of above-mentioned pressure regulating valve, suitably control action is in the distribution and the size of the antagonistic force at both ends, plate 11 left and right sides, thus inclination that can control desk 11, the position of correcting occupant D left and right sides knee Dn.

As shown in figure 22, for above-mentioned air bag device 30A, 30B, by the control signal of judging based on the detection signal of occupant sensor 40 and crash sensor 41 by control unit 42, the expansion of control bag 31A, 31B, as shown in figure 23, control unit 42 is implemented control according to diagram of circuit.

In addition, as shown in figure 22, the car speed sensor 43 detected vehicle speed signal beyond the sensor 40,41 are imported into this control unit 42, thus the acceleration/accel when calculating the motoring condition of vehicle and collision etc.

Above-mentioned occupant sensor 40 for example adopts CCD photographic camera or pick up camera to carry out image processing and detection like the position K3 to the waist Dw of position K2, the occupant D of position K1, the knee Dn of gauge panel 3 rearward end as shown in Figure 24, can detect the state of taking one's seat of occupant D thus.In addition, shown in Figure 25 (a)～(c),, detect overall width direction position and the fore-and-aft direction position of left and right sides lower limb knee Dn as occupant D knee Dn position.And, for convenience, Figure 24 represent with Figure 22 before and after towards opposite.

In addition, above-mentioned crash sensor 41 is equivalent in the present embodiment to detect the impact detection parts of the vehicle collision of the collision implemented or prediction, has collision prediction function and collision checking function.At this, for example implement collision prediction by the reflection that detects the place ahead emitting sound wave, in addition, for example implement impact detection by sense acceleration (deceleration/decel).

At this, if above-mentioned diagram of circuit as shown in figure 23 describes, then at first, when by opening igniting in step S1 during start system, in step S2 from occupant sensor 40 input detection signals and begin to detect the state of taking one's seat of occupant D, and in step S3,, begin to detect vehicle collision from crash sensor 41 input detection signals.

Then, in step S4, implement the prediction of vehicle collision, when having predicted collision (YES), in step S5, judge whether to correct the posture and obtain this degree of taking one's seat of occupant D based on the testing result of step S2.And, in step S6, judge the moment (YES) into actual collision, in step S7, difference is bag 31A, the 31B supply gas of air bag device 30A, 30B to the left and right, whether this gas that is supplied to becomes corresponding to needing corrects or corresponding to the air pressure of the degree of rectification the posture of taking one's seat that obtains among the step S5, implement correcting posture and impact absorption, system is termination work in step S8.

In step S4, after the prediction collision, before detection actual collision in step S6, carry out the circulation of step S4～S6 repeatedly.

According to as above structure, adopt present embodiment, identical with the 1st embodiment, when vehicle collision, when the knee Dn of occupant D has collided plate 11, this plate 11 is pressed into to vehicle front along with the distortion of each arm member 12A～12D, play the action effect identical with the 1st embodiment, especially in the present embodiment be provided with pair of right and left air bag device 3A, 30B, can be mandatory be attached to the antagonistic force on the plate 11 during the control collision, adjust femoral load of occupant D and kneed shear displacemant, in addition, the posture of taking one's seat of can control desk 11 correcting occupant D in the heeling condition of overall width direction.

Certainly, consider the characteristic of occupant D lower limb tolerance, the antagonistic force that is attached on the plate 11 by air bag device 30A, 30B is set.

Therefore, how the posture of taking one's seat of occupant D for example, can not be subjected to the occupant D bodily form in the time of can controlling collision, makes the posture that tilts to take one's seat get back to more suitably position, and the state when making the upper body collide the steering safety air bag rationalizes.

In addition, since adopted as above-mentioned antagonistic force optional feature pass through expand, expansion and air bag device 30A, the 30B of stripper plate 11 back side 11b independently, therefore, by controlling the relative effectively inclination of regulating plate 11 of interior pressure (gaseous tension) of above-mentioned air bag device 30A, 30B, and, dilated air bag device 30A, 30B, be that bag 31A, 31B have pooling feature in detail, therefore, also have the function of the impact when absorbing occupant D knee Dn and having collided plate 11, can effectively reduce damage occupant D lower limb.

Though show the situation of the kneepad 10 that is applicable to the 1st embodiment in the present embodiment, even but in the kneepad 10A of the 2nd embodiment and the 4th embodiment (with reference to Figure 10), 10C (with reference to Figure 17), can certainly use present embodiment, furtherly, even, can certainly use the present invention with the kneepad of the curve of the arm member 12A～12D direction bending beyond the 1st, the 2nd, the 4th embodiment.

The 6th embodiment

Figure 26～28 expressions the 6th embodiment of the present invention, to the component part mark identical Reference numeral identical with above-mentioned the 3rd embodiment, omit repeat specification, Figure 26 is provided with the block diagram of installing condition of the kneepad of antagonistic force optional feature for expression, Figure 27 measures the instruction diagram of the measuring method of lower limb for the block diagram of the operating state of expression antagonistic force optional feature, Figure 28 by occupant sensor for expression.

As shown in figure 26, the kneepad 10E of present embodiment is basic identical with the kneepad 10B (with reference to Figure 13) of the 3rd embodiment, plate 11 is divided into 2 parts up and down, by top arm member 12A, 12B supporting upper plate 11U, and by below arm member 12C, 12D supporting lower plate 11L, and, disposing upper plate 11U accordingly with the leading section height of the occupant D thigh Tb that takes one's seat, the upper end height with the occupant D shin bone Sb that takes one's seat disposes lower plate 11L (with reference to Figure 16) accordingly simultaneously.

And, as shown in figure 26, the main difference point of the kneepad 10E of present embodiment and the 3rd embodiment is: be provided with respectively to be divided into the additional antagonistic force of above-mentioned plate 11U, 11L up and down as the antagonistic force optional feature about and a pair of air bag device 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F up and down, make above-mentioned 4 air bag device 30C～30F work by control unit 42.

Certainly, above-mentioned control unit 42 is based on the information of the occupant sensor 40 shown in the 5th embodiment, crash sensor 41 (with reference to Figure 22), implement the processing identical with diagram of circuit shown in Figure 23, thereby judge the distribution and the size that append to the antagonistic force on upper and lower plates 11U, the 11L, obtain the posture of control occupant D when considering the lower limb of passenger tolerance.

But, above-mentioned air bag device 30C～3 0F of present embodiment are corresponding with upper and lower plates 11U, 11L, and it is controlled corresponding to the overall width direction both ends of above-mentioned plate 11U, 11L, therefore, and when detecting the state of taking one's seat of occupant D by above-mentioned occupant sensor 40, except detecting the left and right sides knee Dn shown in Figure 25 (a)～(c) the position of overall width direction, also shown in Figure 28 (a) and (b), detect fore-and-aft direction position and above-below direction position like that.

And, 2 air bag device 30C, 30D among above-mentioned air bag device 30C～30F are faced mutually with both ends, the upper plate 11U left and right sides, and, residue 2 air bag device 30E, 30F are faced mutually with both ends, the lower plate 11L left and right sides, and they are installed on the steering component 6 respectively by hold-down bolt 34, as shown in figure 27, control signal based on above-mentioned control unit 42 makes each air bag device 30C～30F expand, launch, and pushes the back side (vehicle front side face) 11b of upper and lower plates 11U, 11L independently.

Even in the present embodiment, above-mentioned safety air bag 30C～30F is also identical with the 5th embodiment, have respectively: folding bag 31C, 31D, 31E, 31F (with reference to Figure 27) and with its accommodation section 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F that holds, instantaneous to each bag 31C～charging blower 33C, 33D of 31F supply gas, 33E, 33F when collision.

In addition, at the pressure regulating valve that is respectively arranged with to the path of bag 31C～31F supply gas from above-mentioned charging blower 33C～33F outside the figure, the gaseous tension that imports to bag 31C～31F is regulated.

Therefore, even in the present embodiment, when above-mentioned charging blower 33C～33F works, as shown in figure 27, bag 31C～31F also expands, launches, both ends, the left and right sides from back side 11b extruding upper and lower plates 11U, 11L, can be by the antagonistic force of air bag device 30C～30F, adjusting is pressed into the upper and lower plates 11U of vehicle front, the amount of being pressed into of 11L because of knee Dn collision, and, by distribution and the size of controlling this antagonistic force, thus inclination that can control desk 11 and the position of correcting occupant D left and right sides knee Dn.

According to above-mentioned formation, adopt present embodiment, it is mathematical playing the action effect identical with the 3rd embodiment, similarly be provided as the air bag device 30C～30F of antagonistic force optional feature with the 5th embodiment, therefore, produce the antagonistic force that appends on upper and lower plates 11U, the 11L from safety air bag 30C～30F, can control the posture of occupant D when considering occupant D lower limb tolerance, the state in the time of can making upper body collision steering safety air bag in the restriction of colliding the Shi Bushou occupant D bodily form is more appropriate.

In addition,,, therefore, also have the function of the impact when absorbing occupant D knee Dn and having collided plate 11, can effectively reduce the damage of occupant D lower limb because above-mentioned air bag device 30C～30F has pooling feature even for present embodiment.

The 7th embodiment

Figure 29 represents the 7th embodiment of the present invention, to the component part mark identical Reference numeral identical with above-mentioned the 3rd embodiment, omits repeat specification, and Figure 29 is provided with the block diagram of the kneepad installing condition of antagonistic force optional feature for expression.

The kneepad 10F of present embodiment has added on the kneepad 10B of the 3rd embodiment and the different antagonistic force optional feature of the above-mentioned the 5th or the 6th embodiment.That is, in the present embodiment, the medium that is formed with the working medium of enclosing characteristic variations such as viscosity in each arm member 12A～12D inside is enclosed the space, adds antagonistic force by enclose working medium in this medium is enclosed the space.In addition, be provided as the dielectric property control setup 50 of antagonistic force function unit, this dielectric property control setup 50 with working medium as the fluid that can control its characteristic, make above-mentioned characteristic variations based on above-mentioned control signal.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, above-mentioned arm member 12A～12D forms the rectangular-shaped closed section in cross section, and its inside is the fully enclosed hollow form, and this hollow inside becomes above-mentioned medium and encloses the space.

And (for example, electric current flows through coil by making the characteristic variations that is sealing into the working medium in the above-mentioned medium inclosure space, produce magnetic field, increased viscosity), makes the stiffness change of each arm member 12A～12D, thereby can adjust the antagonistic force of each arm member 12A～12D.

Therefore, adopt present embodiment, identical with the 5th, the 6th embodiment, append to the counteraction on the plate 11 in the time of can controlling collision preferably, can adjust femoral load of occupant D and kneed shear displacemant, thus the posture of taking one's seat of can also control desk 11 correcting occupant D in the heeling condition of overall width direction.

And, show the situation of the kneepad 10C that is applicable to the 3rd embodiment in the present embodiment, certainly, in the kneepad 10 of the 1st, the 2nd embodiment and the 4th embodiment, 10B, 10D, also can use present embodiment.

Though the present invention has carried out casehistory in above-mentioned the 1st～the 7th embodiment, but be not limited to above-mentioned embodiment, in the scope that does not break away from main idea of the present invention, can adopt other various embodiments, for example, not only can be corresponding with the chaufeur seat, can also implement the present invention accordingly with codriver's seat.

Claims (14)

1. the energy when kneepad, this kneepad are used to absorb the collision of occupant's knee is made of following structure: the load input link, and when the occupant had forwards moved, knee was in contact with it; A plurality of arm members, they are connected the top and the bottom at both ends, the above-mentioned load input link left and right sides respectively with the frame member in vehicle body the place ahead, and these a plurality of arm members are paired at left and right directions and above-below direction;

Above-mentioned a plurality of arm member is formed with curve in the rear end of each arm member, is formed with the wedge-like spatial portion between above-mentioned curve and above-mentioned load input link;

And the fore-and-aft direction position of the point of inflection of above-mentioned curve is different mutually on arm member and the below arm member up.

2. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

The bending direction of the curve of above-mentioned a plurality of arm members is different mutually on arm member and the below arm member up.

3. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

The size of the wedge-like spatial portion that between curve and above-mentioned load input link, forms up arm member with below different mutually on the arm member.

4. kneepad according to claim 3, wherein,

Below the size of the wedge-like spatial portion that forms between greater than the curve of arm member up and above-mentioned load input link of the size of the wedge-like spatial portion that forms between the curve of arm member and the above-mentioned load input link.

5. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

The position of the joint portion between a plurality of arm members and the body framwork member is different mutually on arm member and the below arm member up.

6. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

Up and down or the direction of the wedge-like spatial portion that forms between the curve of pair of right and left arm member and the above-mentioned load input link different mutually.

7. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

Up and down or the fore-and-aft direction position of the point of inflection of pair of right and left arm member different mutually with at least one side in the left and right directions position.

8. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

Above-mentioned load input link is divided into 2 parts up and down; With top arm member supporting top load input link, and with the below arm member supporting below input link of loading; The load height of input link and the femoral leading section of occupant of taking one's seat of top is configured accordingly, the load height of input link and the upper end of occupant's shin bone of taking one's seat of below is configured accordingly.

9. kneepad according to claim 8, wherein,

Above occupant's knee has collided the load input link and below load during input link, making respectively the antagonistic force that produces on the arm member and below arm member up is that antagonistic force on the arm member of below is less than the antagonistic force on the arm member of top.

10. kneepad according to claim 1, wherein,

Also have antagonistic force optional feature, occupant's state-detection parts, impact detection parts and antagonistic force function unit; Above-mentioned antagonistic force optional feature is used for the additional antagonistic force of above-mentioned load input link; Above-mentioned occupant's state-detection parts are used to detect occupant's the state of taking one's seat; Above-mentioned impact detection parts are used for as the collision of reality or predict the collision that detects vehicle; In view of the state of taking the seat of occupant D, control appends to the distribution and the size of the antagonistic force on the load input link to above-mentioned antagonistic force function unit from above-mentioned antagonistic force optional feature when detecting collision.

11. kneepad according to claim 10, wherein,

Above-mentioned antagonistic force optional feature is made of a plurality of air bag devices, and these a plurality of air bag devices expand respectively, launch based on the control signal of above-mentioned antagonistic force function unit and the back side of nip load input link independently;

Practise physiognomy and be installed in over the ground on the frame member in load input link the place ahead in the both ends, the left and right sides of this air bag device and this load input link.

12. kneepad according to claim 10, wherein,

Above-mentioned antagonistic force optional feature is enclosed the additional antagonistic force of working medium in space by being sealing into medium, and this medium is enclosed the inside that the space is formed on each arm member;

Above-mentioned antagonistic force function unit is controlled antagonistic force by the characteristic variations that makes above-mentioned working medium.

13. the energy a when method for protecting lower limb of passenger, this method for protecting lower limb of passenger are used to absorb the collision of occupant's knee is characterized in that,

Load when having collided the load input link of kneepad with a plurality of arm members supporting knees, these a plurality of arm members are connected the top and the bottom at these both ends, load input link left and right sides respectively and are paired at left and right directions and above-below direction with the place ahead frame member; Rear end at each arm member forms curve, collapse by the pressure of the wedge-like spatial portion that between above-mentioned curve and above-mentioned load input link, forms and to absorb the energy in when collision, and, make the fore-and-aft direction position of point of inflection of above-mentioned curve different mutually on arm member and the below arm member up.

14. an automobile, this automobile have the kneepad of the energy when being used to absorb the collision of occupant's knee, wherein,

Kneepad has load input link and a plurality of arm member, above-mentioned load input link is used for the knee collision, and above-mentioned a plurality of arm members are connected the top and the bottom at these both ends, load input link left and right sides respectively and are paired at left and right directions and above-below direction with vehicle body the place ahead frame member;

Rear end at each arm member forms curve, forms the wedge-like spatial portion between above-mentioned curve and above-mentioned load input link; And, make the fore-and-aft direction position of point of inflection of above-mentioned curve different mutually on arm member and the below arm member up;

This kneepad is provided in the inboard of the bottom ornament that is positioned at lower limb of passenger knee the place ahead in the bottom of meter panel of motor vehicle.

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