GB2314304A

GB2314304A - Airbag module cover member

Info

Publication number: GB2314304A
Application number: GB9715536A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kazuhiko Yamakawa; Takayasu Zushi
Original assignee: Takata Corp
Current assignee: Takata Corp
Priority date: 1994-03-18
Filing date: 1994-06-30
Publication date: 1997-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2014-06-30
Also published as: GB2314304B; GB2314305A; GB9715538D0; GB2314305B; GB9715536D0

Abstract

An airbag cover member 70B is provided with a first tear line 75B formed in its rear surface and second tear lines 76B continuing from the first tear line and orthogonal to that first tear line, wherein ribs 80 are provided along the outside of the second tear lines. Adapter members 71B, 72B may be provided parallel to the first tear line and the second tear lines may extend to said adapter members. The ribs may also continue to said adapter members. Stop holes 81 may be provided at the end portions of the second tear lines.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION MODULE COVER FOR AIR BAG DEVICE BACXGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a module cover for an air bag device for a driver which is mounted on a steering wheel of an automobile, a module cover for an air bag device for a passenger which is installed in the instrument panel or the like of an automobile and a module cover for an air bag device for a rear seat occupant. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air bag device improved so that the module cover is torn open exactly along a tear line provided thereon when the air bag extends.

Description of the Related Art A conventional air bag device for a driver and the module cover thereof will be explained with reference to Figs. 3 to 6.

As shown in Fig. 3, an air bag device 12 for a driver is provided at the central portion of a steering wheel 10 of a motor vehicle.The air bag device 12 for a driver is composed of an inflator and an air bag attached to an adapter plate which is generally called a retainer, and a module cover 14 provided in such a manner as to cover the inflator, the air bag and the retainer. Engaging portions 18, 20, 22 and 24 which are engaged with a spoke 16 are formed on the side surfaces of the module cover 14, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The module cover 14 is formed of a synthetic resin.

The module cover 14 may include a reinforcing material such as a mesh embedded therein. The module cover 14 is provided with tear lines along which the module cover 14 is to be torn open.

The tear lines include a first tear line 28 provided along the center of the module cover 14 in the transverse direction of a vehicle body and second tear lines 30, 32 provided along the side edges of the module cover 14 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When the "longitudinal" direction or the "transverse" direction of the vehicle body is referred to in this specification, it is assumed that the steering wheel 10 is at the position for straight forward drive. The second tear lines 30, 32 are provided along and at a short distance from adapter members 34, 36 for fixing the module cover 14 to the retainer (not shown). The thickness of the module cover 14 at the portions 100, 200 outside of the second tear lines 30, 32 are equal to the thickness of the portions 300, 400 between the second tear lines 30, 32. The thickness of the adapter members 34, 36 are also equal to the thickness of these portions 100, 200, 300 and 400.

The tear line is produced, for example, by forming a continuous groove or aligned hollows along a line where the module cover is to be torn open. In some module covers, the depth of the groove is increased at some portions. In some two-layered module covers consisting of a hard-material layer and a soft-material layer, slits are formed on the hard-material layer along the lines along which the module cover is to be torn open.

At the time of a collision of an automobile with such an air bag device installed therein, the inflator (gas generator) is operated so as to extend the air bag. The module cover 14 is first torn open along the first tear line 28, and the tearing operation propagates to the second tear lines 30, 32. Accordingly the module cover 14 is largely torn open as indicated by the arrows of two dotted line in Fig. 3, so that the air bag extends largely in a cabin.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional air bag device for a passenger or a rear seat occupant seen from the back side thereof, and Fig. 10 is a schematic sectional view of the air bag device shown in Fig. 9 in the operational state.

A module cover 70 is substantially rectangular, and adapter members 71, 72 are attached to the back surface of a plate-like cover member (lid portion) 70a in such a manner as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the module cover 70.

The module cover 70 is attached to the front surface of a container 73 of the air bag device, as shown in Fig. 10.

When an inflator 74 is operated so as to inject gas and extend an air bag 79, the module cover 70 is torn open along the first and second tear lines 75, 76, and the air bag 79 extends largely in the cabin.

The first tear line 75 extends in the transverse direction of a vehicle body and the second tear lines 76 extend in the direction (longitudinal or vertical direction of the vehicle body) orthogonal to the transverse direction.

In the module cover 70 shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the tear lines 75, 76 are provided in the shape of H. In contrast, in a module cover 70A shown in Fig. 11, tear lines 77, 78 are formed in the shape of U. In this case, the module cover 70A is torn open as shown in Fig. 12 when the air bag extends.

The thickness of the cover member (lid portions) 70a of each of the module covers 70 and 70A is uniform as a whole.

Each-of the module covers 70 and 70A is formed of a synthetic resin. A reinforcing material such as a mesh may be embedded therein.

As described above, in a conventional air bag device, when the air bag extends, the module cover is first torn open along the first tear line, and the tearing operation propagates to the second tear lines, so that the module cover is largely torn open.

However, since the first tear line and the second tear lines are approximately orthogonal at the intersecting portions, there is a fear that the tearing operation progressing along the first tear line progresses inertially on the module cover in the transverse direction of the vehicle body without changing the course.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above-described problem in the related art and to provide a module cover for an air bag device which ensures the tearing operation progressing along a first tear line to change the course at the intersecting portions of the first and second tear lines and to be rapidly relayed to the second tear lines.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a module cover for an air bag device which can be attached to a retainer with a higher strength.

To achieve this aim, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; adapter members which are projected from the back surface of the cover member so as to attach the cover member to the container; and tear lines which are provided on the back surface of the cover member so as to tear the cover member open there along when the air bag extends; wherein the thickness of the adapter members is larger than the thickness of the cover member.

In a module cover for an air bag device provided in a second aspect of the present invention, the tear lines include a first tear line which extends in the transverse direction of a vehicle body and second tear lines which are continued from the first tear line and which extend in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the vehicle body; at least a part of the adapter members are extended in the longitudinal direction or the vertical direction of the vehicle body; the second tear lines are provided on the inside of the adapter members which extend in the longitudinal or the vertical direction of the vehicle body directly along the base end portions of the adapter members; and the intersecting portions of the first tear line and the second tear lines are disposed at positions along the base end portions.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; adapter members which are projected from the back surface of the cover member so as to attach the cover member to the container; and tear lines which are provided on the back surface of the cover member so as to tear the cover member open therealong when the air bag is inflated; wherein the tear lines include a first tear line which extends in the transverse direction of a vehicle body and second tear lines which are continued from the first tear line and which extend in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the vehicle body; at least a part of the adapter members are extended in the longitudinal direction or the vertical direction of the vehicle body; the second tear lines are provided at a short distance from the adapter members which extend in the longitudinal or the vertical direction of the vehicle body; and the thickness of the cover member at the portion between each of the adapter members which extend in the longitudinal or the vertical direction of the vehicle body and each of the second tear lines is larger than at the portion between the second tear lines.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; a first tear line which is provided on the back surface of the cover member in such a manner as to extend in the transverse direction of a vehicle body; and second tear lines which continue from the first tear line and which are provided on both side end portions of the cover member in such a manner as to extend in the direction orthogonal to the transverse direction of the vehicle body; wherein the thickness of the cover member at the portions outside of the second tear lines is larger than at the portion between the second tear lines.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; a first tear line which is - provided on the back surface of the cover member in such a manner as to extend in the transverse direction of a vehicle body; second tear lines which continue from the first tear line and which are provided on both side end portions of the cover member in such a manner as to extend in the direction orthogonal to the transverse direction of the vehicle body; and ribs provided along the second tear lines on the outside thereof.

In the module cover for an air bag device provided in the first aspect of the present invention, since the adapter members have a large thickness, the strength with which the module cover is fixed to a retainer is high. Even if the tearing operation along the first tear line progresses beyond the second tear lines, when the tear hits against the adapter members having a large thickness, the adapter members block a further progress of the tearing operation.

The force to tear the module cover (force applied to the back surface of the module cover by the air bag on extension) is concentrated on the second tear lines, so that the second tear lines are rapidly torn open.

In the module cover for an air bag device provided in the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, when the tearing operation proceeding along the first tear line reaches the intersecting portions of the first tear line and the second tear lines, the adapter members (second aspect) or the ribs (fifth aspect) block the progress of the tearing operation like a large wall. Since the adapter members have a large thickness, they are not substantially torn. Therefore, a further progress of the tearing operation is blocked by the adapter members and is relayed to the second tear lines. Since the second tear lines are directly along the base end portions of the adapter members, the tearing operation smoothly progresses as if it were guided by the adapter members.

In the module cover for an air bag device provided in the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, when the tearing operation proceeding along the first tear line reaches the intersecting portions of the first tear line and the second tear lines, since the portions having a large thickness exist in front of the intersecting portions, the tearing operation rapidly changes the course to the second tear lines and progresses along the second tear lines.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of the preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a module cover for an air bag device for a driver according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, taken along the line II - II.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a conventional air bag device for a driver; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional module cover for an air bag device for a driver; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a conventional air bag device for a driver seen from the back side thereof; Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the conventional air bag device for a driver shown in Fig. 5, taken along the line VI - VI; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a module cover for an air bag device for a driver according to the present invention; Fig 8 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, taken along the line VIII - VIII; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional module cover for a passenger or a rear seat occupant air bag device; Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the conventional module cover shown in Fig. 9 in a torn-open state; Fig. Il is a perspective view of another conventional module cover for a passenger or a rear seat occupant; Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the conventional module cover shown in Fig. 11 in a torn-open state; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a module cover for an air bag device according to the present invention; Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the area shown with w XIV " in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a module cover for an air bag device according to the present invention; and Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the part along the n XVI-XVI " line in fig. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a module cover for an air bag device according to the present invention will be explained hereinunder with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an air bag device for a driver 14A seen from the back side thereof, and Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, taken along the line II - II.

The module cover 14A is produced by the injection molding of a synthetic resin. In this embodiment, second tear lines 30A, 32A are provided directly along the base end portions of adapter members 34A, 36A. The thickness d4 of the adapter members 34A, 36A is larger than the thickness d5 of the portions 300A, 400A. The other structure is the same as in the conventional air bag device for a driver shown in Figs. 3 to 5, and the same elements are represented by the same numerals suffixed by A, explanation thereof being omitted.

In this embodiment, when the air bag extends and presses the module cover 14A from the back surface thereof, the first tear line 28A is first torn open and the tearing operation proceeds in the transverse direction When the tearing operation reaches the intersecting portions 30a and 32a of the tear line 28A and the tear lines 30A, 32A, the adapter members 34A, 36A block the progress of the tearing operation like a large wall. In addition, since the adapter members 34A, 36A have a large thickness, the tearing operation is substantially interrupted at these portions. The tearing operation therefore rapidly changes the course at right angles so as to tear the second tear lines 30A, 32A.

As a result, the module cover 14A is torn open exactly along the tear lines 28A, 30A and 32A.

Since the adapter members 34A, 36A have a large thickness, the strength and the rigidity thereof are high, so that it is possible to firmly fix the module cover 14A to a retainer (not shown).

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a module cover 14B according to the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a sectional view thereof, taken along the line VIII - VIII.

In this embodiment, second tear lines 30B, 32B are provided at a short distance from adapter members 34B, 36B.

The thickness d7 of the module cover 14B at the portions (the portion between each of the tear lines 30B and 32B and each of the adapter pieces 34B and 36B) 100B, 200B outside of the second tear lines 30B, 32B is larger than the thickness d6 at the portions 300B, 400B between the second tear lines 30B, 32B. The thickness d8 of the adapter members 34B, 36B is larger than the thickness d7 of these portions 100B, 2OOB. That is, the relationship d8 > d7 > d6 holds.

In the module cover 14B having the above-described structure, the tearing operation linearly proceeding along a first tear line 28B toward the intersecting portions 30a, 32a of the first and second tear lines 28B, 30B, 32B cannot linearly proceed beyond the intersecting portions 30a, 32a because the thickness d7 of the portions lOOB, 200B is large, and therefore rapidly changes the course at right angles. In this way, the second tear lines 30A, 32A begin to be torn open.

Even if the tearing force proceeding along the first tear line 28B toward the intersecting portions 30a, 32a is so strong that a crack is caused in the portions lOOB and 200B, the tearing operation scarcely proceeds from the crack. Even if the tearing operation should proceed from the crack, when it reaches the adapter members 34B, 36B, it stops. This is because that the thickness d8 of the adapter members 34B, 36B iS larger than the thickness d7 of these portions 100B, 200B.

As a result of various experiments, it has been found that in the module cover 14A shown in Figs. 1 and 2, if the thickness d4 of the adapter members 34A, 36A of is assumed to be 100%, the thickness d5 of the portions 300A, 400A is preferably 40 to 99%, more preferably 50 to 90%. It has also been found that the thickness of module cover 14A at the deepest portion of the tear lines 28A, 30A and 32A is preferably 10 to 39%, more preferably 20 to 30% if d4 is assumed to be 100%.

It has been found that in the module cover 14B shown in Figs. 7 and 8, if the thickness d8 of the adapter members 34B, 36B is assumed to be 100%, the thickness d7 of the portions BOOB, 200B is preferably 70 to 99% and the thickness d6 of the portions 300B, 400B is preferably 40 to 69%.

It has also been found that the thickness of the module cover 14B at the deepest portion of the tear lines 28B, 30B and 32B is preferably 10 to 39t, if d8 is assumed to be 100%.

It has been found that when adapter members 36a, 36b have retaining portions 37A (37B),and adapter members 36c and 36d are used in the module cover 14A (14B) shown in Fig. 1 (7), the thickness of the adapter members 36a, 36b is preferably 5 to 20% larger than the thickness of the adapter members 36c, 36d. This is because when the air bag is extending,a larger force is applied to the adapter members 36a, 36b than to the adapter members 36c, 36d.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a module cover for an air bag device according to the present invention. This embodiment is a module cover 70B for a passenger or a rear seat occupant seen from the back side thereof, and Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective partially sectional view of the portion XIV of the module cover 70B shown in Fig. 13.

The module cover 70B is provided with ribs 80 which extend along the second tear lines 76B on the outside thereof. Stop holes 81 are provided at the end portions of the second tear lines 76B. The stop holes 81 have a function of blocking a further tearing operation of the second tear lines 76B.

The ribs 80 are continued from adapter members 71B, 72B. The ribs 80 are gently curved in the vicinity of the adapter members 71B, 72B, and the tear lines 7GB are also curved along the ribs 80.

The other structure is the same as in the module cover 70 shown in Fig. 9, and the same elements are represented by the same numerals suffixed by B.

In the module cover 70B shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the tearing operation which has proceeded along the first tear line 75B is blocked by the ribs 80 and is rapidly relayed to the second tear lines 76B without proceeding straight beyond the second tear lines 7GB.

Figs. 15 and 16 show a further embodiment of a module cover for an air bag device according to the present inven tion. A module cover 70C is provided with thick-walled portions 82 on the outside of second tear lines 76C, and Fig. 16 is a perspective sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, taken along the line XVI - XVI.

In this embodiment, the tearing operation which has proceeded along a first tear line 75C is blocked by the thick-walled portions 82 and is rapidly relayed to the second tear lines 7GC.

The other structure is the same as in the module cover 70 shown in Fig. 9, and the same elements are represented by the same numerals suffixed by C. The thick-walled portions 82 may be provided in a wider range than in Figs. 15 and 16.

Although the tear lines are provided in the shape of H in Figs. 13 to 16, the present invention is also applicable to a module cover having tear lines provided in the shape of U as in Figs. 11 and 12.

As described above, according to a module cover for an air bag device of the present invention, when the air bag device is operated and the air bag extends, the module cover is torn open exactly along the first tear line and the second tear lines, so that the air bag extends largely in the cabin with rapidity and with certainty. In addition, the strength with which the module cover is fixed to the retainer is very high.

While there has been described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; a first tear line which is provided on the back surface of said cover member in such a manner as to extend in the transverse direction of a vehicle body; second tear lines which continue from said first tear line and which are provided on both side end portions of said cover member in such a manner as to extend in the direction orthogonal to the transverse direction of said vehicle body; and ribs provided along said second tear lines on the outside thereof.

2. A module cover according to claim 1, wherein adapter members which extend in parallel with said first tear line are projected from the back surface of said cover member, and the end portions of said second tear lines reach said adapter members.

3. A module cover according to claim 2, wherein ribs are continued to said adapter members.

4. A module cover for an air bag device comprising; a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; adapter members which are projected from the back surface of said cover member so as to attach said cover member to said container; and tear lines which are provided on the back surface of said cover member so as to tear said cover member open therealong when said air bag extends; wherein the thickness d4 of said adapter members is larger than the thickness d5 of said cover member.

5. A module cover for an air bag device according to claim 4, wherein said tear lines include a first tear line which extends in the transverse direction of a vehicle body and second tear lines which are continued from said first tear line and which extend in the longitudinal or vertical direction of said vehicle body; at least a part of said adapter members are extended in the longitudinal direction or the vertical direction of said vehicle body; said second tear lines are provided directly on the inside of said adapter members which extend in the longitudinal or the vertical direction of said vehicle body along the base end portions of said adapter members; and the intersecting portions of said first tear line and said second tear lines are disposed at positions along said base end portions.

6. A module cover according to claim 4, wherein the ratio d5/d4 of the thickness d4 of said adapter members and the thickness d5 of said cover member is 44 to 99%.

7. A module cover according to claim 4, wherein the ratio d5/d4 of the thickness d4 of said adapter members and the thickness d5 of said cover member is 50 to 90As.

8. A module cover according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of said cover member at the deepest portion of said tear lines is 10 to 39% of the thickness d4 of said adapter members.

9. A module cover according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of said cover member at the deepest portion of said tear lines is 20 to 30% of the thickness d4 of said adapter members.

10. A module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; adapter members which are projected from the back surface of said cover member so as to attach said cover member to said container; and tear lines which are provided on the back surface of said cover member so as to tear said cover member open therealong when said air bag extends; said tear lines including a first tear line which extends in the transverse direction of a vehicle body and second tear lines which are continued from said first tear line and which extend in the longitudinal or vertical direction of said vehicle body; wherein at least part of said adapter members are extended in the longitudinal direction of the vertical direction of said vehicle body; said second tear lines are provided at a short distance from said adapter members which extend in the longitudinal or the vertical direction of said vehicle body; and the thickness d, of the portion of said cover member between each of said adapter members which extend in the longitudinal or the vertical direction of said vehicle body and each of said second tear lines is larger than the thickness d6 of the portion of said cover member between said tear lines.

11. A module cover for an air bag device comprising: a cover member for covering an air bag fixed to a container; a first tear line which are provided on the back surface of said cover member in such a manner as to extend in the transverse direction of a vehicle body; and second tear lines which continue from said first tear line and which are provided on both side end portions of said cover member in such a manner as to extend in the direction orthogonal to the transverse direction of said vehicle body; wherein the thickness of the portions outside of said second tear lines is larger than the thickness of the portion between said second tear lines.

12. A module cover according to claim 10, wherein, if it is assumed that the thickness d8 of said adapter members is 100%, the thickness d7 of said portion of said cover member between each of said adapter members and each of said second tear lines is 70 to 99%; the thickness d6 of said portion between said second tear lines is 40 to 69%; and the thickness of said module cover at the deepest portion of said tear line is 10 to 39%.

13. A module cover according to claim 11, wherein thickwalled portions are provided on said cover member on the outside of said second tear lines in the vicinity of the intersecting portions of said first tear line and said second tear lines.

14. A module cover according to claim 12, wherein said thick-walled portions are provided along said second tear lines.

15. A module cover according to claim 11, wherein adapter members which extend in parallel with said first tear line are projected from the back surface of said cover member, and the end portions of said second tear lines reach said adapter members.

16. A module cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and any of Figures 1 and 2; or Figures 13 and 14; or Figures 15 and 16 of the drawings.