GB2444248A

GB2444248A - A component for mounting an assist grip and deflecting an expanding airbag within a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2444248A
Application number: GB0623809A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Murray Johnson
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd
Priority date: 2006-11-29
Filing date: 2006-11-29
Publication date: 2008-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-29
Also published as: GB2444248B; GB0623809D0

Abstract

A vehicle structure or a component is provided for attachment to a vehicle structure, such as a cant rail along the side of the vehicle. The structure or component comprises a mounting 14 configured to attach an assist or hand grip to the structure. The mounting defines a stable deployment control surface 22 configured to deflect the deployment of a curtain airbag in a substantially downward direction between a vehicle occupant and the side of the vehicle. The deployment control surface may extend from the component or structure and be hollow so that it can be deflected towards the roof of a vehicle should it be struck by an occupant during an impact. The component may comprise a bracket secured to the cant rail (44, figure 3) of the vehicle by means of tangs 38, or the component may be pressed into an inner panel of the cant rail. The component may also comprise defection surfaces for further controlling the deployment of the airbag.

Description

1 2444248 VEHICLE STRUCTURES OR COMPONENTS DEF114ING A DEPLOYMENT

CONTROL SURFACE FOR AN AffiBAG This invention relates to vehicle airbag systems and in particular to a vehicle structure or component defining a deployment control surface for an airbag, especially a curtain airbag.

Increasingly stringent safety standards have resulted in the widespread adoption of curtain airbag systems in vehicles such as cars. Curtain airbag systems typically comprise an elongate airbag stowed behind the headlining or other interior trim panels to each side of a vehicle roof. The airbag is typically stowed under, within or inboard of longitudinal roof members (otherwise known as cant-rails') above the vehicle side windows.

The purpose of a curtain airbag is to improve protection against side impacts and roll-over impacts by inflating between the side windows of a vehicle and its occupants. This helps to protect the occupants against impact with the vehicle interior and intruding vehicle structures during a collision. It also helps to keep the occupants contained within the vehicle.

In order to work, a curtain airbag must inflate outboard of the occupants and inboard of the side windows and supporting structure. This requires careful control of deployment during the rapid inflation of the airbag, to ensure that the inflated airbag reaches its intended location quickly and reliably. In doing so, the airbag must avoid undesirable interaction with nearby vehicle components such as assist grips, otherwise known as grab handles, which are typically attached to the cant-rails. Also, where possible, interior trim panels and other components must not become detached and interact undesirably with the curtain airbag or the occupants during airbag deployment. Trim panels that conceal an airbag are usually designed to deflect aside as the airbag inflates but to remain anchored to the vehicle structure throughout.

Control of curtain airbag deployment may be effected to an extent by deployment control surfaces which are attached to or formed in the vehicle structure, typically along the cant-rails above the vehicle side windows. Deployment control surfaces typically take the form of reaction surfaces and/or deflection surfaces. Deflection surfaces are also known as ramps. Reaction surfaces are inclined to impart a desired generally downward movement to the curtain airbag in reaction to the inflation of the airbag, whereas deflection surfaces are inclined to deflect the airbag during deployment, so that it is deployed clear of, and hence is prevented from hanging' on items of vehicle trim.

Thereafter the airbag may be restrained by tethers or other attachments to the vehicle structure. Curtain airbags are typically stowed below reaction surfaces, and above deflection surfaces.

It is desirable to minimise the number of operations and components required to manufacture a vehicle. However, the provision of airbag deployment control surfaces may require additional components to be attached to the vehicle or curtain airbag assembly. For example, airbag mounting brackets may be adapted to provide deployment control surfaces.

It is against this background that the invention has been devised.

The invention resides in a vehicle structure or in a component for attachment to a vehicle structure, the structure or component comprising a mounting for attaching an assist grip to the structure, wherein the mounting defmes a deployment control surface for controlling the direction of deployment of a curtain airbag.

The deployment control surface may be a reaction surface for directing a curtain airbag in a generally downwards direction. Alternatively, the deployment control surface may be a deflection surface for deflecting the curtain airbag during deployment. In certain embodiments of the invention, the mounting may define both a reaction surface and a deflection surface.

The invention employs an assist grip mounting to perform the additional role of defining a deployment control surface for controlling the direction of deployment of a curtain airbag. In doing so, the invention minimises the number of operations and components necessary to make a vehicle. Additionally, the invention ensures that the assist grip itself will not adversely affect deployment of the airbag or become detached from the vehicle structure as the airbag inflates.

The deployment control surface may be adjacent to or in the vicinity of the mounting.

The deployment control surface may be a reaction surface that is suitably below the mounting when the structure or component is oriented in use. The deployment control surface may instead be a deflection surface below the curtain airbag, in use.

The mounting may be defined by a projecting part of the component or structure, and may comprise one or more holes in the projecting part. The deployment control surface may extend or depend from the projecting part, and the component or structure may be hollow behind the projecting part. Being hollow provides the advantage that the component may deflect towards the roof structure if struck by an occupant during an impact, thus absorbing some of the impact energy. Alternatively, or additionally, to absorb impact, the component may be formed from an energy-absorbing material and/or an assist grip, which is ultimately attached to the mounting, may be formed from a frangible material. Moreover, the device may be held in place by clips, adhesive, welding or other suitable securing means instead of being bolted to the vehicle body.

Where the invention is embodied in a vehicle structure, the mounting and its deployment control surface may be pressed into the inner panel of a cant-rail.

Conversely, where the invention is embodied in a component, that component may be a bracket further including means for attachment to a vehicle structure. The bracket may be formed by a metallic pressing, casting or extrusion or, alternatively, by a suitable polymeric material. The bracket may be a single-moulding.

The inventive concept encompasses a cant rail assembly having the structure or component of the invention as defined above mounted thereto or integral therewith.

The inventive concept also encompasses a vehicle having the structure or component of the invention as defined above.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bracket according to the invention, comprising a mounting for an assist grip, the mounting having a reaction surface for a curtain airbag; Figure 2 is art internal side view of a vehicle body structure with two brackets and a curtain airbag attached; Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the brackets of Figure 2, showing a curtain airbag located below the mounting and the reaction surface of the bracket; and Figure 4 is a schematic section through a cant-rail, bracket and curtain airbag, taken along the line A-A in Figure 3.

An assist grip mounting bracket 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1.

The bracket 10 is elongate and comprises a base plate 12 and a projecting part defining a mounting 14 for an assist grip (not shown). The mounting 14 projects from the base plate 12 and the bracket 10 is hollow behind the mounting 14. The mounting 14 has an arched central portion 16. In this example, the base plate 12 is substantially flat, however in general the base plate 12 is shaped to interface with the corresponding supporting structure to which it is mounted. The base plate 12 is interrupted in the region below the arch 16 to minimise materials. Thus, the base plate 12 is in two portions, one at each end of the bracket 10 or one to each side of the arch 16. A main surface 18 of the mounting 14 defines two square apertures 20 which are provided for receiving correspondingly-shaped anchor portions of an assist grip (not shown) when the bracket 10 is installed in a vehicle.

The bracket 10 includes a reaction surface 22 for directing a curtain airbag (not shown in Figure 1) in a generally downward direction when the airbag is deployed. The reaction surface 22 is defined at least partially by an overhanging surface of the mounting 14 which is indicated by the cross-hatched region in Figure 1. When the bracket 10 is attached to the body structure of a vehicle, the reaction surface 22 is oriented such that it is below the mounting 14.

The base plate 12 is provided with a bolt hole, shown here with a bolt 30, on each side of the mounting 14 for attaching the bracket 10 to the structure of a vehicle body. Three lobes 32 extend from an upper edge 34 of the mounting 14, and each lobe 32 is also provided with an aperture. Two tangs 38 extend from a lower edge 40 of the base plate 12, one on each portion of the base plate 12. The terms upper' and lower' are used to describe the relative orientation of the various features when the bracket 10 is installed in a vehicle and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

Figure 2 shows the assist grip mounting bracket 10 attached to a vehicle body structure 42. The part of the vehicle body structure 42 shown in Figure 2 comprises a cant-rail 44 with an A-pillar 46, a B-pillar 48 and a C-pillar 50 which support the cant-rail 44. The A and B pillars 46, 48 defme a front side-door aperture 52, and the B and C pillars 48, define a rear side-door aperture 54. A first bracket 10 is attached to a inner panel 56 of the cant-rail 44 above the front side-door aperture 52. A second bracket 1OA, identical to the first bracket 10, is located above the rear side-door aperture 54.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, attaching a bracket 10 to the cant-rail 44 involves positioning the tangs 38 in corresponding slots (not shown) in the inner panel 56 of the cant-rail 44. The tangs 38 facilitate the initial positioning of the bracket 10, and allow the bracket 10 to be installed using only one hand. The bracket 10 is then pivoted about the tangs 38 to bring the base plate 12 into contact with the inner panel 56 of the cant-rail 44. The bracket 10 is then secured to the cant-rail 44 using bolts 30 (Figure 3) which pass through the bolt holes in the base plate 12 and are received in corresponding holes (not shown) provided in the cant-rail 44. Pivoting the bracket about tangs 38 serves to tension the bracket against the cant-rail 44 once the bolts 30 are tightened.

This tensioning serves to prevent potential rattles between the bracket and the cant-rail in use.

When the vehicle is assembled, trim such as a headlining is placed over the brackets 10, WA, leaving the square apertures 20 exposed so that assist grips can be attached. The lobes 32 are provided for the attachment of a lighting harness (not shown).

Referring again to Figure 2, a curtain airbag 60, in its stowed State, is attached to the inner panel 56 of the cant-rail 44. The curtain airbag 60 extends along the cant-rail 44 above the front side-door aperture and rear side-door aperture 52, 54. The curtain airbag 60 is located below the mounting 14 and below the reaction surface 22, as best seen in Figure 3, which is a perspective view of one of the brackets 10 of Figure 2. The curtain airbag 60 is fastened to the inner panel 56 of the cant-rail 44 using a number of fasteners (not shown) located at intervals along the length of the curtain airbag 60. The arch 16 in the mounting 14 is provided to allow finger access to one of such fasteners.

Figure 4 is a schematic section through the cant-rail 44, bracket 10 and curtain airbag 60, taken along the line A-A in Figure 3. In use, when the curtain airbag 60 is deployed, the reaction surface 22 exerts a reaction force on the curtain airbag 60 in a generally downwards direction as indicated by the arrow in Figure 4.

When the brackets 10 are installed in a vehicle, the attached assist grips (not shown) will not interfere with deployment of the curtain airbag 60 because the curtain airbag 60 is stowed below the mountings 14 of the brackets 10, and the reaction surfaces 22 of the brackets 10 ensure a generally downwards deployment of the curtain airbag 60.

The bracket 10 may also include one or more deflection surfaces (not shown) in the form of one or more inwardly-extending ramps which extend from the lower edge 40 of the base plate 12. The curtain airbag 60 would be stowed between the reaction surface 22 and the one or more ramps. The ramps would be located above projecting items of vehicle trim, and the ramps would be inclined to deflect the curtain airbag clear of the items of vehicle trim during deployment.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, an assist grip mounting bracket is provided for installation below a stowed curtain airbag. This arrangement may be used in a tall vehicle such as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) or a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MIPV) where it is common for an assist grip to extend below a door aperture so that it can be seen when the door is opened and used by passengers to pull themselves into the vehicle. In this embodiment a curtain airbag is stowed above the mounting of the bracket and the bracket includes a deployment control surface also located above the mounting. The deployment control surface is a deflection surface in the form of an inwardly extending ramp which extends from an upper edge of the bracket and is inclined to deflect the airbag clear of the assist grip during deployment. In this example, the vehicle body structure such as a cant-rail may provide the reaction surface for directing the airbag generally downwards, or alternatively the bracket may include an integral reaction surface located above the stowed airbag for the same purpose.

Although the embodiments described above are separate components for attaching to the vehicle body structure, the invention can also be embodied in a part of the vehicle body structure. For example, a part of the cant-rail can be shaped to provide both the mounting for an assist grip, and one or more deployment control surfaces (whether they be reaction surfaces, deflection surfaces or both) for a curtain airbag. Many other variations are also possible within the ambit of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing specific description as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle structure or a component for attachment to a

vehicle structure, the structure or component comprising a mounting for attaching an assist grip to the structure, wherein the mounting defines a deployment control surface for controlling the direction of deployment of a curtain airbag.
2. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 1, wherein the mounting is defined by a projecting part of the component or structure.
3. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 2, wherein the deployment control surface extends from the projecting part.
4. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the component or structure is hollow behind the projecting part.
5. A vehicle structure or component of any preceding claim, wherein the deployment control surface is adjacent to the mounting.
6. The vehicle structure or component of any preceding claim, wherein the deployment control surface is a reaction surface arranged to direct the curtain airbag in a generally downward direction on deployment.
7. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 6, wherein the reaction surface is above the curtain airbag, in use.
8. The vehicle structure or component of any preceding claim comprising a deflection surface arranged to deflect the curtain airbag during deployment, said deflection surface serving as a further deployment control surface.
9. The vehicle structure or component of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the deployment control surface is a deflection surface arranged to deflect the curtain airbag during deployment.
10. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 9, wherein the deflection surface is below the curtain airbag, in use.
11. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 9 or Claim 10, further comprising a reaction surface arranged to direct the curtain airbag in a generally downwards direction on deployment.
12. The vehicle component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is a bracket and the bracket includes means for attachment to a vehicle structure.
13. The vehicle component of Claim 12, wherein the bracket comprises tangs which extend from a lower edge of the bracket, the tangs being deformed when the bracket is attached to the vehicle structure so that the bracket is held to the vehicle structure in tension when pivoted about the tangs.
14. A cant-rail assembly comprising the bracket of Claim 12 or Claim 13 mounted thereto or integral therewith.
15. The vehicle structure of any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the mounting and the deployment control surface are pressed into an inner panel of a cant-rail.
16. A vehicle having the structure or component of any preceding claim.
17. A vehicle structure or a component for attachment to a vehicle structure, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings. * 0 * *.* **. * * **.

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17. The vehicle of Claim 16, further comprising a stowed curtain airbag disposed generally adjacent to the deployment control surface.

18. A vehicle structure or a component for attachment to a vehicle structure, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows

1. A vehicle structure or a component for attachment to a vehicle structure, the structure or component comprising a mounting configured to attach an assist grip to the structure, wherein the mounting defines a stable deployment control surface configured to deflect the deployment of a curtain airbag in a substantially downward direction between a vehicle occupant and the side of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 1, wherein the mounting is defined by a projecting part of the component or structure.

3. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 2, wherein the deployment control surface extends from the projecting part.

4. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the component or structure is hollow behind the projecting part.

5. A vehicle structure or component of any preceding claim, wherein the deployment control surface is adjacent to the mounting.

6. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 5, wherein the reaction surface is above the curtain airbag, in use.

7. The vehicle structure or component of any preceding claim comprising a deflection surface arranged to deflect the curtain airbag during deployment, said deflection surface serving as a further deployment control surface. *5 * I

8 The vehicle Structure or component of any one of Claims I to 5, wherein the deployment control surface is a deflection surface arranged to deflect the curtain airbag during * In,1 I uepiOymefl * .

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9. Ihe vehicle structure or component of Claim 8, wherein the deflection surface is below the curtain airbag, in use.

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10. The vehicle structure or component of Claim 8 or Claim 9, further comprising a reaction surface arranged to direct the curtain airbag in a generally downwards direction on deployment. "S..

11. The vehicle component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is a bracket and the bracket includes means for attachment to a vehicle structure.

12. The vehicle component of Claim 11, wherein the bracket comprises tangs which extend from a lower edge of the bracket, the tangs being deformed when the bracket is attached to the vehicle structure so that the bracket is held to the vehicle structure in tension when pivoted about the tangs.

13. A cant-rail assembly comprising the bracket of Claim II or Claim 12 mounted thereto or integral therewith.

14. The vehicle structure of any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the mounting and the deployment control surface are pressed into an inner panel of a cant-rail.

15. A vehicle having the structure or component of any preceding claim.

16. The vehicle of Claim 15, further comprising a stowed curtain airbag disposed generally adjacent to the deployment control surface.