JP2000313299A - Air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air bag device capable of performing normal expansion without becoming too high in pressure even when an upper surface of a module cover is shut for some reason at expansion of the air bag. SOLUTION: This air bag device comprises a retainer 30 for retaining an inflator 50, a bag 10 provided with covering the inflator 50 on the retainer 30, a module cover 20 for covering the bag 10, and a pressure plate placed on the module cover 20, and the module cover 20 is formed with a connecting part 23 for connecting to the pressure plate which is formed so as to be deformed when specified force is exerted thereon.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag device, and more particularly, to an airbag device with improved bag deployment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an airbag device, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, an inflator 100, a retainer 110 holding the inflator 100, and an inflator 10 are provided.
The bag 120 which is folded by covering the gas outlet 101 of No. 0, a bag ring 130 connecting the bag 120 to the inflator 100, and the bag 120 is attached to the retainer 110 by the bag ring 130.
2. Description of the Related Art An airbag device including a module cover 140 that covers an airbag and an inflator 100 is known. Then, a holding plate,
Alternatively, a technique in which a horn mechanism for blowing a horn is provided is known.

In the above-described airbag device, the retainer 110
The cover attachment portion 111 formed on the module cover 140 and the coupling portion 141 of the module cover 140 are fixed to each other with a fixing tool 151 such as a rivet.
And retainer 110 and module cover 1
40.

The horn mechanism has a contact plate provided on the steering wheel side and a horn plate provided on the airbag module side.
The horn plate is attached to the module cover by a connecting tool such as a screw. The contact plate is fixed to the steering wheel and connected to the horn plate by a connecting tool such as a screw. Also,
An elastic material such as a coil spring is disposed between the contact plate and the horn plate.

[0005]

In the above-described airbag apparatus, if the upper surface of the module cover 140 (that is, the opening surface of the cover) is closed for some reason, the module cover 140 will not be sufficiently covered. Techniques have been proposed that devise a bag folding method or adjust the output of the inflator 100 so as to perform cleavage.

Generally, the operation of the airbag device is to inflate the bag 120 by gas generated from the inflator 100, and the pressure of the gas causes the tear (thin portion) of the module cover 140 to move as shown in FIG. ) Is broken, the gas is filled into the bag 120, and the bag 120 is deployed. At this time, the retainer 110
It holds the inflator 100, the bag 120, and the like, and plays a role of receiving a reaction force of the bag 120 at the time of deployment.

On the other hand, when the upper surface of the module cover 140 is closed for some reason (for example, when the upper surface of the module cover 140 is closed by an occupant's body), the module cover is closed. 140 is in a state where it is difficult to cleave.

In this state, when the airbag device is operated, the bag 120 is continuously filled with gas while the module cover 140, which is normally torn, is prevented from being torn, and the internal pressure of the bag 120 increases. Therefore, when the bag 120 is subsequently deployed, the bag 120 is cleaved with a deployment force much larger than a normal deployment force, and the bag 120 is deployed more strongly than usual.

An object of the present invention is to provide an airbag in which normal deployment is performed without excessively increasing the bag pressure even when the upper surface of the module cover is closed for some reason when the airbag is deployed. It is to provide a device. It is another object of the present invention to provide an airbag device that can expand a bag largely even when the upper surface of a module cover is closed for some reason when the airbag is expanded.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed on the retainer to cover the inflator, and a module cover for covering the bag. And a press plate disposed on the module cover, wherein the module cover has a connection portion with the press plate, and the press plate is subjected to a predetermined force. The problem is solved by being formed to be deformed.

As described above, since the pressing plate provided on the module cover is configured to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied, the upper surface of the module cover is closed for some reason when the airbag is deployed. In such a case, the pressing plate is deformed, so that the module cover can be deformed, the inflation of the bag is ensured, and then the cleavage of the module cover can be ensured. For this reason, it is possible to deploy the bag without increasing the bag pressure.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed on the retainer so as to cover the inflator, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for covering the bag. A press plate disposed on a cover, wherein the module cover has a connection portion with the press plate, and a weak portion is formed on a portion of the press plate, The pressing plate is formed so as to be deformed from the fragile portion when a predetermined force is applied.

As described above, by forming the fragile portion in a part of the holding plate, the holding plate can be deformed even when the holding plate is formed of a material having high rigidity. Vulnerable parts, for example,
It is preferable to form the same or different through holes formed continuously and intermittently, a thin portion continuously or intermittently formed, or a slit continuously or intermittently formed. Alternatively, the fragile portion is continuously or intermittently formed to have a smaller width than other portions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for covering the bag. A press plate disposed on the cover, wherein the module cover is provided with a plurality of connecting portions with the press plate, and between the connecting portions, the press plate; This problem is solved by providing a gap between the module cover and the module cover, and in the gap, the holding plate is formed to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied.

As described above, if a gap is provided between the module cover and the holding plate between the connecting portion between the module cover and the holding plate, when a predetermined force is applied to the holding plate, The holding plate can be deformed in the gap. The deformation of the holding plate enables the deformation of the module cover, and the inflation of the bag is ensured.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for covering the bag. A press plate disposed in the module cover, wherein the module cover is provided with a plurality of connecting portions with the press plate, between the connecting portions, the press plate, A gap is provided between the cover and the module cover, and a weak portion is formed in a part of the holding plate located between the connecting portions. When a predetermined force is applied to the holding plate, the weak portion is formed in the gap. Is formed so as to be deformed from the above.

As described above, the fragile portion is formed in a part of the holding plate, and a gap is provided between the module cover and the holding plate between the connecting portion of the module cover and the holding plate. Then, when a predetermined force is applied to the holding plate, the holding plate can be more reliably deformed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed on the retainer to cover the inflator, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for covering the bag. And a horn mechanism to be arranged,
In the module cover, a connection portion with a horn plate is formed, and the horn mechanism includes the horn plate, a contact plate connected through a resilient material,
And the horn plate is formed so as to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied.

As described above, the horn plate constituting the horn mechanism is configured to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied to the module cover, so that the upper surface of the module cover is closed for some reason when the airbag is deployed. In such a case, the horn plate is deformed to allow the module cover to be deformed, to secure the inflation of the bag, and then to ensure that the module cover is torn. For this reason, it is possible to deploy the bag without increasing the bag pressure.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed on the retainer to cover the inflator, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for the module cover. And a horn mechanism to be arranged,
In the module cover, a connection portion with a horn plate is formed, and the horn mechanism includes the horn plate, a contact plate connected through a resilient material,
And a weak portion is formed in a part of the horn plate, and the horn plate is formed so as to deform from the weak portion when a predetermined force is applied.

As described above, by forming a fragile portion in a part of the horn plate, the horn plate can be deformed even when the horn plate is formed of a material having high rigidity. The fragile portion is preferably formed, for example, of the same or different through holes formed intermittently continuously, a thin portion continuously or intermittently formed, or a slit continuously or intermittently formed. Alternatively, the fragile portion is continuously or intermittently formed to have a smaller width than other portions.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for the module cover. And a horn mechanism to be arranged,
In the module cover, a connection portion with a horn plate is formed, and the horn mechanism includes the horn plate, a contact plate connected through a resilient material,
The module cover has a plurality of connection portions with a horn plate, and a gap is provided between the connection portions between the horn plate and the module cover. The horn plate is formed to deform when a predetermined force is applied,
It is solved by.

As described above, when a gap is provided between the module cover and the horn plate between the connection portion between the module cover and the horn plate, when a predetermined force is applied to the horn plate, The horn plate can be deformed in the gap. When the horn plate is deformed, the module cover can be deformed, and the inflation of the bag is ensured.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retainer for holding an inflator, a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer, a module cover for covering the bag, and a module cover for the module cover. And a horn mechanism to be arranged,
In the module cover, a connection portion with a horn plate is formed, and the horn mechanism includes the horn plate, a contact plate connected through a resilient material,
The module cover is provided with a plurality of connection portions with a horn plate, and a gap is provided between the horn plate and the module cover between the connection portions, and A fragile part is formed in a part of the horn plate located between the parts,
The problem is solved by that the horn plate is formed so as to deform from the fragile portion in the gap when a predetermined force is applied.

As described above, a fragile portion is formed in a part of the horn plate, and a gap is provided between the module cover and the horn plate between the connection portion between the module cover and the horn plate. Then, when a predetermined force is applied to the horn plate, the horn plate can be more reliably deformed.

The predetermined force is slightly larger than the strength of the tear portion formed on the module cover. Thus, in a normal state in which the upper surface of the module cover is not closed, the tearing of the module cover is lower in strength than the holding member, so that normal tearing can be ensured.

If the upper surface of the module cover is closed for some reason, the pressing plate or the horn plate is deformed by applying a predetermined force,
Thereby, the deformation of the module cover is ensured on the side not blocked by the occupant. Therefore, it is possible to secure the inflation of the bag before the tearing from the tear portion, and it is possible to prevent the bag pressure from becoming too large. Further, when the holding plate or the horn plate and the module cover are deformed, a gap is secured between the holding plate and the occupant closing the module cover, and the deployment of the bag can be secured.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an airbag device S of the present invention will be described.
, A preferred embodiment will be described. The airbag device S according to the present invention includes a retainer 30 that holds an inflator 50, a bag 10 that is disposed on the retainer 30 so as to cover the inflator, and a module cover 20 that covers the bag 10. In this example, as shown in FIG. 1, a horn mechanism 60 is provided on the module cover 20.

The horn plate 61 of this embodiment is formed so as to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied. At this time, a configuration in which a fragile portion is provided in the corner portion 61d of the horn plate may be adopted. The fragile part is, for example, a corner part 61d
Are formed by providing intermittently continuous through holes. Alternatively, the corner portion 61d is made narrower than other portions,
Alternatively, it may be formed by thinning. Furthermore, a continuous or intermittent slit may be formed in the corner portion 61d to form a weak portion.

Further, between the module cover 20 and the connecting portion 23 (formed at three places in the present example) of the horn plate 61, that is, at the position where the corner 61d of the horn plate 61 is located,
1 and a gap between the module cover 20 (not shown)
May be provided. As described above, when a gap is provided between the module cover and the horn plate between the module cover and the connecting portion of the horn plate, when a predetermined force is applied to the horn plate, the horn plate is It can be deformed in the gap.

Although the horn mechanism is provided on the module cover in this embodiment, a holding plate may be provided on the module cover so that the holding plate can be deformed by a predetermined force. Of course.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The members, arrangements, and the like described below do not limit the present invention, but can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of an airbag device, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the airbag device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a plate, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a contact plate.

The airbag device S of this embodiment has a horn mechanism 6
0 is provided. The airbag device S includes an inflator 50, a retainer 30 that holds the inflator 50, a bag 10 that is folded by covering a gas outlet 51 of the inflator 50, and a bag ring 40 that connects the bag 10 to the inflator 50. A module cover 20 attached to the retainer 30 with the bag ring 40 and covering the bag 10 and the inflator 50; and a horn mechanism 60 disposed on the module cover 20.

The bag 10 of the present embodiment is formed by folding a bag-like one into a predetermined shape, and a mounting hole 11 (FIG. 2) for mounting the inflator 50 is formed on the lower surface of the bag. An insertion hole (not shown) for inserting the connection bolt of the bag ring 40 is formed at a predetermined position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the module cover 20 of this embodiment includes an upper surface portion 21 and a frame portion 22 extending downward from the upper surface portion 21. Frame part 2
2 is formed so as to cover the bag 10 and the inflator 50. The module cover 20 has a tear portion 24 formed of a thin portion to be cleaved.

As shown in FIG. 1, the retainer 30 of this embodiment has an upper surface portion 31 and a module cover connecting portion 33 integrally formed. A hole 32 for arranging the inflator 50 is formed at the center of the upper surface portion 31, and four connection holes 34 for attaching a bag ring are formed at predetermined positions outside the hole 32.

The connecting portion 33 is for connecting to the module cover 20 by a fixing tool 35 such as a screw or a rivet, and is formed as a leg extending from the upper surface portion 31.
A hole 36 for connecting with a fixing tool such as a screw is formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bag ring 40 of the present embodiment includes an upper surface portion 41 in which a hole 42 for mounting the inflator 50 is formed, and a connecting bolt 43 extending from the upper surface portion 41 in one direction. It is formed in four places.

The inflator 50 of the present embodiment includes a cylindrical explosive storage section 52, a plurality of gas ejection ports 51 formed at locations disposed in the bag 10 on the upper outer peripheral side of the explosive storage section 52, and an inflator 50. An attachment portion 53 for attaching the 50 is formed, and a connection hole (not shown) is formed in the attachment portion 53.

The connection bolt 43 of the bag ring 40, the insertion hole of the bag 10, the connection hole 34 of the retainer 30, and the connection hole of the inflator 50 are formed at aligned positions.

The horn mechanism 60 of the airbag device S of this embodiment
Is composed of a horn plate 61 and a contact plate 62. As shown in FIG. 3, the horn plate 61 includes a U-shaped frame portion 61a formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the frame portion 22 of the module cover 20, and a contact plate 62 formed on the frame portion 61a. And an engaging portion 61b.

In the present example, the engaging portions 61b are formed at a total of three positions, that is, at the free end side of the frame portion 61a and at equal distances from the free end. An engagement hole 61c is formed in each engagement portion 61b, and is configured so that a connector with the contact plate 62 can be inserted.

The contact plate 62 of this embodiment includes a substantially rectangular frame portion 62a and an engaging portion 62b of the horn plate 61 formed on the frame portion 62a. The engaging portion 62a is formed at a position matching the engaging portion 61a of the horn plate 61. Each engaging portion 62a has an engaging hole 62c.

Next, a method of assembling the airbag device S of this embodiment will be described. First, how to assemble the bag 10, the module cover 20, the retainer 30, the bag ring 40, and the inflator 50 will be described.

First, the bag ring 40 is mounted in the bag 10, the connecting bolt 43 of the bag ring 40 is inserted through the insertion hole of the bag 10, and the retainer 30 and the inflator 50 are further assembled. Then, the connecting bolt 43 is inserted into the connecting hole 54 of the inflator 50, and the nut 70 is screwed with the connecting bolt 43 on the rear side of the inflator 50 to be integrally assembled. Then, the module cover 20 and the retainer 30 are assembled and fixed with a fixing tool 35 such as a rivet.

Next, a method of assembling the horn mechanism 60 will be described. In this example, the horn plate 61 and the contact plate 62 are connected by a screw 63 as a connecting tool. A resilient material 64 (in this example, a coil spring) is disposed between the horn plate 61 and the contact plate 62. The resilient material 64 is disposed on one side of the horn plate 61 and the contact plate 62, in this example, on the side of the contact plate 62 via an insulating spacer 65. Thus, the resilient material 64 is located on the spacer 65 and the resilient material 64
Is configured to prevent conduction due to

The horn mechanism 60 includes a horn plate 61
At the connecting portion 23 of the module cover 20
6 to secure the module cover 20
It is arranged in.

At this time, in the airbag device S of this embodiment,
Between the connecting portions 23 of the module cover 20, that is, at the positions of the corner portions 61 d of the horn plate 61,
The gap (not shown) of about 2 mm is formed between the horn plate 61 and the module cover 20. That is, at the corner 61d, the module cover 20 is configured to be smaller. With this configuration, in the airbag device S of the present example, when a predetermined force is applied to the horn plate 61, the horn plate 61 is deformed in this gap.

Further, the horn plate 61 of this embodiment has a fragile portion formed at the corner 61d of the frame 61a so as to be surely deformed when a predetermined force is applied. The vulnerable part is, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is formed by making the width of 1d narrower than other portions.

Further, as described above, the fragile portion is formed by narrowing the corner portion 61d of the horn plate 61 and by providing a through hole formed intermittently and continuously in the corner portion 61d. It may be formed. The shapes of the through holes may be the same, or may be formed in different shapes.

Further, the fragile portion may be formed from a continuous or intermittent slit. The fragile portion is formed by adjusting the width, interval, depth, and size according to the hardness of the horn plate and the like.

As still another embodiment, a corner portion 61
d to make it brittle, or to make corners 61d
The portion may be formed of a material having a lower strength than the other portions to form a fragile portion.

The fragile portion is in a state where it is deformed by a predetermined force.
The strength of the tear portion formed in the first portion is such that it is not deformed unless the force is slightly larger.

Next, the operation of the airbag device S formed as described above will be described. Under normal conditions,
When the airbag device S is operated, the bag 10 is inflated and the retainer 30 connected to the module cover 20 is inflated.
Since the connecting portion 35 has higher strength, the tear portion of the module cover 20 is cleaved and the bag 10 is operated to be deployed.

On the other hand, for some reason, for example, an occupant,
If the upper surface of the module cover 20 is closed when the bag 10 is unfolded, the tear portion of the module cover 20 does not break at a predetermined pressure, and the module cover 2
Pressure is applied to the side wall of the horn plate 61, and a force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the horn plate 61. In this example, since a gap is provided between the corner portion 61d of the horn plate 61 and the module cover 20, a predetermined force is applied when the upper surface of the module cover is closed for some reason. As a result, the horn plate is deformed, and the deformation of the module cover is secured on the side not blocked by the occupant. Therefore, it is possible to secure the inflation of the bag before the tearing from the tear portion, and it is possible to prevent the bag pressure from becoming too large. Further, when the horn plate and the module cover are deformed, a gap is secured between the horn plate and the occupant closing the module cover, and the deployment of the bag can be secured.

Further, by forming a fragile portion in a part of the horn plate located between the vehicle body side connection portion of the module cover and the connection portion of the horn plate,
Even when the horn plate is formed of a material having high rigidity, the horn plate can be deformed.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the upper surface of the module cover is closed for some reason, for example, by the occupant's body, and the module cover does not rupture from the tear portion, the holding plate or The horn plate is deformed, and the deformation of the module cover is secured on the side not closed by the occupant. Therefore, before cleavage from the tear part,
The inflation of the bag can be ensured, and the bag pressure can be prevented from becoming too large. Further, when the holding plate or the horn plate and the module cover are deformed, a gap is secured between the pressing plate or the horn plate and the occupant closing the module cover, and the deployment of the bag can be secured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of an airbag device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a horn plate according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a contact plate according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a conventional airbag device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 bag 20 module cover 30 retainer 40 bag ring 50 inflator 60 horn mechanism 61 horn plate 62 contact plate S airbag device

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed on the retainer to cover the inflator; a module cover for covering the bag; and a press plate disposed on the module cover. The airbag device, wherein the module cover has a connection portion with the holding plate, and the holding plate is formed to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied. 2. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover for covering the bag; and a press plate disposed on the module cover. An apparatus, wherein the module cover has a connection portion with the holding plate, a weak portion is formed in a part of the holding plate, and the holding plate is deformed from the weak portion when a predetermined force is applied. An airbag device, characterized in that the airbag device is formed as follows. 3. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover for covering the bag; and a press plate disposed on the module cover. The device, wherein the module cover is provided with a plurality of connecting portions with the holding plate, and a gap is provided between the holding plate and the module cover between the connecting portions. The airbag device, wherein the holding plate is formed so as to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied in the gap. 4. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover for covering the bag; and a press plate disposed on the module cover. In the apparatus, the module cover is provided with a plurality of connection portions with the holding plate, and between the connection portions, a gap is provided between the holding plate and the module cover, A weak portion is formed in a part of the holding plate located between the connecting portions, and the holding plate is formed to deform from the weak portion in the gap when a predetermined force is applied. Airbag device. 5. An airbag comprising: a retainer holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover covering the bag; and a horn mechanism disposed on the module cover. The module, wherein a connection portion with a horn plate is formed on the module cover, and the horn mechanism includes the horn plate and a contact plate connected via a resilient material, The airbag device, wherein the plate is formed so as to be deformed when a predetermined force is applied. 6. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover covering the bag; and a horn mechanism disposed on the module cover. A horn plate formed on the module cover, the horn mechanism comprising: a horn plate; and a contact plate connected to the module cover via a resilient material. An airbag device, wherein a weak portion is formed in a part of the plate, and the horn plate is formed so as to deform from the weak portion when a predetermined force is applied. 7. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover covering the bag; and a horn mechanism disposed on the module cover. The module, wherein a connection portion with a horn plate is formed on the module cover, and the horn mechanism includes the horn plate and a contact plate connected via a resilient material, wherein the module The cover is provided with a plurality of connection portions with a horn plate, and a gap is provided between the connection portion and the horn plate and the module cover. An airbag device characterized by being formed so as to be deformed when a force is applied. 8. An airbag comprising: a retainer for holding an inflator; a bag disposed over the inflator on the retainer; a module cover for covering the bag; and a horn mechanism disposed on the module cover. The module, wherein the module cover has a connection portion with a horn plate, and the horn mechanism has the horn plate and a contact plate connected via a resilient material, wherein the module The cover is provided with a plurality of connection portions with a horn plate, and between the connection portions, a gap is provided between the horn plate and the module cover, and the connection portion is located between the connection portions. A weak portion is formed in a part of the horn plate, and when a predetermined force is applied to the horn plate, Airbag apparatus characterized by being formed so as to deform the weakened portion. 9. The air according to claim 2, wherein the fragile portion is formed of the same or different through holes formed continuously and intermittently. Bag device. 10. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the fragile portion is continuously or intermittently formed to have a smaller width than other portions. 11. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the fragile portion comprises a continuous or intermittent thin portion. 12. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the fragile portion has a structure in which a continuous or intermittent slit is formed. 13. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined force is a force slightly larger than the strength of a tear portion formed on the module cover.