JP2002012115A - Air bag device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the feeling when operating a horn switch by mounting a cover body on a base plate so that the cover body can easily be advanced and retracted. SOLUTION: Pin sections 33 are projected upward from four portions in the base plate 24. Pocket sections 44 in which locking means housing sections 51 are provided are formed at four portions in the external periphery of a container section 26c for covering an air bag 25 in the cover body 26. Each of locking means housing sections 51 is provided with a guide section insertion port 52 opening downward and a locking means insertion port 50 opening sideward. When a locking means 30 is inserted into the locking means insertion port 50 with the pin sections 33 inserted into the guide section insertion ports 52, the cover body 26 becomes possible to advance and retract in the vertical direction and is energized upward, as a result, it can be mounted on the base plate 24.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an airbag device provided on a steering wheel of an automobile, for example, for restraining an occupant in the event of a collision and absorbing an impact.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an airbag device which is an occupant restraint device provided at a boss portion (center portion) of a steering wheel has been used. The airbag device is also called an airbag module, and includes a base plate (support plate) provided with a bag-shaped airbag and an inflator for supplying gas to the airbag, and an airbag folded and stored. And a cleavable cover attached to the base plate. The base plate and the cover are fixed by a plurality of rivets, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-301050. However, in a configuration in which many places are fixed with rivets, there are many work steps,
There is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost.

On the other hand, in a configuration provided with such an airbag device, a configuration is known in which the entire airbag device or a part of a cover body or the like is elastically supported so as to be able to advance and retreat to form a horn switch mechanism. . As a configuration for moving the entire airbag device forward and backward, for example, the entire airbag device is elastically supported by a spring, a movable contact is provided at the bottom of the airbag device, and a boss portion of the steering wheel body is provided. There is known a configuration in which a fixed contact is provided and the movable contact is brought into contact with the fixed contact by pressing down the airbag device. However, in such a configuration in which the entire airbag device is advanced and retracted, a so-called sprung load is large, and it is necessary to use a spring having a large elastic force in order to prevent the horn from sounding erroneously due to vibration.
There is a problem that it is difficult to improve the operation feeling of the horn.

In order to move a part of the airbag device forward and backward, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-30425, a cover body for covering the airbag is elastically supported on a base plate so as to advance and retreat. A configuration is known in which a movable contact provided on the cover body side is brought into contact with a fixed contact provided on the base plate side by pressing down the cover body. In such a configuration, the load supported by the spring can be reduced, and the operability of the horn can be improved.

[0005]

As described above, in the airbag device, it is required to simplify the mounting structure of the cover body to reduce the manufacturing cost. There is a need for a configuration that can easily improve the operational feeling.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and the structure is simplified to reduce the manufacturing cost.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an airbag device that can easily improve the operational feeling of a switch in a configuration including a switch device.

[0007]

An airbag device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an airbag that inflates and deploys by flowing gas.
A base body for supporting the airbag, a cover body provided with a covering portion for covering the airbag, and a locking means for attaching the cover body to the base body, wherein the base body has a stopper portion. A guide part, wherein the cover body includes a lock part storage part for fitting and holding the lock part, a guide part insertion opening opened from the lock part storage part along a predetermined guiding direction, and intersecting with the guiding direction. A lock means insertion opening opened along a predetermined lock direction, wherein the lock means is inserted into the lock means storage portion from the lock means insertion port along the lock direction,
The stopper is inserted into the lock means accommodating portion from the guide portion insertion opening to prevent the stopper from coming off.

In this configuration, the locking means is inserted from the locking means insertion port into the lock means storage section with the stopper of the guide section inserted into the locking means storage section from the guide section insertion port. The means locks and stops the stopper of the guide, and the cover is attached to the base. Rivets are not required for the work of attaching the cover body to the base body, workability is improved, and manufacturing costs are reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the airbag apparatus of the first aspect, the locking means supports the guide portion so as to be able to advance and retreat along the guide direction.

In this configuration, a strict dimensional relationship between the cover body and the base body is not required, so that the manufacture of the cover body and the base body is facilitated, the assembling work is also facilitated, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. You. Further, a switch device using the cover as an operation unit can be easily configured.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the airbag apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the locking means includes an urging means for urging the cover body in a direction away from the base body along the guide direction. It is a thing.

In this configuration, the cover body and the base body are combined without rattling with the locking means attached. Further, a switch device using the cover as an operation unit can be easily configured.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the airbag apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising a switch device provided with a pair of contacts that are brought into contact with and separated from each other as the cover body advances and retreats along the guide direction. The biasing means is formed by integrally forming an elastically deformable portion that elastically deforms and at least one contact.

In this configuration, the number of parts is reduced, the structure is simplified by unitization, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the locking means is fitted and held in the locking means storage part and locks the stopper part. And a block body provided with a guide receiving portion that supports the guide portion so as to be able to advance and retreat along the guide direction, and an elastic deformation portion that urges one contact point and the cover body in a direction away from the base body along the guide direction. And a second metal fitting provided with the other contact point which is detachably opposed to the one contact point.

In this configuration, the cover body is attached to the base body with good workability, so that the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the airbag device including the switch device is easily configured.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an airbag apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cover body includes a container for accommodating the folded airbag, and an outer peripheral side of the container. And a lock means storage portion.

In this configuration, by utilizing the space on the outer peripheral side of the container portion, the lock means can be arranged efficiently without affecting the folded airbag.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an airbag device, which is mounted on a steering wheel of an automobile and protects an occupant in a driver's seat. Although not shown, the steering wheel includes a steering wheel body as an attached member, and an airbag device (airbag module) 1 mounted on the occupant side of the steering wheel body. The steering wheel is generally used in a state mounted on a steering shaft inclined at a predetermined angle. Hereinafter, the front side of the airbag device 1, that is, the occupant side, will be referred to as the upper side, and the rear surface of the airbag device 1 will be described. The side, that is, the vehicle body side is defined as a lower side, the vertical direction is referred to as a guide direction A, and the four radial directions centered on the steering shaft in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the guide direction are referred to as a lock direction B.

The steering wheel body includes a ring-shaped rim as a ring-shaped grip, also referred to as a ring or a grip, a boss positioned inside the rim, and the rim and the boss. And, in the present embodiment, four spokes. A substantially cylindrical boss fitted to a steering shaft (not shown) as a steering shaft is provided below the boss, and a plate-like boss plate is fixed to the boss by welding or the like. Or formed integrally. And from this boss plate,
The core metal of the spoke portion is fixed or integrally formed by welding or the like, and further, the core metal of the rim portion is fixed to or integrally formed with the core metal of the spoke portion by welding or the like. Further, a soft skin portion made of synthetic resin or the like is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the core metal of the rim portion and the outer peripheral portion of the spoke metal portion on the rim portion side. In the present embodiment, the boss plate and each core metal are integrally formed by die-casting a magnesium alloy, and a skin portion made of polyurethane foam is integrally formed therearound. A lower cover (back cover) made of resin is attached to the boss plate so as to cover a lower portion of the boss portion. Further, a body side and a steering wheel side are provided on the inner side or lower side of the lower cover. A connection device for electrical connection is installed. In addition, the boss plate
An airbag device mounting portion for fixing and holding the airbag device 1 is provided.

On the other hand, the airbag device 1 is also called an airbag module, and has a base plate 24 as a base body, a bag-shaped airbag 25, a resin cover 26 covering the airbag 25, and injects gas. An inflator (gas generator) 27, a retainer (retainer ring) 29 for fixing the airbag 25 and the inflator 27 to the base plate 24, and four sets of locking means 30 which also serve as a horn switch device as a switch device as a contact unit It is configured by combining the above.

The base plate 24 is an airbag.
25 and an inflator 27. For example, a substrate portion 24a which is integrally formed by injection molding a glass reinforced nylon 66 resin mixed with 30% by mass of glass fiber and has a substantially polygonal shape as a base portion, Polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion 24b protruding upward from the peripheral edge of substantially the entire periphery of the portion 24a
It is formed in the shape of an open-top box with an opening on the upper side. In the substrate portion 24a, a circular hole-shaped inflator through-hole 24c is formed at a central portion, and at a plurality of positions in the outer periphery of the inflator through-hole 24c. In this embodiment, bolt holes 24d are formed at four locations. Further, a plurality of hook portions 24e are provided so as to hang down integrally on the lower surface of the substrate portion 24a. Each hook portion 24e is provided with a claw portion 24f at a distal end portion, and is engaged with an airbag device attachment portion of a boss plate of the steering wheel body to be attached.

The inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 24b accommodates the airbag and is formed in a smooth surface without any protruding portions. On the other hand, guide portions 31 are integrally formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 24b at predetermined intervals, at four locations in the present embodiment, corresponding to the positions of the spoke portions of the steering wheel. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each guide portion 31 has a horizontal plate-shaped plate portion 32 protruding radially from the peripheral wall portion 24b and a substantially central portion of the plate portion 32. And a pin portion 33 which is a guide piece protruding upward. The pin portion 33 has a distal end portion, that is, an upper end portion, serving as a stopper portion 34 having a substantially cylindrical large-diameter portion, and the base end side of the stopper portion 34 is cut off on both sides, so to speak, the stopper portion 34. The small diameter portion 35 has a small diameter. In addition, an inclined surface 36 that is inclined in a direction that becomes lower toward the outer peripheral side is formed on an end surface on the distal end side of the stopper portion 34. Further, a reinforcing portion 37 connected to the peripheral wall portion 24b is formed on the lower surface of the plate portion 32.

The airbag 25 is shown in FIG. 1 as having only a mounting portion 25a at the bottom center portion, but is formed into a bag shape by stacking two circular base cloths and sewing the outer periphery thereof. Have been. And, in the center of the bottom, that is, in the center of the lower base cloth, a circular inflator through-hole 25b into which the inflator 27 is inserted is formed, and is located on the outer periphery of the inflator through-hole 25b, Bolt through holes 25c are formed in four places.

Further, the cover body 26 is also called an airbag cover, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, is integrally formed of an injection molded body of thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and has a boss portion of the steering wheel body. And a cover portion 26a which is a cover plate portion which covers a part of the spoke portion and serves as a center pad of the steering wheel.
And a substantially rectangular tubular side wall portion 26b protruding downward from the lower surface of the covering portion 26a. The portion surrounded by the covering portion 26a and the side wall portion 26b becomes a container portion 26c for covering and storing the folded airbag 25. The back surface of the covering portion 26a facing the driver facing the container portion 26c. The fragile tear line formed into a thin wall, which is the groove to be broken
26d is formed in a substantially H-shaped plane.

A front spoke connecting portion 41 and a rear spoke connecting portion 42, which are located on the outer peripheral portion of the container portion 26c and extend radially along the spoke portion, are provided on both sides of the covering portion 26a. It is formed in pairs. Then, each spoke connecting portion 41, 42 located on the outer peripheral portion of these container portions 26c.
In the radial direction, that is, the lock direction B
The pocket portion 44 that opens to the inside is integrally formed. That is, each pocket portion 44 includes a pair of side plate portions 45 protruding below the spoke connection portions 41 and 42, and a pair of side plate portions 45.
And a board portion 46 connecting the lower ends of the spokes, and a portion surrounded by the spoke connecting portions 41 and 42, the side wall portion 26b, the side plate portion 45, and the board portion 46 opens in the radial direction, that is, the lock direction B. The lock means accommodating portion 51 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape provided with a means insertion opening 50. Further, a substantially circular guide insertion hole 52 that opens in the guide direction A is formed substantially in the center of the substrate 46. In addition, on the upper surface of the locking means storage portion 51, that is, on the spoke connecting portions 41 and 42 side, a central portion separated from the side plate portions 45 on both sides is provided with a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in order to prevent sinking in which the meat is removed along the surface shape. A groove 53 is formed. Further, a design or the like indicating the airbag device is provided on the surface of the covering portion 26a, and the front spoke connecting portion 41 is provided.
The horn switch is located at the design and the irregularities 26e
Is provided.

The side wall 26b of the cover body 26 is loosely fitted to the outside of the peripheral wall 24b of the base plate 24, and the stoppers 34 of the four guide portions 31 of the base plate 24 are provided.
Are formed at positions and dimensions that can be inserted into the four guide portion insertion openings 52 of the cover body 26, respectively.

The inflator 27 supplies a gas for inflation to the airbag 25 and includes a substantially columnar inflator body (container) 27a filled with a propellant or the like, and an upper part of the inflator body 27a. In the portion, gas injection ports 27b are formed at predetermined intervals facing the circumferential direction, and a flange portion 27c protrudes from the substantially central portion in the height direction of the inflator body 27a on the outer peripheral side, and this flange portion is formed. 27c has four bolt holes 27e formed at four locations. In addition, a lead wire or the like is led out from the bottom of the inflator main body 27a, and power for starting is supplied. Note that a protector integrally formed of a synthetic resin or the like can be fitted to the bottom of the inflator body 27a.

Further, the retainer 29 has an annular metal retainer body 29a having a rectangular outer shape and a substantially circular inner shape. The retainer body 29a has a plurality of through holes (not shown). Formed and mounting bolts (stud bolts) 29b
Is fixed. That is, the through hole 29c on the inner periphery of the retainer main body 29a is
The mounting bolt 29b has substantially the same shape as 4d, and is formed so as to be aligned with a bolt through hole of the base plate 24 or the like. The nut 5 is attached to each mounting bolt 29b from the tip side.
6 is screwed and tightened.

The locking means 30, which can also be called a contact unit, is mounted on each pocket 44 of the cover 26, and as shown in FIGS.
60, a spring 61 as a first metal fitting, and a contact plate 62 as a second metal fitting.

The block body 60 is formed integrally by, for example, injection-molding the same resin as the base plate 24, and comprises a horizontal plate-shaped base 60a as an engaging portion and a base 6a.
0a, and a pair of side wall portions 60b which are continuously raised vertically. The base 60a is formed with a notched slot 60e as a guide receiving portion from the slot-side edge 60c, which is one edge, to the opposite-slot-side edge 60d, which is the other edge. The slot 60e is formed with a pair of opposing projections 60f located near the slot side edge 60c. In addition, step portions 60g are formed on the side wall portion 60b along the upper end portions of the opposing inner side surfaces. From the upper part of the step portion 60g, an upper holding piece 60h projects from the vertical surface toward the inside, and a notch 60i which is located below the upper holding piece 60h and penetrates on both sides. Is formed, and the upper holding piece 6
A protrusion 60j is formed in front of and behind 0h from the horizontal surface of the step portion 60g to the upper side. The notch 60i has a shape for die-cutting to form the upper holding piece 60h without using a horizontal slide die or the like. The height dimension h2 of the block body 60 is substantially equal to the height dimension h1 of the lock means storage section 51 of the pocket section 44 of the cover body 26.

The spring 61 is made of a spring steel material that is elastically deformable and conductive and is integrally formed. The upper substantially horizontal plate-shaped plate portion 61a as a contact point and the lower substantially horizontal plate-shaped plate portion 61a are used as contacts. An elastically deforming portion 61c is formed as a pair of hairpin-shaped urging means for connecting the both sides of the plate portion 61b and the plate portions 61a, 61b. Then, from both sides of one end of the upper plate portion 61a, a step portion 61d bent downward and further bent horizontally is formed, and one end of the lower plate portion 61b is formed. From both sides, hook portions 61e bent upward are formed. Further, the lower plate portion 61b is formed with a circular insertion portion 61f in the center portion,
A clamp portion 61g that is bent from the substantially central portion of the other end portion so as to be folded upward and is located between the elastically deforming portions 61c on both sides, and a terminal portion 61h that extends from the substantially central portion of the other end portion and is bent downward. Are provided.

The contact plate 62 is made of an elastically deformable and conductive spring steel material and is integrally formed. The contact plate 62 has a substantially rectangular plate-like plate portion 62a and an edge portion at the other end of the plate portion 62a. And an inclined portion 62b extending downward from the center in the width direction. Further, a contact point 62c is formed on the plate portion 62a as a contact that protrudes downward in a substantially conical shape, and a terminal portion 62d extends downward from the tip of the inclined portion 62b. ing.

In order to assemble these four sets of locking means 30, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the springs 61 are combined so as to sandwich the base 60a of the block body 60 along the direction of arrow D. In this state, the upper plate 6
1a, the lower plate portion 61b is located on the lower surface side, and the lower plate portion 61b and the clamp portion are arranged such that the clamp portion 61g presses the opposite slot side edge 60d of the base portion 60a from above. The base 60a is sandwiched between 61g and 61g. Then, when the spring 61 is relatively pushed down to the insertion limit,
The hook portion 61e is inserted into and engaged with the groove 60k provided on the lower surface of the base portion 60a, so that the hook portion 61e is prevented from coming off. That is, the step section
The distance d between the lower surface of 61d and the upper surface of the lower plate portion 61b is
The thickness is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the thickness t of the base portion 60a, and the step portion 61d is attached to the base portion 60a immediately adjacent to the slot side edge 60c in a state where the bias is not applied to the spring 61 or the bias is slightly applied. The spring 61 is prevented from falling off and displaced in the contact and subsequent steps.

Subsequently, the plate portion 62a of the contact plate 62 is inserted between the upper surface of the step portion 60g of the block body 60 and the lower surface of the upper holding piece 60h in the same direction as the arrow D. The lock means 30 shown in FIG. That is,
The distance Wb between the step portions 60g on both sides of the block body 60 and the distance Lb between the protrusions 60j before and after the block body 60 are respectively the longitudinal dimension Wc of the plate portion 62a of the contact plate 62.
The plate portion 62a is slightly larger than the short dimension Lc, and is inserted between the upper surface of the step portion 60g and the lower surface of the upper holding piece 60h.

Next, an assembly process of the airbag device 1 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the retainer 29 is inserted into the inside of the airbag 25 from the inflator through hole 25b, and each mounting bolt 29b of the retainer 29 is inserted into the bolt through hole 25c of the airbag 25. To expose to the outside. And
The airbag 25 to which the retainer 29 is attached is folded into a predetermined shape by the airbag folding device. Note that it is also possible to use a film-like wrapping that covers the folded airbag 25, holds the folded shape, and breaks when the airbag is deployed. Then, while inserting each mounting bolt 29b of the retainer 29 into the bolt through hole 24d, the folded airbag 2
5 is inserted and accommodated in the peripheral wall portion 24b of the base plate 24.

Next, the cover 26 is placed on the base plate 24 so that the side wall 26b is loosely fitted to the outer side of the peripheral wall 24b, and the guide is inserted into the lock means accommodating portion 51 of each pocket 44 of the cover 26. From the mouth 52 along the guide direction A, the base plate 24
Insert the pin part 33 of FIG. In this state, the locking means 30 is inserted from the locking means insertion opening 50 into the locking means accommodating portion 51 of each pocket portion 44 from the lateral direction, that is, along the locking direction B. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the small-diameter portion 35 of the pin portion 33 is inserted into the slot 60e of the block body 60 of the locking means 30, and is stopped in the locking direction B by the projection 60f. The portion 34 is retained in the guide direction A at the base 60a. Further, in this state, the upper plate portion 61a of the spring 61 of the lock means 30 abuts on the upper surface of the stopper portion 34 and is elastically pressed downward, so that the cover body 26 is located at the upper limit. Assembled without play.
Further, in this state, the upper plate portion 61a constituting the switch device S and the contact point 62c are separated from each other, and the contact is in an "open" state.

With the cover 26 assembled with the base plate 24, the upper part of the inflator body 27a is inserted into the inflator through hole 24c of the base plate 24 from below, and at the same time, the bolts of the base plate 24 are inserted. After inserting each mounting bolt 29b of the retainer 29 protruding from the hole 24d into the bolt through hole 27e of the inflator 27, a nut 56 is screwed from the tip of each mounting bolt 29b and tightened,
Between the flange portion 27c of the inflator 27 and the retainer body 29a of the retainer 29, the airbag 25 and the base plate 24
The airbag device 1 provided with the horn switch device is configured by sandwiching and fixing.

In the airbag device 1, the hook portion 24e of the base plate 24 is engaged with the airbag device attachment portion of the boss plate of the steering wheel main body, and is assembled to the steering wheel main body to form a steering wheel. . And in this state, 4
Harnesses (not shown) are connected to the springs 61 of the locking means 30 and the terminal portions 61h and 62d of the contact plate 62, respectively, via a connection device (not shown).
Connect to horn device.

The steering wheel airbag device 1 assembled in this manner rapidly injects an inert gas such as nitrogen gas from the inflator 27 into the airbag 25 when the vehicle collides. Then, the folded and stored airbag 25 is rapidly inflated and deployed. The pressure of the inflation of the airbag 25 causes the cover
26 tears open like a door along the tear line 26d
25 projecting openings are formed, from which the airbag 25 inflates and inflates and deploys in front of the occupant, thereby protecting the occupant from an impact such as a vehicle collision.

When no force is applied to the cover body 26 of the airbag device 1, the horn switch device raises the cover body 26 by the urging force of the spring 61 as shown in FIG. Then, the upper plate portion 61a and the contact point 62c are separated from each other to hold the contacts in an open state.

On the other hand, when the cover 26 of the airbag device 1 is pushed against the urging force of the spring 61, the cover 26
As shown in FIG. 6 (b), when the upper plate portion 61a and the contact point 62c are in contact with each other, the contact is closed and the horn is blown. I can do it.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the pin portion 33 having the stopper portion 34 having a large diameter is provided on the base plate 24.
Formed on the outside of the container portion 26c of the cover body 26,
Since the pocket portion 44 having the guide portion insertion opening 52 into which the lock portion 30 is inserted and the lock portion insertion opening 50 into which the lock portion 30 is inserted is formed, the cover member 26 is put on the base plate 24 and the lock portion 30 is placed on the pocket portion 44 from the side. The cover body 26 can be attached to the base plate 24 by a simple work of inserting and stopping the pin portion 33, and the airbag device 1 with good assembling workability that does not require rivets can be provided, and the structure is simplified and the number of parts is reduced. Reduction in manufacturing cost. Further, since the pocket portion 44 is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the container portion 26c for storing the airbag 25, an efficient layout can be achieved by utilizing the outer space of the container portion 26c, and the folded airbag 25 can be used. Can be prevented.

The cover body has a simple structure as described above.
By moving only 26 forward and backward, it is not necessary to use heavy metal parts as the components to be combined with the pad, so that the so-called sprung load, that is, the load supported by the spring can be reduced, and the operability of the switch can be improved.

Further, since the same structure is used for all four lock means 30, which are contact units, the manufacturing cost can be reduced by the common use of parts and the effect of mass production.

The pin portion 33 is supported by the slot 60e so as to be able to advance and retreat, and can be positioned without backlash by the urging force of the lock means 30, so that the base plate 24 and the cover body 26 can be positioned.
A strict dimensional relationship is not required for the assembly with the device, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the assembling operation can be facilitated.

Since the cover 26 is elastically supported by the base plate 24 so as to be able to advance and retreat, a switch device S such as a horn switch device can be easily constructed. Further, the spring 61, which is an elastic means, is formed of a conductive spring and is used as one contact of the switch, so that the horn switch is unitized with the lock means 30 to simplify the structure and reduce the manufacturing cost.

In addition to using the same locking means for all four locking means 30, the two locking means 30 on the rear side do not connect the harness to the terminal portions 61h and 62d, but exclusively use the locking means. The contact plate 62 may be used for the locking means at the rear two places.
May be omitted.

The entire base plate 24 is formed by die-casting a magnesium alloy, or the entire or part of the surface of the resin is subjected to printing using metal plating or conductive ink, or a copper foil is inserted. By forming or the like, conductivity can be given to all or a part. In this configuration, one terminal 62d
Also, the harnesses connected to the terminal portion 62d are eliminated, so that the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The base plate 24, that is, the pin portion 33
In the case where the pin portion 33 is made conductive, the spring 61 is held insulated from the pin portion 33 so that the pin portion 33
Is used as one contact, the contact plate 62 is eliminated, the structure is simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

For example, the locking means shown in FIGS. 7 to 9
Thirty configurations can be adopted and the contact plate can be eliminated. Then, the base plate 24 is made of a conductive metal, for example, a die-cast product of magnesium, and at the upper end of the pin portion 33, one contact portion 70 is provided,
Step receiving portions 71 are formed on both sides of the contact portion 70.

The spring 61 has another tongue-shaped contact portion 74 formed by cutting and raising the upper plate portion 61a obliquely upward, and is located on both sides of the contact portion 74. The insulators 75 having insulating properties are integrally formed by so-called outsert formation or the like. In addition, this insulator 75,75 is, for example,
A resin such as polyacetal resin which is favorable in terms of sliding lubricity can be used.

Further, the block body 60 is made of an insulating resin, and has a base 60a, a pair of side walls 60b, a slot 60e,
Although the pair of projections 60f are formed, the step 60g, the upper holding piece 60h, the notch 60i, and the projection 60j are not formed, and the configuration is further simplified.

In this configuration, the base plate 24
Is mounted on the boss of the steering wheel and grounded to the vehicle body, and a terminal 61h of the spring 61 is connected to the horn device H via a harness.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the locking means 30 is mounted on each pocket portion 44 of the cover body 26 and combined with the guide portion 31 of the base plate 24, as shown in FIG. Insulators 75 and 75 engage with 71, and contact portions 70 and 75
The state of “open” in which the 74 are separated from each other is maintained.

On the other hand, when the cover 26 is pushed in the direction of the arrow C, the ceiling 78, which is the lower surface of the cover 26a of the cover 26, pushes the contact 74 and moves it downward. The horn device H can be operated in a “closed” state in which the horn devices H are in contact with each other.

In each of the above embodiments, the switch device S is integrated into the lock means 30. However, it is not always necessary to provide a switch function, and a separate switch mechanism may be provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the switch function is separated, and a movable contact 81 which is attached by being clipped on or engaged with the lower end of the side wall 26b of the cover body 26 is provided.
The movable contact 81 may be connected to and separated from a fixed contact 82 provided integrally on the base plate 24 side to form a switch.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the structure in which the cover body 26 is supported so as to be movable by a predetermined stroke with respect to the base plate 24 has been described. The cover body 26 can be assembled with almost no stroke in a state where the cover body 26 is press-fitted. Although this configuration is not used as a switch device, it has an effect that the cover 26 can be attached to the base plate 24 by a simple operation with a simple structure.

[0062]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the locking means is inserted from the locking means insertion port into the locking means storage section with the stopper of the guiding section inserted into the locking means storage section from the guiding section insertion port. By inserting this, the locking means locks and stops the stopper portion of the guide portion, and the cover body can be attached to the base body. Rivets are not required for the work of attaching the cover body to the base body, so that workability can be improved and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

According to the airbag device of the second aspect,
In addition to the effect of claim 1, the locking means supports the guide portion so as to be able to advance and retreat along the guiding direction, so that a strict dimensional relationship between the cover body and the base body is not required, and the cover body and the base body are not required. Manufacturing can be facilitated, assembling work can also be facilitated, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Further, a switch device using the cover body as an operation unit can be easily configured.

According to the airbag device of the third aspect,
In addition to the effect according to claim 2, the locking means includes an urging means for urging the cover body in a direction away from the base body along the guiding direction. Can be combined with the body without rattling. Further, a switch device using the cover body as an operation unit can be easily configured.

According to the airbag device of the fourth aspect,
In addition to the effect of the third aspect, there is provided a switch device provided with a pair of contacts that come and go as the cover body advances and retreats along the guide direction, and the urging means includes at least one of an elastically deformable portion that is elastically deformed. Since the contacts are integrally formed, the number of parts can be reduced, and the structure can be simplified by unitization, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

According to the airbag device of the fifth aspect,
In addition to the effects described in any one of claims 1 to 4, the cover means can be attached to the base body with good workability by the locking means including the block body, the first metal fitting, and the second metal fitting, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. An airbag device having a switch device can be easily configured.

According to the airbag device of the sixth aspect,
In addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 5, the cover body is provided on the outer peripheral side of the container section for storing the folded airbag and includes the lock means storing section, so that the space on the outer peripheral side of the container section is reduced. By using the locking means, the locking means can be efficiently arranged without affecting the folded airbag.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of an airbag device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a guide portion of a base plate of the airbag device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of a cover body of the airbag device as viewed from the back surface.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a locking means of the airbag device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the airbag device in the assembled state of the locking means.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of the airbag device. (a) State where no force is applied to the cover body (b) State where the cover body is pushed

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a lock unit of the airbag device.

FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of the airbag device. (a) State where no force is applied to the cover body (b) State where the cover body is pushed

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the airbag device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Airbag device 24 Base plate as base body 25 Airbag 26 Cover body 26a Covering part 26c Container part 30 Lock means 31 Guide part 34 Stopper part 50 Lock means insertion port 51 Lock means storage part 52 Guide part insertion port 60 Block body 60a Base part 60e as a locking part 60e Slot as a guide receiving part 61 Spring 61a as a first metal fitting 61a Plate part as a contact 61c Elastic deformation part as urging means 62 Contact plate as a second metal fitting 62c Contact as a contact Point A Guide direction B Lock direction S Switch device

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Mikio Ochiai 218 Aoshima-cho, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture Inside Nippon Plast Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Delaney Kevin Dominic 218 Aoshima-cho, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka Nippon Plast Corporation F-term ( Reference) 3D054 AA13 AA26 BB04 FF17 FF20 5G006 AA01 AB03 BA01 BA02 BB02

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An airbag in which gas flows and inflates and deploys, a base body supporting the airbag, a cover body provided with a covering portion for covering the airbag, and the cover body is attached to the base body. The base body includes a guide portion provided with a stopper portion, and the cover body includes a lock device storage portion for fitting and holding the lock device, and a predetermined guide from the lock device storage portion. A guide portion insertion opening opened along a direction, and a lock means insertion opening opened along a predetermined lock direction intersecting the guide direction, wherein the lock means inserts the lock means along the lock direction. An air bag that is inserted into the lock means storage portion from an opening and locks and stops the stopper portion inserted from the guide portion insertion opening into the lock means storage portion. Device. 2. The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the lock means supports the guide portion so as to be able to advance and retreat along the guide direction. 3. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the locking means includes an urging means for urging the cover body in a direction away from the base body along the guiding direction. 4. A switch device provided with a pair of contacts that are brought into contact with and separated from each other as the cover body advances and retreats along the guide direction, and the biasing unit integrally integrates the elastically deformable portion that elastically deforms and at least one of the contacts. 4. The airbag device according to claim 3, wherein the airbag device is formed. 5. A block body, wherein the lock means is fitted and held in the lock means storage part, and provided with a locking part for locking the stopper part and a guide receiving part for supporting the guide part so as to be able to advance and retreat along the guide direction. A first metal fitting provided with an elastically deforming portion for urging the one contact and the cover body in a direction away from the base body along the guide direction; and the other contact opposing the one contact so as to be able to contact and separate therefrom. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second fitting provided with a second fitting. 6. The cover body includes a container portion for accommodating the folded airbag, and is located on an outer peripheral side of the container portion.
The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a lock means storage portion.