JP2007216873A - Air bag device for vehicle and air bag cover - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air bag cover and an air bag device for a vehicle, which prevents generation of a crack and rupture of the cover following inflation/deployment of the air bag, and also prevents a damage to the air bag in inflation/expansion of the air bag. <P>SOLUTION: Hinge parts 223a, 223b of doors 222a, 222b formed by tear of a tear fragile line 38 in the inflation/expansion of the air bag 24 are formed into the same thickness as that of a panel body 221. A plurality of circular cut-in parts 224a, 224b of desired depth from a back surface of the panel body 221 are formed on the hinge parts 223a, 223b along a longitudinal direction of the hinge parts 223a, 223b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle air bag device and an air bag cover that covers the air bag device, and more particularly to an air bag cover having a fragile line for tearing to deploy the air bag and a dual-purpose air bag device using the air bag cover.

A vehicle airbag apparatus for protecting a passenger in a passenger seat, a driver's seat, or the like from a collision impact at the time of a frontal collision or a side collision of a vehicle such as an automobile and ensuring the safety of the passenger is an airbag, The airbag case includes an airbag case that accommodates the airbag in a folded state so as to be easily inflated and deployed, and an inflator that inflates the folded airbag in a short time. In particular, the airbag device used for the driver's seat and the passenger seat is mounted inside the airbag cover such as an instrument panel cover that constitutes the dashboard, and the inflator is used when the vehicle is suddenly decelerated due to a collision of the vehicle. The air bag is rapidly inflated by the high pressure gas from the inflator and the air bag cover is opened along the fragile line, and at the same time, the air bag is deployed and inflated out of the air bag cover. To protect from.
In addition, the fragile line for cleavage for inflating and deploying the air bag of such a vehicle air bag device to the outside of the air bag cover is formed by continuously processing dot-like holes on the back surface of the air bag cover by laser cutting. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-22453 A

A cover of a conventional vehicle airbag device will be described with reference to the drawings.
An air bag cover 10 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an instrument panel cover of a vehicle, and is formed into a plate shape having a three-dimensional curved surface by a resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or TOP (thermoplastic polyolefin). ing.
As shown in FIG. 2, a fragile line 11 for cleavage for inflating and deploying the airbag to the outside of the airbag cover 10 is formed on the back surface of the airbag cover 10. The frangible fragile line 11 includes one first row line 11a extending in the lateral direction, and 2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first cleavage line 11a at both ends of the first cleavage line 11a. The second cleavage line 11b is a book, and has a substantially H shape in plan view as a whole. Further, at the back surface portion of the airbag cover 10 between the opposite left and right ends 11b1 and 11b2 of the second cleavage line 11b, the wall thickness of the crack is made thinner than that of the other region, thereby making the frangible line 11 for cracking. The hinge part 15 of the expansion | deployment door 14 (it shows by the dashed-two dotted line of FIG. 1) formed by cleavage of is formed.

Further, a flange portion 13A of a frame body 13 made of PP or TOP having a size surrounding the frangible fragile line 11 is bonded to the back surface of the cover 10 by vibration welding or the like.
In the frame 13, there is a reinforcing member (not shown) made of PP or TOP for reinforcing the mechanical strength of the airbag cover 10 in the region where the first cleavage line 11a and the second cleavage line 11b are formed. A part of the reinforcing member is attached to the back surface of the airbag cover 10 in the region by vibration welding or the like. In addition, an air bag device including an air bag, an air bag case, and an inflator (not shown) is attached to the frame 13.

  In such a vehicle airbag device, the impact force when the vehicle collides is detected by a sensor, and a control unit comprising a CPU determines whether or not the detected value of the sensor is equal to or higher than a preset set value. When it is determined that the value is greater than or equal to the value, the inflator is operated by a command signal from the control unit to supply high-pressure gas to the airbag, and the airbag is rapidly inflated. When the air bag is inflated, the air bag cover 10 in the region where the fragile line 11 for cleavage is applied is pressed from the back surface by the pressure when the air bag is inflated, so that the region is connected to the first cleaving line 11a and the second cleaving line 11b. Cleaved along. The deployment door 14 thus generated is deployed in a double-open state with the hinge portion 15 as a fulcrum, and at the same time, the airbag is inflated and deployed outside the airbag cover 10. Thus, the cushioning action of the airbag supports the occupant's head or chest and protects the occupant from the impact force at the time of collision.

  However, in the conventional airbag cover 10 as described above, the hinge portion 15 of the deployment door 14 that is deployed by the cleavage of the fragile line 11 for cleavage as the airbag is inflated has a thinner structure than other portions. In particular, the portion of the hinge portion 15 for resin-molding the airbag cover 10 swells or contracts outward from the surface of the airbag cover 10 as shown in FIG. As a result, there is a problem that the appearance of the airbag cover 10 is impaired, the appearance is deteriorated, and the design effect is lowered.

  Further, in the conventional airbag cover 10, corners located at both ends of the hinge portion 14 when the deployment door 14 is deployed in a double-open state as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 with the hinge portion 15 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a crack 16 extending outward from the bag occurred in the bag airbag cover 10 and the airbag cover could be broken.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems. It eliminates the deformation of the air bag cover and facilitates the operation of deploying the door by inflating and deploying the air bag. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle airbag device and an airbag cover used therefor that can prevent the occurrence of cracks and breaks in the cover accompanying expansion and deployment.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an airbag cover having a resin panel covering an airbag, wherein the panel body has a deployment area having an area necessary for inflating and deploying the airbag. In the development region, a fragile line for cleavage for forming a groove that can be double-opened or single-opened is formed by cutting a desired depth from the back surface of the panel main body in the thickness direction of the panel main body, A hinge portion of the door is positioned between both ends of the fragile line for cleavage, and the hinge portion is formed to have the same thickness as the thickness of the panel body. A plurality of arc-shaped cuts having a desired depth from the back surface of the hinge portion are formed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge portion.

  The present invention also provides an air bag, an air bag cover made of a resin panel covering the air bag, and an air that is disposed on the back side of the panel body and is stored in a folded state. A bag case, an inflator for inflating and deploying the air bag by supplying gas to the air bag, and a back surface of the panel main body so as to surround a deployment area having an area necessary for inflating and deploying the air bag. A vehicle airbag device comprising: a resin frame that supports the airbag case; and a resin reinforcing member that is held by the frame and reinforces the deployment ramp from the back surface side. Is a position where a fragile line for cleavage for forming a door that can be double-opened or single-opened is inserted in the thickness direction of the panel body from the back surface of the panel body. It is formed by cutting a depth, and is configured such that the hinge portion of the door is positioned between both ends of the fragile line for cleavage, and the hinge portion is formed to have the same thickness as the thickness of the panel body. The hinge portion is formed with a plurality of arc-shaped cuts having a desired length from the surface of the panel body along the longitudinal direction of the hinge portion.

  According to the airbag cover and the vehicle airbag apparatus using the airbag cover of the present invention, the hinge portion of the door formed by the cleavage of the fragile line for tearing in the deployment region of the panel body has the same wall thickness as the panel body. The hinge part is formed thick, and a plurality of arc-shaped cuts with a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body are formed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge part, so that deformation of the hinge part when the airbag cover is molded with resin is eliminated. The door can be easily deployed by inflating and deploying the airbag. Thereby, the appearance of the air bag cover is improved in appearance, and the design effect can be improved.

  Further, according to the airbag cover and the vehicle airbag apparatus using the airbag cover according to the present invention, since both end regions of the fragile line for cleavage are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portion, It is possible to prevent the airbag cover from being cracked and broken due to the opening of the door due to the opening of the fragile line for tearing accompanying the inflation and deployment of the airbag, and to prevent damage to the airbag during inflation and deployment.

  Further, according to the present invention, by making the cut depth of both end regions shallower than the cut depth of the other region of the fragile line for cleavage excluding this end region, the crack and breakage of the airbag cover can be ensured. Can be prevented.

The air bag cover and the vehicle air bag device according to the present embodiment are characterized in that the door hinge portion formed by the tearing of the fragile line for tearing in the deployment region of the panel main body has the same thickness as the thickness of the panel main body. The hinge part is formed with a plurality of arc-shaped cuts of a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body along the longitudinal direction of the hinge part, and the hinge part of the door is positioned between both ends of the fragile line for cleavage. The both end regions are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portion, and the cut depth of both end regions is determined by the fragile line for cleavage excluding the end regions. It is the place which made it shallower than the cutting depth of other area | regions.
With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate the deformation of the hinge portion when the air bag cover is molded with resin and facilitate the operation of expanding the door by inflating and deploying the air bag. Thus, cracks and breakage of the airbag cover due to the expansion of the door can be prevented.

Hereinafter, an airbag cover and a vehicle airbag apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing an example of the case where the airbag cover and the vehicle airbag apparatus using the airbag cover according to the present embodiment are mounted on the instrument panel cover of the vehicle passenger seat, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door of the airbag cover in the first embodiment is unfolded. is there.

  4, the vehicle airbag apparatus 100 includes an airbag cover 22, which corresponds to an instrument panel cover, an airbag 24, an airbag case 26, an inflator (not shown), a frame body 28, a pair of reinforcing members 30, and the like. .

  The airbag cover 22 includes a resin panel body 221 that is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material such as PP or TOP. The panel body 221 is configured to have a three-dimensional curved surface so as to cover the air bag 24 and to cover the surface of a synthetic resin instrument panel core (not shown) fixed to a vehicle body (not shown). Then, it is fixed to the instrument panel core by an appropriate means such as a tapping screw.

  The airbag 24 is accommodated in an airbag case 26 made of a metal plate in a folded state as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the frame 28 is for holding the airbag case 26 and the reinforcing member 30 on the back surface side of the airbag cover 22, and a reinforcing material such as talc or glass fiber is 10 to 10. It is molded from a polypropylene-based highly elastic resin material mixed at a ratio of 30% by weight. The frame body 28 has a rectangular tube shape having a cross-sectional area corresponding to a rectangular deployment region 221A having an area necessary for inflating and deploying the airbag 24. Further, a flange portion 281 for bonding is integrally formed of the same resin material as that of the frame body 28 at the edge of the frame body 28 on the panel body 221 side, and the flange portion 281 is vibration welded to the back surface of the panel body 221. It is adhered by means such as.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of reinforcing members 30 reinforces the development region 221 </ b> A of the panel body 221 from the back surface side, and is formed from a synthetic resin material such as PP or TOP. Further, each reinforcing member 30 is connected to the inner surface of the frame body 28 by a dovetail groove method or the like, and is connected to the upper end of the support piece 301 via a hinge portion 302 so as to be foldable. It is comprised from the reinforcement piece 303 adhere | attached by means, such as vibration welding, on the back surface of 221A.

  A plurality of hooks 261 are provided on the side plate facing the support piece 301 of the reinforcing member 30 on the side of the upper end opening 26 a of the airbag case 26. Each of the hooks 261 engages with a hole 301 a provided in the support piece 301 and a hole 261 a provided in the airbag case 26 so as to coincide with the hole 301 a so that the airbag case 26 can be fixed to the frame body 28. It has become. An inflator accommodating portion for accommodating an inflator (not shown) for supplying inflation gas to the airbag 24 is provided at the lower end portion of the airbag case 26. The airbag case 26 is fixed to a fixing member such as a cross member 34 via a support member 32 by a bolt and nut 36.

As shown in FIG. 5, a fragile line 38 for cleavage is formed in the development region 221 </ b> A of the panel body 221.
The fragile line 38 for cleavage forms doors 222a and 222b (see FIG. 7) that can be double-opened (opened by double opening) in the deployment region 221A when the fragile line 38 for cleavage when the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed. For this purpose, it is formed by cutting a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body 221 in the thickness direction of the panel body 221.
The fragile line for cleavage 38 forming such double-openable doors 222a and 222b includes one first rupture line 38a laterally located at the center of the deployment region 221A, and the first rupture line 38a. It is composed of two second cleavage lines 38b and 38c that are located at both ends and extend in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first cleavage line 38a, and has a substantially H shape in plan view as a whole.

  The hinges of the doors 222a and 222b are provided between the two opposite left and right ends 38b1 and 38c1 of the two second cleavage lines 38b and 38c and between the opposite left and right ends 38b2 and 38c2. The parts 223a and 223b (see FIG. 7) are positioned, and the hinge parts 223a and 223b are formed to have the same thickness as that of the panel body 221. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of arc-shaped cuts 224a and 224b having a desired depth from the surface of the panel body 221 are formed in the hinge portions 223a and 223b along the longitudinal direction of the hinge portions 223a and 223b.

The left and right ends 38b1 and 38c1 and 38b2 and 38c2 are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portions 223a and 223b.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the flange portion of the frame body 28 adhered to the back surface of the panel body 221 so as to surround the development region 221A along the second cleavage lines 38b and 38c and the hinge portions 223a and 223b. 281 is configured to overlap with the end points 38b1, 38c1 and 38b2, 38c2.

Such a fragile line for cleavage 38 irradiates a pulsed laser beam from the back surface of the panel body 221, and continuously processes a small-diameter blind hole 39 that does not penetrate the panel body 221 as shown in FIG. It is formed by. The depth of cut of the end points 38b1, 38c1 and 38b2, 38c2 by this laser cut, that is, the depth of the blind hole 39 is the depth of cut in the other region of the fragile line 38 for cleavage excluding this end, That is, it is processed to be shallower than the depth of the blind hole 39. The arc-shaped cuts 224a and 224b are also processed by laser cutting.
In addition, 10.6 μm long infrared light focused to a diameter of 0.2 to 0.5 mm is used for the laser beam for processing the fragile line 38 for cleavage and the arc-shaped cuts 224a and 224b.

  As described above, in the vehicle airbag device 100 of this embodiment, when the vehicle collides, the impact force at the time of the collision is detected by a well-known sensor (not shown), and the impact force detected by this sensor is determined in advance. It is determined by a control device composed of a well-known CPU or the like (not shown) whether or not the value exceeds the specified value. Here, when the sensor determines that the detected value is greater than or equal to the set value, a known inflator (not shown) is operated by a signal output from the control device to generate a predetermined gas, and this gas is supplied to the airbag 24. By supplying, the airbag 24 is rapidly inflated and deployed.

When the airbag 24 is rapidly inflated and deployed, when the pressure generated at the initial stage of the inflation and deployment is applied to the deployment region 221A via the reinforcing piece 303 of the reinforcing member 30, the deployment region 221A extends along the fragile line 38 for cleavage. At the same time, the doors 222a and 222b are unfolded to the outside of the panel body 221 as shown in FIG. 8 with the hinges 223a and 223b as fulcrums.
At the same time, the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed to the outside of the panel body 221 with the opening operation of the doors 222a and 222b. Thus, the cushioning action of the airbag 24 supports the occupant's head or chest and protects the occupant from the impact force at the time of collision.

  According to the vehicle airbag apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the left and right ends 38b1 and 38c1 of the second cleavage lines 38b and 38c of the fragile line 38 for cleavage are opposed to each other and opposed to each other. The hinge portions 223a and 223b of the doors 222a and 222b are positioned between the other left and right ends 38b2 and 38c2, and the hinge portions 223a and 223b have the same thickness as that of the panel body 221. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of arc-shaped cuts 224a and 224b having a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body 221 are formed in the hinge portions 223a and 223b along the longitudinal direction of the hinge portions 223a and 223b. Since it is configured, it is possible to eliminate the deformation of the hinge portion when the airbag cover 22 is resin-molded, and the air Door by inflation and deployment of the Tsu grayed 24 222a, to facilitate the expansion behavior of 222b. Thereby, the appearance of the air bag cover 22 can be improved and the design effect can be improved.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the left and right ends 38b1 and 38c1 and 38b2 and 38c2 of the second cleavage lines 38b and 38c are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portions 223a and 223b. At the same time, the cut depths of the end points 38b1, 38c1 and 38b2, 38c2 are processed to be shallower than the cut depths of the other regions of the fragile line for cleavage 38 excluding the end points. The doors 222a and 222b can be smoothly deployed by the breakage of the weak line 38, and even if the doors 222a and 222b are deployed with the hinges 223a and 223b as fulcrums, cracks and breakage of the airbag cover 222 can be prevented. And prevents damage to the airbag 24 during inflation and deployment as in the prior art. It can be.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the flange portion 281 of the frame body 28 bonded to the back surface of the panel body 221 so as to surround the development region 221A overlaps the end points 38b1, 38c1, 38b2, and 38c2. Since it comprised, even if a pressing force acts on the expansion | deployment area | region 221A of the airbag cover 22 from the outer side, the expansion | deployment area | region 221A does not deform | transform easily and can maintain intensity | strength.

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the airbag cover according to the second embodiment.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the door formed in the development region 221A has a single-open structure.
That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the development region 221 </ b> A of the panel body 221, a fragile line 40 for cleavage having a substantially U shape obtained by extending a U character in the lateral direction is formed. The fragile line 40 for cleavage is used to form a door 42 that can be opened in one side in the deployment region 221A when the fragile line 40 for cleavage when the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed. As in the case of Example 1, it is formed by cutting a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body 221 in the thickness direction of the panel body 221.

The hinge portion 44 of the door 42 is positioned between the terminal ends 40a1 and 40b1 of the left and right cleavage lines 40a and 40b facing each other of the fragile line 40 for cleavage, and the hinge portion 44 is configured as a panel body 221. It is formed in the same thickness as the thickness of. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of arc-shaped cuts 44 a having a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body 221 are formed in the hinge portion 44 along the longitudinal direction of the hinge portion 44.
Further, the terminal ends 40a1 and 40b1 are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portion 44. Furthermore, the depths of the end points 40a1 and 40b1 are processed to be shallower than the cut depths of the other regions of the cleavage weakening line 40 excluding the end points.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the ends 40a1 and 40b1 of the fragile line 40 for cleavage overlap each other with the flange portion 281 of the frame body 28 adhered to the back surface of the panel body 221 so as to surround the development region 221A. It is configured as follows.
In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG.

  According to the second embodiment as described above, although the door 42 is unfolded by the opening of the fragile line 40 for tearing when the airbag 24 is inflated and deployed, the operational effect is the same as that of the first embodiment. It is the same.

In addition, the shape pattern of the fragile line for cleavage in the present invention is not limited to the shape shown in the first and second embodiments, and the fragile for cleavage is provided in the deployment region 221A of the panel body 221 so that the airbag 24 can be inflated and deployed. The door formed of a line may be of a structure that can be opened so that it can be double-opened or single-opened.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other forms in specific configurations, functions, and effects without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a perspective view of the conventional airbag cover. It is a plain view of the conventional airbag cover. It is sectional drawing of the conventional airbag cover. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part which shows an example of the airbag cover in Example 1 of this invention, and a vehicle airbag apparatus using the same. It is the top view which looked at FIG. 4 from the arrow 5 direction. It is an expanded sectional view which follows the 6-6 line of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the door of the airbag cover in the present Example 1 was expand | deployed. It is a top view of the airbag cover in Example 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Airbag apparatus for vehicles 22 Airbag cover 221 Panel body 221A Deployment area 222a, 222b Door 223a, 223b Hinge part 224a, 224b Arc-shaped cut 24 Airbag 26 Airbag case 28 Frame body 281 Flange part 30 Reinforcement member 38 Fragile line for cleavage 38a First cleavage line 38b, 38c Second cleavage line 38b1, 38c1, 38b2, 38c2 Termination 40 Cleavage line 40a1, 40b1 Termination 42 Door 44 Hinge portion 44a Arc-shaped cut

Claims (8)

  An airbag cover having a resin panel covering the airbag, wherein the panel body has a deployment area of an area necessary for inflating and deploying the airbag, and the deployment area can be double-opened or single-opened A fragile line for cleavage for forming a flexible door is formed by a notch of a desired depth inserted in the thickness direction of the panel body from the back surface of the panel body, and the door is formed between both ends of the fragile line for cleavage. The hinge portion is formed to have the same thickness as the thickness of the panel body, and the hinge portion has an arc-shaped cut of a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body. A plurality of airbag covers formed along the longitudinal direction of the hinge portion.   2. The airbag cover according to claim 1, wherein the both ends are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portion.   The fragile line for cleavage is processed by laser cutting, and the depth of cut at both ends by the laser cut is shallower than the depth of cut at other areas of the fragile line for cleavage except the ends. The airbag cover according to claim 1.   A flange portion of a resin frame having a size that surrounds the periphery of the development region along the fragile line for cleavage and the hinge portion is bonded to the back surface of the panel body, and the flange portion is The air bag cover according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the air bag cover is configured to overlap the both ends. An air bag, an air bag cover made of a resin panel covering the air bag, an air bag case disposed on the back side of the panel main body and stored in a folded state; and An inflator for inflating and deploying the air bag by supplying gas to the air bag, and the air bag fixed to the back surface of the panel body so as to surround a deployment area having an area necessary for inflating and deploying the air bag. A vehicle airbag device comprising: a resin frame that supports a case; and a resin reinforcing member that is held by the frame and reinforces the deployment region from the back surface side;
A fragile line for cleavage for forming a door that can be double-opened or single-opened is formed in the unfolded region by cutting a desired depth from the back surface of the panel body in the thickness direction of the panel body. A hinge portion of the door is positioned between both ends of the weak line, and the hinge portion is formed to have the same thickness as the thickness of the panel body. A vehicular airbag apparatus, wherein a plurality of arc-shaped cuts having a desired depth from the back surface are formed along a longitudinal direction of the hinge portion.   6. The vehicle airbag apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the both ends are formed in an arc shape that curves outward from both ends of the hinge portion.   The fragile line for cleavage is processed by laser cutting, and the depth of cut at both ends by the laser cut is shallower than the depth of cut at other areas of the fragile line for cleavage except the ends. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 5.   A flange portion of a resin frame having a size that surrounds the periphery of the development region along the fragile line for cleavage and the hinge portion is bonded to the back surface of the panel body, and the flange portion is The vehicle airbag device according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the vehicle airbag device is configured to overlap the both ends.