JP3405246B2 - Installation structure of vehicle occupant protection system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention causes a gas to be ejected from an inflator when a predetermined high load is applied to a side portion of a vehicle body, and the gas causes the airbag bag body to form a curtain along a pillar portion and a roof side rail portion. The present invention relates to an arrangement structure of an occupant protection device for an automobile that is inflated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to improve the performance of protecting the occupant's head when a predetermined high load is applied to the side of a vehicle body, a bag stored in a folded state across a pillar portion and a roof side rail portion is installed in a window. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-138859 discloses an example of an arrangement structure of an automobile occupant protection device that expands in a curtain shape along glass.

As shown in FIG. 18, in this vehicle occupant protection system, the air bag body of the air bag system 102, which is installed so as to straddle the front pillar and the roof side rail 100. A fastener 10 for fixing 104 to an assist grip 106 which is an interior component.
No. 8 is used to fasten the bracket 110 together to reduce the number of fixing points dedicated to the airbag bag 104.

[0004]

However, in this vehicle occupant protection device arranging structure, when the head protecting airbag 104 is arranged in the vicinity of the assist grip 106 fixed to the roof side rail 100. In addition, the assist grip 106 restricts the deployment space of the airbag bag 104, which may affect the deployment performance of the airbag bag 104.

In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain an occupant protection device for an automobile, which can secure a sufficient space for deploying an airbag bag.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an inflator disposed at a predetermined portion of a vehicle body and ejecting gas when a predetermined high load acts on a side portion of the vehicle body, a pillar portion and a roof side. An automobile provided with an occupant protection device including an airbag bag that is stored in a folded state along a rail portion and that is inflated in a curtain shape when gas ejected from an inflator flows in. An arrangement structure of an applied vehicle occupant protection device, wherein internal pressure of the airbag bag body when the airbag bag body is deployed is transmitted to an assist grip fixing bracket via a ceiling material and an assist grip, and the fixing bracket is fixed. It is characterized in that the air bag body can be moved into the vehicle cabin together with the ceiling material by being deformed.

Therefore, when a predetermined high load is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, gas is ejected from the inflator arranged at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body. For this reason, gas flows into the airbag bag body that is folded and stored along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion, and the airbag bag body bulges like a curtain along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion. .

At this time, the internal pressure of the airbag bag is transmitted to the fixed bracket through the ceiling material and the assist grip,
The fixing bracket is deformed, and the airbag body moves to the vehicle interior side together with the ceiling material. As a result, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag deployment performance can be secured. Also, the deformation mode of the ceiling material can be controlled by the deformation of the fixed bracket.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle occupant protection system according to the first aspect, the both ends of the assist grip are connected to each other in the region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag acts. While the metal connecting plate is provided, the fixing bracket has a hat-shaped cross section capable of absorbing energy at the time of an internal collision, and only the inner wall portion in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the vehicle body, and the airbag bag body is guided to the outer wall portion in the vehicle width direction. It is characterized in that the section is set.

Therefore, the internal pressure of the air bag body is input as a moment from the ceiling material and the connecting plate to the fixed bracket through the assist grip fastening portion, the fixed bracket is rotationally deformed, and the air bag body guiding portion causes the air bag bag to move. It is possible to reliably press the body toward the passenger compartment. Further, the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the cross-sectional deformation of the fixed bracket.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle occupant protection system according to the second aspect, a metal reinforcing bracket is integrally provided at a fastening portion of the assist grip, and the reinforcing bracket is provided. The metal connection plate is fixed to the.

Therefore, in addition to the contents of the second aspect, the metal reinforcing bracket and the metal connecting plate can prevent breakage of the assist grip when the airbag bag is deployed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle occupant protection system according to the first aspect, the fixing bracket has a hat-shaped cross section capable of absorbing energy in the event of an internal collision, and both opposing walls. An assist grip fixing bracket having a front end of the portion fixed to the vehicle body and a deformation promoting portion provided in the middle of the wall, and upper ends of both ends are fixed to the assist grip fixing bracket, and an airbag bag guiding portion is formed in the lower portion. And an air bag body guide bracket that has been formed.

Therefore, in addition to the contents of the first aspect, the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the deformation of the assist grip fixing bracket constituting the fixing bracket starting from the deformation promoting portion. .
Further, since both ends of the fixing bracket are fixed to the vehicle body via the assist grip fixing bracket, it is possible to suppress deformation due to a downward tensile load when the assist grip is used.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the inflator is disposed at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body and ejects gas when a predetermined high load is applied to a side portion of the vehicle body, and is folded along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion. Vehicle occupant including a occupant protection device configured to include an airbag bag body that is stored in a state and is inflated in a curtain shape when gas ejected from an inflator flows in. In the arrangement structure of the protection device, the assist grip has a hat-shaped cross section capable of absorbing energy in the case of an internal collision, and opposite ends of both wall portions are attached to a fixing bracket fixed to the vehicle body. A moving means for moving the air bag body together with the ceiling material toward the vehicle interior by the internal pressure of the air bag body when the air bag body is deployed And wherein the door.

Therefore, when a predetermined high load is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, gas is ejected from the inflator arranged at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body. For this reason, gas flows into the airbag bag body that is folded and stored along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion, and the airbag bag body bulges like a curtain along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion. .

At this time, the air bag body is moved to the inside of the vehicle compartment together with the ceiling material by the moving means that receives the internal pressure of the air bag body. As a result, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag deployment performance can be secured. Also, without actively using the deformation of the fixed bracket,
Since the air bag body is moved by the separately provided moving means, the fixing bracket has a high degree of freedom in design. Furthermore, the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the cross-sectional deformation of the fixed bracket.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle occupant protection system according to the fifth aspect, the moving means is configured to fasten both ends of the assist grip in a region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag acts. It is characterized by comprising a metal connecting plate for connecting the brackets to each other and an airbag bag guide portion integrally provided on the connecting plate.

Therefore, the internal pressure of the air bag body acts on the connecting plate, and the air bag body guide portion can surely press the air bag body toward the passenger compartment. Moreover, the above effect can be achieved with a simple configuration in which only a metal connecting plate having an air bag body guiding portion is added.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the inflator is disposed at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body and ejects gas when a predetermined high load acts on a side portion of the vehicle body, and is folded along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion. Vehicle occupant including a occupant protection device configured to include an airbag bag body that is stored in a state and is inflated in a curtain shape when gas ejected from an inflator flows in. A structure for disposing a protective device, which has reinforcing flanges integrally formed on both sides, and a pair of mounting brackets for directly fixing both end fastening portions of the assist grip to an inner panel of a roof side rail, There is a fragile portion formed on the reinforcing flange and serving as a starting point of deformation, and a metal connecting plate for mutually connecting the pair of mounting brackets. It is characterized in.

Therefore, when a predetermined high load is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, gas is ejected from the inflator arranged at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body. For this reason, gas flows into the airbag bag body that is folded and stored along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion, and the airbag bag body bulges like a curtain along the pillar portion and the roof side rail portion. .

At this time, the mounting bracket receiving the internal pressure of the air bag body is bent and deformed so as to fall in the deploying direction of the air bag body starting from the weak portion formed on the flange. As a result, the ceiling material along with the metal connecting plate largely expands toward the passenger compartment. Therefore, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag deployment performance can be secured. Further, since both ends of the assist grip are directly fixed to the inner panel of the roof side rail by the pair of mounting brackets, two parts of the assist grip fixing bracket and the metal reinforcing bracket can be made into one part of the mounting bracket. Cost reduction is possible. Further, since the fragile portion which is the starting point of deformation is formed on the flange of the mounting bracket, it is possible to absorb the impact load acting on the assist grip from the inside of the vehicle compartment by the sectional deformation of the mounting bracket.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the figure, an arrow FR indicates a front direction of the vehicle body, an arrow UP indicates an upward direction of the vehicle body, and an arrow IN indicates a vehicle width inward direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, an airbag device 10 as a vehicle occupant protection device is installed near a connecting portion between a front pillar portion (A pillar portion) 12 and an instrument panel 14 to operate. An inflator 15 for ejecting gas, and a front pillar portion 12 to a roof side rail portion 18 connected to the inflator 15
The airbag bag 16 stored in a folded state along the
And are included.

The inflator 15 is connected to a center control unit (not shown) arranged below the console box. Further, the center control unit is connected to a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor) (not shown) arranged near the lower end of the center pillar portion (B pillar portion) 22. Therefore, when the predetermined high load acting state on the vehicle body side portion is detected by the sensor, the center control unit operates the inflator 15. Further, as a specific configuration of the inflator 15, a gas generant-encapsulated type in which gas is ejected by burning the gas generant enclosed therein, or a high-pressure gas is generated by breaking a partition wall provided inside A high-pressure gas-filled type that ejects gas is applicable. In the present embodiment, the inflator 15 is arranged near the connecting portion between the front pillar portion 12 and the instrument panel 14, but the inflator is arranged at a predetermined portion of the vehicle body other than this, and the air bag is made of a tube or the like. Body 1
You may make it connect to the front-end part of 6.

Further, the airbag bag body 16 is accommodated in a long-shaped case, which will be described later, in a folded state, and is accommodated along the roof side rail portion 18 from the front pillar portion 12 in this state. Specifically, the airbag bag body 16
The front end of the vehicle is connected to the inflator 15 so that gas can flow in, the middle is arranged along the roof side rail 18 from the front pillar 12, and the rear end is not shown. It is arranged near the section (C pillar section). In addition, the airbag bag body 16
Is formed such that the expanded shape in a side view is a substantially parallelogram shape. Specifically, by folding a single piece of base cloth that is cut so that both sides of the fold line have a substantially parallelogram shape, and sewn the peripheral edges thereof, or a substantially parallelogram shape. An outer shell of the airbag bag body 16 is formed by stitching the peripheral portions of the two base cloths cut into pieces, and further by bag-weaving.

As shown in FIG. 1, a roof rail portion 34 is provided at the outer end portion of the roof panel 32 in the vehicle width direction. The roof rail portion 34 is a rail outer panel 3 having a substantially hat-shaped cross section, which is projected relatively largely to the outside of the vehicle compartment.
6 and a rail inner panel 38 slightly protruding inward of the rail outer panel 36. Both end flange portions of the rail outer panel 36 and the rail inner panel 38 are joined to each other by welding to form a closed cross section. An upper end portion of the roof rail portion 34 formed by the two members is welded to an outer end portion of the roof panel 32 in the vehicle width direction, and an opening weather strip 42 is fitted to the lower end portion of the roof rail portion 34. Has been done. A fixing bracket 44 is welded to the surface of the rail inner panel 38 on the vehicle interior side.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed bracket 44
The cross-sectional shape of the vehicle body as viewed from the front-rear direction is a so-called hat-shaped cross-section capable of absorbing energy in the event of an internal collision when a load is applied from the vehicle interior side. Each is drilled. Note that FIG. 5 shows only the front end portion side of the fixing bracket 44.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fixed bracket 44
At both ends of the vehicle width direction inner wall end 44B,
It is fixed to the rail inner panel 38 as a vehicle body, and as shown in FIG. 2, the front-rear direction intermediate portion 44C of the fixing bracket 44 is not fixed to the vehicle body side.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed bracket 44
Is a front end 44E of a wall portion 44D formed at both front and rear ends thereof
Is fixed to the rail inner panel 38 (see FIG. 1), and a deformation promoting portion 44F is formed at a middle portion of the wall portion 44D by a notch or the like.

Therefore, at the time of an internal collision, the fixing bracket 44
Is capable of absorbing energy as the hat-shaped cross section opens and the wall portion 44D deforms from the deformation promoting portion 44F as a starting point. An airbag bag guiding portion 44G is formed on the lower portion of the fixing bracket 44.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the indoor side of the roof panel 32 and the roof rail portion 34, a resin roof head lining (molded ceiling) 52 as a ceiling material composed of a base material 48 and a skin 50 is provided at predetermined intervals. It is installed open. The outer end portion of the roof head lining 52 is elastically locked to the above-mentioned opening weather strip 42. Further, a concave portion 54 that is recessed toward the roof rail portion 34 side is formed near the outer end portion of the roof head lining 52 in the vehicle width direction (a predetermined position on the roof side rail portion 18).

Further, the air bag body 16 and the case 26 of the air bag device 10 are housed in the space 56 surrounded by the outer end portion of the roof head lining 52 in the vehicle width direction, the rail inner panel 38 and the fixing bracket 44. Has been done. The airbag bag body 16 is folded so that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is rectangular. Although not shown, the mounting portion projectingly formed on the upper end portion of the airbag bag 16 at a predetermined interval is a pair of mounting portion projectingly formed on the upper end portion of the case 26 at a predetermined interval. It is fixed to the fixing bracket 44 and the rail inner panel 38 while being sandwiched by the. Further, a rotary assist grip 60 made of resin is provided in the recess 54 of the roof headlining 52.

The case 26 is for holding the airbag bag body 16 in a folded state, and the case 26 can be omitted by stopping the folded airbag bag body 16 with a breakable tape or the like. Is.

As shown in FIG. 3, the assist grip 6
In 0, a grip portion 60A gripped by an occupant and a fastening portion 60B provided at front and rear ends of the grip portion 60A are integrally formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the assist grip 6
A metal reinforcing bracket 64 is integrally provided on each of the fastening portions 60B of No. 0.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcing bracket 64
The fastening portion 64A has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a mounting hole 65 is formed in the bottom portion. A pair of front and rear bearings 64C is formed at the lower end of the extended portion 64B extending from the outer periphery of the fastening portion 64A, and the shaft 62 supported by these bearings 64C is shown in FIG. As described above, the mounting portion 60B of the assist grip 60 is rotatably supported.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reinforcing bracket 64
A resin cover 67 covers the above. The reinforcing bracket 64 is fixed to both end bases 44A of the fixing bracket 44 by fixing screws 66 and nuts 68.
More specifically, the recess 5 of the roof head lining 52
4, the fastening portion 64A of the reinforcing bracket 64 is inserted into the notch 55 formed at a predetermined position, and in this state, the fixing screw 66 has the mounting hole 65 formed in the fastening portion 64A and the both end bases of the fixing bracket 44. Mounting hole 45 formed in 44A
The fastening portion 64 </ b> A of the reinforcing bracket 64 is fixed to the fixed bracket 44 by penetrating through the and and being screwed with the nut 68.

Here, in the present embodiment, the airbag bag body 16 is sandwiched by the region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag body when the airbag bag body 16 is deployed, specifically, the roof head lining 52 is sandwiched. A metal connecting plate 70 that connects the fastening portions 64 </ b> A of the reinforcing bracket 64 to each other is provided at a portion facing the case 26.

As shown in FIG. 4, an intermediate portion 70A in the front-rear direction of the connecting plate 70 is U-shaped with its opening facing the inside of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. A cover 72 is attached to the direction intermediate portion 70A. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, at both ends of the connecting plate 70 in the front-rear direction, the connecting portion 70 extends substantially upward.
B is formed, and the connecting portion 70B is the reinforcing bracket 6
4 is welded to the extended portion 64B.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

When a side impact load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, a side collision is detected by the sensor. Therefore, the inflator 14 operates and a predetermined amount of gas is ejected. As a result, the airbag bag body 16 begins to inflate, and the inflation pressure at that time causes the case 26 to rupture at its corners and expand. Inflated airbag bag 16
Is the roof headlining 5 located on the pillar garnish of the front pillar and the roof side rail portion 18.
While pushing the outer edge of 2, open the roof side rail 1
It bulges below 8 in a curtain shape. Thus, the airbag body 16 is interposed between the vehicle body side portion and the occupant's head to protect the occupant's head.

At this time, in this embodiment, the internal pressure (arrow P in FIG. 1) of the air bag body 16 is applied to the fixed bracket 44 from the roof headlining 52 and the connecting plate 70 via the fastening portion 64A of the reinforcing bracket 64. (Arrow M in FIG. 1). As a result, the air bag body guiding portion 44G of the fixing bracket 44 that is not fixed to the vehicle body is moved to the vehicle interior side position indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 1 centering on the vehicle width direction inner wall end 44B side. It transforms by rotation. Therefore, as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 1, as the roof head lining 52 expands toward the inside of the vehicle compartment, the airbag bag guide portion 44G causes the airbag bag body 16 to move together with the case 26 into the vehicle compartment. It is surely pushed inward. As a result, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag 16 deployment performance can be secured. Further, the deformation mode of the roof headlining 52 can be controlled by the deformation of the fixed bracket 44.

Further, in this embodiment, the fixed bracket 4
Since 4 has a hat-shaped cross section capable of absorbing energy, it is possible to absorb the impact load acting on the assist grip 60 from the vehicle interior side by the cross-sectional deformation of the fixed bracket 44. Further, the reinforcing bracket 64 made of metal and the connecting plate 70 made of metal can prevent breakage of the assist grip 60 during deployment of the airbag body. Further, in the present embodiment, the fixing bracket 44 is provided at both end bases 4.
4A, the vehicle width direction inner side wall end 44B and the wall 4
Since the tip end 44E of 4D is fixed to the rail inner panel 38, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the fixing bracket 44 due to the downward tensile load when the assist grip is used.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fixing bracket 44 is provided separately from the airbag bag guide bracket 74 and the assist grip fixing bracket 76.
Alternatively, only the airbag bag guide bracket 74 may be deformed when the airbag bag is deployed. Specifically, the assist grip fixing bracket 76 has a hat-shaped cross-section when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.
74A of both end portions of the airbag bag guide bracket 74 are welded to the base portion 76A of the both ends of the assist grip fixing bracket 76 that face each other, and
76C are welded to the rail inner panel 38, respectively. Further, deformation facilitating portions 76F and 76G due to beads or the like are formed in the middle portions of the wall portions 76D and 76E as the opposite wall portions of the assist grip fixing bracket 76, which act on the assist grip 60 from the vehicle interior side. The impact load generated by the assist grip fixing bracket 76 can be absorbed by the deformation of the deformation promoting portions 76F and 76G.

Next, a second embodiment of the arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment,
An airbag bag guide portion 70C is formed in the front-rear intermediate portion 70A of the metal connection plate 70, and the metal connection plate 70 and the airbag bag guide portion 70C form the airbag when the airbag bag is deployed. The inner pressure of the bag body constitutes a moving means for moving the airbag bag body 16 together with the roof head lining 52 toward the interior of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 10, the connecting plate 70
The airbag bag body guide portion 70C extends above the airbag bag body 16 and the case 26 through a through hole 78 formed in the roof head lining 52.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fixing bracket 8
No. 0 has a hat-shaped cross section viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and a mounting hole 45 is formed in the center of the base 80A.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fixed bracket 80
At the base portion 80A of the
6 and a nut 68. Further, the front ends 80B and 80C of both wall portions of the fixed bracket 80 which face each other.
Are welded to the rail inner panel 38, respectively.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

When a side impact load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, a side collision is detected by the sensor. Therefore, the inflator 14 operates and a predetermined amount of gas is ejected. As a result, the airbag bag body 16 begins to inflate, and the inflation pressure at that time causes the case 26 to rupture at its corners and expand. Inflated airbag bag 16
Is bulged like a curtain below the roof side rail portion 18 while pushing open the pillar garnish of the front pillar portion 12 and the outer end portion of the roof headlining 52 located on the roof side rail portion 18. Thus, the airbag body 16 is interposed between the vehicle body side portion and the occupant's head to protect the occupant's head.

At this time, in this embodiment, the internal pressure (arrow P in FIG. 10) of the air bag body 16 exerts a moment (FIG. 10) on the connecting plate 70 via the roof head lining 52.
Arrow M). As a result, the airbag body guide portion 70C formed in the front-rear intermediate portion 70A of the connecting plate 70 is rotationally deformed to the position on the vehicle interior side, which is indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. Therefore, as indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 10, as the roof head lining 52 expands toward the inside of the vehicle compartment, the airbag bag guide portion 70C causes the airbag bag body 16 to move together with the case 26 into the vehicle interior. It is surely pushed inward. As a result, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag 16 deployment performance can be secured. Further, the deformation mode of the roof headlining 52 can be controlled by the deformation of the connecting plate 70.

Further, in this embodiment, the fixed bracket 80
Has a hat-shaped cross section that can absorb energy,
The impact load acting on the assist grip 60 from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the cross-sectional deformation of the fixed bracket 80. Further, the reinforcing bracket 64 made of metal and the connecting plate 70 made of metal can prevent breakage of the assist grip 60 during deployment of the airbag body.

Further, the fixing bracket 80 of this embodiment
Since the opposite ends 80B and 80C of both wall portions are fixed to the rail inner panel 38, it is possible to suppress deformation of the fixing bracket 80 due to a downward pulling load when the assist grip is used. Further, since the airbag 16 is moved by the separately provided connecting plate 70 without positively utilizing the deformation of the fixing bracket 80, the fixing bracket 80 has a high degree of design freedom. Furthermore, the above effect can be achieved with a simple configuration in which only the metal connecting plate 70 having the airbag body guiding portion 70C is added.

Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment,
The assist grip 82 is of a fixed type. The fixed assist grip 82 has a grip portion 82A gripped by an occupant, a pair of fastening portions 82B provided at front and rear ends of the grip portion 82A, and a pair of fastening portions. And a connecting portion 82C that connects the portion 82B. A metal bracket 84 is inserted in the assist grip 82.

As shown in FIG. 14, the portion of the bracket 84 that is inserted into the fastening portion 82B of the assist grip 82 is a reinforcing plate portion 86. The fastening portion 86A of the reinforcing plate portion 86 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a mounting hole 65 is formed in the bottom portion. The portions extending downward from the outer peripheral portion of the fastening portion 86A are both end portions 88A of the connecting plate portion 88.

As shown in FIG. 15, the connecting plate portion 88 of the bracket 84 has a region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag body acts when the airbag bag body 16 is deployed, specifically, the roof head lining 52. It is arranged at a portion opposed to the airbag bag body 16 and the case 26, sandwiching it. The intermediate portion 88B of the connecting plate portion 88 is
It is inserted into the connecting portion 82C of the assist grip 82.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

When a side impact load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, a side collision is detected by the sensor. Therefore, the inflator 14 operates and a predetermined amount of gas is ejected. As a result, the airbag bag body 16 begins to inflate, and the inflation pressure at that time causes the case 26 to rupture at its corners and expand. Inflated airbag bag 16
Is bulged like a curtain below the roof side rail portion 18 while pushing open the pillar garnish of the front pillar portion 12 and the outer end portion of the roof headlining 52 located on the roof side rail portion 18. Thus, the airbag body 16 is interposed between the vehicle body side portion and the occupant's head to protect the occupant's head.

At this time, in the present embodiment, the internal pressure of the airbag bag 16 (arrow P in FIG. 14) is transferred from the roof headlining 52 and the connecting plate portion 88 of the bracket 84 to the fixed bracket 44 via the reinforcing bracket portion 86. It is input as a moment (arrow M in FIG. 14). As a result, the airbag bag guide portion 44G of the fixing bracket 44 that is not fixed to the vehicle body has the tip 44 of the inner wall portion 44 in the vehicle width direction.
With the B side as the center, the vehicle is rotationally deformed to the position on the vehicle interior side, which is indicated by the alternate long and two short dashes line in FIGS. Therefore, as shown by the chain double-dashed lines in FIGS. 14 and 15, as the roof head lining 52 expands toward the inside of the vehicle, the airbag bag guide portion 44G causes the airbag bag body 16 to move together with the case 26. , It is surely pushed out to the passenger compartment side. As a result, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag 16 deployment performance can be secured. Further, due to the deformation of the fixing bracket 44, the roof headlining 52
The deformation mode of can also be controlled.

Further, in this embodiment, the fixing bracket 4
Since 4 has a hat-shaped cross section capable of absorbing energy, it is possible to absorb the impact load acting on the assist grip 60 from the vehicle interior side by the cross-sectional deformation of the fixed bracket 44. Further, the metal bracket 84 inserted into the assist grip 82 can prevent breakage of the assist grip 82 when the airbag bag is deployed.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The same members as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment,
A mounting bracket 90 is provided in place of the fixed bracket 44 and the metal reinforcing bracket 64 shown in FIG. 1, and the fixed bracket can be eliminated by adding an energy absorbing function to the mounting bracket 90 itself. It is composed. An end portion of the mounting bracket 90 on the outer side of the vehicle compartment serves as a mounting portion 90A to the rail inner panel 38, and a mounting hole 92 is formed in a substantially central portion of the mounting portion 90A. The mounting bracket 90 is directly fixed to the rail inner panel 38 by fixing screws 66 and nuts 68. More specifically, roof headlining 5
The outer side of the passenger compartment of the mounting bracket 90 is inserted into the through hole 94 formed at a predetermined position of the second recess 54, and in this state, the fixing screw 66 is provided with the mounting hole 65 formed in the mounting portion 90A.
The mounting portion 90A of the mounting bracket 90 is fixed to the rail inner panel 38 by penetrating through the mounting hole 92 formed in the rail inner panel 38 and screwing with the nut 68.

As shown in FIG. 17, the mounting bracket 9
An extension portion 90B is formed substantially downward at the end of the vehicle interior side of 0, and a pair of front and rear bearing portions 90C are formed at the lower end portion of the extension portion 90B. These bearing parts 9
On the shaft 62 supported by 0C, as shown in FIG.
The mounting portion 60B of the assist grip 60 is rotatably supported.

As shown in FIG. 16, the mounting bracket 9
A resin cover 96 is covered on the inner side of the vehicle interior of No. 0.
The lower end of the resin cover 96 has a J-shaped cross-section engaging portion 96B.
And is fitted to the bearing portion 90C of the mounting bracket 90. An integral hinge 96C is formed on the upper portion of the locking portion 96B, and a locking claw 96A is formed on the upper end portion of the resin cover 96. The locking claw 96A is locked in a locking hole 97 formed at the tip of a locking portion 90D extending from the mounting portion 90A of the mounting bracket 90 toward the vehicle interior.

Here, in the present embodiment, the region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag body acts when the airbag bag body 16 deploys, specifically, the roof head lining 52 is sandwiched, and the airbag bag body 16 is sandwiched. And the extending portions 90B of the front and rear mounting brackets 90 at the portions facing the case 26.
A metal connecting plate 70 for connecting the two is arranged. Further, the connecting portions 70B formed at both ends of the connecting plate 70 in the front-rear direction are fixed to the extending portions 90B of the mounting bracket 90 by welding or the like.

As shown in FIG. 17, the mounting bracket 9
Reinforcing flanges 90E and 90F, which extend from the mounting portion 90A to the bearing portion 90C, are integrally formed on both front and rear sides of 0. Each of these reinforcing flanges 90E and 90F is provided with a notch 98 as a fragile portion at a corner portion corresponding to the lower end portion of the mounting portion 90A, and the internal pressure of the airbag bag 16 (arrow P in FIG. 16). 16 is input as a moment (an arrow M in FIG. 16) from the roof headlining 52 and the connecting plate 70 to the extended portion 90B of the mounting bracket 90, the mounting bracket 90 starts from the notch 98 and starts as shown in FIG. As indicated by the dotted line, the airbag is bent and deformed so as to fall in the deploying direction.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

When a side impact load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the side portion of the vehicle body, a side collision is detected by the sensor. Therefore, the inflator 14 operates and a predetermined amount of gas is ejected. As a result, the airbag bag body 16 begins to inflate, and the inflation pressure at that time causes the case 26 to rupture at its corners and expand. Inflated airbag bag 16
Is bulged like a curtain below the roof side rail portion 18 while pushing open the pillar garnish of the front pillar portion 12 and the outer end portion of the roof headlining 52 located on the roof side rail portion 18. Thus, the airbag body 16 is interposed between the vehicle body side portion and the occupant's head to protect the occupant's head.

At this time, in this embodiment, the internal pressure of the airbag bag 16 (arrow P in FIG. 16) is a moment (an arrow P in FIG. 16) from the roof headlining 52 and the connecting plate 70 to the extending portion 90B of the mounting bracket 90. M). As a result, the mounting bracket 90 has the cutout 98.
As indicated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 16, the bending deformation is performed so as to fall in the deployment direction of the airbag body.

As a result, the roof head lining 52, along with the mounting bracket 90 and the connecting plate 70, greatly expands toward the interior of the vehicle. Therefore, a sufficient airbag bag deployment space can be obtained, and the airbag bag deployment performance can be secured. Further, since the both end fastening portions 60B of the assist grip 60 are directly fixed to the inner panel 38 of the roof side rail 34 by the pair of mounting brackets 90, respectively, the assist grip fixing bracket 44 and the metal reinforcing bracket 64 in the first embodiment are separated. Since two parts can be one part of the mounting bracket 90, the cost can be reduced. Also, the flange 9 of the mounting bracket 90
Since the notch 98 serving as a starting point of deformation is formed in 0E and 90F, the impact load acting on the assist grip 60 from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the sectional deformation of the mounting bracket 90.

In the above, the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that For example, the present invention can also be applied to a rear seat assist grip equipped with curtain-shaped airbag bags for front and rear seats. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention has been described as being applied to the configuration in which the airbag bag body 16 is disposed from the front pillar portion 12 along the roof side rail portion 18, but the present invention is not limited to this and, for example, Also in the configuration in which the airbag bag body 16 is arranged from the quarter pillar portion (C pillar portion) along the roof side rail portion 18 (that is, the inflator is arranged on the quarter pillar portion side as necessary). The present invention can also be applied.

[0079]

The arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the first aspect of the present invention makes it possible to secure a sufficient space for deploying the airbag bag and to deform the ceiling member due to the deformation of the fixing bracket. It has an excellent effect that the mode can be controlled.

According to the arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system of the present invention as set forth in claim 2, in addition to the effect as set forth in claim 1, the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the fixing bracket. Has excellent effect.

The arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the third aspect of the present invention has, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, an excellent effect of preventing breakage of the assist grip when the airbag bag is deployed. Have.

In addition to the effect of the first aspect, the arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection device of the present invention according to the fourth aspect can absorb the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side with the fixing bracket. Further, it has an excellent effect that deformation due to a downward tensile load can be suppressed when the assist grip is used.

The arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention makes it possible to secure a sufficient space for deploying the air bag body, and at the same time, the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side. It has an excellent effect that can be absorbed by the fixing bracket. Further, since the air bag body is moved by the separately provided moving means, there is an excellent effect that the degree of freedom in designing the fixing bracket is large.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle occupant protection system according to the invention, which has a simple structure in which a metal connecting plate having an air bag guide portion is added.
It has an excellent effect that the described effect can be achieved.

The arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention has an excellent effect that the expansion space of the airbag bag can be sufficiently secured and the cost can be reduced. Have. In addition, the impact load acting on the assist grip from the vehicle interior side can be absorbed by the cross-sectional deformation of the mounting bracket.

[0086]

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 of FIG.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the diagonally rear inside of the vehicle body.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the reinforcing bracket and the connecting plate of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention as seen from the diagonally inside front side of the vehicle body.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fixing bracket of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the diagonally front inside of the vehicle body.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front part of the vehicle interior side to which the vehicle occupant protection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed obliquely from the rear inside of the vehicle body.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fixing bracket of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the diagonally front inside of the vehicle body.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing an arrangement structure of an automobile occupant protection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing an arrangement structure of an automobile occupant protection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the reinforcing bracket and the connecting plate of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention as seen from the diagonally front inside.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fixing bracket of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the diagonally front inside of the vehicle body.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assist grip of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the diagonally rearward inside of the vehicle body.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing an arrangement structure of an automobile occupant protection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing an arrangement structure of an automobile occupant protection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing an arrangement structure of a vehicle occupant protection system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the vehicle occupant protection system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the diagonally inner rear side of the vehicle body.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement structure of a vehicle occupant protection device according to a conventional embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 airbag device (vehicle occupant protection device) 16 airbag bag 26 case 38 rail inner panel 44 fixing bracket 44F fixing bracket deformation accelerating portion 44G fixing bracket airbag bag guiding portion 52 roof head lining (ceiling material) 60 Rotating Assist Grip 64 Metal Reinforcement Bracket 70 Metal Connecting Plate 70C Airbag Bag Guide Part (Movement) of Metal Connecting Plate 74 Airbag Bag Guide Bracket 76 Assist Grip Fixing Bracket 76F Deformation of Assist Grip Fixing Bracket Promoting part 76G Deformation promoting part of assist grip fixing bracket 80 Fixing bracket 82 Fixed assist grip 84 Metal bracket 86 Metal plate reinforcing plate part 88 Metal bracket connecting plate part 9 Reinforcing flange 98 notch reinforcing flange 90F mounting bracket of the mounting bracket 90E mounting bracket (fragile portion)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B60R 21/16-21/32 B62D 25/04

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. An inflator arranged at a predetermined portion of a vehicle body and ejecting gas when a predetermined high load acts on a side portion of the vehicle body, and an inflator which is stored in a folded state along a pillar portion and a roof side rail portion. A structure for providing an occupant protection device for a vehicle, which is applied to a vehicle including an occupant protection device including an airbag bag body that bulges like a curtain when gas ejected from the air flows in. When the airbag bag is deployed, the internal pressure of the airbag bag is transmitted to the assist grip fixing bracket through the ceiling material and the assist grip, and the fixing bracket is deformed so that the airbag bag body and the ceiling material can be removed. An arrangement structure for an occupant protection device for a vehicle, which is movable in a room. 2. A hat type in which a metal connecting plate for connecting both end fastening portions of the assist grip to each other is provided in a region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag acts, while the fixing bracket is capable of absorbing energy during an internal collision. As a cross section, while fixing only the inner wall in the vehicle width direction to the vehicle body,
The arrangement structure of the vehicle occupant protection device according to claim 1, wherein an airbag bag guide portion is set on the outer side wall portion in the vehicle width direction. 3. The vehicle occupant according to claim 2, wherein a metal reinforcing bracket is integrally provided at a fastening portion of the assist grip, and the metal connecting plate is fixed to the reinforcing bracket. Arrangement structure of protection device. 4. An assist system in which the fixing bracket has a hat-shaped cross section capable of absorbing energy in an internal collision, the opposite ends of both wall parts are fixed to the vehicle body, and a deformation promoting part is provided in the middle of the wall parts. The grip fixing bracket and the upper ends of both ends are fixed to the assist grip fixing bracket,
2. An occupant protection device for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: an airbag bag guide bracket having an airbag bag guide portion formed at a lower portion thereof. 5. An inflator which is arranged at a predetermined portion of a vehicle body and which ejects gas when a predetermined high load is applied to a side portion of the vehicle body, and an inflator which is stored in a folded state along a pillar portion and a roof side rail portion and which is inflator. A structure for providing an occupant protection device for a vehicle, which is applied to a vehicle including an occupant protection device including an airbag bag body that bulges like a curtain when gas ejected from the air flows in. The assist grip has a hat-shaped cross-section capable of absorbing energy in the event of an internal collision, and the opposite wall ends are attached to a fixed bracket fixed to the vehicle body. An automobile having a moving means for moving the airbag bag body together with the ceiling material toward the inside of the vehicle by the internal pressure of the airbag bag body. Mounting structure of the occupant protection device. 6. The metal connecting plate for connecting the both-end fastening brackets of the assist grip to each other in a region where the internal pressure of the airbag bag acts, the moving means comprising:
6. An occupant protection system for an automobile according to claim 5, further comprising an airbag bag guide portion integrally provided on the connecting plate. 7. An inflator arranged at a predetermined portion of a vehicle body and ejecting gas when a predetermined high load acts on a side portion of the vehicle body, and an inflator stored along with a pillar portion and a roof side rail portion in a folded state. A structure for providing an occupant protection device for a vehicle, which is applied to a vehicle including an occupant protection device including an airbag bag body that bulges like a curtain when gas ejected from the air flows in. There is a pair of mounting brackets that have integrally formed reinforcing flanges on both sides, and that fasten both ends of the assist grip directly to the inner panel of the roof side rail, and a deformation formed on the reinforcing flange. And a metal connecting plate for connecting the pair of mounting brackets to each other. Arrangement structure of use occupant protection device.