JP3937298B2

JP3937298B2 - Insert member for airbag door

Info

Publication number: JP3937298B2
Application number: JP2001358440A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 利恭船戸; 俊広大山
Original assignee: Inoac Corp
Current assignee: Inoac Corp
Priority date: 2001-11-22
Filing date: 2001-11-22
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-22
Also published as: JP2003160014A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、エアバッグドアのインサート部材に関し、更に詳細には、形状復元性を有する合成樹脂材から形成され、車両内装部材の内側に配設したエアバッグ装置に係止される支持ブラケットと、該支持ブラケットに一体的にヒンジ接合され、前記車両内装部材に設けたエアバッグドアの裏面に固定される可動パネルとからなり、常には前記可動パネルでエアバッグドアを支持するインサート部材に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年に至り、殆どの乗用車では、衝突事故等による衝撃から乗員を保護するために、ステアリングのホーンパッド部に搭載された運転席乗員用のエアバッグ装置と、車両内装部材であるインストルメントパネルの内側に搭載された助手席乗員用のエアバッグ装置とを標準的に装備している。このため前記インストルメントパネル１０では、図９および図１１〜図１３に示すように、前記助手席用のエアバッグ装置２２に対応した部位に、当該エアバッグ装置２２の作動時に膨張を開始したエアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けると乗員室側へ開放変位するエアバッグドア１６が設けられている(図では、２枚のドアパネル１８,１８からなる両開きタイプを例示している)。
【０００３】
ここで前記エアバッグドア１６は、前記インストルメントパネル１０の主体とされるパネル基材１２に一体的に設けられて常には該パネル基材１２の一部を構成しており、エアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けた際に該パネル基材１２の裏面において各ドアパネル１８,１８の外縁ラインに沿って延設した開裂予定線２０が破断することで、夫々のドアパネル１８,１８がパネル基材１２から分離して開放が許容されるようになっている。そして前記パネル基材１２は、インストルメントパネル１０に要求される剛性を有することを前提としてＰＰ(ポリプロピレン)やＡＳＧ等の比較的硬質の合成樹脂材料から形成されているため、殊に低温時にエアバッグ２４の強大な押圧力が加わった際には、その衝撃でエアバッグドア１６に破損が生ずるおそれがある。そこでエアバッグドア１６の裏側に、前記エアバッグ装置２２に連結支持されるインサート部材３０を固定し、当該エアバッグドア１６およびその周辺部位の破損防止および飛散防止等を図る対策が施されている。
【０００４】
前記インサート部材３０は、従前ではスチール等の金属製のものが主流とされていたが、近年に至ってはＴＰＯ(オレフィン系の熱可塑性エラストマー)等の合成樹脂製のものに代替されつつあり、図９では２枚のドアパネル１８,１８からなる両開きタイプのエアバッグドア１６に対応する合成樹脂製のものを例示している。このインサート部材３０は、図１０に示すように、前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａを囲繞する矩形枠状の支持ブラケット３２と、該支持ブラケット３２の開口部内側で相互対向するよう形成された可動パネル３４,３４とから構成され、夫々の可動パネル３４,３４は略Ｕ字形に形成されたヒンジ部３６で支持ブラケット３２に一体的にヒンジ接合されている。そして、支持ブラケット３２はエアバッグ装置２２に係止されると共に、該ブラケット３２に一体形成された係着板部３８がパネル基材１２における前記エアバッグドア１６の裏面周辺部位に固定される一方、夫々の可動パネル３４,３４は対応のドアパネル１８,１８の裏面に固定される。なお合成樹脂製のインサート部材３０は、例えば公知技術である振動溶着法に基き、前記支持ブラケット３２および可動パネル３４,３４をパネル基材１２およびドアパネル１８,１８の裏面に対応的に溶着することで固定される。
【０００５】
前述のようなインサート部材３０を裏面に固定したエアバッグドア１６では、前記エアバッグ装置２２が衝撃を感知してエアバッグ２４が膨張開始すると、次のような開放態様に基いて各ドアパネル１８,１８が開放する構造となっている。すなわち、エアバッグ装置２２が作動してエアバッグ２４の押圧力が可動パネル３４,３４に加わると、先ず前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断が惹起されるようにし、該外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断が完了すると前記Ｕ字形のヒンジ部３６が直線状態まで変形して、可動パネル３４,３４と共にドアパネル１８,１８を一体的に浮上させる(図１１)。次いで、夫々のヒンジ部３６が完全に伸張状態まで変形すると、前記開裂予定線２０における中央開裂予定線２０ｂおよび両可動パネル３４,３４の境界ラインに沿って形成された破断予定線４０での破断が惹起されるようにする。そして、前記中央開裂予定線２０ｂおよび破断予定線４０の夫々の破断が完了すると、相互に分離した夫々のドアパネル１８,１８は、ヒンジ部３６を介して前記支持ブラケット３２に支持された対応の可動パネル３４,３４に支持されつつ開放し、図１２の状態を経て図１３に示した全開状態まで一気に開放する。
【０００６】
従って前記インサート部材３０においては、前記支持ブラケット３２に支持された前記可動パネル３４,３４が、常には非開放状態にある前記エアバッグドア１６におけるドアパネル１８,１８を支持する第１位置に保持されると共に、エアバッグ装置２２が作動してエアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けた際には、全開状態となった該ドアパネル１８,１８を支持する第２位置へ姿勢変位可能となっている。すなわち各可動パネル３４,３４は、エアバッグ装置２２の作動時に、図９に示した第１位置から、図１１および図１２に示した姿勢へ順次変位した後に、最終的には図１３に示した第２位置へ姿勢変位するようになっており、前記ヒンジ部３６に支持された状態で概ね１８０度近くまで回動する。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで前述した従来の前記インサート部材３０は、インジェクション成形法に基いて一体成形するに際し、前記ドアパネル１８,１８に固定される前記可動パネル３４,３４を、前述した第１位置(非開放状態にあるドアパネル１８,１８を支持する位置)の姿勢状態で前記支持ブラケット３２に一体的に成形するようにしていた(図１０)。ここで前記インサート部材３０は、前述した如く、ゴム特性を具有する前記ＴＰＯ(オレフィン系の熱可塑性エラストマー)製であるから、形状復元性に優れた特性を有している。このため前記可動パネル３４,３４は、第１位置から第２位置へ姿勢変位する途中および第２位置へ姿勢変位した後に第１位置へ戻ろうとするようになり、エアバッグ２４の押圧力が解除されると対応のドアパネル１８,１８と共に非開放方向へ逆戻りする傾向を示す。このため図１３において、乗員席側に位置する図示右側のドアパネル１８は、例えば２点鎖線で表示するように乗員席側を指向した傾斜状態に停止保持され、万一衝突の反動で乗員が前方へ投げ出された場合には、当該乗員が該ドアパネル１８の端縁部に衝突して２次災害の発生を誘発するおそれがあった。
【０００８】
また、前記ヒンジ部３６における形状復元性に起因して、前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａが適時に破断し難くなる傾向があり、場合によっては該外縁開裂予定線２０ａよりも中央開裂予定線２０ｂの破断が先行する不都合が発生してしまう。このような場合にドアパネル１８,１８は、パネル基材１２から完全に破断・分離していない状態で開放が進行するようになるから、該ドアパネル１８,１８の開放基端側(ヒンジ側)の端縁部がパネル基材１２に干渉してしまい、この際に発生する破断片が乗員席側へ飛散して２次災害の発生を誘発するおそれもあった。
【０００９】
更に前記インサート部材３０は、前記可動パネル３４,３４が前記第１位置に姿勢保持されている状態では、Ｕ字形に屈曲しているヒンジ部３６の周辺部位が所謂「アンダーカット形状」に形成されてしまう場合がある。このため、このような形状のインサート部材３０をインジェクション成形するためのインジェクション成形型は、スライド機構等を装備して型構造が複雑となり、当該成形型の制作費が嵩むことによるコストアップを招来する不都合等も指摘されていた。
【００１０】
【発明の目的】
本発明は、前述した課題を好適に解決するべく提案されたもので、エアバッグドアの適切な開放、２次災害の発生防止、成形コストの低減、等を図り得るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決し、所期の目的を達成するため本発明は、形状復元性を有する合成樹脂材から形成され、車両内装部材の内側に配設したエアバッグ装置に係止される支持ブラケットと、該支持ブラケットにヒンジ部でヒンジ接合され、前記車両内装部材に設けたエアバッグドアの裏面に固定される可動パネルとからなり、前記可動パネルは、常には非開放状態にある前記エアバッグドアを支持する第１位置に保持されると共に、前記エアバッグ装置の作動時には全開状態となった該エアバッグドアを支持する第２位置へ姿勢変位可能なインサート部材において、
前記ヒンジ部が伸長して前記可動パネルが前記第１位置から第２位置へ変位する途中の姿勢状態で、該可動パネルおよびヒンジ部を前記支持ブラケットに一体的に成形し、
前記ヒンジ部を伸長状態からＵ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形させ、前記可動パネルを前記第１位置の姿勢としたもとで、該可動パネルを前記エアバッグドアの裏面に固定するよう構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
同じく前記課題を解決し、所期の目的を達成するため別の発明は、形状復元性を有する合成樹脂材から形成され、車両内装部材の内側に配設したエアバッグ装置に係止される支持ブラケットと、該支持ブラケットにヒンジ部でヒンジ接合され、前記車両内装部材に設けたエアバッグドアの裏面に固定される可動パネルとからなり、前記可動パネルは、常には非開放状態にある前記エアバッグドアを支持する第１位置に保持されると共に、前記エアバッグ装置の作動時には全開状態となった該エアバッグドアを支持する第２位置へ姿勢変位可能なインサート部材において、
前記ヒンジ部が伸長して前記可動パネルが前記第２位置へ変位した姿勢状態で、該可動パネルおよびヒンジ部を前記支持ブラケットに一体的に成形し、
前記ヒンジ部を伸長状態からＵ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形させ、前記可動パネルを前記第１位置の姿勢としたもとで、該可動パネルを前記エアバッグドアの裏面に固定するよう構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材につき、好適な実施例を挙げて、添付図面を参照しながら以下説明する。なお各実施例では、図９〜図１３に基いて説明した車両内装部材であるインストルメントパネル１０において、該パネル１０のパネル基材１２に設けた２枚のドアパネル１８,１８からなる両開きタイプのエアバッグドア１６を例示し、このエアバッグドア１６に対応するインサート部材を例示して説明する。従って、従来技術の項における既出の部材および部位と同一の部材および部位に関しては、同一の符号を付して説明する。
【００１４】
【第１実施例】
図１は、本発明の第１実施例に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を一部破断して示す概略斜視図、図２は図１のII−II線断面図である。第１実施例のインサート部材４２は、ゴム特性を具有した前述のＴＰＯ(オレフィン系の熱可塑性エラストマー)から一体成形された合成樹脂製で、基本的構成は図９および図１０に例示した従来のインサート部材３０と同一とされている。すなわちインサート部材４２は、パネル基材１２の裏面において前記各ドアパネル１８,１８の外縁ラインに沿って形成した前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａを囲繞する矩形枠状の支持ブラケット３２と、該支持ブラケット３２における上方開口部の内側で相互対向するよう形成された可動パネル３４,３４とから構成され、夫々の可動パネル３４,３４は変形可能なヒンジ部３６で前記支持ブラケット３２にヒンジ接合されている。
【００１５】
ここで第１実施例のインサート部材４２は、図示しないインジェクション成形型を利用してインジェクション成形するに際し、前記夫々の可動パネル３４,３４を、前述した第１位置から第２位置へ変位する途中の適宜姿勢状態で前記支持ブラケット３２に一体的に成形したものである。具体的には、図２に図示した状態、すなわち前記夫々の可動パネル３４,３４を前記支持ブラケット３２に連結するヒンジ部３６が伸張した状態で一体成形してあり、常には該可動パネル３４,３４が支持ブラケット３２から所要量だけ浮上した状態となっている。これは、図１１〜図１３に示したエアバッグドア１６の開放態様において、図１１の状態におけるインサート部材４２の形状である。ここでインサート部材４２は、前述した如く、ＴＰＯ(オレフィン系の熱可塑性エラストマー)製で柔軟性および形状復元性を有しているから、前記可動パネル３４,３４を上方から押圧した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が略Ｕ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形して該可動パネル３４,３４の下方移動が許容される一方(図２に２点鎖線で示す)、可動パネル３４,３４に対する押圧を解除した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が元の伸張状態に形状復帰することで、該可動パネル３４,３４は支持ブラケット３２から再び所要量だけ浮上するようになる。
【００１６】
このように、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６を伸張状態として可動パネル３４,３４を浮上させた状態で成形された第１実施例のインサート部材４２は、公知技術である振動溶着法に基き、前記支持ブラケット３２および可動パネル３４,３４を前記パネル基材１２およびドアパネル１８,１８の裏面に対応的に溶着され(図３)、固定状態では図９に示した従来のインサート部材３０と同一形状となっている。但し夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６には、伸張状態からＵ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形していることで、伸張状態に形状復帰しようとする応力が作用している。
【００１７】
パネル基材１２およびエアバッグドア１６の裏面に溶着して固定されたインサート部材４２は、インストルメントパネル１０を車体構成部材に取付けるに際し、前記支持ブラケット３２がエアバッグ装置２２のインフレータに係止保持される。そして、前記支持ブラケット３２に支持された前記可動パネル３４,３４は、常には非開放状態にある前記エアバッグドア１６におけるドアパネル１８,１８を支持する第１位置に保持され、エアバッグ装置２２が作動してエアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けた際には、全開状態となった該ドアパネル１８,１８を支持する第２位置へ姿勢変位可能となっている。
【００１８】
ここで第１実施例のインサート部材４２では、エアバッグ装置２２が作動してエアバッグ２４の押圧力が可動パネル３４,３４に加わると、該部材４２に具有されている形状復元性に基いて、エアバッグ２４との協働により前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断を積極的に惹起させるようになる。そして、外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断が完了した際には、Ｕ字形に弾性変形していた夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が伸張状態へ形状復帰しようとする復帰弾力により、ドアパネル１８,１８は一体的に浮上して一気に図１１に示した状態となる。従って、第１実施例のインサート部材４２を固定したエアバッグドア１６では、エアバッグ装置２２の作動時にエアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けると、先ず前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８がパネル基材１２から分離し、次いで該開裂予定線２０における中央開裂予定線２０ｂが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８の開放が許容されるので、ドアパネル１８,１８の理想的な開放態様の実現が図られて展開性能を向上させ得る。従って、ドアパネル１８,１８における開放基端側(ヒンジ側)の端縁部がパネル基材１２に干渉する不都合や、破断片が乗員席側へ飛散することによる２次災害の発生を好適に防止できる。
【００１９】
また第１実施例のインサート部材４２は、前述した如く、ヒンジ部３６,３６が伸張した状態で支持ブラケット３２と可動パネル３４,３４とを一体成形するようになっているので、図２から明らかなように、取り立てて問題となるような「アンダーカット形状」がヒンジ部３６の周辺部位に形成されていない。このため、第１実施例のインサート部材４２をインジェクション成形する際に使用されるインジェクション成形型の型構造を簡単にすることが可能となり、成形型の制作費削減に伴うコストダウンを図り得る。
【００２０】
【第２実施例】
図４は、本発明の第２実施例に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を一部破断して示す概略斜視図、図５は図４のＶ−Ｖ線断面図である。第２実施例のインサート部材４４も、図示しないインジェクション成形型を利用してインジェクション成形するに際し、前記夫々の可動パネル３４,３４を、前述した第１位置から第２位置へ変位する途中の適宜姿勢状態で前記支持ブラケット３２に一体的に成形したものである。具体的には、図５に図示した状態、すなわち前記夫々の可動パネル３４,３４を、相互分離した後に略垂直に開放した状態で一体成形してある。これは、図１１〜図１３に示したエアバッグドア１６の開放態様において、図１２の状態におけるインサート部材４４の形状である。ここでインサート部材４４は、ＴＰＯ製で柔軟性および形状復元性を有しているから、前記可動パネル３４,３４を図５の矢印方向(時計方向および反時計方向)へ押圧した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が撓折変形して該可動パネル３４,３４の水平状態への回動変位が許容されると共に、水平状態の該可動パネル３４,３４を上方から押圧した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が略Ｕ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形して該可動パネル３４,３４の下方移動が許容される(夫々の状態を、図５に２点鎖線で示す)。一方、可動パネル３４,３４に対する押圧を解除した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が元の伸張状態に形状復帰することで、該可動パネル３４,３４は垂直状態まで回動変位して停止するようになる。
【００２１】
このように、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６を伸張状態とすると共に可動パネル３４,３４を略垂直まで開放させた状態で成形された第２実施例のインサート部材４４は、公知技術である振動溶着法に基き、前記支持ブラケット３２および可動パネル３４,３４を前記パネル基材１２およびドアパネル１８,１８の裏面に対応的に溶着され(図６)、固定状態では図９に示した従来のインサート部材３０と同一形状となっている。但し夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６には、伸張状態からＵ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形していることで、伸張状態に形状復帰しようとする応力が作用している。
【００２２】
そして第２実施例のインサート部材４４では、エアバッグ装置２２が作動してエアバッグ２４の押圧力が可動パネル３４,３４に加わると、該部材４４に具有されている形状復元性に基いて、エアバッグ２４との協働により前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断を積極的に惹起させるようになる。そして、外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断が完了した際には、Ｕ字形に弾性変形していた夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が伸張状態へ弾性復帰しようとする復帰弾力により、ドアパネル１８,１８は一体的に浮上して一気に図１１に示した状態となる。更に、前記開裂予定線２０における中央開裂予定線２０ｂが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８が分離した後には、前記夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６の復帰弾力によってドアパネル１８,１８は図１２に示した略垂直状態まで積極的に開放し、更には図１３に示した全開状態まで開放するに至る。
【００２３】
従って、第２実施例のインサート部材４４を固定したエアバッグドア１６では、エアバッグ装置２２の作動時にエアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けると、先ず前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８がパネル基材１２から分離し、次いで該開裂予定線２０における中央開裂予定線２０ｂが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８の開放が許容され、更にはインサート部材４４の形状復元性により開放方向への積極的な開放がなされるので、ドアパネル１８,１８の理想的な開放態様の実現が図られて展開性能を向上させ得る。従って、ドアパネル１８,１８の開放基端側(ヒンジ側)の端縁部がパネル基材１２に干渉する不都合や、破断片が乗員席側へ飛散することによる２次災害の発生を好適に防止できる。
【００２４】
また第２実施例のインサート部材４４は、前述した如く、ヒンジ部３６,３６が伸張しかつ各可動パネル３４,３４が略垂直まで開放した状態で支持ブラケット３２と該可動パネル３４,３４とを一体成形するようになっているので、エアバッグ２４の押圧力から解放された後にドアパネル１８,１８を非開放方向へ逆戻りさせようとする形状復元力は殆ど生じない(ドアパネル１８の重さにより)。従って、少なくとも乗員席側に位置する図示右側のドアパネル１８は、略水平の全開状態で停止してインストルメントパネル１０の上面に沿うようになり、図１３に２点鎖線で表示したように乗員席側を指向した傾斜状態までは戻らないから、衝突の反動で前方へ投げ出された乗員が該ドアパネル１８の端縁部に衝突することによる２次災害の発生を好適に回避できる。
【００２５】
【第３実施例】
図７は、本発明の第３実施例に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を一部破断して示す概略斜視図、図８は図７のVIII−VIII線断面図である。この第３実施例に係るインサート部材４６は、図示しないインジェクション成形型を利用してインジェクション成形するに際し、前記夫々の可動パネル３４,３４を、前述した第２位置へ変位した姿勢状態で前記支持ブラケット３２に一体的に成形したものである。これは、図１１〜図１３に示したエアバッグドア１６の開放態様において、ドアパネル１８,１８が全開した状態(図１３)におけるインサート部材４６の形状である。ここでインサート部材４６は、前記第１実施例および第２実施例と同様にＴＰＯ製で柔軟性および形状復元性を有しているから、前記可動パネル３４,３４を図８の矢印方向(時計方向および反時計方向)へ押圧した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が撓折変形して該可動パネル３４,３４の水平状態への回動変位が許容されると共に、水平状態の該可動パネル３４,３４を上方から押圧した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が略Ｕ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形して該可動パネル３４,３４の下方移動が許容される(夫々の状態を、図８に２点鎖線で示す)。一方、可動パネル３４,３４に対する押圧を解除した際には、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が元の伸張状態に形状復帰することで、該可動パネル３４,３４は全開状態まで回動変位して停止する。
【００２６】
このように、夫々の可動パネル３４,３４を略水平に全開させた状態で成形された第３実施例のインサート部材４６は、公知技術である振動溶着法に基き、前記支持ブラケット３２および可動パネル３４,３４を前記パネル基材１２およびドアパネル１８,１８の裏面に対応的に溶着され、固定状態では図９に示した従来のインサート部材３０と同一形状となっている。但し、夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６は、伸張状態からＵ字形に弾性的に屈曲変形していることにより、常には伸張状態に形状復帰しようとする応力が作用している。
【００２７】
そして第３実施例のインサート部材４６では、エアバッグ装置２２が作動してエアバッグ２４の押圧力が可動パネル３４,３４に加わると、該部材４６に具有されている形状復元性に基いて、エアバッグ２４との協働により前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断を積極的に惹起させるようになる。そして、外縁開裂予定線２０ａでの破断が完了した際には、Ｕ字形に弾性変形していた夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６が伸張状態へ弾性復帰しようとする復帰弾力により、ドアパネル１８,１８は一体的に浮上して一気に図１１に示した状態となる。更に、前記開裂予定線２０における中央開裂予定線２０ｂが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８が分離した後には、前記夫々のヒンジ部３６,３６の復帰弾力により、ドアパネル１８,１８は積極的に図１３に示した全開状態まで開放するに至る。
【００２８】
従って、第３実施例のインサート部材４６を固定したエアバッグドア１６では、エアバッグ装置２２の作動時にエアバッグ２４の押圧力を受けると、先ず前記開裂予定線２０における外縁開裂予定線２０ａが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８がパネル基材１２から分離し、次いで該開裂予定線２０における中央開裂予定線２０ｂが破断して両ドアパネル１８,１８の開放が許容され、更にはインサート部材４６の形状復元性により全開状態への積極的な開放がなされるので、ドアパネル１８,１８の理想的な開放態様の実現が図られて展開性能を向上させ得る。従って、ドアパネル１８,１８の開放基端側(ヒンジ側)の端縁部がパネル基材１２に干渉する不都合や、破断片が乗員席側へ飛散することによる２次災害の発生を好適に防止できる。
【００２９】
また第３実施例のインサート部材４６は、前述した如く、ヒンジ部３６,３６が伸張しかつ各可動パネル３４,３４が全開まで開放した状態で支持ブラケット３２と該可動パネル３４,３４とを一体成形するようになっているので、エアバッグ２４の押圧力から解放された後にドアパネル１８,１８を非開放方向へ逆戻りさせようとする形状復元力は全く生じない。従って、少なくとも乗員席側に位置する図示右側のドアパネル１８は、略水平の全開状態で停止してインストルメントパネル１０の上面に沿うようになり、図１３に２点鎖線で表示したように乗員席側を指向した傾斜状態へ戻って停止することがないから、衝突の反動で前方へ投げ出された乗員が該ドアパネル１８の端縁部に衝突することによる２次災害の発生を好適に回避できる。
【００３０】
なお前記各実施例では、パネル基材１２および該基材１２の外面に表皮材１４を被着した２層構造のインストルメントパネル１０に設けたエアバッグドア１６に固定されるインサート部材４６を例示したが、本願が対象とするエアバッグドアは、前記パネル基材１２からなる単層構造のインストルメントパネルに設けたものや、パネル基材１２、表皮材１４および両部材１２,１４の間に介在されるクッション材からなる３層構造のインストルメントパネルに設けたものも対象とされる。
【００３１】
また前記各実施例では、２枚のドアパネル１８,１８からなる両開きタイプのエアバッグドア１６に対応するインサート部材４２,４４,４６を例示したが、本願のインサート部材は、１枚のドアパネルからなる片開きタイプのエアバッグドアに対応したものや、４枚のドアパネルからなる四方開きタイプのエアバッグドアに対応したものも対象とされる。
【００３２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した如く、本発明に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材によれば、支持ブラケットにヒンジ部で接合された可動パネルを、非開放状態にあるエアバッグドアを支持する第１位置から全開した該エアバッグドアを支持する第２位置へ変位する途中の姿勢状態で該支持ブラケットと一体的に成形することで、インサート部材をエアバッグドアに取付ける際には、ヒンジ部がＵ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形して、可動パネルが第１位置の姿勢となる。従って、エアバッグドアの開放時には、Ｕ字形に弾性変形していたヒンジ部が伸長状態へ形状復帰しようとする復帰弾力が発現され、これによりエアバッグドアの理想的な開放態様の実現が図られて展開性能を向上させ得る利点がある。また、エアバッグドアとパネル基材とが干渉する不都合や、この際に発生する破断片が乗員席側へ飛散することによる２次災害の発生を好適に防止できる。更に、インサート部材を成形する際に使用されるインジェクション成形型の型構造を簡単にすることが可能となるから、成形型の制作費削減に伴うコストダウンを図り得る等の有益な効果を奏する。
【００３３】
同じく、別の発明に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材によれば、支持ブラケットにヒンジ部で接合された可動パネルを、全開したエアバッグドアを支持する第２位置へ変位した姿勢状態で該支持ブラケットと一体的に成形することで、インサート部材をエアバッグドアに取付ける際には、ヒンジ部がＵ字形へ弾性的に屈曲変形して、可動パネルが第１位置の姿勢となる。従って、エアバッグドアの開放時には、Ｕ字形に弾性変形していたヒンジ部が伸長状態へ形状復帰しようとする復帰弾力が発現され、これによりエアバッグドアの理想的な開放態様の実現が図られて展開性能を向上させ得る利点がある。また、エアバッグドアとパネル基材とが干渉する不都合や、この際に発生する破断片が乗員席側へ飛散することによる２次災害の発生を好適に防止できる。更に、全開状態で停止したエアバッグドアを非開放方向へ逆戻りさせることを防止し得るので、乗員が該エアバッグドアに衝突することによる２次災害の発生をも好適に防止し得る等の有益な効果を奏する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を一部破断して示す概略斜視図である。
【図２】図１のII−II線断面図である。
【図３】図２のインサート部材を、パネル基材およびエアバッグドアの裏面へ固定する状態を示す断面図である。
【図４】本発明の第２実施例に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を一部破断して示す概略斜視図である。
【図５】図４のＶ−Ｖ線断面図である。
【図６】図５のインサート部材を、パネル基材およびエアバッグドアの裏面へ固定する状態を示す断面図である。
【図７】本発明の第３実施例に係るエアバッグドアのインサート部材を一部破断して示す概略斜視図である。
【図８】図７のVIII−VIII線断面図である。
【図９】エアバッグドアの裏面に装着したインサート部材を例示するために、エアバッグドアの形成部位で破断したインストルメントパネルの要部断面図である。
【図１０】図９に示した従来のインサート部材を、パネル基材に設けたエアバッグドアの裏面に装着する状態を示す断面図である。
【図１１】エアバッグの押圧により外縁開裂予定線が破断して、ヒンジ部が最大に伸張変形するまでドアパネルおよび可動パネルが一体的に浮上した状態を示す説明断面図である。
【図１２】中央開裂予定線が破断することで、可動パネルとドアパネルとが一体的に開放する途中の状態を示す説明断面図である。
【図１３】可動パネルとドアパネルとが全開した状態を示す説明断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０インストルメントパネル(車両内装部材)
１６エアバッグドア
２２エアバッグ装置
３２支持ブラケット
３４可動パネル
３６ヒンジ部 [0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an insert member for an airbag door, and more specifically, a support bracket that is formed from a synthetic resin material having a shape restoring property and is locked to an airbag device disposed inside a vehicle interior member; The present invention relates to an insert member that is integrally hinged to the support bracket and includes a movable panel that is fixed to the back surface of an airbag door provided on the vehicle interior member, and that always supports the airbag door with the movable panel. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in most passenger cars, in order to protect passengers from impacts caused by collision accidents, etc., an airbag device for a driver's seat passenger mounted on a horn pad portion of a steering wheel and an instrument panel as a vehicle interior member It is equipped with an air bag device for passengers on the inside as standard equipment. For this reason, in the instrument panel 10, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 to 13, the air that has started to be inflated when the airbag device 22 is actuated in a portion corresponding to the passenger airbag device 22. An airbag door 16 is provided that opens and displaces toward the passenger compartment when the pressing force of the bag 24 is received (in the figure, a double-open type including two door panels 18 and 18 is illustrated).
[0003]
Here, the airbag door 16 is provided integrally with the panel base 12 that is the main body of the instrument panel 10 and always constitutes a part of the panel base 12. When the pressing force is received, the planned tear line 20 extending along the outer edge line of each door panel 18, 18 is broken on the back surface of the panel base material 12, so that each door panel 18, 18 becomes the panel base material 12. Opening is allowed to be separated. The panel base 12 is made of a relatively hard synthetic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or ASG on the premise that it has the rigidity required for the instrument panel 10, so that the air is especially low. When a strong pressing force of the bag 24 is applied, the impact may cause damage to the airbag door 16. Therefore, measures are taken to fix the insert member 30 connected to and supported by the airbag device 22 on the back side of the airbag door 16 to prevent breakage and scattering of the airbag door 16 and its surrounding parts. .
[0004]
In the past, the insert member 30 was mainly made of metal such as steel. However, in recent years, the insert member 30 is being replaced by a synthetic resin such as TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer). 9 exemplifies a synthetic resin product corresponding to a double-open type airbag door 16 composed of two door panels 18 and 18. As shown in FIG. 10, the insert member 30 is formed so as to be opposed to each other inside a rectangular frame-shaped support bracket 32 that surrounds the outer edge planned tear line 20 a in the planned planned tear line 20, and inside the opening of the support bracket 32. The movable panels 34 and 34 are hinged integrally to the support bracket 32 by a hinge portion 36 formed in a substantially U shape. The support bracket 32 is locked to the airbag device 22, and the engaging plate portion 38 formed integrally with the bracket 32 is fixed to the back surface peripheral portion of the airbag door 16 in the panel base 12. The movable panels 34 and 34 are fixed to the back surfaces of the corresponding door panels 18 and 18, respectively. The insert member 30 made of synthetic resin is welded correspondingly to the back surface of the panel base 12 and the door panels 18 and 18 based on, for example, a known vibration welding method. It is fixed with.
[0005]
In the airbag door 16 in which the insert member 30 is fixed to the back surface as described above, when the airbag device 22 detects an impact and the airbag 24 starts to expand, each door panel 18, 18 has an open structure. That is, when the airbag device 22 is actuated and the pressing force of the airbag 24 is applied to the movable panels 34, 34, first, the fracture at the outer edge planned cutting line 20a in the planned cutting line 20 is caused. When the breaking at the planned breaking line 20a is completed, the U-shaped hinge portion 36 is deformed to a straight state, and the door panels 18 and 18 are floated together with the movable panels 34 and 34 (FIG. 11). Next, when each of the hinge portions 36 is completely deformed, the fracture occurs at the planned fracture line 20b and the planned fracture line 40 formed along the boundary line between the movable panels 34 and 34. To be triggered. Then, when the breakage of each of the central cleavage planned line 20b and the planned fracture line 40 is completed, the door panels 18 and 18 separated from each other are correspondingly movable supported by the support bracket 32 via the hinge portion 36. The panel 34 is opened while being supported by the panels 34, and is opened at a stretch through the state shown in FIG. 12 to the fully opened state shown in FIG.
[0006]
Therefore, in the insert member 30, the movable panels 34, 34 supported by the support bracket 32 are held at the first position that supports the door panels 18, 18 in the airbag door 16 that is always in an unopened state. At the same time, when the airbag device 22 is actuated to receive the pressing force of the airbag 24, the posture can be displaced to the second position that supports the door panels 18 and 18 that are fully opened. That is, the movable panels 34 and 34 are sequentially displaced from the first position shown in FIG. 9 to the posture shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 when the airbag device 22 is operated, and finally shown in FIG. Further, the posture is displaced to the second position, and it is rotated to approximately 180 degrees while being supported by the hinge portion 36.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the conventional insert member 30 described above is integrally formed based on the injection molding method, the movable panels 34, 34 fixed to the door panels 18, 18 are in the first position (in an unopened state). The support bracket 32 is integrally molded in a posture state (position for supporting the door panels 18 and 18) (FIG. 10). Here, since the insert member 30 is made of the TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer) having rubber characteristics as described above, the insert member 30 has characteristics excellent in shape restoration. For this reason, the movable panels 34, 34 come to return to the first position during the posture displacement from the first position to the second position and after the posture displacement to the second position, and the pressing force of the airbag 24 is released. If it does, it will show the tendency to return to a non-opening direction with the corresponding door panels 18 and 18. FIG. For this reason, in FIG. 13, the door panel 18 on the right side of the figure located on the passenger seat side is stopped and held in an inclined state directed toward the passenger seat side as indicated by, for example, a two-dot chain line. In the case of being thrown out, the occupant may collide with the edge of the door panel 18 to induce a secondary disaster.
[0008]
Further, due to the shape recoverability in the hinge portion 36, the outer edge expected tear line 20a in the expected tear line 20 tends to be difficult to break in a timely manner, and in some cases, the central tear is more likely than the outer edge expected tear line 20a. The inconvenience that the break of the planned line 20b precedes will occur. In such a case, the door panels 18 and 18 are opened in a state where the door panels 18 and 18 are not completely broken and separated from the panel base material 12. The edge part interferes with the panel base material 12, and the broken piece generated at this time may scatter to the passenger seat side to induce the occurrence of a secondary disaster.
[0009]
Furthermore, in the state where the movable panels 34 and 34 are held at the first position, the insert member 30 has a so-called “undercut shape” around the hinge portion 36 bent in a U shape. May end up. For this reason, the injection mold for injection-molding the insert member 30 having such a shape is equipped with a slide mechanism or the like, and the mold structure becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in cost due to an increase in production cost of the mold. Inconvenience was also pointed out.
[0010]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been proposed to suitably solve the above-described problems. An insert member for an airbag door capable of appropriately opening the airbag door, preventing the occurrence of a secondary disaster, reducing the molding cost, and the like. The purpose is to provide.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, the present invention comprises a support bracket formed of a synthetic resin material having shape restoring properties and locked to an airbag device disposed inside a vehicle interior member. To the support bracketAt the hingeThe movable panel is hinged and fixed to the back surface of the airbag door provided on the vehicle interior member, and the movable panel is always held at a first position for supporting the airbag door in a non-open state. In addition, in the insert member that can be posture-displaced to the second position that supports the airbag door that has been fully opened when the airbag device is activated,
  The hinge part extendsThe movable panelButIn the posture state in the middle of displacement from the first position to the second positionThe movable panel and the hinge part.Molded integrally with the support bracket,
  Elastically bending and deforming the hinge part from an extended state to a U-shape;The movable panel is moved to the first position.And postureIn addition, the movable panel is configured to be fixed to the back surface of the airbag door.
[0012]
  Similarly, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the intended purpose, another invention is a support formed from a synthetic resin material having a shape restoring property and locked to an airbag device disposed inside a vehicle interior member. Bracket and support bracketAt the hingeThe movable panel is hinged and fixed to the back surface of the airbag door provided on the vehicle interior member, and the movable panel is always held at a first position for supporting the airbag door in a non-open state. In addition, in the insert member that can be posture-displaced to the second position that supports the airbag door that has been fully opened when the airbag device is activated,
  The hinge part extendsThe movable panelButIn a posture state displaced to the second positionThe movable panel and the hinge part.Molded integrally with the support bracket,
  Elastically bending and deforming the hinge part from an extended state to a U-shape;The movable panel is moved to the first position.And postureIn addition, the movable panel is configured to be fixed to the back surface of the airbag door.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, a preferred embodiment of the insert member for an airbag door according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, in the instrument panel 10 which is a vehicle interior member described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13, a double-open type comprising two door panels 18 and 18 provided on the panel base 12 of the panel 10. The airbag door 16 will be illustrated as an example, and an insert member corresponding to the airbag door 16 will be illustrated and described. Therefore, the same members and parts as those already described in the section of the prior art will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0014]
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a partially broken insert member of an airbag door according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. The insert member 42 of the first embodiment is made of a synthetic resin integrally molded from the above-mentioned TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer) having rubber characteristics, and the basic configuration is the conventional structure illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. It is the same as the insert member 30. That is, the insert member 42 is a rectangular frame-shaped support bracket 32 that surrounds the planned outer edge tear line 20a in the planned tear line 20 formed along the outer edge line of each of the door panels 18 and 18 on the back surface of the panel base 12. The movable brackets 34 and 34 are formed so as to face each other inside the upper opening of the support bracket 32, and each movable panel 34 and 34 is hinged to the support bracket 32 by a deformable hinge 36. Has been.
[0015]
Here, the insert member 42 of the first embodiment is in the process of displacing the movable panels 34 and 34 from the first position to the second position when injection molding is performed using an injection mold (not shown). It is formed integrally with the support bracket 32 in an appropriate posture state. Specifically, it is integrally formed in the state shown in FIG. 2, that is, in a state where the hinge portion 36 connecting the respective movable panels 34, 34 to the support bracket 32 is extended, and the movable panel 34, 34 has floated from the support bracket 32 by a required amount. This is the shape of the insert member 42 in the state of FIG. 11 in the opening mode of the airbag door 16 shown in FIGS. Here, as described above, the insert member 42 is made of TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer) and has flexibility and shape restoration. Therefore, when the movable panels 34, 34 are pressed from above, While the hinge portions 36 and 36 are elastically bent and deformed into a substantially U shape, the movable panels 34 and 34 are allowed to move downward (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). When the pressing is released, the respective hinge portions 36 and 36 return to their original stretched state, so that the movable panels 34 and 34 are lifted from the support bracket 32 by a required amount again.
[0016]
As described above, the insert member 42 according to the first embodiment formed in a state in which the movable panels 34 and 34 are floated with the hinge portions 36 and 36 in an extended state is based on the vibration welding method which is a well-known technique. The support bracket 32 and the movable panels 34 and 34 are welded correspondingly to the back surfaces of the panel base 12 and the door panels 18 and 18 (FIG. 3), and in the fixed state, have the same shape as the conventional insert member 30 shown in FIG. It has become. However, the respective hinge portions 36, 36 are subjected to a stress that attempts to return the shape to the extended state by being elastically bent and deformed from the extended state to the U-shape.
[0017]
The insert member 42 welded and fixed to the back surface of the panel base 12 and the airbag door 16 holds and holds the support bracket 32 on the inflator of the airbag device 22 when the instrument panel 10 is attached to the vehicle body component. Is done. The movable panels 34 and 34 supported by the support bracket 32 are held at a first position that supports the door panels 18 and 18 in the airbag door 16 that is always in an unopened state, and the airbag device 22 is When the airbag 24 is actuated to receive the pressing force of the airbag 24, the posture can be displaced to the second position that supports the door panels 18 and 18 that are fully opened.
[0018]
Here, in the insert member 42 of the first embodiment, when the airbag device 22 is operated and the pressing force of the airbag 24 is applied to the movable panels 34, 34, based on the shape restoring property possessed by the member 42. As a result of the cooperation with the airbag 24, the fracture at the outer edge planned fracture line 20a in the planned fracture line 20 is actively caused. When the break at the outer edge planned opening line 20a is completed, the door panels 18 and 18 are moved by the return elasticity of the hinge portions 36 and 36 that have been elastically deformed into the U shape to return to the expanded state. As a result, it is lifted up as a whole and is brought into a state shown in FIG. Therefore, in the airbag door 16 to which the insert member 42 of the first embodiment is fixed, when the pressing force of the airbag 24 is received during the operation of the airbag device 22, the outer edge planned tear line 20 a in the planned tear line 20 is first broken. Then, the door panels 18 and 18 are separated from the panel base material 12, and then the central cleavage planned line 20b of the planned cleavage line 20 is broken to allow the door panels 18 and 18 to be opened. Realization of an ideal open mode can be achieved and the deployment performance can be improved. Therefore, the inconvenience that the open base end side (hinge side) edge portion of the door panels 18 and 18 interferes with the panel base material 12 and the occurrence of a secondary disaster due to the broken pieces scattering to the passenger seat side are suitably prevented. it can.
[0019]
Further, as described above, the insert member 42 of the first embodiment is formed by integrally forming the support bracket 32 and the movable panels 34, 34 with the hinge portions 36, 36 extended, so that it is apparent from FIG. In this way, the “undercut shape” that causes a problem is not formed in the peripheral portion of the hinge portion 36. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the mold structure of the injection mold used when the insert member 42 of the first embodiment is injection-molded, and the cost can be reduced due to the reduction in the production cost of the mold.
[0020]
[Second embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a partially cutaway insert member of an airbag door according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. When the insert member 44 of the second embodiment is also injection-molded using an injection mold (not shown), the appropriate position during the displacement of the movable panels 34, 34 from the first position to the second position described above. In this state, it is formed integrally with the support bracket 32. Specifically, it is integrally formed in the state shown in FIG. 5, that is, in a state where the respective movable panels 34 and 34 are separated from each other and opened substantially vertically. This is the shape of the insert member 44 in the state of FIG. 12 in the opening mode of the airbag door 16 shown in FIGS. Here, since the insert member 44 is made of TPO and has flexibility and shape restoration, when the movable panels 34, 34 are pressed in the directions of the arrows (clockwise and counterclockwise) in FIG. When the respective hinge portions 36, 36 are bent and deformed to allow the movable panels 34, 34 to be rotated and displaced horizontally, and when the movable panels 34, 34 in the horizontal state are pressed from above, The hinge portions 36 and 36 are elastically bent and deformed into a substantially U shape, and the movable panels 34 and 34 are allowed to move downward (each state is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). On the other hand, when the pressure on the movable panels 34, 34 is released, the hinge portions 36, 36 return to their original stretched state, so that the movable panels 34, 34 are rotationally displaced to the vertical state. To stop.
[0021]
In this way, the insert member 44 of the second embodiment formed with the hinge portions 36, 36 in the extended state and the movable panels 34, 34 opened to substantially vertical is the vibration welding that is a known technique. In accordance with the method, the support bracket 32 and the movable panels 34 and 34 are welded correspondingly to the back surfaces of the panel base 12 and the door panels 18 and 18 (FIG. 6), and in a fixed state, the conventional insert member shown in FIG. 30 and the same shape. However, the respective hinge portions 36, 36 are subjected to a stress that attempts to return the shape to the extended state by being elastically bent and deformed from the extended state to the U-shape.
[0022]
Then, in the insert member 44 of the second embodiment, when the airbag device 22 is operated and the pressing force of the airbag 24 is applied to the movable panels 34, 34, based on the shape restoring property possessed by the member 44, By the cooperation with the airbag 24, the fracture at the outer edge planned tear line 20a in the planned planned tear line 20 is positively induced. When the fracture at the outer edge planned opening line 20a is completed, the door panels 18 and 18 are moved by the return elasticity of the hinge portions 36 and 36 that have been elastically deformed into the U-shape to return to the expanded state. As a result, it is lifted up as a whole and is brought into a state shown in FIG. Further, after the planned splitting line 20b in the planned splitting line 20 breaks and the door panels 18 and 18 are separated, the door panels 18 and 18 are shown in FIG. 12 by the return elasticity of the hinge portions 36 and 36, respectively. It actively opens to a substantially vertical state, and further opens to a fully open state shown in FIG.
[0023]
Therefore, in the airbag door 16 to which the insert member 44 of the second embodiment is fixed, when the pressing force of the airbag 24 is received during the operation of the airbag device 22, the outer edge planned tear line 20a in the planned tear line 20 is first broken. Then, the door panels 18 and 18 are separated from the panel base material 12, and then the central cleavage planned line 20 b in the planned cleavage line 20 is broken to allow the door panels 18 and 18 to be opened, and further the shape of the insert member 44. Since the positive opening in the opening direction is performed by the resilience, an ideal opening mode of the door panels 18 and 18 can be realized, and the deployment performance can be improved. Therefore, the inconvenience that the edge part of the open base end side (hinge side) of the door panels 18 and 18 interferes with the panel base material 12 and the occurrence of the secondary disaster due to the scattered fragments flying to the passenger seat side are suitably prevented. it can.
[0024]
Further, as described above, the insert member 44 of the second embodiment has the support bracket 32 and the movable panels 34, 34 in a state where the hinge portions 36, 36 are extended and the movable panels 34, 34 are opened to a substantially vertical position. Since it is integrally molded, there is almost no shape restoring force for returning the door panels 18 and 18 in the non-opening direction after being released from the pressing force of the airbag 24 (due to the weight of the door panel 18). . Accordingly, the door panel 18 on the right side of the figure located at least on the passenger seat side stops in a substantially horizontal fully open state and follows the upper surface of the instrument panel 10, and the passenger seat as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Since it does not return to the inclined state directed to the side, it is possible to suitably avoid the occurrence of a secondary disaster caused by the occupant thrown forward due to the reaction of the collision colliding with the edge of the door panel 18.
[0025]
[Third embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a partially broken insert member of an airbag door according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. The insert member 46 according to the third embodiment has the support bracket in a posture in which the movable panels 34 and 34 are displaced to the second position described above when injection molding is performed using an injection mold (not shown). 32 is integrally molded. This is the shape of the insert member 46 when the door panels 18 and 18 are fully opened (FIG. 13) in the opening mode of the airbag door 16 shown in FIGS. Here, since the insert member 46 is made of TPO and has flexibility and shape restoration as in the first and second embodiments, the movable panels 34 and 34 are moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. Direction and counterclockwise), the respective hinge portions 36, 36 are bent and deformed, and the movable panels 34, 34 are allowed to be displaced in the horizontal state. When the movable panels 34, 34 are pressed from above, the hinge portions 36, 36 are elastically bent into a substantially U shape, and the movable panels 34, 34 are allowed to move downward (each state). Is shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8). On the other hand, when the pressure on the movable panels 34, 34 is released, the respective hinge portions 36, 36 return to their original extended state, so that the movable panels 34, 34 are rotationally displaced to the fully opened state. Stop.
[0026]
As described above, the insert member 46 of the third embodiment formed with the movable panels 34 and 34 opened substantially horizontally is based on the vibration welding method, which is a known technique, and the support bracket 32 and the movable panel. 34 and 34 are welded correspondingly to the back surfaces of the panel base 12 and the door panels 18 and 18, and in the fixed state, have the same shape as the conventional insert member 30 shown in FIG. However, each of the hinge portions 36 and 36 is elastically bent and deformed from the extended state into a U-shape, so that a stress is always applied to return the shape to the extended state.
[0027]
In the insert member 46 of the third embodiment, when the airbag device 22 is actuated and the pressing force of the airbag 24 is applied to the movable panels 34, 34, based on the shape restoring property possessed by the member 46, By the cooperation with the airbag 24, the fracture at the outer edge planned tear line 20a in the planned planned tear line 20 is positively induced. When the fracture at the outer edge planned opening line 20a is completed, the door panels 18 and 18 are moved by the return elasticity of the hinge portions 36 and 36 that have been elastically deformed into the U-shape to return to the expanded state. As a result, it is lifted up as a whole and is brought into a state shown in FIG. In addition, after the planned splitting line 20b of the planned splitting line 20 is broken and the door panels 18 and 18 are separated, the door panels 18 and 18 are positively shown by the return elasticity of the hinge portions 36 and 36, respectively. 13 until the fully open state shown in FIG.
[0028]
Therefore, in the airbag door 16 to which the insert member 46 of the third embodiment is fixed, when the pressing force of the airbag 24 is received when the airbag device 22 is operated, the outer edge planned tear line 20a in the planned tear line 20 is first broken. Then, the door panels 18 and 18 are separated from the panel base material 12, and then the central cleavage planned line 20 b in the planned cleavage line 20 is broken to permit the door panels 18 and 18 to be opened, and further, the shape of the insert member 46. Since the positive opening to the fully open state is performed by the resilience, an ideal opening mode of the door panels 18 and 18 can be realized and the deployment performance can be improved. Therefore, the inconvenience that the edge part of the open base end side (hinge side) of the door panels 18 and 18 interferes with the panel base material 12 and the occurrence of the secondary disaster due to the scattered fragments flying to the passenger seat side are suitably prevented. it can.
[0029]
Further, as described above, the insert member 46 of the third embodiment integrates the support bracket 32 and the movable panels 34, 34 in a state where the hinge portions 36, 36 are extended and the movable panels 34, 34 are fully opened. Since the molding is performed, there is no shape restoring force that causes the door panels 18 and 18 to return in the non-opening direction after being released from the pressing force of the airbag 24. Accordingly, the door panel 18 on the right side of the figure located at least on the passenger seat side stops in a substantially horizontal fully open state and follows the upper surface of the instrument panel 10, and the passenger seat as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Since the vehicle does not stop after returning to the inclined state directed to the side, it is possible to suitably avoid the occurrence of a secondary disaster caused by the occupant thrown forward due to the reaction of the collision colliding with the edge of the door panel 18.
[0030]
In each of the above embodiments, the panel base member 12 and the insert member 46 fixed to the airbag door 16 provided on the instrument panel 10 having a two-layer structure in which the outer skin 14 is attached to the outer surface of the base member 12 are illustrated. However, the airbag door targeted by the present application is the one provided on the instrument panel having a single-layer structure composed of the panel base material 12, or between the panel base material 12, the skin material 14, and both members 12, 14. What was provided in the instrument panel of the three-layer structure which consists of interposed cushion materials is also made into object.
[0031]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the insert members 42, 44, 46 corresponding to the double-opening type airbag door 16 including the two door panels 18, 18 are illustrated. However, the insert member of the present application includes a single door panel. One corresponding to a single-opening type airbag door and one corresponding to a four-way opening type airbag door composed of four door panels are also targeted.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the insert member of the airbag door according to the present invention, the support bracketJoining at the hingeThe formed movable panel is integrally formed with the support bracket in a posture state in which the movable panel is displaced from the first position supporting the airbag door in the non-open state to the second position supporting the airbag door fully opened.Thus, when the insert member is attached to the airbag door, the hinge portion is elastically bent and deformed into a U shape, and the movable panel is in the first position. Therefore, when the airbag door is opened, a return elasticity is exerted so that the hinge portion that has been elastically deformed into a U-shape is restored to its extended state.There is an advantage that the deployment performance can be improved by realizing an ideal opening mode of the airbag door. In addition, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of the air bag door and the panel base material from interfering with each other and the occurrence of a secondary disaster caused by the broken pieces generated at this time being scattered toward the passenger seat. Furthermore, since it is possible to simplify the mold structure of the injection mold used when molding the insert member, there is a beneficial effect that the cost can be reduced due to a reduction in the production cost of the mold.
[0033]
  Similarly, according to the insert member of the airbag door according to another invention, the support bracketJoining at the hingeThe formed movable panel is molded integrally with the support bracket in a posture state in which the movable panel is displaced to the second position that supports the fully opened airbag door.Thus, when the insert member is attached to the airbag door, the hinge portion is elastically bent and deformed into a U shape, and the movable panel is in the first position. Therefore, when the airbag door is opened, a return elasticity is exerted so that the hinge portion that has been elastically deformed into a U-shape is restored to its extended state.There is an advantage that the deployment performance can be improved by realizing an ideal opening mode of the airbag door. In addition, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of the air bag door and the panel base material from interfering with each other and the occurrence of a secondary disaster caused by the broken pieces generated at this time being scattered toward the passenger seat. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the airbag door that has stopped in the fully opened state from being returned to the non-opening direction, it is possible to suitably prevent the occurrence of a secondary disaster caused by a passenger colliding with the airbag door. Has an effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an insert member for an airbag door according to a first embodiment of the present invention, partially broken away.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the insert member of FIG. 2 is fixed to the back surface of the panel base material and the airbag door.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the insert member of the airbag door according to the second embodiment of the present invention with a part thereof broken away.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the insert member of FIG. 5 is fixed to the back surface of the panel base material and the airbag door.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the insert member of the airbag door according to the third embodiment of the present invention with a part broken away.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part of an instrument panel broken at a portion where the airbag door is formed in order to exemplify an insert member mounted on the back surface of the airbag door.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the conventional insert member shown in FIG. 9 is mounted on the back surface of the airbag door provided on the panel base material.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in which the door panel and the movable panel are floated together until the outer edge planned opening line is broken by the pressing of the airbag and the hinge part is expanded and deformed to the maximum.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of the movable panel and the door panel being integrally opened by breaking the planned center cleavage line.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory sectional view showing a state where the movable panel and the door panel are fully opened.
[Explanation of symbols]
  10 Instrument panel (vehicle interior parts)
  16 Airbag door
  22 Airbag device
  32 Support bracket
  34 Movable panel
  36 Hinge part

Claims

A support bracket (32) formed of a synthetic resin material having a shape restoring property and locked to an airbag device (22) disposed inside the vehicle interior member (10), and a hinge to the support bracket (32) is hinged in parts (36), becomes from a movable panel (34) fixed to the rear surface of said air bag door disposed on the vehicle interior member (10) (16), said movable panel (34) is always A first position that holds the airbag door (16) in a non-opened state is held in a first position and supports the airbag door (16) that is fully opened when the airbag device (22) is activated. In an insert member that can be displaced to two positions,
The movable panel (34) and the hinge part (36) are moved to the support bracket in a posture state in which the hinge part (36) is extended and the movable panel (34) is displaced from the first position to the second position. (32) is integrally molded,
The hinge portion (36) is elastically bent and deformed from an extended state to a U-shape, and the movable panel (34) is in the first position , and the movable panel (34) is moved to the airbag door (16). The airbag door insert member is configured to be fixed to the back surface of the airbag door.

A support bracket (32) formed of a synthetic resin material having a shape restoring property and locked to an airbag device (22) disposed inside the vehicle interior member (10), and a hinge to the support bracket (32) is hinged in parts (36), becomes from a movable panel (34) fixed to the rear surface of said air bag door disposed on the vehicle interior member (10) (16), said movable panel (34) is always A first position that holds the airbag door (16) in a non-opened state is held in a first position and supports the airbag door (16) that is fully opened when the airbag device (22) is activated. In an insert member that can be displaced to two positions,
The movable panel (34) and the hinge part (36) are integrated with the support bracket (32) in a posture state in which the hinge part (36) is extended and the movable panel (34) is displaced to the second position. Molded into
The hinge portion (36) is elastically bent and deformed from an extended state to a U-shape, and the movable panel (34) is in the first position , and the movable panel (34) is moved to the airbag door (16). The airbag door insert member is configured to be fixed to the back surface of the airbag door.

The insert member for an airbag door according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support bracket (32) , the movable panel (34), and the hinge portion (36) are formed of an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer.