JP4085533B2

JP4085533B2 - Vehicle impact mitigation device

Info

Publication number: JP4085533B2
Application number: JP24004599A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 俊之朝井
Original assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-08-26
Filing date: 1999-08-26
Publication date: 2008-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-26
Also published as: JP2001063499A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は車両の衝撃緩和装置に関し、とりわけ、車両の衝突予測時に車外に向けてエアバッグを膨張展開し、車外の歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することのできる衝撃緩和装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の自動車等の車両の衝撃緩和構造としては、例えば図９（ａ），（ｂ）に示すようなものが知られている（特開平０６−１４４１５４号公報参照）。
【０００３】
ここに示す従来例では、衝撃緩和部材としてのエアバッグ６が前部バンパー１１に収納装着されている。
【０００４】
そして、車両の衝突予測時にエアバッグカバー６１が外れて、エアバッグ６がバンパー１１の前面を覆うように車両進行方向の下方に向けて膨張展開して、その前方の歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和するようになっている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前記従来の構造によれば、エアバッグ６がバンパー１１の前方から車両進行方向の下方に向けて膨張展開するような構造となっているため、バンパー１１の上面からボンネットフード前端部の範囲に車両の斜め上方からかかる衝撃に対して十分な緩衝作用を得ることができないという問題があった。
【０００６】
また、前述のようなバンパー１１の上面からボンネットフード前端部の範囲に車両の斜め上方からかかる衝撃に対して十分な緩衝作用を得ようと、上記範囲を十分に覆うためには、エアバッグ６及び該エアバッグ６を膨張展開するインフレータを大きくしなければならず、重量が増加してしまうという問題もある。
【０００７】
また、エアバッグ６自体を大きくすると走行時の風の抵抗によりエアバッグ６が持ち上がってしまい、所望範囲に展開することが難しくなる等の問題があった。
【０００８】
そこで、本発明は車両の衝突予測時にエアバッグを所望範囲に膨張展開して、確実に歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することのできる車両の衝撃緩和構造を提供するものである。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１の発明にあっては、車両の衝突予測時に前方に膨張展開するエアバッグを収容したエアバッグユニットを、車両の前端部の車体構成部材に備えた構造であって、前記エアバッグは、膨張展開時に前記車体構成部材の車幅方向両端部に支持点を有し、エアバッグユニットの作動時に前記車体構成部材の前方で略車幅方向全域の所望範囲に亘って膨張展開可能とされており、前記車体構成部材は、ラジエターコアサポートと、当該ラジエターコアサポートの車幅方向両端部にそれぞれ配置される一対のヘッドランプと、を備え、前記エアバッグを前記ラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプの上方に配設すると共に、該エアバッグの両端部を一対の前記ヘッドランプの上面にそれぞれ固定して、前記支持点を形成し、前記エアバッグを、前記ラジエターコアサポートおよびヘッドランプと、該ラジエターコアサポートおよびヘッドランプの上方に配置されるフードと、の間に配設すると共に、該エアバッグの膨張展開時に該フードをロックするフードロックを所要量解除する解除手段を設け、これらフードと、ラジエターコアサポートおよびヘッドランプと、の開口部からエアバッグを膨張展開可能としたことを特徴としている。
【００１６】
請求項２の発明にあっては、請求項１に記載のエアバッグを膨張展開するインフレータを車幅方向外側に向けて設けたことを特徴としている。
【００１７】
【発明の効果】
請求項１に記載の発明によれば、車両の衝突予測時に前方に膨張展開するエアバッグを収容したエアバッグユニットを、車両の前端部の車体構成部材に備えた構造であって、前記エアバッグは、膨張展開時に前記車体構成部材の車幅方向両端部に支持点を有し、エアバッグユニットの作動時に前記車体構成部材の前方で略車幅方向全域の所望範囲に亘って膨張展開可能としてあるため、通常の大きさのエアバッグによって所望範囲をカバーすることができるのに加え、エアバッグが展開した時に走行時の風の抵抗によるエアバッグの持ち上がりを防止して、前記エアバッグを所望範囲に展開維持することができるので歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することができる。
【００２２】
また、前記エアバッグをラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプの上方に配設すると共に、該エアバッグの両端部を一対の前記ヘッドランプの上面にそれぞれ固定して、前記支持点を形成してあるため、前記エアバッグの膨張展開時に走行時の風の抵抗によりエアバッグが浮き上がってしまうのを防止して、前記エアバッグを所望範囲に展開維持することができ、確実に歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することができる。
【００２３】
さらに、前記エアバッグを、前記ラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプと、該ラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプの上方に配置されるフードと、の間に配設すると共に、該エアバッグの膨張展開時に該フードをロックするフードロックを所要量解除する解除手段を設け、これらフードとラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプとの開口部からエアバッグを膨張展開可能としてあるため、前記エアバッグを、前記ラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプと該ラジエターコアサポート及びヘッドランプの上方に配置されるフードとの間に配設してあっても、該エアバッグの膨張展開を適正に行わせることができる。
【００２４】
請求項２に記載の発明によれば、請求項１の効果に加えて、前記エアバッグを膨張展開するインフレータを車幅方向外側に向けて設けてあるため、膨張展開時に前記エアバッグの端部を確実に車幅方向に向けて展開させることができる。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施形態を、図面と共に詳述する。
【００２６】
図１〜３は、本発明を適用した自動車の衝撃緩和構造の一実施形態を示しており、特にこの第１実施形態は車両の衝突予測時に前方に膨張展開し、その前方の歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和するエアバッグ１を収容したエアバッグユニットを、自動車の前端部の車体構成部材の一つであるフロントグリル１６の略中央部分に搭載したものである。
【００２７】
図１は、エアバッグ１の膨張展開時の作動状態を示す斜視図であり、（ａ）は前記エアバッグ１の膨張展開途中を、（ｂ）はエアバッグ１の膨張展開完了時を示している。
【００２８】
前記エアバッグ１は、その膨張展開時に前記フロントグリル１６等、車体構成部材の車幅方向両端部に支持点を有しており、エアバッグユニットの作動時に前記フロントグリル１６の前方で略車幅方向全域の所望範囲に亘って膨張展開するようにしてある。
【００２９】
ここでいう所望範囲とは、車両が衝突した際に斜め上方から衝撃が入力するバンパ４上方及びフロントフード８の前端部近傍のことである。
【００３０】
具体的には、車両の前端部に車幅方向に延びるガイド部２ａ，２ｂを設けると共に、該ガイド部２ａ，２ｂとスライド可能に係合する係合部３ａ，３ｂを前記エアバッグ１の車幅方向両端部に設けて、前記支持点をこれらガイド部２ａ，２ｂと係合部３ａ，３ｂとで構成してある。
【００３１】
しかも、前記ガイド部２ａ，２ｂは、前記エアバッグユニットの取付位置から車体構成部材である前記フロントグリル１６の前方に配置されるバンパ４の上面近傍に沿って設けてある。
【００３２】
その上、前記ガイド部２ａ，２ｂは、車両に収容して設けられたレール部２で構成してあり、しかも、該レール部２は、車両の前端部に車幅方向に設けられるバンパ４の構成部材の一つであるバンパリテーナ１０に形成してある。
【００３３】
図２は、本実施形態の主要部を側面から見た説明図で、具体的には、レール部２は前記バンパリテーナ１０の上部を延設して該バンパリテーナ１０単体で形成しものや（図２（ａ））、前記バンパリテーナ１０の上面とヘッドランプ７の周延部下面とで構成する（図２（ｂ））ようにしても良い。
【００３４】
また本実施形態では、図３に示すように、前記エアバッグ１を膨張展開するインフレータ５ａ，５ｂを車幅方向外側に向けて設けてある。
【００３５】
以上の実施形態の構造によれば、車両の衝突予測時に前方あるいは後方に膨張展開するエアバッグ１を収容したエアバッグユニットを、車両の前端部の車体構成部材の一つであるフロントグリル１６に備えた構造であって、前記エアバッグ１は、膨張展開時に前記車体構成部材の車幅方向両端部に支持点を有し、エアバッグユニットの作動時に前記車体構成部材の前方で略車幅方向全域の所望範囲に亘って膨張展開可能としてあるため、通常の大きさのエアバッグ１によって所望範囲をカバーすることができるのに加え、図１（ｂ）に仮想線で示すように、エアバッグ１が展開した時に走行時の風の抵抗によるエアバッグ１の持ち上がってしまうのを防止して、前記エアバッグ１を所望範囲に展開維持することができるので、歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することができる。
【００３６】
特に本実施形態の構造によれば、前記車両の前端部に車幅方向に延びるガイド部２ａ，２ｂを設けると共に、該ガイド部２ａ，２ｂとスライド可能に係合する係合部３ａ，３ｂを前記エアバッグ１の車幅方向両端部に設けて、前記支持点をこれらガイド部２ａ，２ｂと係合部３ａ，３ｂとで構成してあるため、エアバッグ１の膨張展開時には、前記ガイド２ａ，２ｂに沿って図中の矢印に示すように前記エアバッグ１を車幅方向に向けて確実に膨張展開すると共に、エアバッグ１が展開した時に走行時の風の抵抗によるエアバッグ１の持ち上がりを防止して、前記エアバッグ１を所望範囲に展開維持することができるので、確実に歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することができる。
【００３７】
また、前記ガイド部２ａ，２ｂは、前記エアバッグユニットの取付位置から車体構成部材の前方あるいは後方に配置されるバンパ４の上面近傍に沿って設けてあるため、前記エアバッグの端部をエアバッグユニット取付位置から車幅方向両端部に向けて的確にガイドすることができる。
【００３８】
しかも、前記ガイド部２ａ，２ｂは、車両に収容して設けられたレール部２で構成してあるため、簡単な構造でガイド部２ａ，２ｂを構成することができ、コスト的に有利に得ることができるのに加えて、該レール部２は、車両の前端部に車幅方向に設けられるバンパ４の構成部材であるバンパリテーナ１０に形成してあるため、新たにガイドレールを設ける必要がないので、部品点数の増加や組み付け工数を増加させることがなく、部品点数を削減して、軽量化を図ることができる。
【００３９】
また、前記エアバッグ１を膨張展開するインフレータ５ａ，５ｂを車幅方向外側に向けて設けてあるため、膨張展開時には図中矢印に示すように前記エアバッグの端部を確実に車幅方向に向けて展開させることができる。
【００４０】
図４〜６は、本発明の第２実施形態を示しており、前記エアバッグ１を、車体構成部材と該車体構成部材上方に配置されるフード８との間に配設したものである。
【００４１】
具体的には、図５に示すように、車体構成部材の一つであるラジエターコアサポート６及びヘッドランプ７ａ，７ｂの上方に前記エアバッグ１を配設すると共に、該エアバッグ１の両端部１１ａ，１１ｂを前記ヘッドランプ７ａ，７ｂの上面にそれぞれ固定して、前記支持点を形成してある。
【００４２】
特にこの第２実施形態では、前記エアバッグ１の膨張展開時に前記フード８をロックする図外のフードロックを所要量解除する解除手段１４を設け、これらフード８とラジエターコアサポート６やヘッドランプ７ａ，７ｂとの間に開口部９を設け、この開口部９からエアバッグを膨張展開可能としてある。
【００４３】
この解除手段１４としては、例えば、従来のワイヤーケーブル１３を引くことによりロック解除となるフードロック構造を利用した場合、エアバッグ１の膨張展開時に該エアバッグ１の展開力を利用して前記ワイヤーケーブル１３を引くようにする等が考えられる。
【００４４】
具体的に本実施形態では、図６に示すように支点１５を有するリンク機構１４を設けて、エアバッグ１の膨張展開時に該エアバッグ１の展開力を利用して前記ワイヤーケーブル１３を引くようにしている。
【００４５】
すなわち、リンク機構１４の一端にエアバッグ１の展開力を受ける受け部１４ａを設け、該受け部１４ａで受けたエアバッグ１膨張時の展開力を（矢印Ａ）、支点１５を介して回転力に変えて、リンク機構１４の他端に設けたワイヤーケーブル１３との接続部１４ｂに伝え、ワイヤーケーブル１３を引き（矢印Ｂ）、フードロックを解除するようにしている。
【００４６】
なお、ここではリンク機構１４によりエアバッグ１の膨張展開時の展開力を利用したが、別途アクチュエータ等を設けても良いことはもちろんである。
【００４７】
また、図５に示したように、この第２実施形態においても、前記エアバッグ１を膨張展開するインフレータ５ａ，５ｂを車幅方向外側に向けて設けてある。
【００４８】
以上の第２実施形態の構造によれば、前記エアバッグ１を車体構成部材であるラジエターコアサポート６及びヘッドランプ７ａ，７ｂの上部に配設すると共に、該エアバッグ１の両端部１１ａ，１１ｂを前記ヘッドランプ７ａ，７ｂの車幅方向両端部上面に固定して、支持点を形成してあるため、前記エアバッグ１の膨張展開時に走行時の風の抵抗によりエアバッグ１が浮き上がってしまうのを防止して、前記エアバッグを所望範囲に展開維持することができるので、確実に歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することができる。
【００４９】
しかも、この実施形態によれば、前記エアバッグ１を、前記ラジエターコアサポート６やヘッドランプ７ａ，７ｂ等の車体構成部材とこれら車体構成部材の上方に配置されるフード８との間に配設すると共に、該エアバッグ１の膨張展開時に該フード８をロックするフードロックを所要量解除する解除手段１４を設け、これらフード８と車体構成部材との開口部９からエアバッグ１を膨張展開可能としてあるため、前記エアバッグ１を、前述のように車体構成部材と該車体構成部材上方に配置されるフード８との間に配設してあっても、該エアバッグ１の膨張展開を適正に行わせることができる。
【００５０】
また、前記エアバッグ１を膨張展開するインフレータ５ａ，５ｂを車幅方向外側に向けて設けてあるため、膨張展開時に前記エアバッグの端部を確実に車幅方向に向けて展開させることができる。
【００５１】
図７は、前記第２実施形態の変形例で、前記第２実施形態のエアバッグ１を車両の左右にそれぞれ分割したエアバッグ１ａ，１ｂとして設けたものを示しており、前記第２実施形態の構造と同等の実施効果を得ることができる。
【００５２】
以上の第１，２実施形態は、車両の衝突予測時にエアバッグ１を所望範囲に膨張展開して、確実に歩行者や自転車等の障害物に対しての衝撃を緩和することのできる車両の衝撃緩和構造であり、いずれの場合も図７に示すように、車体２０の前端部に配設され、歩行者等２１との衝突を検出または予測する歩行者検知手段２２を備え、該歩行者検知手段２２からの信号によって、前記エアバッグ１を膨張展開させるようにしてある。
【００５３】
また、上記第１，２実施形態では車両前端部の車体構成部材にエアバッグ１を収容したエアバッグユニットを搭載して、車両の前面衝突予測時に該エアバッグ１を膨張展開するようにした例を示したが、上記構成を車両後端部の車体構成部材に設けて車両の後面衝突時に対応するようにしても良い。
【００５４】
またその場合は、歩行者等２１との衝突を検出または予測する歩行者検知手段２２を車体２０の後端部に備え、該歩行者検知手段２２からの信号によって、前記エアバッグ１を膨張展開させるようにすることはいうまでもない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態におけるエアバッグの膨張展開時の作動を示す説明図。
【図２】同実施形態におけるレール部の説明図。
【図３】同実施形態におけるインフレータの取付を示す上面説明図。
【図４】本発明の第２実施形態におけるエアバッグの膨張展開時の作動を示す説明図。
【図５】本発明の第２実施形態におけるインフレータの取付を示す上面説明図。
【図６】本発明の第２実施形態におけるフードロックの解放の概念図。
【図７】本発明の第２実施形態の変形例を示す上面図。
【図８】本発明における周辺構造の説明図。
【図９】従来の構造における衝撃緩和構造を示す作動説明図。
【符号の説明】
１エアバッグ
２レール部
２ａ，２ｂガイド部
３ａ，３ｂ係合部
５インフレータ
６ラジエターコアサポート（車体構成部材）
７ａ，７ｂヘッドランプ（車体構成部材）
９開口部
１０バンパリテーナ
１４解除手段
１６フロントグリル（車体構成部材）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an impact mitigation device for a vehicle, and more particularly, an impact capable of inflating and deploying an air bag toward the outside of a vehicle when predicting a collision of the vehicle and mitigating an impact on an obstacle such as a pedestrian or a bicycle outside the vehicle. It relates to a mitigation device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional impact mitigation structure for a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, the structure shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is known (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-144154).
[0003]
In the conventional example shown here, an airbag 6 as an impact reducing member is housed and mounted on the front bumper 11.
[0004]
When the vehicle collision is predicted, the airbag cover 61 is removed, and the airbag 6 is inflated and deployed downward in the vehicle traveling direction so as to cover the front surface of the bumper 11. It is designed to reduce the impact on objects.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the conventional structure, since the airbag 6 is inflated and deployed from the front of the bumper 11 toward the lower side in the vehicle traveling direction, the range from the upper surface of the bumper 11 to the front end portion of the hood hood. In addition, there is a problem that a sufficient buffering action cannot be obtained against an impact applied from an obliquely upper side of the vehicle.
[0006]
In addition, in order to sufficiently cover the above range in order to obtain a sufficient buffering action against the shock applied from the obliquely upper side of the vehicle in the range from the upper surface of the bumper 11 to the front end portion of the bonnet hood as described above, the airbag 6 And the inflator which inflate-deploys this airbag 6 must be enlarged, and there also exists a problem that a weight will increase.
[0007]
Further, if the airbag 6 itself is enlarged, there is a problem that the airbag 6 is lifted due to wind resistance during traveling, and it becomes difficult to deploy the airbag 6 within a desired range.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention provides a vehicle impact mitigation structure that can inflate and deploy an airbag in a desired range when a vehicle collision is predicted, and can reliably mitigate an impact on an obstacle such as a pedestrian or a bicycle. Is.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the invention of claim 1, the airbag unit that accommodates an airbag is inflated and deployed in front towards the collision prediction of the vehicle, a structure comprising a vehicle body constituent member of the front end of the vehicle, the airbag has a support point in the vehicle width direction both end portions of the vehicle body component member at the time of inflation and deployment, the inflatable deployment over a desired range of substantially vehicle width direction throughout the previous direction of the vehicle body structure member upon actuation of the airbag unit The vehicle body component member includes a radiator core support and a pair of headlamps respectively disposed at both ends of the radiator core support in the vehicle width direction, and the airbag is disposed on the radiator core support and the head. The airbag is disposed above the lamp, and both end portions of the airbag are fixed to the upper surfaces of the pair of headlamps to form the support point, and the airbag is A required amount of a hood lock is disposed between the radiator core support and the headlamp and the hood disposed above the radiator core support and the headlamp, and locks the hood when the airbag is inflated and deployed. Release means for releasing is provided, and the airbag can be inflated and deployed from the openings of the hood, the radiator core support and the headlamp .
[0016]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that an inflator for inflating and deploying the airbag according to claim 1 is provided facing outward in the vehicle width direction.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention described in claim 1, the airbag unit that accommodates an airbag is inflated and deployed in front towards the collision prediction of the vehicle, a structure comprising a vehicle body constituent member of the front end of the vehicle, the air bag has a support point in the vehicle width direction both end portions of the vehicle body component member at the time of inflation and deployment, the inflation and deployment over the desired range of about vehicle entire width in front towards the vehicle body structural member upon actuation of the airbag unit In addition to being able to cover a desired range with a normal size airbag, the airbag can be prevented from lifting due to wind resistance when the airbag is deployed. Can be expanded and maintained within a desired range, so that the impact on obstacles such as pedestrians and bicycles can be reduced.
[0022]
Moreover, since with disposing the pre Symbol airbag above the radiator core support and a headlamp, the both end portions of the airbag and fixed to the upper surface of the pair of the headlamp, is formed with the supporting point The airbag can be prevented from being lifted by wind resistance during running when the airbag is inflated and deployed, and the airbag can be deployed and maintained in a desired range, thereby reliably obstructing pedestrians, bicycles, etc. Impact on objects can be reduced.
[0023]
Furthermore, the pre-Symbol airbag, and the radiator core support and a headlamp, a hood disposed above the radiator core support and headlamps, while disposed between, the hood when inflated and deployed airbag A release means for releasing a required amount of the hood lock for locking the hood, the radiator core support, and the headlamp are provided so that the airbag can be inflated and deployed. Therefore , the airbag is connected to the radiator core support and the head. Even if it is disposed between the lamp and the hood disposed above the radiator core support and the headlamp, the airbag can be appropriately inflated and deployed.
[0024]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the inflator for inflating and deploying the airbag is provided toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Can be reliably deployed in the vehicle width direction.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
1 to 3 show an embodiment of an automobile impact mitigation structure to which the present invention is applied. In particular, the first embodiment is inflated and deployed forward when a vehicle collision is predicted, and a pedestrian or bicycle in front of the vehicle is predicted. An airbag unit that accommodates an airbag 1 that alleviates an impact on an obstacle such as the like is mounted on a substantially central portion of a front grill 16 that is one of vehicle body components at the front end of an automobile.
[0027]
1A and 1B are perspective views showing an operating state when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed, in which FIG. 1A shows a state during the inflation and deployment of the airbag 1, and FIG. 1B shows a state when the airbag 1 is completely inflated and deployed. Yes.
[0028]
The airbag 1 has support points at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body constituting member such as the front grill 16 when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed. The airbag 1 is substantially in front of the front grill 16 when the airbag unit is operated. It expands and develops over a desired range in the entire direction.
[0029]
The desired range here refers to the upper portion of the bumper 4 and the vicinity of the front end portion of the front hood 8 to which an impact is input obliquely from above when the vehicle collides.
[0030]
Specifically, guide portions 2a and 2b extending in the vehicle width direction are provided at the front end portion of the vehicle, and the engaging portions 3a and 3b that are slidably engaged with the guide portions 2a and 2b are provided in the vehicle of the airbag 1. Provided at both ends in the width direction, the support point is constituted by the guide portions 2a and 2b and the engaging portions 3a and 3b.
[0031]
Moreover, the guide portions 2a and 2b are provided along the vicinity of the upper surface of the bumper 4 disposed in front of the front grill 16 which is a vehicle body constituting member from the mounting position of the airbag unit.
[0032]
In addition, the guide portions 2a and 2b are constituted by a rail portion 2 that is housed and provided in a vehicle, and the rail portion 2 is a bumper 4 provided in the vehicle width direction at the front end portion of the vehicle. The bumper retainer 10 which is one of the constituent members is formed.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the main part of the present embodiment as seen from the side. Specifically, the rail part 2 is formed by extending the upper part of the bumper retainer 10 and forming the bumper retainer 10 alone ( 2 (a)), it may be configured by the upper surface of the bumper retainer 10 and the lower surface of the circumferentially extending portion of the headlamp 7 (FIG. 2 (b)).
[0034]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, inflators 5a and 5b for inflating and deploying the airbag 1 are provided outward in the vehicle width direction.
[0035]
According to the structure of the above embodiment, the airbag unit that accommodates the airbag 1 that inflates and deploys forward or rearward when a vehicle collision is predicted is attached to the front grille 16 that is one of the vehicle body constituent members at the front end of the vehicle. The airbag 1 has support points at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body constituent member when inflated and deployed, and substantially in the vehicle width direction in front of the vehicle body constituent member when the airbag unit is operated. Since it can be inflated and deployed over a desired range of the entire area, the desired range can be covered by the airbag 1 having a normal size, and in addition, as shown by a virtual line in FIG. Since the airbag 1 can be prevented from lifting due to wind resistance when the vehicle 1 is deployed and the airbag 1 can be deployed and maintained in a desired range, a pedestrian or bicycle Impact can be alleviated against obstacles.
[0036]
In particular, according to the structure of this embodiment, the guide portions 2a and 2b extending in the vehicle width direction are provided at the front end portion of the vehicle, and the engaging portions 3a and 3b that are slidably engaged with the guide portions 2a and 2b are provided. Since the airbag 1 is provided at both ends in the vehicle width direction and the support points are constituted by the guide portions 2a and 2b and the engagement portions 3a and 3b, the guide 2a is inflated when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed. , 2b, as shown by the arrows in the figure, the airbag 1 is surely inflated and deployed in the vehicle width direction, and when the airbag 1 is deployed, the airbag 1 is lifted due to wind resistance during travel Since the airbag 1 can be deployed and maintained in a desired range, the impact on obstacles such as pedestrians and bicycles can be reliably mitigated.
[0037]
Further, since the guide portions 2a and 2b are provided along the vicinity of the upper surface of the bumper 4 disposed in front of or behind the vehicle body constituent member from the mounting position of the airbag unit, the end portions of the airbag are disposed on the airbag. It is possible to accurately guide from the bag unit mounting position toward both ends in the vehicle width direction.
[0038]
Moreover, since the guide portions 2a and 2b are constituted by the rail portion 2 provided in a vehicle, the guide portions 2a and 2b can be configured with a simple structure, which is advantageous in terms of cost. In addition to this, the rail portion 2 is formed on the bumper retainer 10 which is a component of the bumper 4 provided in the vehicle width direction at the front end portion of the vehicle, so that it is necessary to newly provide a guide rail. Since there is no increase in the number of parts and assembly man-hours, the number of parts can be reduced and the weight can be reduced.
[0039]
Further, since the inflators 5a and 5b for inflating and deploying the airbag 1 are provided outward in the vehicle width direction, the end portion of the airbag is surely placed in the vehicle width direction as shown by the arrows in the figure when inflated and deployed. Can be deployed.
[0040]
FIGS. 4-6 has shown 2nd Embodiment of this invention, The said airbag 1 is arrange | positioned between the vehicle body structural member and the hood 8 arrange | positioned above this vehicle body structural member.
[0041]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the airbag 1 is disposed above the radiator core support 6 and the headlamps 7a and 7b which are one of the vehicle body components, and both end portions of the airbag 1 are disposed. 11a, 11b of the head lamp 7a, and fixed to the upper surface of 7b, is formed with the supporting point.
[0042]
Particularly in the second embodiment, there is provided release means 14 for releasing a required amount of a hood lock (not shown) that locks the hood 8 when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed, and the hood 8 and the radiator core support 6 and the headlamp 7a. , 7b, an opening 9 is provided between which the airbag can be inflated and deployed.
[0043]
As this release means 14, for example, when a conventional hood lock structure is used that is unlocked by pulling the wire cable 13, the wire 1 is utilized by utilizing the deployment force of the airbag 1 when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed. For example, the cable 13 may be pulled.
[0044]
Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a link mechanism 14 having a fulcrum 15 is provided, and the wire cable 13 is pulled using the deployment force of the airbag 1 when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed. I have to.
[0045]
That is, a receiving portion 14 a that receives the deploying force of the airbag 1 is provided at one end of the link mechanism 14, and the deploying force received by the receiving portion 14 a when the airbag 1 is inflated (arrow A) is rotated through the fulcrum 15. Instead, it is transmitted to the connection part 14b with the wire cable 13 provided at the other end of the link mechanism 14, the wire cable 13 is pulled (arrow B), and the hood lock is released.
[0046]
Here, the deploying force at the time of inflation and deployment of the airbag 1 is used by the link mechanism 14, but it goes without saying that an actuator or the like may be provided separately.
[0047]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, also in the second embodiment, inflators 5a and 5b for inflating and deploying the airbag 1 are provided facing outward in the vehicle width direction.
[0048]
According to the structure of the second embodiment described above, the airbag 1 is disposed above the radiator core support 6 and the headlamps 7a and 7b, which are vehicle body constituting members, and both end portions 11a and 11b of the airbag 1 are disposed. Is fixed to the upper surfaces of both end portions of the headlamps 7a and 7b in the vehicle width direction, and support points are formed, so that the airbag 1 is lifted due to wind resistance during travel when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed. Since the airbag can be deployed and maintained in a desired range, the impact on obstacles such as pedestrians and bicycles can be reliably mitigated.
[0049]
Moreover, according to this embodiment, the airbag 1 is disposed between the vehicle body structural members such as the radiator core support 6 and the headlamps 7a and 7b and the hood 8 disposed above the vehicle body structural members. In addition, a release means 14 for releasing a required amount of the hood lock that locks the hood 8 when the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed is provided, and the airbag 1 can be inflated and deployed from the opening 9 between the hood 8 and the vehicle body constituent member. Therefore, even if the airbag 1 is disposed between the vehicle body constituent member and the hood 8 disposed above the vehicle body constituent member as described above, the airbag 1 is properly inflated and deployed. Can be done.
[0050]
Further, since the inflators 5a and 5b for inflating and deploying the airbag 1 are provided toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, the end portion of the airbag can be surely deployed in the vehicle width direction at the time of inflation and deployment. .
[0051]
FIG. 7 shows a modification of the second embodiment, in which the airbag 1 of the second embodiment is provided as airbags 1a and 1b that are divided into the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively. An effect equivalent to that of the structure can be obtained.
[0052]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed in a desired range at the time of vehicle collision prediction, so that the impact on obstacles such as pedestrians and bicycles can be reliably reduced. In either case, as shown in FIG. 7, the structure is provided with a pedestrian detection means 22 that is disposed at the front end of the vehicle body 20 and detects or predicts a collision with a pedestrian or the like 21. The airbag 1 is inflated and deployed by a signal from the detection means 22.
[0053]
In the first and second embodiments, the airbag unit that houses the airbag 1 is mounted on the vehicle body constituent member at the front end portion of the vehicle, and the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed when the frontal collision of the vehicle is predicted. However, the above-described configuration may be provided in a vehicle body constituent member at the rear end of the vehicle so as to cope with a rear surface collision of the vehicle.
[0054]
In that case, pedestrian detection means 22 for detecting or predicting a collision with a pedestrian 21 is provided at the rear end of the vehicle body 20, and the airbag 1 is inflated and deployed by a signal from the pedestrian detection means 22. Needless to say, let it be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an operation at the time of inflation and deployment of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a rail portion in the same embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory top view showing attachment of the inflator in the same embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation during inflation and deployment of an airbag according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top explanatory view showing attachment of an inflator in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of releasing a hood lock in a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a top view showing a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a peripheral structure in the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view showing an impact relaxation structure in a conventional structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air bag 2 Rail part 2a, 2b Guide part 3a, 3b Engagement part 5 Inflator 6 Radiator core support (vehicle body structural member)
7a, 7b Headlamp (body component)
9 Opening 10 Bumper retainer 14 Release means 16 Front grille (body component)

Claims

The airbag unit that accommodates an airbag is inflated and deployed in front towards the collision prediction of the vehicle, a structure comprising a vehicle body constituent member of the front end of the vehicle,
The airbag, the has a support point in the vehicle width direction end portions of the vehicle body component member, over the desired range of about vehicle entire width in the way before the vehicle body structure member upon actuation of the airbag unit during inflation and deployment It can be expanded and deployed ,
The vehicle body component includes a radiator core support, and a pair of headlamps respectively disposed at both ends in the vehicle width direction of the radiator core support.
The airbag is disposed above the radiator core support and the headlamp, and both end portions of the airbag are fixed to the upper surfaces of the pair of headlamps to form the support point,
The airbag is disposed between the radiator core support and the headlamp and a hood disposed above the radiator core support and the headlamp, and locks the hood when the airbag is inflated and deployed. An impact mitigation device for a vehicle, characterized in that a release means for releasing a required amount of the hood lock is provided, and an airbag can be inflated and deployed from the openings of the hood, the radiator core support and the headlamp .

The vehicle impact mitigating device according to claim 1, wherein an inflator for inflating and deploying the airbag is provided outward in a vehicle width direction .