JP7414031B2 - Airbag device mounting structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mounting structure for an airbag device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional mounting structure for an airbag device (hereinafter simply referred to as mounting structure). This mounting structure includes an airbag device, a first panel, a second panel, and a mounting clip. The airbag device is specifically a curtain airbag device.

The first panel covers the airbag device. The second panel is separate from the first panel. A mounting hole is formed in the second panel. The mounting clip is formed separately from the first panel and the second panel. The attachment clip is connected to the first panel through the string-like member.

In this mounting structure, the mounting clip is inserted into the mounting hole and fixed to the mounting hole. Thereby, in this mounting structure, the first panel and the second panel are fixed while the airbag device is provided between the first panel and the second panel.

However, in this mounting structure, since the mounting clip is separate from the first panel and the second panel, the number of parts increases and the cost increases. In addition, with this mounting structure, when fixing the first panel and the second panel, it is necessary to connect the mounting clip to the first panel using a string-like member, so the first panel and the second panel can be easily fixed. hard.

Therefore, instead of such a mounting clip, it is possible to adopt the mounting clip shown in Patent Document 2. The mounting clip of Patent Document 2 is integrally formed with the first panel and extends toward the mounting hole. Moreover, this attachment clip has an engaging claw.

In this way, by employing the attachment clip of Patent Document 2, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts. Further, in this case, the first panel and the second panel can be fixed by the engagement claw of the attachment clip entering the attachment hole and engaging with the peripheral edge of the attachment hole. For these reasons, the first panel and the second panel can be easily fixed while suppressing an increase in cost.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-316607 JP2012-224261A

By the way, in addition to maintenance work on the airbag device, in order to perform work such as installation and replacement of parts other than the airbag device, the fixation between the first panel and the second panel is released, and the first panel and the second panel are separated. It may be necessary to remove the .

However, it cannot be said that the attachment clip of Patent Document 2 is necessarily intended to remove the first panel and the second panel once fixed. Therefore, in the attachment clip of Patent Document 2, when removing the first panel and the second panel, it is necessary to use a special tool to release the engagement between the engagement claw and the peripheral edge of the attachment hole. As a result, the first panel and the second panel cannot be easily removed.

Further, in the attachment clip of Patent Document 2, depending on the position where the attachment hole is formed, it may not be possible to release the engagement between the engagement claw and the peripheral portion even if a special tool is used. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary to destroy the engagement claws to release the engagement with the peripheral portion, and then remove the first panel and the second panel. Here, the engaging claw and, by extension, the mounting clip are integrated into the first panel, so if the engaging claw is destroyed, it is necessary to replace it with a new first panel and fix it to the second panel again. be. This results in an increase in cost.

Furthermore, when the airbag device is activated, the impact acts on the first panel and the second panel. For this reason, even if the first panel and the second panel are fixed by the mounting clip, the first panel and the second panel will be separated by the mounting clip coming off from the mounting hole due to the impact when the airbag device is activated. There is a risk of unintentional separation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and is capable of realizing cost reduction, easily attaching and detaching the first panel and the second panel, and allowing the airbag device to operate. The problem to be solved is to provide a mounting structure for an airbag device that can highly reliably prevent separation of the first panel and the second panel.

The mounting structure of the airbag device of the present invention includes an airbag device,
a first panel covering the airbag device;
a second panel separate from the first panel;
A mounting structure for an airbag device including a mounting clip for mounting the first panel and the second panel,
One of the first panel and the second panel is a specific panel integrally provided with the mounting clip,
A mounting hole into which the mounting clip enters is formed in the other of the first panel and the second panel,
The mounting clip includes a base extending toward the mounting hole;
a clip body that is capable of entering the attachment hole and is formed with an engaging claw that can be elastically deformed into an engaged state and a non-engaged state;
a regulating portion that is arranged farther from the specific panel than the clip main body and that enters the attachment hole together with the engagement claw;
The engagement pawl fixes the first panel and the second panel by engaging with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole in the engaged state, and engages with the peripheral edge in the disengaged state. allowing the first panel and the second panel to separate due to the engagement;
The regulating portion prevents the first panel and the second panel from separating by engaging with the peripheral edge portion due to an impact when the airbag device is activated,
The regulating portion is characterized in that it is recessed in the base .

In the mounting structure of the present invention, the first panel or the second panel integrally provided with the mounting clip is the specific panel. Therefore, with this mounting structure, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a case where the first panel, the second panel, and the mounting clip are separate bodies.

Further, the attachment clip has an engaging claw and a regulating portion. These engaging claws and restriction portions can enter the attachment hole. Here, the engaging pawl can be deformed into an engaged state and a non-engaged state by elastic deformation.

In the engaged state, the engaging claw engages with the peripheral edge of the attachment hole. Thereby, the engaging claw fixes the first panel and the second panel. On the other hand, the engagement pawl does not engage with the peripheral portion in the disengaged state. Thereby, the engaging claw allows the first panel and the second panel to be removed.

Thus, in this mounting structure, the first panel and the second panel can be easily fixed by inserting the mounting clip into the mounting hole and engaging the engaged claw with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole. can do. In addition, with this mounting structure, when performing maintenance work on the airbag device, the first panel and the second panel can be easily removed by elastically deforming the engaging pawl to disengage it. It becomes possible. Further, with this mounting structure, there is no need to destroy the engaging claw in order to disengage the engaging claw and the peripheral portion. Therefore, in this mounting structure, after the first panel and the second panel are removed, when the first panel and the second panel are fixed again, a new first panel or a second panel on which the mounting clip is formed is attached. There is no need to prepare a panel, that is, a new specific panel.

Further, in the attachment clip, the restriction portion is arranged farther from the specific panel than the clip body on which the engaging claw is formed , and enters the attachment hole together with the clip body . In other words, the restricting portion enters deeper into the attachment hole than the engaging claw. Then, the restriction portion engages with the peripheral portion due to the impact when the airbag device is activated. As a result, with this mounting structure, even if the engaging claw and the peripheral edge part are disengaged due to the impact when the airbag device is activated and the engaging claw escapes from the mounting hole, the restricting part is attached to the peripheral edge part. engage with. Thus, in this mounting structure, the regulating portion prevents the first panel and the second panel from separating. In other words, this mounting structure prevents the mounting clip from completely slipping out from the mounting hole when the airbag device is activated.

Therefore, according to the airbag device mounting structure of the present invention, the first panel and the second panel can be easily attached and detached while realizing cost reduction, and when the airbag device is activated, the first panel and the second panel can be easily attached and detached. Separation of the first panel and the second panel can be prevented with high certainty.

Preferably, there is a plurality of regulating parts. In this case, compared to the case where the attachment clip has only one restricting portion, the restricting portion more easily engages with the peripheral portion when the airbag device is activated. Therefore, with this mounting structure, it is possible to more reliably prevent the first panel and the second panel from separating.

The attachment clip has a base extending toward the attachment hole and a clip body in which an engagement claw is formed . Further, it is preferable that the base is integrally formed with the specific panel , and that the clip body is attached to the base.

As a result , even if the engaging claw is damaged or deteriorated, it is not necessary to replace the entire mounting clip or even the entire specific panel by replacing only the clip body. Therefore, with this mounting structure, costs can be further reduced. Moreover, it is also easy to form the base and the clip body from different materials so that the engaging claw can easily be elastically deformed .

Further , the regulating portion is recessed in the base. Therefore , in this mounting structure, the restricting portion is unlikely to become an obstacle when the mounting clip enters the mounting hole.

Further, it is preferable that the regulating portion is larger than the plate thickness of the peripheral portion. As a result, in this mounting structure, since the restriction part engages with the peripheral part while suitably entering the inside of the restriction part, it becomes possible to fully engage the restriction part and the peripheral part. .

According to the airbag device mounting structure of the present invention, the first panel and the second panel can be easily attached and detached while realizing cost reduction. Moreover, it is possible to highly reliably prevent the first panel and the second panel from separating when the airbag device is activated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of an instrument panel in which the mounting structure of Example 1 is used. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the X region in FIG. 1 viewed from the front of the second panel, relating to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, relating to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a mounting clip according to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the clip body according to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a mounting clip relating to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part similar to FIG. 3 when the first panel and the second panel are fixed, according to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part similar to FIG. 3 when the first panel and the second panel are removed, relating to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part similar to FIG. 3, showing a state in which the regulating portion engages with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole, according to the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a mounting clip according to the mounting structure of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view showing a mounting clip according to the mounting structure of the third embodiment.

Embodiments 1 to 3 embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting structure 1 of Example 1 is employed in a vehicle (not shown). More specifically, the mounting structure 1 is used in an instrument panel 100 of a vehicle. The instrument panel 100 is arranged inside the vehicle interior CR.

In this embodiment, the arrows shown in FIG. 1 define the vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal directions of the vehicle and the passenger compartment CR. In FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction are defined corresponding to FIG. 1. These up-down directions, left-right directions, and front-back directions are orthogonal to each other.

The mounting structure 1 includes a knee airbag device 3 shown in FIG. 1, a first panel 5, a second panel 7, a third panel 9, and a mounting clip 11 shown in FIG. The knee airbag device 3 is an example of an "airbag device" in the present invention.

The knee airbag device 3 shown in FIG. 1 is a public item and is composed of a knee airbag body, an inflator, etc. (not shown). The knee airbag device 3 is disposed within the instrument panel 100 and located at the bottom of the instrument panel 100. Note that in FIGS. 1, 3, etc., the knee airbag device 3 is illustrated in a simplified manner for ease of explanation. In addition to the knee airbag device 3, other devices necessary for running the vehicle are arranged in the instrument panel 100, although not shown.

The first panel 5 is formed into a substantially plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The first panel 5 is made of resin. The first panel 5 is located at the lower part of the instrument panel 100 and behind the knee airbag device 3. Thereby, the first panel 5 constitutes the lower part of the instrument panel 100. Further, the first panel 5 covers the knee airbag device 3 from behind while being separated from the knee airbag device 3 rearwardly.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first panel 5 has a first panel main body 51 and ribs 52 to 54. The first panel main body 51 extends in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The first panel main body 51 has a first surface 51a and a first back surface 51b. The first surface 51 a constitutes the design surface of the first panel 5 and, by extension, the design surface of the lower part of the instrument panel 100 . The first back surface 51b is located on the opposite side of the first surface 51a and faces the knee airbag device 3.

The left side of the first panel main body 51 is bent toward the front. Further, a mounting hole 55 is formed at the left end of the first panel main body 51. The attachment hole 55 passes through the first panel body 51 in the front-rear direction from the first surface 51a to the first back surface 51b. Further, in the first panel main body 51, a portion surrounding the attachment hole 55 constitutes a peripheral edge portion 55a of the attachment hole 55. In other words, in the first panel main body 51, the portion that engages with the first and second engaging claws 31 and 33 and the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22, which will be described later, is the peripheral edge portion 55a. The thickness of this peripheral portion 55a is set to a first thickness T1. The value of the first plate thickness T1 can be designed as appropriate. Although not shown, a mounting hole similar to the mounting hole 55 is also formed at the right end of the first panel main body 51.

The ribs 52 to 54 are each formed integrally with the first back surface 51b of the first panel main body 51, and extend forward from the first back surface 51b. Thereby, the ribs 52 to 54 ensure the rigidity of the first panel main body 51 and, by extension, the first panel 5. Note that the shape and number of the ribs 52 to 54 can be designed as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second panel 7 is formed separately from the first panel 5. The second panel 7 has a substantially plate shape extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. Like the first panel 5, the second panel 7 is also made of resin. The second panel 7 is arranged to the left of the first panel 5 and constitutes the left part of the instrument panel 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second panel 7 includes a second panel main body 71 and a mounting base 73. The second panel main body 71 extends in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The second panel main body 71 has a second surface 71a and a second back surface 71b. The second surface 71a constitutes the design surface of the second panel 7 and, by extension, the design surface of the left portion of the instrument panel 100. The second back surface 71b is located on the opposite side of the second surface 71a.

The mounting base 73 is integrally formed on the right end of the second back surface 71b, and protrudes forward from the second back surface 71b. Although not shown, the second panel 7 also has a plurality of ribs to ensure rigidity.

As shown in FIG. 1, the third panel 9 is formed separately from the first panel 5 and the second panel 7. The third panel 9 has a substantially plate shape extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. Like the first and second panels 5 and 7, the third panel 9 is also made of resin. The third panel 9 is disposed to the right of the first panel 5, and constitutes a portion on the right side of the first panel 5 in the instrument panel 100.

The third panel 9 has a third panel main body 91, a first attachment portion 93, and a second attachment portion 95. The third panel main body 91 has a third surface 91a and a third back surface 91b. The third surface 91a constitutes the design surface of the third panel 9, and by extension, the design surface of the right side of the first panel 5 in the instrument panel 100. The third back surface 91b is located on the opposite side of the third surface 91a.

The first attachment portion 93 and the second attachment portion 95 are integrally formed at the right end of the third panel body 91. The first attachment part 93 and the second attachment part 95 are used to attach the third panel 9 to another panel or console box (both not shown) located on the right side of the third panel 9 in the instrument panel 100. conduct. Note that the shapes of the first to third panels 5, 7, and 9 can be designed as appropriate depending on the shape of the instrument panel 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment clip 11 is integrally provided on the second panel 7 and extends forward from the second panel 7. Thereby, the second panel 7 serves as a "specific panel" in the present invention.

More specifically, the attachment clip 11 includes a base portion 11a and a clip body 11b. The base portion 11a is integrally formed with the mounting base 73 of the second panel 7. As a result, like the second panel 7, the base portion 11a is made of resin. Furthermore, since the base portion 11a is integrally formed with the mounting base 73 of the second panel 7, the base portion 11a and, by extension, the mounting clip 11 are located on the second back surface 71b side of the second panel main body 71, and the second panel main body It is located at the right end of 71.

The base portion 11a has a base main body 110 shown in FIG. 4, a first extending portion 111, and a second extending portion 112 shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base body 110 extends forward from the mounting pedestal 73 toward the mounting hole 55. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, an engagement hole 113 is formed in the base main body 110. The engagement hole 113 penetrates the base main body 110 in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first extending portion 111 and the second extending portion 112 have the same shape. The first extending portion 111 is located below the base main body 110 and extends forward from the mounting base 73. The first extending portion 111 is integral with the lower end of the base body 110. The second extending portion 112 is located above the base main body 110 and extends forward from the mounting base 73. The second extending portion 112 is integral with the upper end of the base body 110. In this way, the first extending part 111 and the second extending part 112 are arranged one above the other with the base main body 110 sandwiched between them.

Further, a first restricting portion 21 is formed in the first extending portion 111, and a second restricting portion 22 is formed in the second extending portion 112. These first regulating section 21 and second regulating section 22 are an example of a "regulating section" in the present invention. The first regulating portion 21 and the second regulating portion 22 have the same shape. The configuration will be described below based on the first regulating section 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first restricting portion 21 is recessed in the first extending portion 111 from the right end toward the left in a generally sectional shape. Thereby, the first regulating portion 21 faces to the right. Further, the width of the first restricting portion 21 in the front-rear direction is the first width W1. Here, the first width W1 is set longer than the first thickness T1 of the peripheral edge portion 55a. Thereby, the first regulating portion 21 is formed to be larger than the first plate thickness T1 of the peripheral portion 55a.

Further, the first restricting portion 21 is formed at a position in the first extending portion 111 that is forward of the clip main body 11b. As shown in FIG. 2, the second restricting portion 22 is formed in the second extending portion 112 at a position further forward than the clip main body 11b. As a result, in the mounting clip 11, the first restricting part 21 and the second restricting part 22 are closer to the second panel main body of the second panel 7 than the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33, and thus the clip main body 11b. 71 and is spaced apart from the front. Further, the first regulating section 21 and the second regulating section 22 are aligned in the vertical direction. Note that the shape and number of the first regulating section 21 and the second regulating section 22 can be designed as appropriate.

The clip main body 11b is made of resin. Here, the clip main body 11b is made of a resin that is softer than the base portion 11a and, by extension, the second panel 7. As shown in FIG. 5, the clip main body 11b has a first engaging claw 31, a second engaging claw 33, a first fixing piece 35, and a second fixing piece 37. The first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 are examples of "engaging claws" in the present invention.

The first engaging claw 31 includes a first portion 31a, a second portion 31b, a third portion 31c, and a first operating portion 31d. The first portion 31a extends from the front end so as to move away from the second engagement claw 33 to the right as it goes rearward. As a result, the rear end of the first portion 31a is farthest from the second engagement claw 33 to the right. Further, a first protrusion 311 that protrudes toward the second engagement claw 33 is formed in the first portion 31a.

The second portion 31b is connected to the rear end of the first portion 31a. The second portion 31b extends rearward toward the left so as to approach the second engagement claw 33. The third portion 31c is connected to the rear end of the second portion 31b and extends linearly toward the rear. The first operating portion 31d is connected to the rear end of the third portion 31c and protrudes toward the right side of the third portion 31c.

The second engagement claw 33 is integral with the first engagement claw 31 at the front end. The second engaging claw 33 includes a fourth portion 33a, a fifth portion 33b, a sixth portion 33c, and a second operating portion 33d. The second engagement claw 33 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first engagement claw 31 . Thereby, the fourth part 33a has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the first part 31a, and the fifth part 33b has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the second part 31b. Further, the sixth portion 33c has a shape that is laterally symmetrical to the third portion 31c, and the second operating portion 33d has a laterally symmetrical shape to the first operating portion 31d. Further, the front end of the fourth portion 33a is integral with the front end of the first portion 31a. Furthermore, a second protrusion 331 that protrudes toward the first engaging claw 31 is formed in the fourth portion 33a.

The first fixing piece 35 is integrally formed with the first engaging claw 31 and is located on the left side of the first engaging claw 31. The second fixing piece 37 is integrally formed with the second engaging claw 33 and is located on the right side of the second engaging claw 33. Thereby, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 are located between the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33, and face each other in the left-right direction.

More specifically, the first fixing piece 35 is formed by cutting out the first engaging claw 31 and bending the center portion of the first engaging claw 31 in the vertical direction to the left. Similarly, the second fixing piece 37 is formed by cutting out the second engaging claw 33 and bending the center portion of the second engaging claw 33 in the vertical direction to the right.

Further, the first fixing piece 35 is formed with a first holding protrusion 35a that protrudes toward the second fixing piece 37, and the second fixing piece 37 has a first holding protrusion 35a that protrudes toward the first fixing piece 35. 2 holding protrusions 37a are formed. The first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a are opposed to each other.

Furthermore, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 form a housing portion 39 between them. The accommodating portion 39 is located forward of the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a.

In the clip main body 11b, the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 are elastically deformed to be in the engaged state shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 9 and in the non-engaged state shown in FIG. It is deformable. In the clip main body 11b, in a normal state, the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 maintain the engaged state shown in FIG. 3 and the like.

In order to transform the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 that are in the engaged state into a non-engaged state, for example, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. At the same time, press the second operation section 33d toward the right. As a result, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 are elastically deformed so as to approach each other, thereby changing from the engaged state to the non-engaged state. Note that by pressing the first portion 31a toward the left and pressing the fourth portion 33a toward the right, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 are deformed into a non-engaged state. It's okay.

On the other hand, if the pressure on the first and second operation parts 31d and 33d and the first and fourth parts 31a and 33a is released, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 are deformed into an engaged state. That is, the first fixed piece 35 and the second fixed piece 37 return from the non-engaged state to the engaged state.

Here, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 are elastically deformed into an engaged state and a non-engaged state independently of the first fixed piece 35 and the second fixed piece 37. That is, in this clip main body 11b, when the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 are elastically deformed into the engaged state and the non-engaging state, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 are elastically deformed. There's nothing to do.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this clip main body 11b, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 are arranged so that the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a are separated from each other in the left-right direction. It is also possible to deform elastically.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the attachment clip 11, a clip main body 11b is attached to a base portion 11a. When attaching the clip body 11b to the base 11a, as shown in FIG. 6, the clip body 11b is positioned forward with respect to the base body 110 of the base 11a. Then, as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. 6, the clip body 11b is moved rearward to bring the clip body 11b closer to the base body 110. As a result, the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a come into contact with the base body 110. By further moving the clip body 11b rearward in this state, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 are elastically deformed, and the first fixing piece 35 including the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a and the second fixing piece 37 are elastically deformed so as to be separated from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the distal end portion of the base body 110 , that is, the portion of the base body 110 that is on the front side of the engagement hole 113 begins to enter into the accommodating portion 39 .

Then, as the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a reach into the engagement hole 113, the elastic deformation of the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 is released. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 37a are located within the engagement hole 113 and engaged with the engagement hole 113. Further, the distal end portion of the base main body 110 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 39. In this way, the clip main body 11b is attached to the base 11a.

Moreover, in this attachment clip 11, by moving the clip main body 11b forward with respect to the base 11a, the first fixing piece 35 and the second fixing piece 37 are elastically deformed, and the first holding protrusion 35a and the second holding protrusion 35a and the second fixing piece 37 are elastically deformed. The holding protrusion 37a escapes from the engagement hole 113. Thereby, the clip main body 11b can be pulled out forward with respect to the base 11a. In this manner, in this attachment clip 11, the clip main body 11b can be attached to and detached from the base portion 11a.

Here, although only one attachment clip 11 provided on the second panel 7 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and the like, a plurality of attachment clips 11 are provided on the second panel 7. Mounting holes 55 are formed in the first panel 5 in correspondence to the number of mounting clips 11 and the positions of the mounting clips 11. Although not shown, the third panel 9 is also provided with a mounting clip 11 similar to the second panel 7.

In the mounting structure 1 configured as described above, the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 are fixed in the following manner. First, the second panel 7 is placed at the rear left of the first panel 5. Then, the attachment clip 11 is positioned rearward with respect to the attachment hole 55 of the first panel 5, so that the attachment hole 55 and the attachment clip 11 face each other in the front-rear direction. At this time, in the attachment clip 11, the clip main body 11b is attached to the base portion 11a.

Next, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 7, the second panel 7 is moved forward toward the first panel 5, and the attachment clip 11 is inserted into the attachment hole 55 from the front. Here, in the mounting clip 11, first and second restricting parts 21 and 22 are respectively formed for the first and second extending parts 111 and 112 of the base 11a, and the first and second restricting parts 21 and 22 are , is located on the front side of the attachment clip 11 rather than the clip main body 11b. Therefore, by entering the mounting clip 11 into the mounting hole 55 from the front, the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 of the mounting clip 11 enter into the mounting hole 55 before the clip main body 11b.

Then, by further advancing the attachment clip 11 into the attachment hole 55, in the clip main body 11b, the first portion 31a of the first engagement claw 31 and the fourth portion 33a of the second engagement claw 33 are respectively It comes into contact with the peripheral edge 55a of the attachment hole 55. As a result, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 are elastically deformed into a non-engaged state by being pressed from the peripheral edge portion 55a. Then, in this state, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33, and eventually the clip main body 11b enter the attachment hole 55. Further, the first and second restricting portions 21 and 22 are located beyond the inside of the attachment hole 55 and in front of the attachment hole 55. In other words, the first and second restricting portions 21 and 22 are located further into the attachment hole 55 than the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 are.

Then, when the clip main body 11b further enters the attachment hole 55 and the first portion 31a and the fourth portion 33a exceed the attachment hole 55, the peripheral edge 55a of the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 is released. Therefore, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 are elastically deformed from the non-engaged state to the engaged state. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a. In this way, in this mounting structure 1, it is possible to fix the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 using the mounting clips 11. Further, although not shown, the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 are also fixed in the same manner.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, in the instrument panel 100, the first panel 5 is disposed between the second panel 7 and the third panel 9. Thereby, the first panel 5 is in a state of covering the knee airbag device 3 provided in the instrument panel 100 from the rear.

By the way, in order to perform maintenance work on the knee airbag device 3 and other devices provided in the instrument panel 100, or to install a new device in the instrument panel 100, the first panel 5 and the It may become necessary to remove two or three panels 7, 9. Therefore, in such a case, in this mounting structure 1, the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 are removed as follows.

To remove the first panel 5 and second panel 7, press the first operating section 31d to the left and push the second operating section 33d to the right, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. Aim and press. Alternatively, the first portion 31a is pressed toward the left, and the fourth portion 33a is pressed toward the right. As a result, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33, which are in the engaged state, are elastically deformed to the non-engaged state. In this way, the engagement between the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 and the peripheral portion 55a is released.

Then, while maintaining the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 in a disengaged state, the second panel 7 is moved backward with respect to the first panel 5, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. Then, the attachment clip 11 is moved rearward from within the attachment hole 55. At this time, the second panel 7 is moved rearward in a state parallel to the front-rear direction with respect to the first panel 5 so that the attachment clip 11 is not inclined with respect to the attachment hole 55.

In this way, the clip main body 11b including the first engaging claw 31 and the second engaging claw 33 escapes from the mounting hole 55 rearwardly, and the clip main body 11b including the first and second restricting parts 21 and 22 The first and second extensions 111 and 112 escape rearward from the attachment hole 55. That is, the attachment clip 11 escapes from the attachment hole 55 rearward. Then, when the attachment clip 11 completely escapes backward from the attachment hole 55, the removal of the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 is completed. Note that after the clip main body 11b escapes backward from the attachment hole 55, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 may be returned to the engaged state.

In this way, by completing the removal of the first panel 5 and the second panel 7, it becomes possible to separate the first panel 5 and the second panel 7. Further, although not shown in the drawings, the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 can be separated by removing them in the same manner. Thus, with this mounting structure 1, it is possible to perform maintenance work on the knee airbag device 3.

After the maintenance work etc. of the knee airbag device 3 is completed, the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 are fixed again, and the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 are fixed again according to the procedure described above. Fix it.

Thus, in this mounting structure 1, the base portion 11a of the mounting clip 11 is integrally formed with the second panel main body 71 of the second panel 7. Therefore, in this mounting structure 1, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the second panel main body 71 and the base portion 11a are separate bodies. Further, in this mounting structure 1, there is no need to perform work for attaching the mounting clip 11 to the second panel main body 71, including the base portion 11a. Furthermore, there is no need to position the mounting clip 11 with respect to the second panel main body 71. As a result, it is possible to easily fix the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 and the first panel 5 and the third panel 9.

In this mounting structure 1, it is assumed in advance that the first panel 5 and the second and third panels 7 and 9, which are once fixed, will be removed. The mating claws 33 can be elastically deformed into an engaged state and a non-engaged state.

Therefore, in this mounting structure 1, when removing the first panel 5 and the second panel 7, for example, the first and second engaging claws 31, 33 and the peripheral edge portion 55a are disengaged. There is no need to destroy the first and second engaging claws 31 and 33. Therefore, in this mounting structure 1, after removing the first panel 5 and the second panel 7, when fixing the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 again, a new mounting clip 11 is formed. There is no need to prepare the second panel 7.

Here, the knee airbag device 3 provided in the instrument panel 100 is activated, for example, when the vehicle collides with a collision object. As a result, in the knee airbag device 3, the inflator inflates the knee airbag body. As a result, the knee airbag main body deploys into the vehicle interior CR at the lower part of the instrument panel 100 while partially destroying the first panel 5, thereby protecting the knees of the vehicle occupant (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 9, the impact when the knee airbag body deploys, that is, the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated, acts on the first to third panels 5, 7, and 9, respectively. . More specifically, as shown by the white arrows in FIG. 9, the impact F acts on the first to third panels 5, 7, and 9 while spreading radially from the knee airbag device 3 toward the rear. Furthermore, since the impact F is very large, the first to third panels 5, 7, and 9 are strongly pressed backward by the impact F.

For this reason, taking the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 as an example, in this mounting structure 1, even if the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 are fixed by the mounting clip 11, As the second panel 7 is strongly pressed backward by the impact F, the second panel 7 can move backward with respect to the first panel 5. Here, as described above, the impact F acts on the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 while spreading radially toward the rear. Therefore, due to the impact F, the second panel 7 is not parallel to the first panel 5 in the front-rear direction, but moves rearward at a certain degree of inclination, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. .

As a result, in the mounting clip 11, the first and second engaging claws 31 and 33 are unintentionally disengaged from the peripheral portion 55a, and the first and second engaging claws 31 and 33 are disengaged from the mounting hole 55a. It is possible that the vehicle may escape backwards. In other words, the attachment clip 11 tries to come out from the attachment hole 55.

However, with this mounting clip 11, even if the engagement between the first and second engaging claws 31, 33 and the peripheral edge portion 55a is unintentionally released, the second panel 7 By moving backward while being inclined to a certain degree with respect to the panel 5, the first restricting portion 21 engages with the peripheral portion 55a at the first extending portion 111. More specifically, since the first width W1 of the first regulating part 21 is longer than the first plate thickness T1 of the peripheral edge part 55a, the first regulating part 21 allows the peripheral edge part 55a to enter inside itself. , engages with the peripheral portion 55a. Further, also in the second extending portion 112 shown in FIG. 2, the second restricting portion 22 engages with the peripheral portion 55a in the same manner as the first restricting portion 21.

Thereby, the first restricting portion 21 and the second restricting portion 22 prevent the first extending portion 111 and the second extending portion 112 from escaping backward from the attachment hole 55. Thus, in this mounting structure 1, the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 prevent the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 from separating due to the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated. Although not shown, this mounting structure 1 similarly prevents the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 from separating due to the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated.

As described above, in this mounting structure 1, when the first and second engaging claws 31 and 33 escape backward from the mounting hole 55, it is assumed that the clip main body 11b of the mounting clip 11 slips out from the mounting hole 55. Also, the first and second extending portions 111 and 111 of the base portion 11a are prevented from coming out of the attachment hole 55 by the first and second restricting portions 21 and 22 engaging with the peripheral portion 55a. That is, this mounting structure 1 can prevent the mounting clip 11 from completely coming off from the mounting hole 55 when the knee airbag device 3 is activated.

Therefore, according to the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment, the first panel 5 and the second and third panels 7 and 9 can be easily attached and detached while realizing cost reduction, and the knee airbag device 3 It is possible to highly reliably prevent separation of the first panel 5 and the second and third panels 7 and 9 when the first panel 5 is activated.

In particular, in this mounting structure 1, at the base 11a of the mounting clip 11, the first restricting part 21 is formed in the first extending part 111, and the second restricting part 22 is formed in the second extending part 112. There is. Therefore, in this mounting structure 1, the first restricting part 21 and the second restricting part 22 each engage with the peripheral edge part 55a, thereby making it easier to engage with the peripheral edge part 55a. Moreover, by engaging the first regulating part 21 and the second regulating part 22 with the peripheral part 55a, it is possible to firmly engage the first regulating part 21 and the second regulating part 22 with the peripheral part 55a. It has become.

Moreover, by forming the first and second regulating parts 21 and 22 on the first and second extending parts 111 and 112, that is, the base 11a, the first and second regulating parts 21 and 22 are formed on the clip main body 11b. The formation of the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 is also easier than in the case of forming the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22.

Furthermore, in this attachment structure 1, the base 11a of the attachment clip 11 and the clip body 11b are separate bodies, and the clip body 11b is removable from the base 11a. Therefore, for example, it is possible to use a public item for the clip main body 11b. Further, in this mounting structure 1, even if the first engaging claw 31 or the second engaging claw 33 is damaged or deteriorated, it is possible to replace only the clip main body 11b. . In this respect as well, the mounting structure 1 allows cost reduction.

In addition, in this mounting structure 1, the base 11a and the clip body 11b are made of different materials, and even though the base 11a and the clip body 11b are both made of resin, there is a difference in rigidity between the base 11a and the clip body 11b. It is also easy to set up. Therefore, in the attachment clip 11, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 can be appropriately elastically deformed while ensuring sufficient rigidity for the base portion 11a.

Further, in this mounting structure 1, the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 are recessed in the first and second extending portions 111 and 112, respectively. Therefore, the first and second restricting portions 21 and 22 do not protrude outward from the first and second extending portions 111 and 112. As a result, in this mounting structure 1, the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 are less likely to become an obstacle when the mounting clip 11 is inserted into the mounting hole 55.

Furthermore, the first width W1 of the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 is longer than the first plate thickness T1 of the peripheral portion 55a, and The first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 are formed to be larger than the first plate thickness T1 of the peripheral edge portion 55a. Thereby, the first and second regulating portions 21 and 22 can suitably engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a by allowing the peripheral edge portion 55a to enter into the inside thereof.

(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 10, in the attachment structure 1 of the second embodiment, in addition to the first restriction part 21, a third restriction part 23 is formed on the first extension part 111 of the attachment clip 11. The first restricting portion 21 and the third restricting portion 23 are aligned in the left-right direction of the first extending portion 111, that is, in the width direction of the attachment clip 11.

The third restricting portion 23 is recessed in the first extending portion 111 from the left end toward the right in a substantially square shape. Thereby, the third regulating portion 23 faces to the left. Here, the first regulating section 21 and the third regulating section 23 are out of communication. Further, like the first restricting portion 21, the width of the third restricting portion 23 in the front-rear direction is also the first width W1. In other words, the first regulating part 21 and the third regulating part 23 have symmetrical shapes.

Further, although detailed illustration is omitted, a fourth restricting portion is formed in the second extending portion 112 in addition to the second restricting portion 22. The fourth regulating section has the same configuration as the third regulating section 23. The other configurations of this mounting structure 1 are the same as those of the mounting structure of Example 1, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations regarding the configurations will be omitted.

In this mounting structure 1, if the engagement between the first and second engaging claws 31 and 33 and the peripheral edge portion 55a is unintentionally released, the first restricting portion 21 or One of the second restricting portions 22 engages with the peripheral portion 55a. Here, which of the first restricting part 21 and the second restricting part 22 engages with the peripheral edge part 55a is determined by the inclination angle when the second panel 7 moves rearward with respect to the first panel 5. Ru.

As a result, in this mounting structure 1, even if the first regulating portion 21 cannot engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a due to the inclination angle when the second panel 7 moves rearward with respect to the first panel 5, Even if the third restricting portion 23 is engaged with the peripheral edge portion 55a. Thereby, in this mounting structure 1, the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 can be prevented from being separated.

Also, in the second extending portion 112, either the second restricting portion 22 or the fourth restricting portion engages with the peripheral portion 55a. Here, when the first restriction part 21 engages with the peripheral edge part 55a, the second restriction part 22 engages with the peripheral edge part 55a. On the other hand, when the third restriction part 23 engages with the peripheral edge part 55a, the fourth restriction part engages with the peripheral edge part 55a.

In this manner, also in this mounting structure 1, separation of the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 due to the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated is highly reliably prevented. In addition, in this mounting structure 1, separation of the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 due to the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated is also prevented with high reliability. Other functions of this mounting structure 1 are similar to those of the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment.

(Example 3)
As shown in FIG. 11, in the mounting structure 1 of the third embodiment, unlike the mounting structure of the second embodiment, the first restricting portion 21 and the third restricting portion 23 are formed in the first extending portion 111 of the mounting clip 11. They are aligned in the front-back direction. That is, in the mounting structure 1 of the third embodiment, the third restriction part 23 faces to the right, similarly to the first restriction part 21. Further, the first regulating portion 21 and the third regulating portion 23 do not communicate with each other in the front-rear direction.

Further, although detailed illustration is omitted, the second restricting portion 22 and the fourth restricting portion are aligned in the front-rear direction with respect to the second extending portion 112 as well. The other configurations of this mounting structure are similar to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 1 and 2.

In this mounting structure 1, even if the first restricting portion 21 cannot engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a, the third restricting portion 23 can engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a. Further, in the second extending portion 112 as well, even if the second restricting portion 22 cannot engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a, the fourth restricting portion can engage with the peripheral edge portion 55a.

As a result, even with this mounting structure 1, separation of the first panel 5 and the second panel 7 due to the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated can be prevented with high reliability. In addition, in this mounting structure 1, separation of the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 due to the impact F when the knee airbag device 3 is activated is also prevented with high reliability. Other functions of this mounting structure 1 are similar to those of the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment.

In the above, the present invention has been explained based on Examples 1 to 3, but the present invention is not limited to Examples 1 to 3, and can be applied with appropriate changes without departing from the spirit thereof. Needless to say.

For example, in the attachment structure 1 of the first embodiment, the attachment clip 11 is integrally provided on the second panel main body 71 of the second panel 7, thereby making the second panel 7 a "specific panel" in the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by integrally providing the attachment clip 11 on the first panel main body 51 of the first panel 5, the first panel 5 may be used as the "specific panel" in the present invention. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

Further, in the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment, the base 11a of the mounting clip 11 is made of metal, and the base 11a is insert-molded on the second panel 7 with the base 11a protruding forward from the mounting pedestal 73. The base portion 11a may be provided integrally with the second panel 7. Further, the clip main body 11b may be made of metal. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

Furthermore, in the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment, the second extending portion 112 and the second restricting portion 22 may be omitted to form the mounting clip 11. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

Furthermore, in the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment, the first engagement claw 31 and the second engagement claw 33 may be integrally formed on the base portion 11a. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

Furthermore, in the attachment structure 1 of the first embodiment, the first restricting portion 21 and the second restricting portion 22 may be integrally formed on the clip main body 11b. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

Furthermore, in the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment, the first panel 5 and the third panel 9 may be fixed by a method other than the mounting clip 11. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

Further, in the mounting structure 1 of the first embodiment, the knee airbag device 3 is referred to as the "airbag device" in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and curtain airbag devices, side airbag devices, etc. It may also be used as a bag device. Furthermore, the airbag device may be provided between the first panel and the second panel. Further, the "first panel" and "second panel" in the present invention may be a vehicle body panel or the like. The same applies to the mounting structure 1 of Examples 2 and 3.

The present invention can be used in vehicles such as transportation vehicles and industrial vehicles in addition to passenger cars.

1...Mounting structure (airbag device mounting structure)
3...Knee airbag device (airbag device)
5...First panel 7...Second panel (specific panel)
11...Mounting clip 11a...Base 11b...Clip body 21...First regulation part (regulation part)
22...Second Regulation Department (Regulation Department)
23...Third Regulation Department (Regulation Department)
31...First engaging claw (engaging claw)
33...Second engagement claw (engagement claw)
55...Mounting hole 55a...Periphery F...Impact T1...First plate thickness (plate thickness)

Claims (4)

an airbag device;
a first panel covering the airbag device;
a second panel separate from the first panel;
A mounting structure for an airbag device including a mounting clip for mounting the first panel and the second panel,
One of the first panel and the second panel is a specific panel integrally provided with the mounting clip,
A mounting hole into which the mounting clip enters is formed in the other of the first panel and the second panel,
The mounting clip includes a base extending toward the mounting hole;
a clip body that is capable of entering the attachment hole and is formed with an engaging claw that can be elastically deformed into an engaged state and a non-engaged state;
a regulating portion that is arranged farther from the specific panel than the clip main body and that enters the attachment hole together with the engagement claw;
The engagement pawl fixes the first panel and the second panel by engaging with the peripheral edge of the mounting hole in the engaged state, and engages with the peripheral edge in the disengaged state. allowing the first panel and the second panel to separate due to the engagement;
The regulating portion prevents the first panel and the second panel from separating by engaging with the peripheral edge portion due to an impact when the airbag device is activated,
A mounting structure for an airbag device , wherein the restriction portion is recessed in the base portion . The mounting structure for an airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the regulating portion is plural. The base is integrally formed with the specific panel ,
The airbag device mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clip main body is attached to the base. 4. The mounting structure for an airbag device according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating portion is larger than the plate thickness of the peripheral portion.

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