JP7505458B2 - Knee restraint device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a knee restraint device that restrains the knees of a passenger in the front seat from the front when an impact is applied to the vehicle from the front due to a frontal collision, etc.

When an impact is applied to the vehicle from the front due to a frontal collision, etc., the occupant tends to move forward due to inertia. As a device to protect the knees of the occupant from the above-mentioned impact, various knee restraint devices that restrain the knees from the front when the vehicle is subjected to an impact from the front have been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a knee restraint device that restrains the driver's knees. In this knee restraint device, the rear wall of the instrument panel is configured with a knee restraint body in a location in front of the driver's knees. The knee restraint body protrudes rearward from the instrument panel and restrains the knees from the front.

The knee restraint device is designed on the premise of restraining the driver's knees.
Meanwhile, a glove box for storing documents such as the vehicle inspection certificate, small items, etc. is generally provided in a portion of the instrument panel in front of the knees of the passenger in the front seat. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the knee restraint device described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 to a knee restraint device for restraining the knees of a passenger in the front seat.

In response to this, Patent Document 2 proposes a knee restraint device that uses a glove box. A window is opened in the rear wall of the instrument panel in a location in front of the knees of the passenger in the front seat. The box body of the glove box includes a lid and a storage section that is integrally formed in front of the lid and has an open upper end. The box body is movable between a position where the lid opens the window and a position where the lid closes the window. When the knees are to be restrained, the box body is moved rearward so that it is positioned rearward of the position where the lid closes the window. As a result, the knees are restrained from the front by the lid.

JP 2005-280461 A JP 2016-124324 A

However, in the configuration of the knee restraint device in Patent Document 2, when the box body moves rearward to restrain the knees, at least a part of the storage section protrudes outside the instrument panel. This means that there is a risk that the contents stored in the storage section will fly out of the glove box.

The knee restraint device that solves the above problem is a knee restraint device that is applied to a glove box that has a lid that opens and closes a window provided in a portion of the rear wall of the instrument panel of an automobile that is in front of the knees of a passenger in the front seat, and has a storage section with an entrance in front of the lid, the lid has an outer member that has the design surface of the glove box, and an inner member that is arranged between the outer member and the storage section, and when the knees are not restrained, the lid is brought into an approach form in which the outer member is brought close to the inner member, and when the window is closed by the lid in the approach form and the knees are restrained, a lid drive mechanism is further provided that moves only the outer member of the lid rearward from the position where the window is closed.

According to the above configuration, when the knees are not restrained, the lid drive mechanism brings the lid into a close configuration in which the outer member is close to the inner member. The lid in this close configuration can be moved between a position that opens the window of the instrument panel and a position that closes it.

When the window is closed by the lid in the approaching configuration and the knees are restrained by the knee restraint device, the lid drive mechanism moves only the outer member of the lid rearward from the position where it closes the window. This outer member comes into contact with the knees of the passenger in the front seat, restraining the knees from the front. At this time, the inner member closes the window. The storage section is located inside the instrument panel. Therefore, even if items are stored in the storage section, the items are prevented from scattering outside the instrument panel.

In the knee restraint device, the storage section has the entrance at its upper end, the inner member is formed integrally with the storage section, and the box body section comprising the inner member and the storage section is rotatably supported on the instrument panel by an axis provided below the storage section, and the opening and closing of the window section is preferably performed by rotating the box body section in the front-rear direction about the axis.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the box body is rotated in the front-rear direction about the axis, the lid moves away from and toward the window, thereby opening and closing the window with the lid.
In the above knee restraint device, it is preferable that the storage section has the entrance at its rear end, the storage section is fixed within the instrument panel with the entrance connected to the window section, the lower end of the lid section is rotatably supported on the storage section or the instrument panel by an axis, and the opening and closing of the window section is performed by rotating the lid section in the fore-and-aft direction around the axis.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the cover is rotated in the front-rear direction about the axis, the cover moves away from and toward the window, thereby opening and closing the window.
In the above knee restraint device, it is preferable that the window portion is inclined so that the upper side is positioned further rearward, and the lid drive mechanism causes the outer member to be inclined so that the upper side is positioned further rearward when the knee is not restrained, and the lid drive mechanism is equipped with a parallel translation mechanism that translates the outer member in parallel when the knee is restrained.

According to the above configuration, when the knee restraint device is activated, the outer member is translated by the parallel movement mechanism of the lid drive mechanism. The outer member is inclined so that the upper part of the outer member is positioned further rearward, i.e., in the same inclined state as the knee. Therefore, the knee is supported by a wide area of the outer member, and the knee is efficiently restrained.

In the knee restraint device, it is preferable that the parallel movement mechanism includes pins provided at multiple locations on the inner member in the tilt direction of the window portion, and guide grooves provided at multiple locations on the outer member in the tilt direction and slidably engaged with the corresponding pins.

According to the above configuration, the outer member has multiple guide grooves that slide against the pins on the inner member that correspond to the guide grooves, and the outer member moves parallel while maintaining an inclined state in which the upper side is positioned further back. Therefore, when the knee is restrained, the outer member can receive the knee while being inclined in such a state that the upper side is positioned further back.

In the knee restraint device, the parallel movement mechanism includes a plurality of link members that are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the tilt direction of the window portion and are connected to the inner member and the outer member, and each link member is preferably connected to the inner member by a first shaft that supports one end of the link member rotatably on the inner member, and each link member is preferably connected to the outer member by a second shaft that supports the other end of the link member rotatably on the outer member.

According to the above configuration, when the multiple link members each rotate in the same direction around the first axis, the outer member moves in parallel while maintaining an inclined state in which the upper side is positioned further back. Therefore, when the knee is restrained, the outer member can receive the knee behind the position that closes the window portion and in an inclined state in which the upper side is positioned further back.

In the knee restraint device, the parallel movement mechanism includes a pair of link members that are arranged crossing each other and connected to the inner member and the outer member, and the two link members are rotatably connected at the crossing portion by a connecting shaft, and each link member is connected to the inner member by a third shaft that rotatably supports one end of the link member on the inner member, and each link member is connected to the outer member by a fourth shaft that rotatably supports the other end of the link member on the outer member, and one of the link members is connected to the inner member by a fourth shaft that rotatably supports the other end of the link member on the outer member. It is preferable that the third shaft connecting the link member to the inner member is immovably attached to the inner member, the fourth shaft connecting the one link member to the outer member connects the link member to the outer member movably in the tilt direction of the window portion, the fourth shaft connecting the other link member to the outer member is immovably attached to the outer member, and the third shaft connecting the other link member to the inner member connects the link member to the inner member movably in the tilt direction.

According to the above configuration, one of the third axes is immovable relative to the inner member, but the other third axis is movable relative to the inner member in the inclined direction of the window portion. Therefore, by moving the latter third axis in the inclined direction, it is possible to move it closer to or farther away from the former third axis along the inclined direction.

While one of the fourth shafts cannot move relative to the outer member, the other fourth shaft can move in the inclined direction relative to the outer member. Therefore, by moving the latter fourth shaft in the inclined direction, it is possible to move it closer to or farther away from the former fourth shaft along the inclined direction.

The above-mentioned movement of the third and fourth axes changes the distance between the two third axes, and the distance between the two fourth axes changes, as does the angle between the two link members. The outer member translates while maintaining an inclined state so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. Therefore, when restraining the knee, the outer member can be translated backwards, allowing the knee to be supported by the outer member, which is inclined so that the upper part is positioned further rearward.

In the above knee restraint device, an airbag that inflates rearward with inflation gas is disposed within the instrument panel, and the outer member preferably includes a pressure-receiving portion that receives a rearward force from the inflating airbag.

According to the above configuration, when the airbag arranged in the instrument panel is inflated by the inflation gas, a force is applied from the airbag to the rearward direction to the pressure receiving portion provided on the outer member. This force causes only the outer member of the lid portion in the close configuration that is blocking the window portion to move rearward from the position where it blocks the window portion.

The knee restraint device described above can prevent contents from scattering outside the instrument panel when the knees are restrained.

1 is a partial perspective view showing a front part of a passenger compartment of an automobile in which a knee restraint device is provided in a glove box in a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial front view showing a state in which a window portion is closed by a lid portion in a close configuration when the knee is not restrained in the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in Figure 2. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a state in which the cover in the close configuration has been rotated from the state in FIG. 3 to a position in which the cover opens the window in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state in which only the outer member of the cover portion in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position where it closes the window portion when the knees are restrained. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a state in which only the outer member of the lid portion in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position where it closes the window portion when the knees are restrained. FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a state in which a window is closed by a lid in a close configuration when the knee is not restrained, together with the lid drive mechanism, in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing, together with the lid drive mechanism, a state in which, when the knees are restrained, only the outer member of the lid in the close configuration is moved rearward from a position where it closes the window portion in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a knee restraint device, and is a partial side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the window portion is closed by the lid portion in a close configuration when the knee is not restrained. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a state in which the lid portion in the close configuration has been rotated to a position that opens the window portion when the knees are not restrained in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a state in which the window is closed by the lid in a close configuration together with the lid drive mechanism when the knee is not restrained in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing, together with the lid drive mechanism, a state in which, when the knees are restrained, only the outer member of the lid in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position where it closes the window portion in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the second embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a state in which the window is closed by the lid in a close configuration when the knee is not restrained, together with the lid drive mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example, and is a partial cross-sectional side view showing a state in which, when the knee is restrained, only the outer member of the window portion in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position that closes the window portion, together with the lid driving mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the second embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the state in which the window is closed by the lid in the close configuration when the knee is not restrained, together with the lid drive mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second modified example, and is a partial side cross-sectional view showing, together with the lid drive mechanism, a state in which, when the knees are restrained, only the outer member of the lid in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position where it closes the window portion. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the second embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the state in which the window is closed by the lid in the close configuration when the knee is not restrained, together with the lid drive mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third modified example, and is a partial cross-sectional side view showing, together with the lid drive mechanism, a state in which, when the knees are restrained, only the outer member of the lid in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position where it closes the window portion. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the second embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the state in which the window portion is closed by the lid portion in the close configuration when the knee is not restrained, together with the lid portion drive mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example, and is a partial side cross-sectional view showing, together with the lid drive mechanism, a state in which, when the knees are restrained, only the outer member of the lid in the close configuration is moved rearward from the position where it closes the window portion.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a knee restraint device will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is referred to as the front, and the backward direction is referred to as the rear. The up-down direction refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction refers to the width direction of the vehicle, which corresponds to the left-right direction when the vehicle is moving forward. In addition, it is assumed that an occupant (hereinafter referred to as the "passenger seat occupant") with a physique similar to that of a crash test dummy is seated in the passenger seat in a predetermined normal position and is restrained by a seat belt device.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an instrument panel 13 is disposed in the passenger compartment 11 of an automobile 10, in front of a passenger seat (not shown), below the windshield 12. The rear wall portion 14 of the instrument panel 13 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the upper side is positioned further rearward (see Figure 3).

A portion of the instrument panel 13 in front of the passenger seat is formed by the instrument panel lower 15. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the instrument panel lower 15 has a pair of side walls 16 that extend forward and up and down while being spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The instrument panel lower 15 has a window 21 at the rear end between the both side walls 16. Similar to the rear wall 14, the window 21 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. The instrument panel lower 15 also has an axis 22 that extends in the left-right direction at the lower rear part between the both side walls 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, an airbag device 25 is disposed inside the instrument panel 13. The airbag device 25 includes an inflator 26 that generates inflation gas, and an airbag 27 that deploys and inflates rearward by the inflation gas ejected from the inflator 26. The airbag 27 is folded into a compact shape and disposed. Note that the airbag device 25 is illustrated in a simplified form in FIG. 3.

The lower instrument panel 15 is provided with a glove box 31 having a lid 32 and a storage section 45. The lid 32 forms the rear end of the glove box 31 and opens and closes the window 21. The storage section 45 is a section for storing items such as documents such as the vehicle inspection certificate and small items, and is adjacent to the front of the lid 32. The front and top ends of the storage section 45 are open. The open portion at the top end of the storage section 45 forms an entrance/exit 46 for the stored items.

The lid 32 includes an outer member 33 and an inner member 41. The outer member 33 includes an outer main body 34 and a pressure-receiving portion 36 that is disposed in front of the upper portion of the outer main body 34 and is fixed to the outer main body 34. The rear surface of the outer main body 34 forms the design surface 35 of the glove box 31. The pressure-receiving portion 36 is a portion of the outer member 33 that receives a rearward force from the airbag 27 that deploys and inflates.

The inner member 41 is disposed between the outer member 33 and the storage section 45. The inner member 41 is formed integrally with the storage section 45 in a state in which the open portion at the front end of the storage section 45 is closed. The inner member 41 and the storage section 45 constitute a box body section 47. A bearing section (not shown) is provided in the box body section 47 below the storage section 45. The box body section 47 is supported by the shaft 22 at the bearing section. The box body section 47 can rotate around the shaft 22 between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the closed position is a position in which the lid section 32 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the upper side is located rearward, and the window section 21 is closed. As shown by the solid line in Fig. 5, the open position is a position in which the lid section 32 is in a substantially horizontal state and the window section 21 is widely opened.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 7, a connecting mechanism 51 is provided between the box body 47 and the lower instrument panel 15 to releasably connect the box body 47 to the lower instrument panel 15. The connecting mechanism 51 includes a pair of engagement holes 17, an operating handle 52, a pair of lock pins 53, and a transmission mechanism 55.

Each engagement hole 17 penetrates the side wall portions 16 of the lower instrument panel 15 in the left-right direction. The operating handle 52 is provided on the upper rear portion of the inner member 41 and is disposed in a recess 42 with an open rear end. The operating handle 52 is supported by the inner member 41 so as to be rotatable in the up-down direction. The pair of lock pins 53 are supported by the inner member 41 so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

Here, in order to identify the components and parts of the connecting mechanism 51, the left-right direction that approaches the center between the two side walls 16 will be referred to as "inner", "inward", etc., and the direction that moves away from the center will be referred to as "outer", "outward", etc.

The transmission mechanism 55 converts the vertical rotation of the operating handle 52 into linear motion in the left-right direction in opposite directions and transmits it to both lock pins 53. When the operating handle 52 is not rotated, the transmission mechanism 55 causes each lock pin 53 to protrude outward from the inner member 41 and engage with the corresponding engagement hole 17. This engagement connects the box body 47 to the instrument panel lower 15, and restricts the rotation of the box body 47 around the shaft 22.

When the operating handle 52 is rotated upward, the transmission mechanism 55 moves each lock pin 53 inward and retracts it from the engagement hole 17. The transmission mechanism 55 releases the connection of the box body 47 to the instrument panel lower 15. This makes it possible to rotate the box body 47 around the shaft 22 between the closed position and the open position.

The glove box 31 is provided with a knee restraint device 60 that restrains the knees PK of the passenger seat occupant P1 from the front to protect them from impact when an impact of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the automobile 10 from the front due to a frontal collision or the like.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, part of the knee restraint device 60 is formed by the outer member 33 and the inner member 41. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the knee restraint device 60 further includes a lid drive mechanism 61 that drives the lid 32 as follows.

When the knee PK is not restrained (Figure 8), the cover 32 is in a close configuration in which the outer member 33 is close to the inner member 41. In the close configuration, the outer member 33 is in contact with or close to contact with the inner member 41.

When the window 21 is closed by the lid 32 in the approaching configuration and the knee PK is restrained by the knee restraint device 60 (Figure 9), only the outer member 33 of the lid 32 is moved rearward from the position where the window 21 is closed.

The lid drive mechanism 61 is equipped with a translation mechanism 62. As shown in FIG. 8, when the knee PK is not restrained, the translation mechanism 62 tilts the outer member 33 so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when the knee PK is restrained, the translation mechanism 62 translates the outer member 33 backward and downward. Note that in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the knee PK is shown in a state in which it has moved forward due to an impact from the front. This also applies to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 to FIG. 21 described below.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the parallel movement mechanism 62 includes a number of pins 63 and the same number of guide grooves 64 as the pins 63. The pins 63 are provided in the inner member 41 at a number of locations spaced apart from one another in the tilt direction of the window portion 21, and each extends in the left-right direction. The guide grooves 64 are provided in the outer member 33 at a number of locations spaced apart from one another in the tilt direction. Most of the guide grooves 64 are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the lower portions are positioned further rearward.

The shapes of the guide grooves 64 and pins 63, and the engagement points of the guide grooves 64 with the pins 63 are set to satisfy the following relationship. When the knee PK is not restrained (Figure 8), each guide groove 64 engages with the corresponding pin 63 at the rear end of the guide groove 64. When the knee PK is restrained (Figure 9), each guide groove 64 engages with the corresponding pin 63 at the front end of the guide groove 64.

Although not shown, the knee restraint device 60 has a mechanism that holds the cover 32 in a close configuration when the knee PK is not restrained, and moves the outer member 33 backward only when the knee PK is restrained.

As shown in FIG. 3, the knee restraint device 60 further includes an impact sensor 71 and a control device 72. The impact sensor 71 is composed of an acceleration sensor or the like, and detects an impact applied to the automobile 10 from the front. The control device 72 is configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The control device 72 controls the operation of the inflator 26 based on a detection signal from the impact sensor 71. In this embodiment, when the impact sensor 71 detects that an impact of a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined value has been applied to the automobile 10 from the front, the control device 72 outputs an activation signal to the inflator 26 to activate the inflator 26.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as above will be described, along with the effects that accompany the operation.
<When the knee restraint device 60 is not activated>
When the automobile 10 is not subjected to a frontal impact due to a frontal collision or the like, the control device 72 does not output an activation signal to the inflator 26. The inflator 26 does not eject inflation gas, and the airbag 27 is maintained in a folded state. No rearward force is applied to the pressure receiving portion 36 by the airbag 27.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the lid driving mechanism 61, each guide groove 64 is engaged with a corresponding pin 63 at the rear end of the guide groove 64.
(1A-1) At this time, if the operating handle 52 shown in Fig. 2 is not rotated upward, the lock pins 53 of the connecting mechanism 51 continue to engage with the corresponding engagement holes 17. The box body 47 is held in the closed position. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the lid 32 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the upper side is positioned further rearward, and approaches the window 21 which is inclined in a similar manner, thereby closing the window 21.

Therefore, the cover 32 does not protrude rearward from the window 21 and rear wall 14. The appearance of the glove box 31 is the same as that of a glove box that does not have a knee restraint device 60 when the window is closed.

The storage portion 45 in front of the cover portion 32 is located inside the instrument panel 13 .
(1A-2) In contrast, when the operating handle 52 shown in Fig. 2 is rotated upward, in the connecting mechanism 51, the lock pins 53 move inward and retreat from the engagement holes 17. The connection of the box body 47 to the instrument panel lower 15 is released. This makes it possible to rotate the box body 47 between the closed position and the open position.

As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, when the box body 47 in the closed position is rotated rearward around the axis 22, the lid 32 in the close configuration moves rearward as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5. The lid 32 moves away from the window 21, opening the window 21. When the box body 47 is rotated to the open position, the lid 32 becomes approximately horizontal.

In addition, as the box body 47 rotates as described above, the storage section 45 also rotates rearward around the axis 22. As a result of the rotation, a part of the entrance 46 located inside the instrument panel 13 moves rearward beyond the window section 21 and is opened. When the box body 47 rotates to the open position, the entrance 46 is opened widely.

This makes it possible to store items in the storage section 45 through the open entrance 46, and to remove items from the storage section 45 to the outside of the instrument panel 13 through the entrance 46.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, when the box body 47 in the open position is rotated forward around the axis 22, the lid 32 is inclined so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. The lid 32 moves forward and approaches the window 21. As the box body 47 rotates, the angle that the lid 32 makes with the horizontal plane gradually increases.

As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, when the box body 47 is rotated to the closed position, the lid 32 approaches the window 21 and closes it. At this time, in the connecting mechanism 51 shown in FIG. 2, each lock pin 53 moves outward and engages with the corresponding engaging hole 17. The box body 47 is connected to the instrument panel lower 15 by the connecting mechanism 51. Therefore, the box body 47 is held in the closed position.

<When the knee restraint device 60 is activated>
3 and 4, when the window 21 is closed by the cover 32 in the approaching configuration and an impact is applied from the front of the automobile 10 due to a frontal collision or the like, the passenger P1 in the front seat tends to move forward due to inertia. The knees PK tend to move forward as shown by the two-dot chain lines in FIGS.

In response to this, when the impact sensor 71 shown in FIG. 3 detects that the automobile 10 has received an impact of a predetermined magnitude or greater, the control device 72 outputs an activation signal to the inflator 26. Inflation gas is ejected from the inflator 26 and supplied to the airbag 27. The airbag 27 to which the inflation gas has been supplied deploys and inflates rearward. The rearward force of the airbag 27 is applied to the outer member 33 via the pressure receiving portion 36.

The inner member 41 continues to be connected to the instrument panel lower 15 by the connecting mechanism 51 shown in FIG. 2 and is held in the closed position.
(1B-1) Therefore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, due to the above-mentioned force received from the airbag 27, only the outer member 33 of the cover portion 32 in the close configuration that is blocking the window portion 21 is moved rearward from the position blocking the window portion 21.

In this manner, by utilizing the pressure generated when the airbag 27 deploys and inflates, a rearward force can be applied to the pressure-receiving portion 36 .
The outer member 33 comes into contact with the knee PK, which tends to move forward in response to the impact. The contact of the outer member 33 with the knee PK suppresses the forward movement of the knee PK, and protects the knee PK from the impact.

(1B-2) In particular, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the outer member 33 receives a rearward force, it is translated backward and downward by the parallel movement mechanism 62 while maintaining the posture it had before receiving the force, that is, a posture inclined so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. The outer member 33 is brought into an inclined state similar to that of the knee PK. Therefore, the knee PK can be received by a wide area of the outer member 33, and the knee PK can be efficiently restrained.

(1B-3) In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the guide groove 64 of the outer member 33 slides against the pin 63 of the inner member 41, causing the outer member 33 to move parallel while maintaining an inclined state in which the upper side is positioned further rearward. Therefore, when the knee PK is restrained, the outer member 33 can receive the knee PK while being inclined in which the upper side is positioned further rearward.

(1B-4) At this time, the inner member 41 is held in a position that closes the window portion 21 by the connecting mechanism portion 51. The storage portion 45 is located inside the instrument panel 13. Therefore, even if an item is stored in the storage portion 45, the item can be prevented from scattering outside the instrument panel 13.

(1B-5) In the first embodiment, the lid drive mechanism 61 shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is provided for a glove box 31 in which the window 21 is opened and closed by the box body 47 shown in Fig. 5 rotating about the axis 22.

As a result, in the above-mentioned type of glove box 31, which is widely used as a glove box for automobiles, the above-mentioned effect of restraining the knees PK and preventing the contents from scattering can be obtained.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the knee restraint device will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the second embodiment, the configuration of a glove box 81 is different from that of the glove box 31 in the first embodiment.

As with FIG. 4 above, FIGS. 10 to 13 show the cross-sectional structure of the glove box 81 taken along a line passing through the operating handle 52. As with FIG. 3 above, the cross-sectional structure of the glove box 81 taken along a line passing through the pressure-receiving portion is not shown. In addition, although not shown, an airbag device similar to that in the first embodiment is disposed inside the instrument panel 13.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the instrument panel lower 15 is provided with a glove box 81 having a lid portion 82 and a storage portion 88 .
The rear end of the storage portion 88 is open. The open portion at the rear end of the storage portion 88 constitutes an entrance 89 for the stored items. The storage portion 88 is fixed in the instrument panel 13 with the entrance 89 communicating with the window portion 21.

The lid 82 includes an outer member 83 and an inner member 86. The outer member 83 includes an outer main body 84 and a pressure-receiving portion (not shown) that is disposed in front of the upper portion of the outer main body 84 and fixed to the outer main body 84. The rear surface of the outer main body 84 forms the design surface 85 of the glove box 81. As in the first embodiment, the pressure-receiving portion is a portion of the outer member 83 that receives a rearward force from the airbag that deploys and inflates.

The inner member 86 is disposed between the outer member 83 and the storage portion 88. The inner member 86 is formed separately from the storage portion 88. In this respect, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in which the inner member 41 is formed integrally with the storage portion 45 and rotates together with the storage portion 45.

The inner member 86 is supported at its lower end by the shaft 22 of the lower instrument panel 15, but may also be supported rotatably by the shaft relative to the storage section 88. The inner member 86 is rotatable about the shaft 22 between a closed position and an open position. As shown in FIG. 10, the closed position is a position in which the inner member 86 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane so that the upper side of the inner member 86 is positioned rearward, blocking the window section 21 and the entrance/exit 89. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 11, the open position is a position in which the inner member 86 is substantially horizontal, widening the window section 21 and the entrance/exit 89.

Furthermore, a connecting mechanism 51 is provided between the inner member 86 and the instrument panel lower 15 to releasably connect the inner member 86 to the instrument panel lower 15. The connecting mechanism 51 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the lid drive mechanism 61 of the second embodiment includes a parallel movement mechanism 62, as in the first embodiment. The parallel movement mechanism 62 includes a plurality of pins 63 and the same number of guide grooves 64 as the pins 63. The pins 63 are provided in the inner member 86 at a plurality of locations spaced apart from one another in the tilt direction of the window 21, and each extends in the left-right direction. The guide grooves 64 are provided in the outer member 83 at a plurality of locations spaced apart from one another in the tilt direction. Most of the guide grooves 64 are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the lower portions are located further rearward. Each guide groove 64 is slidably engaged with the corresponding pin 63.

The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same elements as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.
Next, the operation of the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. The effects that accompany the operation will also be described. Note that the operation and effect corresponding to the first embodiment will be indicated by adding "'" to the last number in parentheses. For example, the operation and effect corresponding to (1A-1) of the first embodiment will be indicated as (1A-1').

<When the knee restraint device 90 is not activated>
When the automobile 10 is not subjected to a frontal impact due to a frontal collision or the like, the control device 72 does not output an activation signal to the inflator 26. Therefore, no rearward force is applied to the outer member 83 through the pressure receiving portion.

As shown in FIG. 12, each guide groove 64 engages with a corresponding pin 63 at the rear end of the guide groove 64. At this time, the lid drive mechanism 61 brings the lid 82 into an approaching state in which the outer member 83 approaches the inner member 86. In the approaching state, the outer member 83 approaches the inner member 86 in a state of contact or close to contact, similar to the first embodiment.

(1A-1') At this time, if the operating handle 52 is not rotated upward, the lock pins 53 in the connecting mechanism 51 continue to engage with the corresponding engagement holes 17. The lid 82 in the approaching configuration is held in a tilted state with respect to the horizontal plane so that the upper side is positioned further rearward, and continues to close the tilted window 21 in the same configuration.

Therefore, the cover 82 does not protrude rearward from the window 21 and rear wall 14. The appearance of the glove box 81 is the same as that of a glove box that does not have a knee restraint device 90 when the window is closed.

(1A-2') In contrast, when the operating handle 52 is rotated upward, the lock pins 53 in the connecting mechanism 51 move inward and retreat from the engagement holes 17. The connection of the inner member 86 to the instrument panel lower 15 is released. This makes it possible to rotate the lid 82 in the close configuration.

As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, when the lid portion 82 in the closed position is rotated rearward around the axis 22, the lid portion 82 moves rearward away from the window portion 21, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 11, and the window portion 21 is opened.

However, because the storage section 88 is fixed inside the instrument panel lower 15, it does not rotate, unlike the first embodiment. When the lid section 82 in the close configuration is rotated rearward as described above, the entrance 89 is opened in addition to the window section 21.

As a result, it is possible to store items in the storage section 88 through the open window section 21 and entrance/exit 89, and to remove items from the storage section 88 to the outside of the instrument panel 13 through the entrance/exit 89 and window section 21.

When the lid 82 in the approaching configuration, which opens the entrance 89 and window 21, is rotated forward around the axis 22, the lid 82 is inclined so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. When the lid 82 in the approaching configuration is rotated forward, the lid 82 approaches the window 21. The angle that the lid 82 makes with respect to the horizontal plane gradually increases. When the lid 82 is rotated to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, it closes the window 21 and the entrance 89.

At this time, in the connecting mechanism 51, each lock pin 53 moves outward and engages with the engaging hole 17. The lid 82 is connected to the instrument panel lower 15 by the connecting mechanism 51. Therefore, the lid 82 is held in a state in which the entrance 89 and the window 21 are closed.

<When the knee restraint device 90 is activated>
When an impact is applied to the automobile 10 from the front due to a frontal collision or the like, the passenger P1 in the front passenger seat tends to move forward due to inertia.

In response to this, when the impact sensor 71 detects that the automobile 10 has been subjected to an impact of a predetermined magnitude or greater, the control device 72 outputs an activation signal to the inflator 26. Inflation gas is ejected from the inflator 26, and the airbag 27 supplied with this inflation gas unfolds and inflates. A rearward force from the airbag 27 is applied to the outer main body 84 via the pressure receiver.

As shown in FIG. 13, the outer member 83 is moved rearward from the closed position by the force. Moreover, the outer member 83 is translated rearward by the parallel movement mechanism 62, which is a combination of a pin 63 and a guide groove 64, while maintaining the posture before receiving the force, that is, a posture tilted so that the upper side is positioned further rearward. The outer member 83 is brought into an inclined state similar to that of the knee PK.

The inner member 86 continues to be connected to the instrument panel lower 15 by the connecting mechanism 51 and is held in the closed position. The window 21 and the entrance 89 both continue to be blocked by the inner member 86.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same actions and effects as those (1B-1) to (1B-4) in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, according to the second embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

(1B-5') In the second embodiment, the above-mentioned lid drive mechanism 61 is provided for a glove box 81 in which the lid 82 (inner member 86) rotates about an axis 22 to open and close the window 21 and the entrance/exit 89.

As a result, in the above-mentioned type of glove box 81, which is widely used as a glove box for automobiles, the above-mentioned effect of restraining the knees PK and preventing the contents from scattering can be obtained.

(First Modification)
Next, a first modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. In the first modified example, the configuration of a lid driving mechanism 61 is different from that of the second embodiment.

The lid drive mechanism 61 includes a parallel movement mechanism 62, as in the second embodiment. The parallel movement mechanism 62 includes a plurality of link members 91. The link members 91 are arranged in parallel at a plurality of locations spaced apart from one another in the tilt direction of the window 21. The link members 91 connect the inner member 86 and the outer member 83.

Each link member 91 is connected to the inner member 86 by a first shaft 92 that rotatably supports one end of the link member 91 on the inner member 86. Each link member 91 is connected to the outer member 83 by a second shaft 93 that rotatably supports the other end of the link member 91 on the outer member 83.

In the first modified example, when the knee PK is not restrained (FIG. 14), the second shaft 93 is positioned rearward and above the first shaft 92, so that each link member 91 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane so that the higher it is, the further rearward it is positioned.

When the knee PK is restrained (Figure 15), the second shaft 93 is positioned rearward and below the first shaft 92, so that each link member 91 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane so that it is positioned further rearward as it goes downward.

The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the second embodiment, so the same elements as those described in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.
Therefore, according to the first modification, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

In particular, in the first modified example, when the knee PK is restrained, each link member 91 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 14 around the first shaft 92. The outer member 83 moves backward and downward while maintaining a tilted state in which the upper side is positioned further rearward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, when the knee PK is restrained, the outer member 83 can receive the knee PK while being tilted so that the upper side is positioned further rearward.

(Second Modification)
Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. In the second modification, the configuration of the lid drive mechanism 61 is different from that of the first modification.

In the second modified example, the position of the first shaft 92 that connects each link member 91 to the inner member 86 and the position of the second shaft 93 that connects each link member 91 to the outer member 83 are different from those in the first modified example.

In the second modified example, when the knee PK is not restrained (Figure 16), the second shaft 93 is positioned forward and below the first shaft 92, so that each link member 91 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane so that the higher it is, the further back it is positioned.

Furthermore, when the knee PK is restrained (FIG. 17), the second shaft 93 is positioned substantially below the first shaft 92, so that each link member 91 is brought into a nearly vertical state.
The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first modified example, so the same elements as those described in the first modified example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

Therefore, according to the second modified example, when the knee PK is restrained, each link member 91 rotates around the first shaft 92 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 16. The outer member 83 moves backwards in parallel while maintaining an inclined state so that the upper side is positioned further rearward. Therefore, according to the second modified example, similar to the first modified example, when the knee PK is restrained, the outer member 83 can receive the knee PK while being inclined so that the upper side is positioned further rearward.

In the second modified example, when the knee PK is restrained, each link member 91 rotates in the opposite direction to that of the first modified example. Therefore, the outer member 83 moves to a higher position than in the first modified example, contacts a higher position of the knee PK, and restrains the knee PK.

(Third Modification)
Next, a third modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. In the third modified example, the configuration of a lid driving mechanism 61 is different from that of the second embodiment.

The lid drive mechanism 61 includes a parallel movement mechanism 62, as in the second embodiment. The parallel movement mechanism 62 includes a pair of link members 94, 101 that are arranged crosswise and connected to the inner member 86 and the outer member 83. The link members 94, 101 are rotatably connected by a connecting shaft 98 at the crossing portion. Each link member 94, 101 is connected to the inner member 86 by a third shaft 95, 102 that supports one end of the link member 94, 101 to the inner member 86 so that it can rotate. Each link member 94, 101 is connected to the outer member 83 by a fourth shaft 96, 103 that supports the other end of the link member 94, 101 to the outer member 83 so that it can rotate.

In the third modified example, one link member 94 is connected to the inner member 86 by a third shaft 95 that rotatably supports the upper end of the link member 94 on the inner member 86. The third shaft 95 is immovably provided on the inner member 86. The link member 94 is connected to the outer member 83 by a fourth shaft 96 provided on the lower end of the link member 94. The fourth shaft 96 connects the link member 94 to the outer member 83 movably in the tilt direction of the window portion 21. More specifically, the outer member 83 is formed with a long hole 97 that extends in the tilt direction, and the fourth shaft 96 is movably engaged with the long hole 97.

The other link member 101 is connected to the outer member 83 by a fourth shaft 103 provided at the upper end of the link member 101. This fourth shaft 103 is immovably provided on the outer member 83. The link member 101 is connected to the inner member 86 by a third shaft 102 provided at the lower end of the link member 101. This third shaft 102 connects the link member 101 to the inner member 86 so that it can move in the tilt direction. More specifically, the inner member 86 is formed with an elongated hole 104 extending in the tilt direction, and the third shaft 102 is movably engaged with this elongated hole 104.

The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the second embodiment, so the same elements as those described in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.
Therefore, according to the third modified example, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

While one of the third shafts 95 cannot move relative to the inner member 86, the other third shaft 102 can move in the inclined direction of the window portion 21 relative to the inner member 86. Therefore, by moving the latter third shaft 102 in the inclined direction, it is possible to move it closer to or farther away from the former third shaft 95 along the inclined direction.

While one of the fourth shafts 103 cannot move relative to the outer member 83, the other fourth shaft 96 can move in the inclined direction relative to the outer member 83. Therefore, by moving the latter fourth shaft 96 in the inclined direction, it is possible to move the latter fourth shaft 96 closer to or farther away from the former fourth shaft 103 along the inclined direction.

The above-mentioned movement of the third shaft 102 and the fourth shaft 96 changes the distance between the third shafts 95, 102, the distance between the fourth shafts 96, 103, and the angle between the link members 94, 101. The fourth shaft 103 approaches and moves away from the third shaft 95, and the fourth shaft 96 approaches and moves away from the third shaft 102. The outer member 83 to which the fourth shafts 96, 103 are connected moves in parallel while maintaining an inclined state in which the upper side is positioned further rearward. Therefore, when the knee PK is restrained, the outer member 83 can be moved in parallel backward. The knee PK can be received by the outer member 83, which is inclined so that the upper side is positioned further rearward behind the window portion 21.

(Fourth Modification)
Next, a fourth modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. In the fourth modified example, the configuration of a lid driving mechanism 61 is different from that of the second embodiment.

The lid drive mechanism 61 includes a guide groove 106 provided in the inner member 86, and a pin 105 provided in the outer member 83 and slidably engaged with the guide groove 106. In addition, the lid drive mechanism 61 includes a tether clip 107 that connects the outer member 83 to the inner member 86 at a location away from the pin 105 and guide groove 106 on one side of the inclination direction of the window portion 21, which is toward the front and downward in the fourth modified example.

The tether clip 107 has a string-like tether portion made of a flexible material. One end of the tether portion is fixed to the inner member 86. The tether portion is inserted into a locking hole formed in the outer member 83. The other end of the tether portion is provided with a barbed anchor portion. The tether portion of the tether clip 107 is in a relaxed state when the knee restraint device 90 is not activated (FIG. 20). When the knee restraint device 90 is activated (FIG. 21), the tether clip 107 is pulled through the anchor portion by the outer member 83 moving rearward, and is in a tensed state.

The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the second embodiment, so the same elements as those described in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.
Therefore, according to the fourth modified example, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

In particular, in the fourth modified example, when the knee PK is restrained (FIG. 21), the pin 105 slides against the guide groove 106, restricting the movement of the outer member 83. Also, when the tether clip 107 is pulled by the outer member 83 moving rearward and becomes taut, the outer member 83 is restricted from moving further rearward. When the knee PK is restrained, it is possible for the outer member 83, whose movement is restricted as described above, to receive the knee PK.

The above embodiment can also be implemented as a modified version as follows. The above embodiment and the following modified version can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

The glove box may be changed to a type having a configuration different from that in the first and second embodiments.
For example, the glove box may be a type that includes a hole and a drawer-type storage box. The hole in this type of glove box is opened in the rear wall 14 and extends forward. The opening at the rear end of the hole forms a window.

The storage box portion comprises a lid portion and a storage portion provided in front of the lid portion and having an entrance at the upper end. The lid portion comprises an outer member having a decorative surface and an inner member disposed between the outer member and the storage portion. The inner member is formed integrally with the storage portion. The storage box portion is disposed in the hole portion so that it can slide in the front-rear direction. As the lid portion slides, the window portion is opened and closed.

In this case, a lid drive mechanism is also provided. When the knees are not restrained, the lid drive mechanism moves the lid to a close configuration in which the outer member is brought closer to the inner member. When the window is closed by the lid in the close configuration and the knees are restrained, the lid drive mechanism moves only the outer member of the lid rearward from the position where it closes the window.

In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first to fourth modified examples, the airbag 27 may be disposed without being folded. In this case, the airbag 27 inflates without being deployed. The rearward force from the inflating airbag 27 is applied to the outer members 33, 83 via the pressure receiving portion 36.

- In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the first to fourth modified examples, an actuator of a type other than the airbag 27 may be used as the driving source that applies a rearward force to the pressure-receiving portion 36 of the outer member 83.

- Contrary to the first and second embodiments, the pin 63 may be provided on the outer member 33 and the guide groove 64 may be provided on the inner member 41.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 10...Automobile 13...Instrument panel 14...Rear wall 21...Window 22...Axis 27...Airbag 31, 81...Glove box 32, 82...Cover 33, 83...Outer member 35, 85...Design surface 36...Pressure receiving portion 41, 86...Inner member 45, 88...Storage portion 46, 89...Entrance/exit 47...Box body 60, 90...Knee restraint device 61...Cover drive mechanism 62...Parallel movement mechanism 63, 105...Pin 64, 106...Guide groove 91, 94, 101...Link member 92...First axis 93...Second axis 95, 102...Third axis 96, 103...Fourth axis 98...Connecting axis P1...Passenger seat occupant PK...Knee

Claims (8)

A knee restraint device for a glove box, comprising: a cover for opening and closing a window provided in a rear wall of an instrument panel of an automobile at a position in front of the knees of a passenger in the passenger seat; and a storage section having an access port in front of the cover,
The lid portion includes an outer member having a design surface of the glove box, and an inner member disposed between the outer member and the storage portion,
a lid driving mechanism is further provided which brings the lid into an approaching configuration in which the outer member is brought close to the inner member when the knees are not restrained, and which moves only the outer member of the lid to a position rearward from a position where the window is closed by the lid in the approaching configuration when the knees are restrained ,
The window portion is inclined so that the upper side is located rearward,
A pin is provided in front of the outer member, and a guide groove is provided in the outer member and slidably engaged with the pin,
The lid drive mechanism, when the knee is not restrained, tilts the outer member so that the upper part is positioned further rearward, and when the lid is in the approaching configuration and the window part is closed by the lid, the guide groove slides along the pin, thereby moving only the outer member of the lid rearward while maintaining the tilted state so that the upper part is positioned further rearward. This is a knee restraint device . The storage section has the entrance at an upper end,
The inner member is integrally formed with the housing portion,
a box body including the inner member and the storage portion is rotatably supported on the instrument panel by a shaft provided below the storage portion,
2. The knee restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing of the window portion is performed by rotating the box body portion in the front-rear direction about the axis. The storage section has the entrance at a rear end,
The housing portion is fixed in the instrument panel with the entrance communicating with the window portion,
a lower end portion of the lid portion is rotatably supported by a shaft on the housing portion or the instrument panel;
2. The knee restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing of the window portion is performed by rotating the cover portion in the front-rear direction about the axis. 4. The knee restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the lid drive mechanism includes a translation mechanism that translates the outer member when the knee is restrained. 5. The knee restraint device according to claim 4, wherein the parallel movement mechanism comprises: the pins provided at a plurality of positions on the inner member in the inclined direction of the window portion; and the guide grooves provided at a plurality of positions on the outer member in the inclined direction and slidably engaged with the corresponding pins. the parallel movement mechanism includes a plurality of link members that are arranged in parallel to and spaced apart from each other in a tilt direction of the window portion and are connected to the inner member and the outer member,
Each link member is connected to the inner member by a first shaft that rotatably supports one end of the link member on the inner member,
5. A knee restraining device according to claim 4, wherein each link member is connected to said outer member by a second shaft which supports the other end of the link member rotatably on said outer member. the parallel movement mechanism includes a pair of link members arranged crossing each other and connected to the inner member and the outer member,
The two link members are rotatably connected to each other at the intersection by a connecting shaft,
Each link member is connected to the inner member by a third shaft that rotatably supports one end of the link member on the inner member,
Each link member is connected to the outer member by a fourth shaft that rotatably supports the other end of the link member on the outer member,
the third shaft connecting one of the link members to the inner member is immovably provided on the inner member, and the fourth shaft connecting the one of the link members to the outer member connects the one of the link members to the outer member movably in the inclination direction of the window portion with respect to the outer member,
5. The knee restraint device according to claim 4, wherein the fourth shaft connecting the other link member to the outer member is immovably attached to the outer member, and the third shaft connecting the other link member to the inner member connects the link member to the inner member movably in the inclined direction. An airbag that is inflated rearward by inflation gas is disposed within the instrument panel,
8. The knee restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the outer member is provided with a pressure receiving portion that receives a rearward force from the inflating airbag.

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