JP7559636B2 - Variable shape structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shape-variable structure.

The following Patent Document 1 shows an external airbag. This external airbag deploys from the lower end of the front pillar and extends upward along the front pillar.

JP 2016-190529 A

The shape of a deployable structure that is deformed by gas, such as the exterior airbag in Patent Document 1, is generally limited to the shape when stored and the shape when the structure is fully filled with gas (maximum deployment). In other words, the shape is limited.

In this case, for example, if the shape of the deployable structure when fully deployed is small, there is a possibility that the colliding object will not collide with the deployable structure but will collide directly with the vehicle. Also, if the deployable structure is thin, there is a possibility that the durability of the shape-changing structure against a heavy colliding object will be insufficient.

Taking the above facts into consideration, the present invention aims to provide a shape-variable structure whose shape can be adjusted.

The shape-variable structure of claim 1 comprises a bag body capable of introducing and discharging gas, and a skeleton body contained inside the bag body and joined to the bag body, wherein the skeleton body is capable of deforming into a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag body and of retaining the deformed shape , and when a compressive force is applied, the skeleton body and the bag body change into different shapes depending on the shape of the skeleton body that is retained, and the area of the bag body as viewed from the direction in which the compressive force is applied changes in size depending on the shape of the skeleton body that is retained .

In the shape-variable structure of claim 1, a skeleton is housed inside a bag. The skeleton can be deformed into a predetermined shape according to the volume of gas filled inside the bag. Since the skeleton is joined to the bag, the bag can also be deformed in accordance with the deformation of the skeleton.

In other words, the shape of the shape-variable structure can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of gas introduced into or discharged from the bag.

When this shape-changing structure is used as a cushioning structure for a colliding object against a collided object, for example, the bag body is deformed so that the area in the direction of impact of the colliding object is increased. This increases the probability that the colliding object will collide with the bag body, making it easier to achieve a cushioning effect.

As another example, the bag is deformed so that its thickness increases in the direction of impact of the colliding object. This increases the durability of the shape-variable structure against heavy colliding objects.

The shape-variable structure of claim 2 comprises a bag body capable of introducing and discharging gas, and a skeleton body contained inside the bag body and joined to the bag body, wherein the skeleton body is capable of deforming into a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag body, and the area of the bag body when viewed from a predetermined direction changes according to the deformation of the skeleton body, and the skeleton body is formed by a plurality of flat plates connected by hinges, at least two of the flat plates are joined to the bag body, and as the gas filled inside the bag body is discharged, the at least two flat plates joined to the bag body are displaced relative to each other to deform the skeleton body.

In the shape-variable structure of claim 2, when the gas filled inside the bag is discharged, the gas between the bag and the skeleton decreases, and the bag deforms so as to fit closely to the skeleton. At this time, since at least two of the flat plates are joined to the bag, the flat plates joined to the bag receive a tensile force from the bag. At this time, the flat plates rotate relatively to each other around the hinge, and the at least two flat plates joined to the bag are displaced relative to each other, causing the skeleton to deform.

The shape-variable structure of claim 3 is a shape-variable structure according to claim 1 or 2, in which the deformation characteristics of the skeleton when a compressive force acts on it change depending on the volume of the gas, and the deformation characteristics include a deformation characteristic in which the stiffness of the skeleton in the direction in which the compressive force acts is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and a deformation characteristic in which the stiffness of the skeleton in the direction in which the compressive force acts is less than the predetermined value.

In the shape-variable structure of claim 3, the deformation characteristics of the skeleton can be changed by the volume of gas. This deformation characteristic can be such that the rigidity of the skeleton becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value when a compressive force is applied. This increases the durability of the shape-variable structure against heavy impact objects.

The deformation characteristics can be such that the rigidity of the skeleton becomes less than a predetermined value when a compressive force is applied. This reduces the load acting from the skeleton on a lightweight impact object.

In this way, by changing the rigidity of the shape-variable structure, it is possible to adapt to collisions with various materials without using different structures depending on the type of colliding object.

The shape-variable structure of claim 4 is the shape-variable structure of any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the skeleton is plastically deformable.

In the shape-variable structure of claim 4, the skeleton is plastically deformable. This allows the shape-variable structure to absorb collision energy when an object collides with it.

The shape-variable structure of claim 5 is a shape-variable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which an airbag filled with gas is disposed inside the bag, and the gas filled in the airbag is discharged from the airbag when a compressive force of a predetermined value or more is applied.

In the shape-variable structure of claim 5, an airbag is disposed inside the bag body, from which gas is discharged when a compressive force of a predetermined value or more is applied. This makes it possible to absorb the impact energy when an object collides with the shape-variable structure.

The shape-variable structure of claim 6 comprises a bag body capable of introducing and discharging gas, and a skeleton body contained inside the bag body and joined to the bag body, wherein the skeleton body is capable of deforming into a predetermined shape corresponding to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag body, and the area of the bag body when viewed from a predetermined direction changes in response to the deformation of the skeleton body, and the skeleton body is provided with a deformation mechanism that deforms the skeleton body into the predetermined shape, and the deformation mechanism deforms the skeleton body from an initial shape formed into a flat plate shape into the predetermined shape to introduce gas into the inside of the bag body.

In the shape-variable structure according to claim 6, the deformation mechanism deforms the skeleton body from an initial shape formed in a flat plate to a predetermined shape, so that the volume of the shape-variable structure in the initial state can be made smaller than when a gas is introduced into the bag body.
The shape-variable structure of claim 7 is a shape-variable structure as described in claim 3, wherein the deformation characteristics are such that the compressive force causes the members to deform so as to become closer together, so that the rigidity becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and such that the compressive force causes the members to deform so that their ends in a direction intersecting the compression direction move apart, so that the rigidity becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

The present invention provides a shape-variable structure whose shape can be adjusted.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a state in which cells constituting a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a state in which the cells are separated. FIG. 1A is an oblique view showing an example of a cell that constitutes a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a top view, FIG. 1C is a side view, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example in which a skeleton constituting a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a flat plate shape. FIG. 1A is an oblique view showing another example of a cell constituting a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a top view, FIG. 1C is a side view, and FIG. 1D is a bottom view. FIG. 1A is an oblique view showing a modified example of the state in which cells that make up a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected, and FIG. 1B is an oblique view showing a modified example formed by connecting the skeletal body in one direction. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example in which skeletal bodies constituting the shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention are connected in two directions. FIG. FIG. 1A is a side view showing the initial state of a cell constituting a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a side view showing the state after gas has been discharged from the bag body; and FIG. 1C is a side view showing the state after gas has been further discharged from the bag body. FIG. 1A is a side view partially showing the initial state of two types of skeletal bodies that make up a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a side view showing the state after gas has been discharged from the bag body; and FIG. 1C is a side view showing the state after gas has been further discharged from the bag body. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which gas has been discharged from a bag body of a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line B-B in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a cross section showing a state in which a compressive force is applied to the shape-variable structure. 4 is a graph showing deformation characteristics of a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view showing an example of a state of a skeleton body in a state in which gas is discharged from a bag body constituting a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing another example of the state in which gas has been discharged from a bag body of a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line B-B in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a cross section showing the state in which a compressive force is applied to the shape-variable structure.

The shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated with the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and there may be multiple components.

In addition, explanations of configurations and symbols that are duplicated in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented with appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations or replacing them with different configurations, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

In each figure, the directions indicated by the arrows X and Y are directions along a horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other. The direction indicated by the arrow Z is a direction along the vertical direction (up and down direction). The directions indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure are assumed to be consistent with each other.

<Shape-variable structure>
1 shows a structure 10, which is an example of a shape-variable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structure 10 is, as an example, a collision buffer member that is attached to a vehicle and deployed outside the vehicle to collide with a colliding object.

The structure 10 comprises a bag body 20 through which gas can be introduced and discharged, and a skeleton body 30 housed inside the bag body 20 and joined to the bag body 20. The skeleton body 30 is capable of being deformed into a predetermined shape according to the volume of gas filled inside the bag body 20.

Gas is introduced into the bag body 20 or discharged from the bag body 20 through the ventilation hole 12. The ventilation hole 12 is connected to a gas introduction device (not shown). This gas introduction device can freely adjust the volume of gas introduced into the bag body 20 and the volume of gas discharged from the bag body 20.

The gas introduction device is equipped with a high-pressure cylinder and a cylinder for vacuuming. Of these, air is introduced from the high-pressure cylinder into the inside of the bag body 20 using a pump. In addition, air is discharged from the inside of the bag body 20 into the cylinder for vacuuming using a pump. A compressor or the like can be used as the pump.

In addition, the "gas" in the present invention can be various gases such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. These gases can be appropriately selected depending on the application of the structure 10, but it is preferable to use, for example, an inert gas that is not flammable.

(cell)
The structure 10 is formed by combining a plurality of cells 14 shown in Fig. 2(A) In other words, a plurality of these cells 14 are continuously arranged in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, and adjacent cells 14 are joined together to form the structure 10 (see Fig. 1), which is a composite of the cells 14.

As shown in FIG. 2B, each cell 14 is formed by combining two cells 14A and 14B. The cells 14A and 14B are integrated by, for example, joining their respective ends J in the X direction to each other by adhesion, welding, or the like. The location where the cells 14A and 14B are joined can be appropriately selected as long as it does not affect the deformation of the cells 14A and 14B, which will be described later.

As shown in Figures 3(A) to (D), the cell 14A is formed with a bag body 22 that can introduce and exhaust gas, and a framework body 32 that is housed inside the bag body 22 and joined to the bag body 22.

Gas is introduced into the bag body 22 or discharged from the bag body 22 through the ventilation opening 12A. The connection between the ventilation opening 12A and the ventilation opening 12 of the bag body 20, which is an assembly of the bags 22, will be described later.

The skeleton 32 is formed by combining multiple flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C connected by hinges H.

Specifically, a pair of trapezoidal flat plates 32A are arranged in the center of the skeleton 32, and the sides forming the upper base (the shorter of the two parallel sides) of each flat plate 32A are connected by a hinge H.

In addition, parallelogram-shaped flat plates 32B are connected to both sides of the legs of each flat plate 32A by hinges H. Adjacent flat plates 32B in the Y direction are also connected to each other by hinges H.

Furthermore, trapezoidal flat plate 32C is connected to the side of flat plate 32B opposite the side connected to flat plate 32A by hinge H. Flat plates 32C adjacent to each other in the Y direction are also connected to each other by hinges H.

These flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C can be made from a variety of materials, including metal materials such as steel, aluminum, and various alloys, and resin materials such as polyvinyl chloride and acrylic.

Hinge H may be constructed by forming flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C separately and connecting them with hinges, tape, etc. Hinge H may also be constructed by forming flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C integrally and reducing the thickness or rigidity of the boundary portions between them to facilitate elastic deformation.

In this way, by connecting the multiple flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C with the hinges H, each flat plate 32A, 32B, and 32C can rotate relative to one another around the hinges H. This causes the skeleton 32 to deform.

For example, as shown in Figure 4, the skeleton 32 can be formed into a flat plate by arranging the flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C all along the same plane. From this state, by bending the hinge H, the skeleton 32 takes the shape shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(D).

As shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(D), one surface of the skeleton 32 is joined to the bag body 22. Specifically, one surface of the flat plate 32A in the skeleton 32 and a portion of the bag body 22 facing that surface are joined to each other with adhesive G.

The "other" surface of the skeleton 32 is also joined to the bag body 22. Specifically, one surface of the flat plate 32C in the skeleton 32 (the surface opposite in the Z direction to the flat plate 32A joined to the bag body 22) and a portion of the bag body 22 facing that surface are joined to each other.

Furthermore, when housed in the bag body 22, the skeleton body 32 is arranged with the hinge portion folded, forming a three-dimensional shape. Since the flat plates 32A and 32C of the three-dimensional skeleton body 32 are joined to the bag body 22, the skeleton body 32 is held in a three-dimensional shape inside the bag body 22.

To change the three-dimensional shape of the skeleton 32 shown in Fig. 3(A)-(D) into the flat plate shape shown in Fig. 4, as an example, it is necessary to deform the skeleton 32 by pulling the flat plates 32C arranged on both sides in the X direction in a direction away from each other in the X direction (by a tensile force T) as shown in Fig. 3(C).

However, because the flat plate 32C is joined to the bag body 22 by adhesive G, the tension of the bag body 22 suppresses deformation. As a result, the skeleton body 32 is maintained in a three-dimensional shape inside the bag body 22.

As shown in Figures 5(A) to (D), the cell 14B is formed with a bag body 24 that can introduce and exhaust gas, and a framework body 34 that is housed inside the bag body 24 and joined to the bag body 24.

Gas is introduced into the bag body 24 or discharged from the bag body 24 through the ventilation opening 12B. The connection between the ventilation opening 12B and the ventilation opening 12 of the bag body 20, which is an assembly of the bags 24, will be described later.

The skeleton 34 is formed by combining multiple flat plates 34A, 34B, and 34C connected by hinges H.

The flat plates 34A, 34B, and 34C have the same shape as the flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C of the framework 32. Note that in the framework 32, the sides forming the upper base of the flat plate 32A are connected by a hinge H, whereas in the framework 34, the sides forming the lower base (the longer of the two parallel sides) of the flat plate 34A are connected by a hinge H.

The rest of the configuration of cell 14B is similar to that of cell 14A, so the explanation is omitted.

As shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), cell 14A and cell 14B are arranged so that flat plate 32C in skeleton 32 and flat plate 34C in skeleton 34 housed in each are in contact with each other (through bags 22, 24 and adhesive G). This forms a gap between flat plate 32A and flat plate 34B.

(Ventilation hole)
As described above, the structure 10 shown in Fig. 1 is formed by combining a plurality of cells 14 shown in Fig. 2(A). Therefore, the ventilation holes 12A, 12B in each cell 14 forming the structure 10 are formed into a tube shape and bundled together to form the ventilation hole 12 shown in Fig. 1. In the following description, the ventilation holes 12A, 12B may be collectively referred to as the ventilation hole 12.

The number of cells 14 forming the structure 10 is arbitrary, but if the number of cells 14 is large, the number of vents 12 in the structure 10 will be large, resulting in poor manufacturing efficiency. For this reason, in this embodiment, various configurations can be adopted to reduce the number of vents 12.

As an example, the vent 12A of cell 14A and the vent 12B of cell 14B may be formed together as one, as in the vent 12C shown in FIG. 6(A). In this case, a communication hole 12D is provided that communicates between the inside of the bag body 22 in cell 14A and the inside of the bag body 24 in cell 14B, allowing gas to flow between the bag body 22 and the bag body 24.

Furthermore, when cells 14 that communicate with the inside of bag body 22 and the inside of bag body 24 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction, the interiors of these adjacent cells 14 may be connected to each other. In this way, by appropriately connecting the interiors of cells 14 (bag bodies 22, 24 in cell 14) that are arranged consecutively in the Z-axis direction, the number of ventilation holes 12 can be reduced.

As another example, a skeleton 36 formed long in the X-axis direction may be used, as in cell 14C shown in FIG. 6(B). Skeleton 36 is a skeleton shaped in such a way that skeletons 32 shown in FIG. 3(A) are connected in the X-direction. Bag 26 that contains skeleton 36 is longer in the X-direction than bag 22. Therefore, cell 14C is longer in the X-direction than cell 14A.

Although not shown, a skeleton 34 shown in FIG. 5(A) may be connected in the X direction, and a bag may be formed to house the skeleton. In this way, by making the skeleton and bag long in the X direction, the number of ventilation holes 12 can be reduced. In other words, the number of cells 14 arranged continuously in the X direction can be reduced, and the number of ventilation holes 12 can be reduced.

As yet another example, a skeleton 38 formed to be elongated in the X-axis and Y-directions may be used, as in cell 14D shown in FIG. 7. Skeleton 38 is a skeleton formed by connecting skeletons 32 shown in FIG. 3(A) in the X-direction and Y-direction. Bag 28 that contains skeleton 38 is longer in the X-direction and Y-direction than bag 22. Therefore, cell 14D is longer in the X-direction and Y-direction than cell 14A.

Although not shown, a skeleton 34 shown in FIG. 5(A) may be connected in the X and Y directions to form a skeleton and a bag that contains this skeleton. In this way, by making the skeleton and bag long in the X and Y directions, the number of ventilation holes 12 can be reduced.

Although not shown, a skeleton body having a shape in which the skeleton bodies 32 and 34 shown in FIG. 3(A) and FIG. 5(A) are connected in the Y direction and a bag body that contains this skeleton body may be formed. In this way, by making the skeleton body and the bag body long in the Y direction, the number of ventilation holes 12 can be reduced.

In addition, by appropriately connecting and forming the frameworks 32 and 34, it becomes easier to manufacture the framework, the bag body, and the cells.

As described above, the shape of the skeleton in this embodiment can be freely sized as appropriate, such as skeletons 32, 34, 36, and 38. Similarly, the bag in this embodiment can be freely sized as appropriate, within the range of sizes in which these skeletons can be accommodated. Skeleton 30 and bag 20 in FIG. 1 collectively refer to the skeletons and bag according to these various embodiments.

(Deformation of the skeleton according to the volume of gas)
8A to 8C show how the gas sealed in the bag body 22 is discharged to deform the skeleton body 32. The skeleton body 32 is deformed into a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag body 22 and is maintained in that shape.

Specifically, when gas is discharged from inside the bag body 22 through the ventilation hole 12A in the initial state (initial shape) shown in FIG. 8(A), the bag body 22 deforms so as to approach the skeleton body 32, as shown in FIG. 8(B). At this time, the portion of the bag body 22 between the flat plates 32C arranged on both sides in the X direction moves toward the flat plates 32A, as shown by the arrows N1.

As the bag body 22 moves, the flat plates 32C on both sides in the X direction are pulled toward each other in the X direction and move, as shown by the arrows N2. This causes the skeleton body 32 to deform.

In the state shown in FIG. 8(B), the inner end 32CE of the flat plate 32C in the frame 32 (the end closer to the flat plate 32A in the X direction) is positioned outside the end 32AE of the upper base of the flat plate 32A.

Continuing to expel the gas further causes the skeleton 32 to deform further, as shown in FIG. 8(C). In the state shown in this figure, the inner end 32CE of the flat plate 32C is positioned more inward than the upper end 32AE of the flat plate 32A.

When the gas discharge is stopped in each of the states shown in Figures 8 (B) and (C) and no gas flows into or out of the bag body 22, the shape of the skeleton body 32 is maintained in these shapes.

The state changes shown in Figures 8(A) to (C) are not irreversible. In other words, if air is introduced into the bag body 22 from the state shown in Figure 8(C), it can be changed to the state shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(A).

When the gas sealed in the bag body 24 shown in FIG. 5 is sucked in to deform the skeleton body 34, the skeleton body 34 is deformed and maintained in a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag body 24. The principle of deformation is the same as that of the skeleton body 32 and the bag body 22, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The shapes of the skeleton 32 and the skeleton 34 are only examples of the shape of the skeleton in the present invention, and various deployed shapes can be adopted as long as the structure can be deformed according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag.

In the initial state shown in FIG. 3(A) and FIG. 5(A), the volumes of gas filled in the bag body 22 and the bag body 24 are approximately the same. In addition, the volumes of gas discharged from the bag body 22 and the bag body 24 per unit time are also approximately the same. Furthermore, the volumes of gas introduced into the bag body 22 and the bag body 24 per unit time are also approximately the same. In other words, approximately equal volumes of gas are always present in the bag body 22 and the bag body 24.

As a result, as shown in Figures 9(A) to (C), the skeleton 32 housed in the bag body 22 and the skeleton 34 housed in the bag body 24 deform in the same manner at the same time.

In addition, in Figures 9(A) to (C), the bag body 22 and the bag body 24 are omitted in order to make it easier to understand the configuration of the skeleton body 32 and the skeleton body 34. Also, the skeleton body 32 shown in Figures 9(A) to (C) has the same shape as the skeleton body 32 shown in Figures 8(A) to (C), respectively.

For this reason, in the state shown in FIG. 9(B), the inner end 34CE of the flat plate 34C in the frame 34 (the end closer to the flat plate 34A in the X direction) is positioned outside the end 34AE of the upper base of the flat plate 34A.

Similarly, in the state shown in FIG. 9(C), the inner end 34CE of the flat plate 34C is positioned more inward than the upper end 34AE of the flat plate 34A.

(Deformation characteristics of the skeleton)
Fig. 10(A) shows a skeleton 30 formed by combining the skeleton 32 and the skeleton 34 in the state shown in Fig. 9(B). Note that Fig. 10(A) omits illustration of the bag 22, the bag 24 and the bag 20 which is a composite body of these.

Figure 10(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the skeleton 30 shown in Figure 10(A). When point P of the skeleton 30 is pressed with a compressive force C(N) along the Z direction, the skeleton 30 deforms as shown in Figure 10(C), and point P moves M1(m) along the Z direction.

At this time, the skeleton 32 shown in FIG. 9(B) deforms such that the ends 32CE move apart in the X direction. Similarly, the skeleton 34 deforms such that the ends 34CE move apart in the X direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the skeleton 30 deforms in the direction indicated by the arrow N3 so that its thickness in the Z direction decreases, and its length in the X and Y directions increases (so that its area as viewed from the Z direction increases).

The deformation characteristic of the skeleton 30 in this deformation is shown by the straight line L1 in FIG. 11. The deformation characteristic of the skeleton 30 shown by the straight line L1 is a deformation characteristic in which the rigidity in the direction in which the compressive force acts (Z direction) is less than a predetermined value.

"Rigidity in the direction in which the compressive force acts (Z direction)" refers to the load (compressive force) required to displace the skeleton 30 by a unit length in the Z direction, and is expressed as rigidity K1 = (C/M1).

In addition, "rigidity is less than a predetermined value" indicates that the rigidity K1 is smaller than the rigidity K3 indicated by the line L3. The rigidity K3 indicated by the line L3 is the rigidity of the skeleton 30 when the skeletons 32 and 34 are in the state shown in FIG. 12.

In the state shown in FIG. 12, the inner end 32CE of the flat plate 32C in the frame 32 (the end closer to the flat plate 32A in the X direction) is positioned at the same position in the X direction as the end 32AE of the upper base of the flat plate 32A.

Similarly, the inner end 34CE of the flat plate 34C in the frame 34 (the end closer to the flat plate 34A in the X direction) is positioned at the same position in the X direction as the end 34AE of the upper base of the flat plate 34A.

In FIG. 10(C), the skeleton 30 is uniformly deformed in the Z direction, but the deformed shape of the skeleton 30 changes as appropriate depending on the shape, size, and rigidity of the pressing body (collision object) that applies the pressing force.

Similarly, FIG. 13(A) shows a skeleton 30 formed by combining the skeletons 32 and 34 shown in FIG. 9(C). Note that FIG. 13(A) omits illustration of the bag 22, the bag 24, and the bag 20 which is a composite of these.

Figure 13(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the skeleton 30 shown in Figure 13(A). When point P of the skeleton 30 is pressed with a compressive force C(N) along the Z direction, the skeleton 30 deforms as shown in Figure 13(C), and point P moves M2(m) along the Z direction.

At this time, the skeleton 32 shown in FIG. 9(C) deforms so that the ends 32CE on both sides in the X direction approach each other. Similarly, the skeleton 34 deforms so that the ends 34CE on both sides in the X direction approach each other.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 13(C), the skeleton 30 deforms in the direction indicated by the arrow N4 so that its thickness in the Z direction decreases, and its length in the X direction and Y direction decreases (so that its area as viewed from the Z direction decreases).

In other words, in this deformation, the compressive force C(N) causes the skeleton 30 to deform so that it becomes dense, and deforms into a bundle (compressed strut shape) in the direction in which the compressive force C(N) acts. This allows a stable reaction force to be exerted against the collision load of the colliding object.

The deformation characteristic of the skeleton 30 in this deformation is shown by the straight line L2 in FIG. 11. The deformation characteristic of the skeleton 30 shown by the straight line L2 is the deformation characteristic where the rigidity in the direction in which the compressive force acts (Z direction) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and is shown by the rigidity K2 = (C/M2).

"Rigidity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value" indicates that stiffness K2 is equal to or greater than stiffness K3 indicated by line L3.

The skeleton 30 is also capable of plastic deformation (irreversible deformation beyond the elastic deformation limit). In other words, for example, when the skeletons 32 and 34 shown in FIG. 9(C) are further compressed in the Z direction, they can no longer deform in the Z direction. At this time, the flat plates 32B and 34B buckle, and the skeleton 30 shown in FIG. 13(C) is crushed. This buckling and crushing absorbs the collision energy and provides a cushioning effect.

(Materials of the bag)
The material for forming the bag body 20 may be a resin base fabric. There is no particular limitation on the resin material for the base fabric, and any material may be used. Specifically, thermoplastic resins such as general-purpose plastics, general-purpose engineering plastics, and super engineering plastics, and thermosetting resins may be used, and may be appropriately selected according to various applications. Such thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

Among these, aromatic vinyl resins such as polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS resin), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (MAS resin), methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MABS resin), and styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS resin) can be used as general-purpose plastics.

As general-purpose plastics, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polymethacrylic acid, copolymers of these, and acrylic rubber can be used.

Furthermore, vinyl cyanide resins such as polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer, and acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer can be used as general-purpose plastics.

Furthermore, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, and ethylene-propylene rubber can be used as general-purpose plastics.

Furthermore, examples of general-purpose plastics that can be used include polyvinyl chloride resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene terephthalate.

On the other hand, general-purpose engineering plastics that can be used include polyamides such as nylon 6, nylon 66, and nylon 12, polyacetal (polyoxymethylene), polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polybutylene terephthalate, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

As super engineering plastics, polyarylene sulfides such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylates, amorphous polyarylates, thermoplastic polyimides, and liquid crystal polymers such as liquid crystal polyesters can be used.

Furthermore, examples of super engineering plastics that can be used include fluororesins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinyl fluoride.

Other thermoplastic resins that may be used include impact resistant polystyrene (HIPS), acid or acid anhydride modified polyolefin resins, epoxy modified polyolefin resins, cyclic polyolefins, acid or acid anhydride modified acrylic elastomers, epoxy modified acrylic elastomers, silicone rubber, fluororubber, natural rubber, imide group-containing vinyl resins, poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylterephthalate), polylactic acid, polyether ketone, and polyether amide.

As thermosetting resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, melamine resins, thermosetting polyimide resins, thermosetting polyamideimides, thermosetting silicone resins, urea resins, unsaturated polyester resins, urea resins, benzoguanamine resins, alkyd resins, and urethane resins can be used.

In addition, in addition to the resin base fabric exemplified above, materials that can be used to form the bag body 20 include synthetic fibers, natural fibers, minerals, and kaolin minerals.

<Action and Effects>
In a structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a framework 30 is housed inside a bag 20, as shown in FIG.

The skeleton 30 is an assembly of skeletons 32, 34 shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), and these skeletons 32, 34 deform according to the volume of gas filled inside the bags 22, 24 and are maintained in a predetermined shape.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 8(A) to (C), when the gas filled inside the bag body 22 is discharged, the gas between the bag body 22 and the skeleton body 32 decreases, and the bag body 22 deforms so as to fit closely to the skeleton body 32 (arrow N1).

At this time, because the flat plates 32A and 32C that make up the skeleton 32 are joined to the bag body 22, the flat plate 32C joined to the bag body 22 receives a tensile force from the bag body 22. At this time, the flat plates 32C rotate relatively around the hinge H, causing the skeleton 32 to deform (arrow N2). The skeleton 34 shown in Figures 5 (A) to (D) also deforms in a similar manner.

In other words, by adjusting the amount of gas introduced into or discharged from the bags 22 and 24, the shape of the structure 10 when deployed can be adjusted.

In addition, in the structure 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as explained using Figures 10 to 13, the deformation characteristics of the skeleton 30 can be changed depending on the volume of gas.

The deformation characteristics of the skeleton 30 can be such that, as shown by the straight line L2 in FIG. 11 and by FIGS. 13(B) and (C), when a compressive force C(N) acts on the skeleton 30, the stiffness K2=(C/M2) of the skeleton 30 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value K3. This increases the durability of the structure 10 against heavy impact objects.

The skeleton 30 is also plastically deformable. This allows it to absorb collision energy when an object collides with the structure 10.

The deformation characteristics of the skeleton 30 can be such that when a compressive force C(N) acts on it, the stiffness K1=(C/M1) of the skeleton 30 is less than a predetermined stiffness value K3, as shown by the straight line L1 in FIG. 11 and by FIGS. 10(B) and (C). This makes it possible to suppress the load acting from the skeleton 30 on a lightweight colliding object.

In the deformations shown in Figures 10(B) and (C), the framework 30 deforms the bag body 20 (see Figure 1) so that the area in the impact direction (Z direction) of the colliding object is increased. This increases the probability that the colliding object will collide with the bag body 20, making it easier to achieve a cushioning effect.

<Other embodiments>
In the structure 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the cell 14A shown in Figures 8(A) to (C) is formed by housing a skeleton 32 inside a bag 22. Items other than the skeleton 32 can be housed inside this bag 22.

For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8(A), an airbag 40 filled with gas may be disposed inside the bag body 22. The gas filled in the airbag 40 is discharged from the airbag 40 when a compressive force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied.

The configuration for discharging gas from the airbag 40 can be such that the airbag 40 itself bursts when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value, thereby discharging gas.

Alternatively, the airbag 40 may be provided with a vent hole for discharging gas from the airbag 40, and the mechanism may be such that gas is discharged from the vent hole when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value.

In addition, the vent hole can be fitted with a mechanism that allows the opening diameter to be adjusted to adjust the internal pressure at which gas is discharged.

By applying such an airbag 40, it is possible to absorb the collision energy when an object collides with the structure 10. The airbag 40 is particularly effective from the viewpoint of protecting a colliding lightweight object in the deformation caused by the low rigidity of the framework 30 as shown in Figures 10 (A) to (C).

In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the initial state of the skeleton 32 is arranged in such a manner that the flat plates 32A, 32B, and 32C are folded at the hinge H, as shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(D). Therefore, the skeleton 32 has a three-dimensional shape in the initial state.

However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the skeleton 32 may be initially arranged in a flat plate shape, as shown in Figure 4. In this case, a deformation mechanism is provided that deforms the skeleton 32 into a predetermined shape, that is, into the three-dimensional shape shown in Figures 3(A) to (D), before the collision of the collision object.

The deformation mechanism deforms the skeleton 32 from its initial flat plate-like shape to a predetermined shape, and introduces gas into the bag 22. One example of the deformation mechanism is an embodiment in which the bag 22 is made of a stretchable and flexible material. In other words, when the skeleton 32 is arranged in a flat plate-like shape, the bag 22 between the flat plates 32C is held in a stretched state.

To maintain this state, a pressing force is applied to cell 14A from both sides in the Z-axis direction. Then, before the collision of the colliding object, the pressing force is released, causing the skeleton 32 to deform into the three-dimensional shape shown in Figures 3(A) to (D). At the same time, gas is introduced into the interior of the bag body 22.

In order to deform the skeleton 32 into a three-dimensional shape, the flat plates 32C on both sides in the X direction may be connected to each other with an elastic member such as a spring. The elastic member applies a biasing force in a direction that brings the flat plates 32C closer to each other when the skeleton 32 is arranged in a flat plate shape.

Alternatively, the member forming the hinge H may be made of an elastic material, and a biasing force may be applied to this elastic material so that it deforms into the three-dimensional shape shown in Figures 3(A) to (D) when the skeleton 32 is arranged in a flat plate shape.

Furthermore, in order to deform the skeleton 32 into a three-dimensional shape, the flat plates 32A, 32B, 32C and the hinge H in the skeleton 32 may be integrally formed using a shape memory alloy.

Similar configurations can be applied to the skeleton 34 and the pouch 24. These configurations can also be applied to various modified versions (skeleton 36, 38, etc.).

In this way, by forming the frameworks 32, 34 in a flat plate shape in the initial state, the volume of the structure 10 in the initial state can be reduced compared to when gas is introduced inside the bag body 20. This allows the storage space for the structure 10 to be reduced.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the deformation characteristics of the skeleton 30 include both deformation characteristics in which the rigidity of the skeleton 30 is less than a predetermined value K3 when a compressive force C(N) is applied, and deformation characteristics in which the rigidity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value K3, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the deformation characteristics of the skeleton 30 may be such that the skeleton 30 only has deformation characteristics that make the rigidity of the skeleton 30 less than a predetermined value K3, or only has deformation characteristics that make the rigidity of the skeleton 30 equal to or greater than the predetermined value K3.

In other words, the deformation characteristics of the skeleton 30 can be appropriately selected depending on the anticipated collision object. For example, when the purpose is to protect passengers inside a vehicle, it is preferable that the skeleton 30 only has deformation characteristics that result in a rigidity of less than a predetermined value K3.

20 Bag 22 Bag 24 Bag 26 Bag 28 Bag 30 Skeleton 32 Skeleton 32A Flat plate 32B Flat plate 32C Flat plate 34 Skeleton 34A Flat plate 34B Flat plate 34C Flat plate 36 Skeleton 38 Skeleton 40 Airbag H Hinge

Claims (7)

A bag body capable of introducing and discharging gas;
A skeleton housed inside the bag and joined to the bag;
Equipped with
the skeleton is capable of deforming into a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag and of retaining the deformed shape ,
When a compressive force is applied, the skeleton and the bag change into different shapes depending on the shape of the skeleton held, and the area of the bag as viewed from the direction in which the compressive force is applied changes to be larger or smaller depending on the shape of the skeleton held .
Shape-changing structure. A bag body capable of introducing and discharging gas;
A skeleton housed inside the bag and joined to the bag;
Equipped with
the framework is deformable into a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag,
The area of the bag body when viewed from a predetermined direction changes in response to the deformation of the skeleton, and
The framework is formed by a plurality of flat plates connected by hinges,
At least two of the flat plates are joined to the bag body,
As the gas filled inside the bag body is discharged, the at least two flat plates joined to the bag body are displaced relative to each other to deform the skeleton.
Shape- changing structure. The framework is
The deformation characteristics change depending on the volume of the gas when a compressive force is applied,
The deformation characteristic is
a deformation characteristic in which the rigidity of the skeleton in the direction in which the compressive force acts is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
a deformation characteristic in which the rigidity of the skeleton in the direction in which the compressive force acts is less than a predetermined value; and
The shape-variable structure according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: The skeleton is plastically deformable.
The shape-variable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An air bag filled with gas is disposed inside the bag body,
The gas sealed in the airbag is discharged from the airbag when a compressive force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied.
The shape-variable structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A bag body capable of introducing and discharging gas;
A skeleton housed inside the bag and joined to the bag;
Equipped with
the framework is deformable into a predetermined shape according to the volume of the gas filled inside the bag,
The area of the bag body when viewed from a predetermined direction changes in response to the deformation of the skeleton, and
A deformation mechanism for deforming the skeleton into a predetermined shape is provided,
The deformation mechanism includes:
The framework is deformed from an initial shape formed in a flat plate shape to the predetermined shape, and a gas is introduced into the bag body.
Shape- changing structure. The deformation characteristic is
a deformation characteristic in which the material is deformed by compressive force so as to become dense and the rigidity becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
The shape-variable structure according to claim 3 , which has a deformation characteristic in which a compressive force causes ends in a direction intersecting a compression direction to deform away from each other, so that rigidity becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.