JPH0623475Y2 - Airbag assembly mounting structure - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial field of application] The present invention relates to a steering wheel (handle) of an automobile.
The present invention relates to a mounting structure of an airbag assembly for protecting an occupant, which is provided in a vehicle and inflates in an emergency such as a collision.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, an airbag assembly EA is mounted inside a steering wheel S. Here, the airbag assembly EA includes an inflator 1 as a gas generator, and the inflator 1
And an airbag 2 made of canvas, which is arranged so as to cover the inflator 1 and is greatly inflated by the gas generated from the inflator 1. Further, the inflator 1 and the airbag 2 are box-shaped made of sheet metal or hard resin. It is attached to the module housing 3 '. That is, an opening 3'a is formed in the central portion of the module housing 3 ',
The inflator 1 is attached so as to be fitted into the opening 3'a, and the opening edge of the airbag 2 is attached to the edge of the opening 3'a of the module housing 3'via a retainer 4.

After the airbag 2 is inflated, the airbag 2 is appropriately vented so that the airbag 2 can be deflated while discharging the gas inside the airbag 2 when the occupant's face or the like is supported. Are formed.

The module housing 3'is attached to the spokes (spoke core metal portion) 5 of the steering wheel S with bolts 6'and nuts 7 '.
Is inserted from the side of the instrument panel, that is, the back side of the steering wheel S (direction of arrow a) to be attached.

Furthermore, a soft resin (high-density urethane foam) that covers the airbag 2 from outside with the airbag 2 folded.
A box-shaped cover member 8'made of metal is provided. When the cover member 8'is set so as to cover the airbag 2, a recess 8'a formed in the inner portion of the cover member 8'is provided. Is engaged with a flange portion 3'b formed on the rising portion of the module housing 3 ', so that the module housing 3'can be mounted in alignment with the module housing 3'.

When the airbag 2 is inflated, the cover member 8'is disengaged from the module housing 3'to allow the airbag 2 to inflate, or a fragile portion is formed in a part of the cover member 8'with a door-shaped contour. As the airbag 2 is inflated, the fragile portion is torn and the door is opened so that the airbag 2 is allowed to inflate.

Further, in the steering wheel S, the portion of the spoke 5 is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft 9 via the nut 10 before the attachment of the airbag assembly EA.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, in such a conventional air bag assembly mounting structure, when mounting the air bag assembly,
Since the bolts are attached from the back side of the module housing through the bolts, there is a problem that it is difficult to attach because it interferes with the instrument panel and the like.

Therefore, it is conceivable to reverse the relationship between the bolt 6'and the nut 7'in FIG. 11 and attach the bolt 6'through the direction of the arrow b, but this is done when the bolt 6'is tightened. There is a problem that it interferes with 2.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 48-83338 proposes that a substrate and a cover are attached to a predetermined attaching portion with bolts. With such a construction, workability at the time of attaching inside the steering hole is proposed. There is a problem with.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, so that the airbag assembly can be attached to the inside of the steering wheel so that the bolts can be tightened so as not to interfere with the instrument panel or the airbag. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting structure for an airbag assembly.

[Means for solving problems]

Therefore, the mounting structure of the airbag assembly of the present invention includes a gas generator, an airbag which is arranged to cover the gas generator and is inflated by the gas generated from the gas generator, and the gas generator described above. And an airbag assembly having a module housing for attaching the airbag, respectively, and a cover member that covers the airbag in the folded state and is attached so as to be aligned with the module housing. A cover flange portion extending outward is provided, and a bolt insertion hole is formed in the cover flange portion,
A box portion is formed to accommodate the head portion of the bolt in a state where the bolt is inserted into the bolt insertion hole, and the top opening portion of the box portion is fitted with a blind lid that covers the opening portion.
Further, the module housing is provided with a housing flange portion that overlaps with the cover flange portion when the cover member is attached, and a bolt insertion hole that is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion is formed in the housing flange portion. The airbag assembly is attached to the inside of the steering wheel by the bolts inserted from the cover member side into the bolt insertion holes aligned with each other at the overlapping portion of the cover flange portion and the housing flange portion. It is characterized by that.

[Action]

In the mounting structure of the airbag assembly of the present invention described above,
To attach the airbag assembly to the inside of the steering wheel, cover the module housing with the cover member so that the cover flange portion and the housing flange portion overlap with each other, and then tighten the bolts from the cover member side to the overlapped portion. , It is installed inside the steering wheel.

At this time, the bolt head is housed in the box, and then the blind lid is fitted into the top opening of the box.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 3 show a mounting structure of an airbag assembly as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mounting state of the airbag assembly to a steering wheel, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where the structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the line II-II in FIG. 4, and FIG. 3 is a case where the structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the relationship between the housing flange portion and the reaction plate portion of the module housing, and in FIG. 1 to FIG. The same part is shown.

Also in the case of the first embodiment, the airbag assembly EA is mounted inside the steering wheel S as shown in FIGS. Here, the airbag assembly E
A has an inflator 1 as a gas generator and an airbag 2 made of canvas which is arranged so as to cover the inflator 1 and greatly expands by the gas generated from the inflator 1. The inflator 1 and the airbag 2 are attached to a box-shaped module housing 3 made of sheet metal or hard resin. That is, an opening 3a is formed in the central portion of the module housing 3, the inflator 1 is attached so as to be fitted into the opening 3a, and the opening edge portion of the airbag 2 is located at the opening 3a of the module housing 3. It is attached to the edge via a retainer 4.

In addition, a box-shaped cover member 8 made of a soft resin (high-density urethane foam) that covers the airbag 2 from the outside in a folded state of the airbag 2 is provided, and the cover member 8 covers the airbag 2. The module housing 3 is aligned so as to overlap with the module housing 3 in a state of being set so as to cover it from the outside.

By the way, the cover member 8 has two pairs of cover flange portions 8A extending leftward and rightward so as to project outward, and each cover flange portion 8A has a bolt insertion hole. Further, each cover flange portion 8A is formed with a box portion 8B for accommodating the bolt head portion 6A in a state where the bolt 6 is inserted into the cover flange portion 8A,
Each box portion 8B has a shape in which a cover flange portion 8A is formed on the bottom portion thereof, and the top portion thereof is open. A blind lid (decorative plate) 11 that covers the top opening is fitted in the top opening.

Further, in the module housing 3 as well, a housing flange portion 3A that overlaps with the cover flange portion 8A when the cover member 8 is attached is processed by cutting a part of the module housing 3 at a total of four locations (see FIG. 4). Is formed, and each housing flange portion 3A is formed with a bolt insertion hole that is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion 8A.

Therefore, with the blind lid 11 removed, the module housing 3 and the cover member 8 are overlapped and the housing flange portion 3A and the cover flange portion 8A are overlapped to align the bolt insertion holes, and further the spokes. The bolt 6 is aligned with the bolt insertion hole formed in 5, and then the bolt 6 is attached to the cover member 8.
The airbag assembly EA can be attached to the inside of the steering wheel S by applying the nut 7 from the side to the back side and tightening the bolt 6. Here, this mounting state is shown in FIG.

The nut 7 may be welded to the spoke 5 in advance.

The rising portions of the module housing 3 other than the housing flange portion 3A are, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a rear plate portion 3B whose upper end is slightly bent outward.
It is formed as, and this reaction plate part 3
B engages with the recess 8C formed in the inner wall portion of the cover member 8 so that the cover member 8 may move in the direction of arrow A, when the airbag 2 is inflated.
I try not to scatter in the B direction.

It should be noted that, for example, an H-shaped or X-shaped fragile portion is formed on the end surface portion of the cover member 8 covering the airbag 2, and the fragile portion is H-shaped or X-shaped as the airbag 2 expands. The cover member 8 is opened in such a manner that the door is torn and the door is opened.
It is able to expand to the outside.

In order to attach the airbag assembly EA to the steering wheel S having the above-described structure, the inflator 1 and the folded airbag 2 are set so that the set module housing 3 is covered with the cover member 8. The recess plate 8C of the housing 3 is engaged with the reaction plate portion 3B of the module housing 3, and the cover flange portion 8A and the housing flange portion 3A are overlapped with each other, and the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion 8A and the bolt of the housing flange portion 3A are After aligning with the insertion holes and further with the bolt insertion holes of the spokes 5, the bolts 6 are inserted from the cover member 8 side into the respective bolt insertion holes, and the bolts 6 are tightened. Let it screw together.

In this way, the airbag assembly EA is attached to the spokes 5 of the steering wheel S by the bolts 6 inserted from the cover member 8 side into the overlapping portions of the cover flange portion 8A and the housing flange portion 3A, and thus the bolt 6 The fastening work can be performed easily without interfering with the airbag 2, and thus the workability is improved.

In addition, since the airbag assembly EA can be assembled in advance, the steering wheel S can be easily attached to the spokes 5, and further, the work in the narrow cabin of the moving vehicle on the conveyor in the production line can be performed. It can be simplified and work efficiency is improved.

After tightening the bolt 6, the blind lid 11 is placed to hide the bolt head 6A of the bolt 6.

Then, when an emergency situation such as a collision occurs while driving the automobile with the airbag assembly EA attached as described above, the inflator 1 rapidly generates gas due to the action of a sensor (not shown), and the airbag 2 The air bag 2 is inflated in a short time (for example, about 3/100 seconds). At this time, the fragile portion of the cover member 8 along the H-shape or the X-shape is torn and the door is opened. It can be fully expanded without being damaged.

At this time, the bolt 6 also serves as a retainer for the cover member 8, so that the cover member 8 is prevented from scattering in combination with the action of the reaction plate portion 3B.

Further, since the blind lid 11 that covers the bolt head 6A of the bolt 6 is located outside the cover member 8, the blind lid 11 does not jump out when the airbag 2 is inflated.

5 to 7 show a mounting structure of an air bag assembly as a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows V of FIG.
-Partial cross-sectional view showing a case where the present structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the arrow V line, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where the present structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the line VI-VI in FIG. , 7th
The drawing is a schematic perspective view showing the relationship between the housing flange portion and the reaction plate portion of the module housing, and in FIGS. 5 to 7, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. Shows.

In the case of the second embodiment, the housing flange portion 3A and the reaction plate portion 3B formed on the module housing 3 are different from those of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the module housing 3
The cover flange portion 8A when the cover member 8 is attached.
The housing flange portion 3A which overlaps with is formed at a total of four places by processing the flange portion obtained by bending the upper end of the rising portion of the module housing 3 outward (see FIG. 7). .

Note that each housing flange portion 3A is formed with a bolt insertion hole that is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion 8A.

Further, the cover member 8 is formed with a concave groove 8D into which the base of each housing flange 3A is fitted.

Therefore, the module housing 3 and the cover member 8 are overlapped with the blind lid 11 removed, and the housing flange portion 3A and the cover flange portion 8A are overlapped to align the bolt insertion holes, and further the spokes 5 The airbag assembly EA can be attached to the inside of the steering wheel S by aligning the bolt 6 with the bolt insertion hole formed in the above, and then tightening the bolt 6 by passing the bolt 6 from the cover member 8 side and applying the nut 7 to the back side. You can do it.
Here, this mounting state is shown in FIG.

The nut 7 may be previously welded to the spoke 5 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the flange portion of the rising portion of the module housing 3 other than the housing flange portion 3A is formed as a reaction plate portion 3B.
Engages with the recess 8C formed in the inner wall portion of the cover member 8 so that the cover member 8 can move through the arrows A and B when the airbag 2 is inflated.
I try not to scatter in the direction.

It should be noted that, for example, an H-shaped or X-shaped fragile portion is formed on the end surface portion of the cover member 8 that covers the airbag 2, and the fragile portion becomes H-shaped or X-shaped as the airbag 2 expands. The cover member 8 is opened in such a manner that the cover member 8 is torn and the door is opened.
The fact that it can expand to the outside is the first
Same as the embodiment.

In order to attach the airbag assembly EA to the steering wheel S having the above-described structure, the inflator 1 and the folded airbag 2 are set so that the set module housing 3 is covered with the cover member 8. The rear plate portion 3B of the module housing 3 is engaged with the recess 8C of the housing 8 and the base portion of the housing flange portion 3A is inserted into the groove 8 of the cover member 8.
The cover flange portion 8A and the housing flange portion 3A are overlapped with each other by fitting into D and the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion 8A is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the housing flange portion 3A, and further, the bolt insertion hole of the spoke 5 is also aligned. From the cover member 8 side to the bolt 6
The nut 6 on the back side by screwing the bolt 6 through and tightening the bolt 6.

In this way, the airbag assembly EA is attached to the spokes 5 of the steering wheel S by the bolts 6 inserted from the cover member 8 side into the overlapping portions of the cover flange portion 8A and the housing flange portion 3A, and thus the above-described first The same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

After tightening the bolt 6, the blind lid 11 is placed to hide the bolt head 6A of the bolt 6.

Then, when an emergency situation such as a collision occurs while driving the automobile with the airbag assembly EA attached as described above, the inflator 1 rapidly generates gas due to the action of a sensor (not shown), and the airbag 2 The air bag 2 is inflated in a short time (for example, about 3/100 seconds). At this time, the fragile portion of the cover member 8 along the H-shape or the X-shape is torn and the door is opened. The fact that the bolt 6 can be sufficiently expanded without being damaged is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and at this time, the bolt 6 is not covered by the cover member 8.
As it also holds down, the reaction plate part 3
In combination with the action of B, the cover member 8 is prevented from scattering, and the blind lid 11 that covers the bolt head 6A of the bolt 6 is located outside the cover member 8, so the airbag 2
The fact that the blind lid 11 does not pop out during expansion of is also the same as in the first embodiment described above.

8 to 10 show a mounting structure of an airbag assembly as a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows a case where the structure is cut at a portion corresponding to a line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view showing a case where this structure is cut at a portion corresponding to the line IX-IX in FIG. 10, and FIG. 10 is a housing flange portion and a rear contact of the module housing. It is a typical perspective view which shows the relationship with a Yong plate part, and is 1-7,11 in FIGS.
The same reference numerals as those in the figure indicate almost the same parts.

Also in the third embodiment, the housing flange portion 3A and the reaction plate portion 3B of the module housing 3 are different from those in the first and second embodiments. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the module housing 3 is provided with a housing bracket 31 as a housing flange portion of a member different from the module housing 3 which overlaps with the cover flange portion 8A when the cover member 8 is attached. The base portion is fixed to the module housing 3 at a total of four places by bolts, welding or the like.

It should be noted that each housing bracket 31 is formed with a bolt insertion hole that is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion 8A.

Therefore, the module housing 3 and the cover member 8 are overlapped with the blind lid 11 removed, the housing bracket 31 and the cover flange portion 8A are overlapped to align the bolt insertion holes, and further to the spokes 5. The airbag assembly EA can be attached to the inside of the steering wheel S by aligning the bolt 6 with the formed bolt insertion hole and then passing the bolt 6 through the cover member 8 side and applying the nut 7 to the back side to tighten the bolt 6. Of.
Here, the state of this attachment is shown in FIG.

The nuts 7 may be welded to the spokes 5 in advance as in the first and second embodiments.

Further, the rising portion of the module housing 3 is
As shown in FIG. 10, it is formed as a reaction plate portion 3B whose upper end is bent slightly outward, and this reaction plate portion 3B engages with a recess 8C formed in the inner wall portion of the cover member 8. The cover member 8 is prevented from scattering in the directions of arrows A and B when the airbag 2 is inflated.

It should be noted that, for example, an H-shaped or X-shaped fragile portion is formed on the end surface portion of the cover member 8 that covers the airbag 2, and the fragile portion becomes H-shaped or X-shaped as the airbag 2 expands. The cover member 8 is opened in such a manner that the cover member 8 is torn and the door is opened.
The fact that it can be expanded outward is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above.

In order to attach the airbag assembly EA to the steering wheel S having the above-described structure, the inflator 1 and the folded airbag 2 are set so that the set module housing 3 is covered with the cover member 8. While engaging the reaction plate portion 3B of the module housing 3 in the recess 8C of the module housing 3, the cover flange portion 8A and the housing bracket 31 are overlapped, and the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion 8A and the bolt insertion hole of the housing bracket 31 are formed. And the bolt insertion holes of the spokes 5 are aligned, and then the bolts 6 are inserted from the cover member 8 side into the respective bolt insertion holes, and the bolts 6 are tightened to be screwed into the nut 7 on the back side. Go on.

In this way, the airbag assembly EA is attached to the spokes 5 of the steering wheel S by the bolts 6 inserted from the cover member 8 side to the cover flange portion 8A and the overlapping portion of the housing bracket 31, so that the above-mentioned first The same effects and advantages as the second embodiment can be obtained.

After tightening the bolt 6, the blind lid 11 is placed to hide the bolt head 6A of the bolt 6.

Then, when an emergency situation such as a collision occurs while the vehicle is being driven with the airbag assembly EA attached as described above, the airbag 2 is left in a short time (for example, about 3/100 seconds).
, But at this time, the cover member 8 has an H shape or an X shape.
Because the fragile part along the letter shape will be torn off and the door will open,
The airbag 2 can be inflated sufficiently without being hindered from inflating the same as in the first and second embodiments described above. At this time, the bolt 6 also serves as a pressing member for the cover member 8. In combination with the action of the portion 3B, the cover member 8 is prevented from scattering and the bolt 6
The blind lid 11 that covers the bolt head 6A of the blind lid 1 is located outside the cover member 8, so that the blind lid 1 is inflated when the airbag 2 is inflated.
The fact that 1 does not jump out is the same as in the first and second embodiments described above.

In addition, the blind lid 1 has a hinge formed at one end thereof.
1 may be formed integrally with the cover member 8, and in this way there is no risk of losing the blind lid 11.

Further, the blind lid 11 may be provided with a recess for fitting the bolt head 6A, and the blind head 11 may be provided so that the bolt head 6A is fitted in the recess.

[Effect of device]

As described above in detail, according to the mounting structure of the airbag assembly of the present invention, the gas generator and the airbag which is disposed so as to cover the gas generator and is inflated by the gas generated from the gas generator. An airbag assembly having a module housing for mounting the gas generator and the airbag, respectively, and a cover member that covers the airbag in the folded state and is mounted so as to be aligned with the module housing. In addition, the cover member is provided with a cover flange portion that extends outward, a bolt insertion hole is formed in the cover flange portion, and the bolt head is in a state where the bolt is inserted in the bolt insertion hole. Is formed, and a blind lid that covers the opening is fitted into the top opening of the box. The module housing is provided with a housing flange portion that overlaps with the cover flange portion when the cover member is attached, and the housing flange portion is formed with a bolt insertion hole that is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion. The airbag assembly is attached to the inside of the steering wheel by the bolts inserted from the cover member side into the bolt insertion holes aligned with each other in the overlapping portion of the cover flange portion and the housing flange portion. With a simple configuration, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

(1) By fastening the bolts from the cover member side, the entire airbag assembly can be assembled and workability is improved.

(2) Since the bolt fastening position is outside the cover member, the airbag is not damaged when the bolt is fastened.

(3) Since the bolt also serves as a retainer for the cover member, it is possible to prevent the cover member from scattering when the airbag is inflated.

(4) Since the air bag assembly can be pre-assembled, it is easy to attach the air bag assembly, which simplifies the work in the narrow cabin of the vehicle moving on the conveyor on the production line. Efficiency improves.

(5) Since the airbag assembly is attached to the steering wheel from the cover member side through the attachment bolts, the attachment workability is improved without interfering with in-vehicle components such as instrument panel during attachment.

(6) Since the bolt is inserted in the flange portion extending outward of the cover member, the bolt does not interfere with the airbag arranged in the cover when the bolt is attached.

(7) Since the head of the mounting bolt is housed in the box and the blind lid is fitted in the opening, the bolt head is prevented from being exposed.

(8) Since the blind lid of the opening is located outside the cover, the blind lid does not pop out when the airbag is inflated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 to 4 show a mounting structure of an airbag assembly as a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows a mounting state of the airbag assembly to a steering wheel. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where the present structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the line II-II in FIG. 4, and FIG. 3 is a portion corresponding to the line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where this structure is cut by, and FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the relationship between the housing flange portion and the reaction plate portion of the module housing, and FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a mounting structure of an airbag assembly as a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where this structure is cut at a portion corresponding to the line VV in FIG. The figure shows the part corresponding to the line of view VI-VI in Fig. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the relationship between the housing flange portion of the module housing and the reaction plate portion, and FIG. 8 to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a mounting structure of an airbag assembly as a third embodiment, and FIG.
VIII-VIII is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where the present structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the arrow line, and FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a case where the present structure is cut along a portion corresponding to the IX-IX arrow line of FIG. FIG. 10 and FIG. 10 are schematic perspective views showing the relationship between the housing flange portion and the reaction plate portion of the module housing, and FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of a conventional airbag assembly. . 1 ... Inflator as gas generator, 2 ... Airbag, 3 ... Module housing, 3a ... Opening, 3
A ... Housing flange part, 3B ... Reaction plate part, 4 ... Retainer, 5 ... Spoke, 6 ... Bolt, 6A ... Bolt head, 7 ... Nut, 8 ... Cover member, 8A ... ... Cover flange, 8B ... Box, 8C ... Recess, 8D ... Groove, 9 ... Steering shaft, 10 ... Nut, 11 ... Blind lid, 31 ... Housing bracket as housing flange , E
A: Airbag assembly, S: Steering wheel.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A gas generator, an air bag arranged to cover the gas generator and inflated by a gas generated from the gas generator, and a module for mounting the gas generator and the air bag, respectively. A cover flange portion extending outwardly to the cover member, the airbag assembly having a shell housing and a cover member that covers the airbag in a folded state and is attached to the module housing so as to be aligned with the module housing. Is provided, a bolt insertion hole is formed in the cover flange portion, and a box portion for storing the bolt head in a state where the bolt is inserted in the bolt insertion hole is formed, and the box portion of the box portion is formed. A blind lid that covers the opening is fitted into the top opening, and the cover is attached to the module housing with the cover member attached. A housing flange portion that overlaps with the cover flange portion is provided, and a bolt insertion hole that is aligned with the bolt insertion hole of the cover flange portion is formed in the housing flange portion, and the airbag assembly is provided from the cover member side. An attachment structure for an airbag assembly, characterized in that the attachment structure is attached inside a steering wheel by means of bolts inserted into bolt insertion holes that are aligned with each other in the overlapping portion of the cover flange portion and the housing flange portion.