MXPA99011435A - Apparatus for deploying an airbag through a hard panel - Google Patents

Abstract

Un aparato para desplegar una bolsa de aire (24) a través de un tablero automotriz (12) incluye una puerta (16) de la bolsa de aire formada a manera integral en el tablero (12) y definida por un extremo frágil de sección transversal reducida. Un surtidor (20) soporta a la bolsa de aire (24) detrás de la puerta (16). Una placa metálica de reacción estácolocada entre la bolsa de aire (24) y la puerta (16). Cuando la bolsa de aire (24) se infla, forza a la placa de reacción (28) para que se doble alrededor de una línea de articulación (36). Al girar, la placa de reacción concentra la fuerza de inflado a lo largo de una porción inferior del extremo frágil (18) de la puerta. Por lo menos una correa limita lo máximo que la puerta (16) puede desplazarse.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYING AN AIR BAG THROUGH A HARD BOARD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This application is a Continuation in Part of the American patent application No. 08 / 871,243 filed on June 9, 1997, attorney's file number P-755. This invention relates generally to a passive supplementary inflatable restriction system (PSIR) having a PSIR door that is integrally formed with an instrument board and, more particularly to the system having a PSIR door integrally formed with a first instrument panel. hard surface. A passive supplementary restraint system that has a PSIR gate that is integrally formed within an instrument panel in an automotive vehicle must also include certain provisions to guide-or otherwise facilitate the opening and partial separation of that PSIR gate from the instrument panel with which it is integrally formed. This is particularly true of PSIR doors that are integrally formed within hard surface first dashboards. The "first surface" of a board is the exterior cosmetic surface that would be visible to the occupant of the vehicle. Hard surface first boards are typically formed by injection molding one or more plastic materials. - To close the openings through which the airbag is deployed on the instrument boards of the first hard surface, many current PSIR systems use a separate "additional" PSIR door. One reason why current PSIR systems add a separate PSIR door in such applications is because it is difficult to cause a break seam to break and / or tear in a predictable manner under the sudden shock of an airbag being unfolding Even weakened, a breaking seam that integrally joins a PSIR door and the dashboard that surrounds it can fracture into an unpredictable torn form that can affect the deployment of the airbag. An example "of a hard surface first system is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,472,228 assigned to Morton International and issued December 5, 1995. This patent discloses a hard door reinforced with a reaction plate. unfolds, the reaction plate forces the door in a direction that will break the weakened fasteners securing the door to the dashboard.Another of Morton's hard-door concepts is shown in U.S. Patent Number 5,533,756, issued on 9 July 1996. This system includes a reaction plate with reinforced edges.When the air bag deploys, it acts on the reaction plate to cause the retaining succession rods to free themselves from the fasteners. that, in response to the deployment of the air bag, help to separate and open the PSIR door that is integrally formed inside an instrument board. What is also needed is that such an apparatus help to separate and open the PSIR door which is integrally formed within a hard surface first instrument board. An apparatus 10, 10X 10", of passive supplementary restriction for an automotive vehicle comprises a board 12, 12 ', 12", 12s of interior vehicle and a door 16, 16', 16", 16s of deployment of airbag , is integrally formed on the board 12, 12 ', 12", 12s of the vehicle. The air bag deployment door 16, 16 ', 16", 16s has a perimeter, at least a portion of which is defined by a brittle marginal end 18, 18', 18", 18s. A .20, 20 ', 20", 20s air bag dispenser is supported adjacent to the inner door surface 38, 38', 38", 38s opposite the 22, 22_d 22", 22sr exterior door surface. bag, 24, 24 ', 24", 24s of air is supported in a receptacle 26, 26 ', 26", 26s of the pump 20, 20', 20", 20s of air bag. The bag 24, 24 ', 24", 24s of air has an inner end 27, 27', 27", 27s operatively connected to the spout 20, 20 ', 20", 20s of the air bag and one end 30, 30. "30", 30s outside arranged adjacent to the door 16, 16 ', 16", 16s of deployment of air bag Characterizing the invention is a plate 28, 28', 28", 28s of reaction arranged between the bag 24, 24 ', 24", air 24s and door 16, 16', 16", 16s of deployment of air bag. The present invention is different from the passive supplementary restriction systems of the prior art exu that include a reaction plate positioned to receive the deployment force of the air bag of the supplier 20, 20 ', 20", 20s The reaction plate then directs and distributes that force against the interior surface 38, 38 ', 38", 38s of the door. In this way, the reaction plate concentrates the forces that open the air bag along the 18, 18 ', 18", 18 fragile marginal edge of the door 16, 16', 16", 16s causing the door 16, 16 ', 16", 16s separate from board 12, 12', 12", 12s of vehicle along end 18, 18 ', 18", fragile marginal 18s BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To understand and To better appreciate the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first passive restriction system constructed in accordance with the present invention and installed on an automotive panel; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional end view of the passive restraint system of the. Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic view of the passive restriction system of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional end view of a "second passive restraint system constructed in accordance with the present invention;" Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a PSIR gate of the passive restraint system of the Figure. 4 - Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the PSIR door of Figure 5 installed on an automotive panel, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional end view of the passive restriction system of Figure 4 ~ during inflation of the air bag; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a thermostatic pin of the passive re- striction system of Figures 1-3; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third passive restriction system constructed in accordance with the present invention and installed in an automotive panel; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the passive restriction system of Figure 9 taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the passive restraint system of Figure 9 taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9 during inflation of the air bag; Figure 12 is a first cross-sectional view of a fourth passive restriction system constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the passive restraint system of Figure 12 during inflation of an air bag; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the passive restriction system of Figure IX taken through the screw hole of the system; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the passive restriction system of Figure 12 taken through the screw hole of the system during inflation of. the air bag; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the passive restraint system of Figure 12 taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14; and Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the passive restraint system of Figures 9-11 including an alternative belt attachment construction. A first embodiment of a passive supplementary restraint apparatus for an automotive vehicle is generally indicated at 10 in Figures 1-3. A second embodiment is generally indicated at 10 'in Figures 4-7. A third . mode is generally indicated at 10"in Figures 9-11.The reference numbers with the designation (d in Figures 4-7 and double prime (") in Figures 9-11 indicate alternative configurations of items that also appear in the first embodiment Wherein a portion of the following description uses a reference number to refer to the figures, it is intended that the portion of the description apply equally to the elements ^ designated by the numbers with 'premium in the Figures 4-7 and numbers with double prime in Figures 9-11 An alternative construction of the tej: wax, mode is generally indicated at 10b in Figure 17. The "reference numbers with the suffix" b "in Figure 17 indicate elements of Figure 17 which correspond to similar or identical elements shown in Figures 9-11, wherein a portion of the description of the third embodiment uses a reference number to refer to the figures, and it is intended that that portion of the description apply equally to the elements designated by the suffix "b" in Figure 17. In Figure 1, the passive supplementary restriction apparatus is shown hidden behind an automotive t-handle 12 on the passenger under the windshield 14 of a vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus includes the board 12, and an air bag deployment door 16 integrally formed in the board 12 and having a perimeter defined, in parts, by a hidden marginal end 18. The perimeter can also be defined as - the lateral limit of the door 16 - the door 16 is defined as the portion of the board 12 integrally formed and the door 16 that can be separated or folded, from the board 12 - under the force of the Inflated airbag. The door 16 and the automotive panel 12 are integrally formed as a single unit piece. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an air bag spout assembly 20 is supported behind the door 16, ie, on one side of the door 16 opposite the outer surface 22 of the door. The spout 20 is also disposed adjacent and aligned with the air bag deployment door 16. As best seen in Figure 2, the air bag spout 20 is configured to direct deployment of the air bag along a deployment path through the door 16 of the air bag. Automotive 12 board, the airbag deployment path will travel as it inflates during deployment. The airbag deployment path is best exemplified by the respective areas occupied by the inflated airbags shown at 24 'in Figure 7, 24"in Figure 11, and in 24s, in Figures 13 and 15. The The dispenser 20 can be any suitable type of air bag dispenser including, for example, the dispenser described in US Pat. No. 5,564,731, which is incorporated herein by reference.An air bag 24 is supported in the reservoir bag 26 air from the air bag spout 20 and is operatively connected to the air bag spout 23 at an open end 27 of the air bag 24. A closed outer end 30 of the air bag 24 is disposed adjacent to the air bag. opening door 16 of the air bag 24. As best shown in Figure 2, a rigid metal reaction plate 28_ is positioned between the air bag 24. and the air bag deployment door 16. piad 28 reaction it receives the force of the deployment of the air bag when the air bag 24 is inflated outside the jet 20. The reaction plate 28 directs and distributes that force through the door 16 to predictably separate the door 16. of the board 12 along the hidden marginal end 18 of the door 16. By distributing the opening forces of the air bag 24 to through the door 16, the reaction plate 28 also serves to prevent the doors from opening of the air bag 24: concentrate elsewhere in the door 16 which may result in fractures and / or fragmentation of the board 12_ or the door 16. In the present embodiment, the reaction plate 28 is positioned for concentrating the air bag opening forces along a portion of the hidden marginal end 18 which extends along the leading edge end 46 of the door 16. The reaction plate 28 is thus positioned to initiate the. _ breaking the marginal end at the leading edge end 46 and then allowing the break to propagate upwardly along the two lateral edges of the door 16. Alternatively, the breaking d * the marginal end may be initiated at the end 46 marginal front and along the two lateral edges- _ virtually at the same time. The reaction plate 18 is preferably made of cold rolled steel, but may be of any other material having a characteristic of. proper force and bending distribution. As best shown in Figure 3, the reaction plate 28 includes an outer marginal end 32 of reaction plate having a shape generally identical to that of the marginal end 18 hidden from the door 16 of e. deployment of air bag. The marginal end 32 of the reaction plate is aligned with it. extreme 18. marginal. hidden from the door - 16 air bag deployment to concentrate the inflation stress of the bag 24 air to it. along the marginal edge 18 hidden from the airbag deployment door 16. As shown in Figure 2, plate 28 of. The reaction is pivotally connected along the inner end 34 of the reaction plate to the air bag spout apparatus 20. However, in other embodiments, the reaction plate 28 may be pivotally attached to a board portion 12 or to other supporting structures that surround it ... an external pivotable portion of the reaction plate 28, generally indicated at Figures 2 and 3, pivots "" up and out away from the 2Q-air bag spout. The portion 35 of the external reaction plate is pivoted by bending along a first horizontal articulation line 36 of the reaction plate 28 which extends in a parallel fashion and is adjacent to the end 34 of the rigidly fixed internal plate. of articulation "defines a marginal inner edge of the outer portion 35 of the outer plate. A pivotable lower board portion 42 of the reaction plate also pivots by bending along a horizontal hinge line 34 of the reaction plate 28 which extends parallel to the first hinge line 36. The force of an air bag that is inflated "causes the outer portion 35 of the reaction plate 28, which includes the pivotable lower board portion 42 of the reaction plate 28, to pivot outwardly. The pivotable lower board of the reaction plate 28 will then continue to pivot at an angularly spaced position from the air bag deployment path and more than 45 degrees from its position prior to deployment of the bag. bottom board portions of the reaction plates are shown with reference to the lower board portions 42 'and 42"in Figures 7 and 11, respectively. "" As shown in Figure 2, the "" outer portion 35 of the reaction plate 28 is positioned adjacent an interior surface 38 of the door and opposite the surface 33 of the outer door. As best seen in Figure 2, the outer portion 35 and, therefore, the pivotable lower board portion 42 of the plate 28 xle reacts is separated from the door 16. This allows the outer portion 35. 42 of the pivotable lower board of the reaction plate 28 move independently of the door 16 following the separation of the door. This prevents the outer portion 35 of the reaction plate 28 from restricting the opening movement of the door 16. Three horizontal ribs, shown at 40 in Figures 2 and 3, extend integrally inward from the. interior surface 38 of the door to a point adjacent to the pivotable lower table portion 42 of the outer portion 35 of the reaction plate as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The ribs 40 separate the lower board 42 from the plate reaction of the interior surface 38 of the door. The ribs 40 allow the plate 28 of. Reactions are placed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction of deployment of the air bag 24 while remaining close to the door 16. The "ribs 40 may also allow the door 16 to be designed with external contours that do not necessarily correspond with the configuration of the reaction plate 28. In other embodiments, the ribs 40 can have any other suitable configuration and orientation known in the art.As shown in Figures 1-3, the air bag deployment door 16 has a curved rectangular shape defined by relatively straight back marginal ends 44 and front 46 and a pair of arcuate side marginal ends 48. The front 46 and side ends 48 comprise a brittle region of reduced cross section, the rear end 44 may comprise a seam. stylized or a intended groove to define the rear end 44 of the door 16. In other modalid ades the rear end 44. it may be hidden or there may not be a "back end". In other words, the transition from the door to the board 12 can be uninterrupted. Where a stylized seam is used can be. functional or simply aesthetic, where the stylized seam is functional, it may be adapted to act as a fold back 44 when the door 16 is forced to open and is separated from the dash 12 of the vehicle surrounding it along the lateral marginal ends 48 and forward 46 fragile. The folding article 44 allows the door 16 to swing outwardly and upwardly of the board-12 during the deployment of the air bag 24 while retaining the door 16 to the panel 12. Alternatively, the stylized seam can also be designed as a region of reduced cross-section in a manner similar to the lateral 46 and forward 48 ends. A first pair of flexible belts is generally indicated at 50 in Figures 2 and 3. A belt is composed of nylon coated with PVC and has a portion 52 of the outer end fastened to the interior door surface 38 and to an inner end portion 54 attached to the air bag dispenser assembly 20. In other embodiments, the first pair of flexible straps 50 may be attached to the board 12 or other adjacent support structures instead of the dispenser 20. The straps 50 may incorporate one or more other "strap constructions known in the art. of an acceptable belt construction is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,564,731, which is assigned to the attorney of the present invention and which is incorporated herein by reference. ~~~ The inner end portion 54 of each belt 50. of the first pair of belts is attached to the air bag spout assembly 20 at a belt control point shown in. 56 in Figure 2 adjacent to the inner end 34. of the reaction plate. The inner end portions 54 of the belt are fastened by bending it into a channel 58 in. U-shape formed along the inner end 34 of the reaction plate. As shown in Figure 3, a row "of holes 60 is formed along each side of channel 58 of the U-shaped reaction plate to receive fasteners 62 that attach" reaction plate 28 to a flange. 64 rectangular elongated air bag dispenser. The dispensing flange 64 is horizontally arranged and extends integrally upward of the air bag dispensing apparatus 20. The flange 64 includes a row of flange holes 66 corresponding to the holes in the channel 58 of the U-shaped reaction plate. One or more of the fasteners connecting the reaction plate 28 to the spout assembly 20 also they pass through the portion of each inner end 54 of the belt that is bent inside the. U-shaped channel 58. As best shown in Figure 2, the outer end portion 52 of each belt 50 of the first pair of belts is secured to the door 16 by eight thermostatic pins 68. The pins 68 extend integrally inwardly of the door 16 of the air bag deployment 24 as shown in Figure 8. The pins 68 are preferably formed with the door 16 and the board. 12 automotive as a single piece. Other .modalities. they may use thermostatic bolts as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,564,731, assigned to the attorney herein, which is incorporated herein by reference. Still other embodiments may use screws 7-6b coupled with screw holes as "representatively shown at 67 in Figure 17. The screw holes 67 may be integrally formed to extend into the door 16. The holes 67 may be threaded or threaded. not threaded for use with screws that do not require holes Other modalities may use any number of suitable fastening means known in the art The air bag passive supplementary restriction apparatus 10 described above is optimized to open integral doors in the dashboards. instruments, comprising hard outer surfaces or "first" surfaces, for example, injection molded boards, However, the invention can also be used where, as shown in Figure 2, the hard outer surface is covered with a film 69 flexible or a "69 film" and "- layers 71 of foam. In other words, a flexible film 69 can be applied to cover at least a portion of the automotive panel 12 and / or the air bag deployment door 16 in a layered arrangement. A layer 71 of foam may also be included among the. film 69 and a portion of the board 12 and / or the door 16. The door 16 and the board 12 are preferably composed of an injection molded blend of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS) or polypropylene. Examples of acceptable ABS PC formulations include GE MC 8002 and Dow Pulse # 830. An example of an acceptable polypropylene is Montell # BR33GC. Other suitable materials may include polyesters, polyurethanes, polyphenylene oxide, polystyrenes, polyolefins, or polyolefin elastomers. According to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 4-7, the air bag deployment door 16 'is defined by a visible marginal end 18' and includes eight clamp holders 70 in the form of a shed. Each fastening clamp 70 extends integrally inward towards the airbag jet assembly 20 'from the inner door surface 38' in place of the ribs 40 of the first embodiment. Each fastening clamp 70 includes an attachment surface 72 spaced inwardly from and supported generally parallel to the inner surface 38 'of the door. The clamps 70 are preferably integrally formed with the door 16 'and the automotive board 12' as a single unit piece. The first strap 50 'of the second embodiment, comprises a portion of a single continuous strap sheet in. instead of understanding two separate belts as in the first modality. As shown in Figures 4-7, an outer end 52 'of the first belt 50' is fixed to a front portion 74 of the door 16 'adjacent a front edge end 46' of the door 16 'disposed opposite to. the joint 44 '. More specifically, four rivets 76 connect the outer end 52 'of the first belt 50' to the fixing surfaces 72 of four of the clamps 70 formed in the front portion 74 of the door 16. The clamps 70 hold the rivets 76 without affecting the aesthetic continuity of the surface -2.2 '-of the outer door. In other embodiments, other clamp configurations include thermostatic pins and screw bolts and other suitable types of fasteners and fastening methods can be used as are known in the art. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, each clamp 70 includes a clamping opening 78 disposed across the attachment surface 72 of the clamp 70 to receive one of the rivets 76. Each rivet 76 comprises a handle portion that is extends through the opening 78 and also through a hole, formed in the first strap 50 'to secure the first strap 50' to the clamp 70 fastener in a conventional manner. The four clamps 70 fasteners connecting the first belt 50 'to the door 16' extend integrally inwardly from the inner surface 38 'of. the door adjacent to the lower marginal region of the door 16 'to a point adjacent to the reaction plate 28'. Like the ribs 40 of the first embodiment, the clamps 70 hold, present the lower board 42 'of reaction plate in a plane more perpendicular to the direction of deployment of the bag 24' of air of the spout 20 '. In other words, the clamps 70 hold, span the space between the lower marginally curved door region outwardly and the lower board 42 'generally reaction plate vertical. The single continuous strap sheet including the first flexible strap 50 'also includes a second flexible strap, generally indicated at 8_0 in Figures 4 and 7. The second strap 80 has a portion 82 of the inner end 7"attached to the assembly 20' spout of air bag at the belt control point 56. In other embodiments, the second belt 80 may be secured to either the board 12 'or to another adjacent structure The second flexible belt 80 has an outer end portion, shown at 84 in Figures 4 and 7, which is fastened to a rear portion 86 of the door 16 'disposed between the front door portion 74 and the articulation 44' The second belt 80 links the tailgate portion 86 to the point 56 'to prevent any portion of the door from overhanging the windshield 14 and breaking at any of the various potential bend points including the joint 44' As shown in Figures 4 and 7 , the respective inner ends 54 ', 82 of the first belt 50' and the second belt 80 are riveted to an elongated rectangular flange i 'at the belt control point 56'. The flange 64 'extends integrally upwardly from the air bag receptacle portion 26' of the air bag spout assembly 20d. The inner belt ends 54 ', 82 are sandwiched between the flange 64' and an elongated metal bar 90. The rivets 92 pass through the flange 64 ', the belts 50', 80 and the bar 90. The air bag receptacle 26 'includes a mouth 94 disposed adjacent the air bag deployment door 16'. The mouth 94 has a width measured through a direction perpendicular to the joint 44 ', that is, in a generally vertical direction. The direction 44 'is separated from the mouth 94 by a distance equal to at least half the width of the mouth. The hinge 44 'is displaced in this manner to reduce the maximum opening angle in the article 44' to reduce the deformation and stress of the material in the hinge during deployment of the air bag 24. A couple of rigid retainer members, representative indicated at 96 in Figure 7 are operatively connected to the reaction plate 28 'and its air bag jet 20'. The detent members 96 limit the opening displacement of the reaction plate 28 '. The detent members 96 can stop the reaction plate 28 'in a position that will prevent the door 160 from returning to its original position after deployment of the air bag. Each detent member is preferably made of steel, but may be made of other suitable rigid materials The retainer members 96 are slidably supported on indentations representatively shown at 98 in Figure 7 and arranged on opposite lateral sides of the retaining member. the receptacle portion 26 'of the air bag dispenser apparatus 20. Each retainer member 96 is fixed to the reaction plate "28" at a detent point representatively shown at 100 in Figure 7. The retention point 100 it is disposed between the first articulation line 36 'and the outer marginal end 32' of the reaction plate disposed opposite the inner end 34 'of the reaction plate. The portion 42 'of the outer board of the reaction plate 28' pivots outwards and upwards away from the air bag jet 20 'by bending the reaction plate 28' along a second horizontal joint line shown at 102 in Figure 7. The second articulation line 102 is disposed horizontally across the reaction plate 28 'adjacent to the detent point 100 and extends generally parallel to the first articulation line 36'. 102 of articulation is approximately one third apart between the first line 36 'of articulation and the outer marginal end 32' of the reaction plate. This double articulation arrangement allows the reaction plate 28 'to bend in a position that rotates outwards and extends upwards. In this position, the plate 28 'prevents the airbag deployment door 16' from bouncing free of the straps 50 'and 8' and returning to its original position immediately after the deployed air bag 24 'has forced the that the door 16 'opens. Each detent member 96 is an elongated steel pin having a cylindrical handle portion 104 as shown representatively in Figure 7. The outer circular disc shaped 108 and inner 106 detent tabs are disposed at the outer and inner distal ends respective of the handle portion 104 of each detent member 96. The inner detent flange 106 of each detent member 96 extends radially and integrally outwardly from the handle portion 104. The outer detent flange 108 of each detent member 96 is preferably fixed to the reaction plate 28 'by spot welding or arc welding. The elongated notches 98 on each side of the air bag receptacle 26 'each have a width slightly larger than that of the handle portion 104 of each detent member 26. The handle portion 104 of each detent member 96 is slidably disposed within one of the notches -98 to allow the members 96 of. The detent moves in the pre-inflated, representative positions shown in Figure 4, and the post-inflated deployed positions, representatively shown in FIG.

Figure 7. The reaction plate 28 'pulls the detent members 96 from the position - stored in the unfolded position when the reaction plate 28' is opened under the force of a 2 ° bag of air that is inflated. When the detent members 96 reach their deployed positions the inner detent tabs 106 engage the notch 98 and stop the movement of the reaction plate 28 '. The detent members 96 stop the reaction plate 28 'in a position to prevent the door 16' from returning to its original position after deployment of the air bag. _ ^ _ According to the third embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 9-11, the fragile marginal end 18 defines the entire perimeter of the airbag deployment door 16". In other words, the brittle "marginal edge" extends completely around the airbag deployment door 16"in a continuous circuit as best shown in Figure 9. A pair of flexible belts, representatively indicated at 50" in Figures 10 and 11 are secured between the air bag displacement door 16 and the reaction plate 28. Each belt 50"includes an inner end portion 82" attached to the door 16", a portion 84" of outer end fastened to the door 16"and to the middle portion 83 attached to the reaction plate 28" between the second hinge line 102"and the outer marginal edge 32" of the reaction plate. 50"is disposed approximately midway between the outer end portions 84" and inner 82"of each belt 50." The air bag deployment door 16"includes only four of the clamps 70" fasteners arranged in a pattern. rectangu As shown in Figure 9. The inner end portion 82"and the outer end portion 84" of each strap 50"are fastened to the fastening surface of one of the four clamps 70" fasteners by rivets 76". as shown in Figures 10 and 11. As also shown in Figures 10 and 11, the middle portion 83 of each belt 50"is fastened to the reaction plate 28" between the second articulation line 102"and the end 32"outer marginal of reaction plate by a rivet 110. As shown in Figures 9-11, nine vertical door ribs 112 extend integrally inwardly from the interior door surface 38" to a point adjacent to the plate 28. "Reaction. 24 short horizontal door ribs 114 connect the adjacent vertical ribs 112 to form a rectangular grid pattern which is best shown in Figure 9. As best shown in Figure 9, a plurality of horizontal and vertical board ribs 118 116 also extend integrally towards ^ in from an interior surface of the board ^. 12"automotive adjacent to the end 18" marginal frágii of the perimeter of the door and are separated around the. perimeter of the door. The ribs 112, dT14 of the door and the ribs 116 and 118 of the board reinforce the "gate 16" and the automotive board 12"against the opening shock of the airbag and help to concentrate the forces of. opening along the brittle marginal "18" end between board 12"and door 16". The door ribs 112, 114 and the deck ribs 116, 118 are integrally formed with the door 16"and the automotive board 12" as a single unit piece by injection molding. During the practice, when the air bag inflates, the reaction plate 28 is forced to bend towards the outside and upwards around the articulation lines, horizontal first 36"and second 102" As the plate 28" of reaction, it rotates outwardly, the inflation force is concentrated along a lower end portion 120 of the brittle door end 18. This helps to predictably separate the door 16"from the automotive-12" board by breaking first to along a portion 120"" of lower end of the marginal end 18"of the door 16" and then allowing the rupture to propagate upward to the proportions 122 of lateral ends of the "end 18" of the door. The break then propagates from the lateral end portions 122"" inward along a, upper end portion 124 of the end 18"of the marginal door until the door 16" completely separates from the automotive board 12. "Because the two belts 50" connect the door b6"directly to the address plate 28" , prevent the door 16 from "falling off freely." Similar to the second embodiment, the retainer member 96 of the third embodiment limits the extent to which the reaction plate 28 can be bent, leaving the reaction plate 28"in place. generally vertical position. Unlike the second embodiment, however, the reaction plate 28"bent upwards and the belts 50" of the third embodiment hold the air bag deployment door 16"away from the occupants of the vehicle. can occur along end portion 120, bottom, side end portions 122, and upper end portion 124 at virtually the same time, in other embodiments, instead of the pin and notch arrangement described for the member. The aforementioned retainer, any of a number of different configurations can be employed to stop the displacement of the reaction plate 28 in a position to prevent the air bag door 16 from returning to its original position. Passive supplementary constraint is generally shown in Figures 10-16, and the reference numbers with the suffix "s" in Figures 12-16 indicate configuration. it is alternative elements that also appear in the third modality. Where the portions of the description of the third embodiment use reference numbers to refer to the figures, it is intended that those portions apply in the same way to the elements designated by the suffix "s" in Figures 12-16. The passive supplementary restraining apparatus generally indicated in the numerals includes first and second vertically arranged elongated flexible nylon straps, generally indicated at 50s, 51s in Figure 16, and representatively indicated at 5s in Figures 12 and 13. Belts 50s, 51s slidably engage the force 16s instead of being fixed to the door 16s as described in the description of the third embodiment. The apparatus 10 includes an elongated sensitive nylon fabric web, generally located at 126 in Figures 12-16. The band 126 has a length that extends between the two ends of the band and is horizontally arranged flat against the string 16s. As best shown in Figure 16, the. band 126 conforms to gate 16s in the first, second and third and fourth points 128, 130, 132", 134 separated from" fixation. Each flexible belt 50s, 51s includes a belt loop, representatively shown at 157 in Figures 12 and 13 at 157 and 159, respectively, in Figure 16. The loop portion 157 of each belt 50s, 51s extends from minus a common belt loop fastening portion. In the present embodiment, the belt loop fastening portions each comprise first and second looping ends, representatively shown at 156, 158 in FIGS. 12 and 13. The fasteners 161 extend through a member 163 of FIG. belt retention, both belt loop ends 156, 158, the reaction plate 28s and the airbag spout 20s. The fasteners 161 hold the belt loop ends 156, 158 together, and clamp the loop ends 156 and the reaction plate 28s to the air bag spout 20s adjacent the inner end 34s of the reaction plate. In other embodiments, the first belt loop end 156 of each belt 50s, 51s may be fixed at a different position- than the second belt loop end 158 of each belt 50s, 51s.A half portion 136 of the first flexible 50s strap extends slidably between the door 16s and the band 126, perpendicular to the length of the band 126 and passes between the first and second point 128, 130 fastening. Likewise, a middle portion 138 of the second flexible belt 51s slidably extends between the gate 16s and the band 126, perpendicular to the length of the band 126, and passes between the third and fourth securing points 132, 134. In other words, the band 126 holds the straps 50s, 51s flexible against the wall 16s, while allowing the flexible strap 50s, 51s to slide longitudinally through the pair of notches 140, 142. The notches "140, ~~ 142 , "" are formed between the band 126, the door d6s, and the "points 128-134 as best shown in Figures 12, 13 and 16. The apparatus (10s) includes first, - seconds, third and fourth holes of screw, shown at 144, 146, 148 and 150 in Figure 16 and representatively shown at 144 in Figures 14 and 15. The holes 144-150"" extend integrally inward from the inner surface 38s of the door to the first , second, third and fourth "fastening points 128-134. The screw holes 144-150 are integrally formed with the door 16s as" a unitary piece and are aligned horizontally along the interior door surface 38s. As shown in Figures 14-16, the screw-type fasteners 152"" extend through annular washers 154 respectively and hold the band 126 to the first, second, third and fourth holes 144-150 respectively threadedly engaged the holes 144- 150 . - As with the first and second embodiment, a generally rectangular reaction plate 28s is attached to an air bag jet assembly 20s along an inner end 34s of the reaction plate, as shown in FIGS. -fifteen. An outer portion 35s of the reaction plate 28s pivots outwardly away from the air bag jet assembly 20s doubling reaction 28s along the hinge line 36s extending parallel to the inner end 34s of the reaction plate. Before the airbag is inflated, the reaction plate 28s is bent at the line 36s articulation approximately 85 ° downward from the horizontal. After the air bag is inflated, the reaction plate 28"is bent approximately 85 ° upwards from the horizontal, each flexible 50s, 51s has a length that extends between the first and second strap ends, representatively shown at 156 and 158 respectively, in Figures 12 and 13. The first and second strap ends 156, 158 of each flexible strap 50s, 51s are attached to the air bag jet assembly 20s adjacent to the inner end 34s of the air bag plate. reaction forming belt loops as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The portion 160 of the first belt 50s slidably the outer portion 35s of the reaction plate 28. In like manner, a corresponding portion of the second flexible belt 51s slidably engages. the outer portion 35s of the reaction plate 28s at a point separated laterally from the point where the first flexible strap 50s couples the portion 35s "outside of" the reaction plate 28s As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first, flexible strap 50s slidably extends through a first opening or notch 168 in the outer portion 35s. of the reaction plate 28s adjacent to the marginal end 32s of the reaction plate exterior Similarly, the second flexible belt 51s extends slidably through a second notch laterally spaced from the first notch along the end 32s Outside marginal of the reaction plate According to the fourth embodiment, when the airbag is inflated, it forces the outer portion 35s of the reaction plate 28s to bend outward and upwardly around the joint line 36s. The outer portion 3"5s of the reaction plate 28s will then continue to pivot at an angularly spaced position from the air bag deployment path and more than 45 degrees from its position prior to deployment of the air bag. The annularly spaced position of the outer portion 35s of the reaction plate is best shown in Figures 13 and 15. As the reaction plate 28s rotates outwards it concentrates the inflation force along an end portion 120s. bottom of the "extreme 18s of fragile door. This starts at breakage that advances around the entire door 18s and separates the 16s door from the automotive 12s board. Similar to the third embodiment, the first and second belts 50s, 51s of the fourth embodiment connect the door 16s to the plate 28s die reaction to decelerate and prevent the door 16s from detaching freely. Unlike the third embodiment, however, the belts 50s, 51s of the fourth embodiment allow the 16s door to slide along a portion of its lengths. Sliding prevents the loads exerted by the door 16s on the belts 50s, 51s from being concentrated at any fastening point along the belts 50s, 51s. Sliding also imparts the door stoppage clash over time, reducing the likelihood that door 16s will fracture or pull free from belts 5 Os, 51s.

Although the inflation of the airbag at the end causes the door to detach freely along a portion 44s of the upper end of the perimeter 18s of the door, the upper end portion 44s initially acts as dynamic articulation. The door 16s initially oscillates outwardly and upwardly around the upper end portion 44s while remaining in direct contact with the reaction plate 28s. During this initial oscillating opening, plate "28si" and gate 16s rotate about different axes because the upper end portion 44s is out of place on the reaction plate articulation line 36s. Because the upper end 44s and the articulation line 36s is out of place and because the belts 50s, 51s are slidably coupled with the plate 28s and the door 16sd the belts 50s, 51s are capable of holding the plate 28s and The door 16s in close proximity to each other without stopping or over-restricting its movement The 50s, 51s belts offer little resistance from the dora in that the door 16s is initially forced to open until the door 16s and the plate 28s reaction reach "an approximately horizontal position. However, when the reaction plate 28s reaches this horizontal position, the door 16s detaches freely from the upper end 44s and is stopped by the belts 50s and 51s. As the reaction plate 28s moves across the horizontal and continues to oscillate upward towards its "near-vertical" fully open position, the reaction plate 28s rapidly decelerates As the reaction plate 28s decelerates, the straps 50s, 51s allow the gate 16s to oscillate upward, absorbing energy as the straps 50s, 51s slide through the notches 168, 170 in the reaction plate and through the space between the horizontal band 126 and the door 16s, preferably the belts 5Os, 51s and the band 126 horizontal are made of nylon fabric. However, any other number of suitable materials can be used to construct the belts 50s, 51s and / or the band 126 including thin metal bands. In addition, a slotted insert can be used in place of a band to slidably stop belts 50s, 51s. In other words, the belts 50s, 51s; the band 126; the reaction plate 28s; the reaction door 16s; and the misplaced pivoting points 36s, 44s comprise a composite oscillating belt system that eliminates whiplash and absorbs the opening forces of the door. Other possible variations in the fourth embodiment include that the band 126 is made of some flexible material other than cloth. On the other hand, the band 126 need not be planar, but may have any shape in its cross section, for example, a rope-shaped structure having a circular cross-section. The reaction plate 28s ~ and / or the belt ends 156, 158 can be attached to the automotive board 12s instead of the air bag jet 20s along the inner plate end 34s. In addition, in other embodiments, the belts 50s, 51s, do not need slidably to couple the reaction plate 28s. Instead, the belts 50s, 51s may be fixed to the reaction plate 28s at some point in their respective lengths. The description and the drawings illustratively establish the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. It is intended that the description and drawings describe these modalities and not limit the scope of the invention. Obviously, it is possible to modify these modalities while still remaining within the scope of the following claims. Therefore, within the scope of the claims, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically shown and described in the drawings and description.

Claims (47)

1. CLAIMS 1. A passive supplementary restraint device for an automotive vehicle, the apparatus comprises: an interior automotive panel; an integrated air bag deployment door formed in the automotive panel, the air bag deployment door has a perimeter, at least a perimeter portion defined by a fre marginal end; an air bag dispenser supported adjacent the interior surface of the door opposite the exterior surface of the door; an air bag supported in an air bag receptacle of the air bag dispenser, the air bag-has an inner end operatively connected to the air bag jet and an outer end disposed .. adjacent to the air deployment door. air bag, the air bag spout is configured to direct the deployment of the air bag along a deployment path through the automotive panel; The apparatus is characterized in that: a reaction plate is disposed between the air bag and the air bag deployment door and is configured to receive the force of deployment of the air bag of the jet and to direct and distribute that force against the air bag. interior surface of the door for separating the door from the automotive panel along the fre marginal edge of the door, the reaction plate is configured for doubling under the force of inflation of the air bag causing a portion of pivotable board of the Reaction plate pivot at a position angularly spaced from the air deployment path to prevent the door from bouncing in the air pocket, the pivotable board portion of the reaction plate being separated from the door to allow the door and the The pivotable board portion moves independently of one another after the door is separated.
2. 2. The supplementary passive restraint device according to claim 1, characterized in that the door and the automotive panel comprise a single unitary piece.
3. 3. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reaction plate includes a marginal end portion having a shape generally identical to, and aligned with at least a portion of the brittle marginal end of the Air bag deployment door.
4. 4. The passive supplementary restriction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reaction plate is attached to the air bag jet along an inner end of the reaction plate and in which an outer portion of the reaction plate pivots outwardly away from the air bag jet by bending the reaction plate along a first joint line extending parallel to the inner end of the attached reaction plate. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the reaction plate "is disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the door 6. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus" of according to claim 5, characterized in that - at least one rib extends integrally inwards from the inside surface of the door towards the reaction plate. The passive supplementary restriction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that - the fre marginal end of the door comprises a region of reduced cross section. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the air bag deployment door includes a rear marginal end that forms a joint between the automotive panel and the door. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a flexible film covers at least a portion of the vehicle board in a layer arrangement. 10. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus "in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a foam layer covers at least a portion "of the automotive panel 11. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first flexible strap slidably engages the door. supplementary passive according to claim 11, characterized in that, a band is fixed to the door in first and second separate fixing points, a portion of the first flexible strap slidably extends between the door and the band and between the first and second fixing points 13. The supplementary passive restraint device according to claim 12, characterized in that: first and second holes extend inwards from the inner surface of the door to the first and second respective fixing points; and first and second fasteners join the band with the. first and second respective holes. 14. The supplementary passive restraint apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the first flexible strap couples the reaction plate. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that: the reaction plate is attached to the air bag spout along an inner end of the reaction plate; an outer portion of the reaction plate pivots outwardly away from the air bag jet by bending the reaction plate along an articulation line extending parallel to the inner end of the reaction plate; the first flexible belt includes a belt loop extending from at least one belt loop fastening portion, the belt loop fastening portion is secured to at least the air bag jet, the automotive panel and the reaction plate adjacent to the articulation line of the reaction plate; a middle belt portion of the first flexible belt is disposed between the first and second ends of the belt loop and slidably engages the outer portion of the reaction plate; and an outer portion of the first flexible strap-is disposed between the middle strap portion and the first strap loop end slidably extends between the door and the band. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that an upper end portion of the brittle marginal end of the door extends generally parallel "a, and is spaced apart from the articulation line of the reaction plate. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the first flexible strap slidably extends through an opening in the outer portion of the reaction plate adjacent to the outer marginal end "of the plate d reaction. 18. The supplementary passive restraint device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one additional flexible strap slidably engages the door. 19. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it additionally includes a first flexible belt having an outer end portion secured to the door and an inner end portion secured to the air bag spout. at a point adjacent to the inner end of the reaction plate. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the reaction plate is attached to the jet of the air bag along the inner end of the reaction plate and the first belt has a first portion of inner end attached to the jet of the air bag at a point adjacent to the inner end of the reaction plate. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first strap has an outer end portion attached to the interior surface of the door by at least one thermostatic pin, the pin extending integrally inwardly from the air bag deployment door. 22. The restraining apparatus -supplementary passive according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap is attached to the inner surface of the door by means of a screw threaded into a hole, the hole extends integrally inward from the. Air bag deployment door. - - - 23. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus "according to claim 1, characterized in that the door includes at least one clamp holder extending integrally inward toward the spout. air bag from the inside surface of the door, the clamp includes a fastening surface separated inward from the inner surface of the door, the first strap is attached to the. fastening surface by means of a fastener. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the clamp fastener includes a fastener opening disposed through "the fastening surface of the clamp and in which the fastener comprises a rivet having a portion. of handle extending through the opening 25. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one clamp fastener extends integrally inwardly from the inner surface of the door adjacent to the region. bottom marginal of the door to a point adjacent to the reaction plate 26. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes a second flexible belt having an inner end portion attached to at least the air bag dispenser or the automotive board, the prim The belt has an outer end portion fastened to a front portion of the door adjacent to the leading edge of the door, the second flexible belt has an outer end portion attached to a rear portion of the door. - "" 27. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that a single sheet of flexible material comprises first and second belts. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the airbag receptacle includes a mouth disposed adjacent to the airbag deployment door, the mouth having a width measured across the mouth in a direction perpendicular to the joint, the joint is "separated from the mouth by a distance equal to at least half the width of the mouth 29. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that - it includes additionally a retainer member operatively connected between the reaction plate and at least the air bag jet 30. The passive supplementary restriction apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that: the retainer member is connected to the plate of reaction in a retainer member disposed between the first articulation line and the outer marginal end of the p reaction lacquer opposite the inner end of the reaction plate; and the outer portion of the reaction plate pivots outwardly away from the jet of air bag by bending the reaction plate along a second line of articulation extending adjacent to the point of detent and generally parallel to the first line of articulation, the second articulation line is separated between the first articulation line and the outer marginal end of the reaction plate. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the retainer member includes a pin having an elongated handle portion and a detent flange disposed at an inner distal end of the handle portion, the portion of the handle has a central longitudinal axis and a width measured through the handle portion in a portion perpendicular to the axis, the retainer flange extends integrally and radially outwardly of the handle portion, the air bag spout includes a elongated notch having a notch width slightly larger than that of the handle portion of the detent member, the handle portion of the detent member is slidably disposed within the notch, the detent member moves between a stored position and a position deployed under the force of the inflated bag of air, the retainer flange engages the notch. in the deployed position. 32. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the brittle marginal end defines the entire perimeter of the air bag deployment door. 33. The passive supplemental restraint apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that at least one rib extends integrally inwardly from the interior surface of the door to an adjacent point of the reaction plate. 34. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that a plurality of ribs extend integrally inwardly from an inner surface of the automotive panel adjacent the fragile marginal end of the perimeter of the door and is separated around the perimeter of the door 35. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the fragile marginal end of the door comprises a region of reduced cross section 36. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus of according to claim 32, characterized in that the reaction plate includes a marginal end portion "having a shape generally identical to, and in alignment with, at least a portion of the frangible marginal end of the air bag deployment door. . 37. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus 1 according to claim 32, characterized in that the reaction plate is rigidly attached to the air bag spout along the inner end of the reaction plate and in which an outer portion of the plate. reaction pivots out away from the jet of the air bag by bending the reaction plate along a first joint line extending parallel to the inner end of the rigidly bonded reaction plate. 38. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that it further includes a flexible strap held between the door and the reaction plate. 39. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the strap includes an inner end-attached portion to the door, an outer end portion attached to the door and a middle portion attached to the door plate. reaction, the middle portion of the belt is disposed between the inner and outer end portions of the belt. 40. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the door includes a clamp fastener extending integrally inward towards the air bag jet from the interior surface of the door, the clamp includes a fastening surface spaced inwardly from the interior surface of the door, The strap is attached to the fixing surface by means of a fastener. 41. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that the clamping clamp includes a clamping opening disposed through the clamping surface of the clamp and in which the clamp comprises a rivet having a section of clamp. handle that extends through the opening. 42. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus "according to claim 38, characterized in that the belt is attached to the inner surface of the door by at least one thermostatic pin, the pin integrally extends inwardly from the deployment door. of the air bag 43. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus "according to claim 38, characterized in that the strap is attached to the inner surface of the door by means of a threaded screw within a hole, the orifice extends integrally inwardly. from the air bag deployment door. = 44. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus "- according to claim 37, characterized in that it additionally includes a strap secured between the door and the reaction plate and a retainer member operatively connected between the reaction plate and the bag spout. of air - - 45. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus of ... according to claim 44, characterized in that: - the retainer member is connected to the reaction plate at a point of detent disposed between the first articulation line and an outer marginal end of the reaction plate opposite the inner end of the reaction plate; the outer portion of the reaction plate pivots outwardly away from the jet of the air bag by bending the reaction plate along a second line of articulation that is. Extending adjacent the point of detent and generally parallel to the first articulation line, the "second articulation line is separated between the first articulation line and the outer marginal end of the reaction plate, and the strap is fixed to the plate. reaction between the second articulation line and the outer marginal end of the reaction plate. 46. The supplementary passive restraint apparatus according to claim 45, characterized in that: the retainer member includes a pin having an elongated handle portion and a retainer flange disposed at an inner distal end of the handle portion, the portion of The handle has a central longitudinal axis and a width measured through the handle in a direction perpendicular to the axis, the detent flange extends integrally and radially outwardly from the handle portion; and in which the air bag spout. it includes an elongated notch having a notch width slightly larger than that of the handle portion of the detent member, the handle portion of the detent member is slidably "disposed" within the notch, the detent member moves between a saved position and a deployed position under the force of an inflated airbag, the. The detent is engaged with the notch in the deployed position. 47. The passive supplementary restraint apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes a first flexible strap connected to the door and fastened to at least the air bag spout, and the automotive panel, the reaction plate is "configured to bend and rotate the portion of the revolving board of the reaction plate more than 45 degrees in a position to lock the door and prevent it from bouncing freely by detaching from the strap toward the air bag.