JP2008055937A - Airbag door structure for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively provide an airbag door which is not torn off and not scattered at the time of opening operation. <P>SOLUTION: Four platy hinges 11 are integrally and protrusively provided near the inside of one side of an airbag door body 9 back surface along a brittle portion 5 on one side at intervals. A hook 49 is movably engaged with a long hole 13 of the hinge 11 so as to move the hinge 11 in the front and back direction of a panel structure member 1 with the airbag door body 9. After the brittle portion 5 is broken by the deployment pressure of an airbag 23 and pushed up to the front side of the panel structure member 1 with the airbag door body 9, the hinge 11 is curved and deformed so as to be separated from an airbag device 25 by using an engaging part with the hook 49 as a fulcrum, thereby raising the airbag door body 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

この発明は、例えば自動車の衝突時にエアバッグ装置の作動で脆弱部が破断して開くエアバッグドア部の構造に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a structure of an airbag door portion that is opened by breaking a fragile portion by an operation of an airbag device, for example, in a car collision.

特許文献１には、エアバッグドア部の開作動時の支点となるヒンジ部を平行な２本の薄肉ヒンジ，いわゆるダブルヒンジで構成することにより、エアバッグドア部を開き易くしたエアバッグドア部構造が開示されている。
特開平１１−３１０１００号公報（第５，６頁、図１，３） Patent Document 1 discloses an airbag door portion that is easy to open by configuring the hinge portion serving as a fulcrum during opening operation of the airbag door portion with two parallel thin hinges, so-called double hinges. A structure is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-310100 (pages 5 and 6, FIGS. 1 and 3)

しかし、上記の特許文献１では、ヒンジ部が薄肉ヒンジで肉厚が薄くなっているため千切れ易く、エアバッグ展開時の衝撃でエアバッグドア部が飛散すると危険である。これを解決するために、エアバッグドア部を靱性のある熱可塑性エラストマー材で成形することが考えられるが、熱可塑性エラストマー材はポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）等の汎用樹脂材に比べて高価であるため、コストアップを招来する。   However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the hinge portion is a thin hinge and the wall thickness is thin, the hinge portion is easily cut off, and it is dangerous if the airbag door portion is scattered by an impact when the airbag is deployed. In order to solve this, it is conceivable to mold the airbag door portion with a tough thermoplastic elastomer material, but the thermoplastic elastomer material is expensive compared to a general-purpose resin material such as polypropylene (PP). Incurs an increase in cost.

この発明はかかる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、開作動時に千切れて飛散しないエアバッグドア部を廉価に提供することである。   The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive airbag door portion that is not broken and scattered during opening operation.

上記の目的を達成するため、この発明は、エアバッグドア部の開作動時の支点となるヒンジ部の構造を工夫したことを特徴とする。   In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the structure of the hinge portion serving as a fulcrum when the airbag door portion is opened is devised.

具体的には、この発明は、自動車の内装パネルに形成された脆弱部で囲まれ、エアバッグ装置の作動により上記脆弱部が破断して開く略矩形状のエアバッグドア部の構造を対象とし、次のような解決手段を講じた。   Specifically, the present invention is directed to a structure of a substantially rectangular airbag door that is surrounded by a fragile portion formed on an interior panel of an automobile, and the fragile portion is broken and opened by operation of an airbag device. The following solutions were taken.

すなわち、請求項１に記載の発明は、エアバッグドア部本体裏面の少なくとも一辺側内寄りには、エアバッグ装置側に設けられた係合手段が係合する板状ヒンジ部が上記一辺側の脆弱部に沿うようにかつエアバッグドア部本体と共にスライド手段により内装パネルの表裏方向に移動可能なように一体に突設され、上記ヒンジ部は、エアバッグの展開圧力で脆弱部が破断することにより上記エアバッグドア部本体と共に内装パネルの表側に押し上げられた後、上記係合手段との係合箇所を支点にエアバッグ装置から離れるように湾曲変形して上記エアバッグドア部本体を起き上がらせるように構成されていることを特徴とする。   That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one side of the rear surface of the airbag door body is inwardly provided with a plate-like hinge portion that engages with an engaging means provided on the airbag device side. The hinge part is integrally projected so as to be movable in the front and back direction of the interior panel by the sliding means along with the airbag door part body along the fragile part, and the fragile part is broken by the deployment pressure of the airbag. After being pushed up to the front side of the interior panel together with the airbag door main body, the airbag door main body is raised by being bent and deformed away from the airbag device with the engagement point with the engagement means as a fulcrum. It is comprised as follows.

請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、スライド手段は、内装パネルの表裏方向に延びるようにヒンジ部に形成された長孔であり、該長孔に係合手段が移動可能に係合していることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the sliding means is a long hole formed in the hinge portion so as to extend in the front and back direction of the interior panel, and the engaging means is provided in the long hole. It is characterized by engaging in a movable manner.

請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の発明において、スライド手段は、内装パネルの表裏方向に延びるように係合手段に形成された長孔であり、該長孔には、エアバッグ装置側に固着された連結具が移動可能に係合して上記係合手段がエアバッグ装置側に設けられていることを特徴とする。   The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the sliding means is a long hole formed in the engaging means so as to extend in the front and back direction of the interior panel. The connector fixed to the bag device side is movably engaged, and the engaging means is provided on the airbag device side.

請求項１〜３に係る発明によれば、自動車が衝突してエアバッグ装置が作動すると、エアバッグが展開してその展開圧力がエアバッグドア部（エアバッグドア部本体）に作用して脆弱部が破断し、ヒンジ部がエアバッグドア部本体と共に内装パネルの表側に押し上げられる。この押し上げ動作は、請求項２では、ヒンジ部の長孔を係合手段が移動することで行われる。請求項３では、係合手段の長孔をエアバッグ装置側の連結具が移動することで行われる。その後、ヒンジ部が係合手段との係合箇所を支点にエアバッグ装置から離れるように湾曲変形してエアバッグドア部本体が起き上がる。   According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, when the airbag device is activated by the collision of the automobile, the airbag is deployed, and the deployment pressure acts on the airbag door portion (airbag door body) and is weak. The part is broken, and the hinge part is pushed up together with the airbag door body to the front side of the interior panel. In the second aspect, the push-up operation is performed by the engagement means moving through the long hole of the hinge portion. According to a third aspect of the present invention, this is performed by the connecting device on the airbag device side moving through the long hole of the engaging means. Thereafter, the hinge portion is bent and deformed so as to separate from the airbag device with the engagement point with the engagement means as a fulcrum, and the airbag door portion main body rises.

この起き上がり動作（ヒンジ部の湾曲変形動作）は、その前段階でエアバッグドア部本体を押し上げたエアバッグの展開圧力の余力によって行われるため、エアバッグドア部本体を脆弱部の破断と同時に一気に回動させて起き上がらせる場合に比べてヒンジ部に負担が掛からず、また、ヒンジ部は湾曲変形可能な板状に形成されているため、エアバッグの展開圧力を効果的に吸収して薄肉ヒンジの場合に比べて千切れ難く、エアバッグドア部の飛散を防止することができる。したがって、飛散防止対策として、靱性のある高価な熱可塑性エラストマー材でエアバッグドア部を成形する必要がなく、廉価なエアバッグドア部とすることができる。   This rising motion (curvature deformation operation of the hinge portion) is performed by the remaining force of the airbag deployment pressure that pushed up the airbag door body in the previous stage, so the airbag door body is moved at the same time as the fragile portion breaks. Compared to the case of turning up and lifting, the hinge part is not burdened, and the hinge part is formed in a plate shape that can be bent and deformed, so it effectively absorbs the deployment pressure of the airbag and is a thin-walled hinge Compared with the case of the above, it is difficult to break, and the air bag door can be prevented from being scattered. Therefore, as an anti-scattering measure, there is no need to mold the airbag door portion with a tough and expensive thermoplastic elastomer material, and an inexpensive airbag door portion can be obtained.

さらに、ヒンジ部がエアバッグドア部本体裏面の少なくとも一辺側内寄りに該一辺側の脆弱部に沿うように一体に突設されているので、上記ヒンジ部がエアバッグ展開時にエアバッグを案内するエアバッグシュート部材の役目を担い、エアバッグシュート部材を別途に設ける場合に比べて部品点数を低減することができる。   Further, since the hinge portion is integrally projected at least on one side of the back surface of the airbag door main body so as to follow the weak portion on the one side, the hinge portion guides the airbag when the airbag is deployed. The number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the airbag chute member is separately provided and the airbag chute member is provided separately.

以下、この発明の実施形態について図面に基づいて説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

（実施形態１）
図１及び図２は自動車の内装パネルとしてのインストルメントパネルにおけるアッパパネルの右側半分を構成するパネル構成部材１を示す。このパネル構成部材１は、左ハンドル車用のもので運転席右隣の助手席側に配置され、例えば、ガラス繊維等が入ったポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）等の汎用樹脂材で射出成形された単一材からなるが、表皮材が基材に一体に被着された２層構造であってもよい。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG.1 and FIG.2 shows the panel structural member 1 which comprises the right half of the upper panel in the instrument panel as an interior panel of a motor vehicle. This panel component member 1 is for a left-hand drive vehicle, and is disposed on the passenger seat side adjacent to the right side of the driver's seat. For example, the panel component member 1 is a single injection molded with a general-purpose resin material such as polypropylene (PP) containing glass fiber or the like. Although it is made of a material, it may have a two-layer structure in which the skin material is integrally attached to the base material.

上記パネル構成部材１裏面の助手席対応箇所には、断面略Ｖ字状の破断溝部３が表面に達しないように型成形により平面視略矩形環状に形成され、該破断溝部３に対応する薄肉部で平面視略矩形環状の脆弱部５がパネル構成部材１にその表面から識別できないように形成されて、該脆弱部５で囲まれる内側に実施形態１に係るエアバッグドア部構造が適用された，いわゆるシームレスタイプの平面視略矩形状のエアバッグドア部７がパネル構成部材１の一部で一体に成形されている。なお、エアバッグドア部７は、脆弱部５がパネル構成部材１の表面から識別できるタイプであってもよい。   In the portion corresponding to the passenger seat on the rear surface of the panel component 1, the fracture groove portion 3 having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed in a substantially rectangular ring shape in plan view by molding so as not to reach the surface, and the thin wall corresponding to the fracture groove portion 3 is formed. The fragile portion 5 having a substantially rectangular annular shape in plan view is formed on the panel component 1 so as not to be identified from the surface thereof, and the airbag door portion structure according to the first embodiment is applied to the inside surrounded by the fragile portion 5. Further, a so-called seamless type airbag door portion 7 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is formed integrally with a part of the panel constituting member 1. Note that the airbag door portion 7 may be of a type in which the fragile portion 5 can be identified from the surface of the panel constituent member 1.

上記エアバッグドア部７は片開きタイプであり、該エアバッグドア部７の主体をなすエアバッグドア部本体９裏面の車体前方側で車幅方向に延びる一辺側（破断溝部３の車体前方側の一辺３ａ側）内寄りには、図３（ａ），（ｂ）にも示すように、４個の板状ヒンジ部１１が上記一辺３ａ側の脆弱部５に沿うように間隔をあけてエアバッグドア部本体９に対して略垂直に一体に突設されている。これらヒンジ部１１の突出端部寄りには、スライド手段としての長孔１３がパネル構成部材１の表裏方向に延びるように形成され、該長孔１３は上端の横長開口部１３ａと、該横長開口部１３ａの下端に連続する縦長開口部１３ｂとからなる。   The airbag door portion 7 is of a single-open type, and extends on the vehicle body front side on the rear surface of the airbag door body 9 that forms the main body of the airbag door portion 7 (on the vehicle body front side of the breaking groove portion 3). As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the four plate-like hinge portions 11 are spaced apart from each other along the fragile portion 5 on the one side 3a side. The air bag door portion main body 9 is integrally projected substantially vertically. Near the projecting ends of the hinge portions 11, long holes 13 as slide means are formed so as to extend in the front and back direction of the panel constituent member 1, and the long holes 13 include the horizontally long opening 13 a at the upper end and the horizontally long opening. It consists of a vertically long opening 13b continuous with the lower end of the portion 13a.

上記破断溝部３のうち車体前方側の一辺３ａを除く他の三辺（車体後方側の一辺３ｂ、車体側方側の二辺３ｃ）に対応するパネル構成部材１裏面には、ネジ穴（図示せず）を有する複数個の取付ボス部１９が補強リブ部２１で補強された状態で間隔をあけて一体に突設されている。補強リブ部２１の数は、車体前方の左右２個の取付ボス部１９では２個であり、その他の取付ボス部１９では３個であるが、上記車体前方の左右２個の取付ボス部１９には、エアバッグドア部７の車体前方側のパネル構成部材１裏面に破断溝部３の車体前方側の一辺３ａに沿って延びるように一体に形成された平面視略矩形の枠状剛性部１５が一体に連結されている。該剛性部１５は、車幅方向両側の２枚の板状縦リブ１５ａと、これら縦リブ１５ａを連結する３枚の横リブ１５ｂとで一体に構成され、エアバッグドア部７の車体前方側のパネル構成部材１の剛性を高めているが、厚肉のブロック状に設けてもよく、また、金属製の補強板を組り付けたものであってもよい。これにより、剛性部１５が上記各取付ボス部１９と共にエアバッグ展開時にその膨出圧力に抗するように構成されている。   A screw hole (see FIG. 3) is provided on the rear surface of the panel component member 1 corresponding to the other three sides (one side 3b on the rear side of the vehicle body and two sides 3c on the side side of the vehicle body) excluding the one side 3a on the vehicle body front side. A plurality of mounting boss portions 19 having a not-shown shape are integrally protruded at intervals with the reinforcing rib portions 21 being reinforced. The number of the reinforcing rib portions 21 is two for the two left and right mounting boss portions 19 at the front of the vehicle body and three for the other mounting boss portions 19, but the two left and right mounting boss portions 19 at the front of the vehicle body. The frame-shaped rigid portion 15 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is integrally formed on the back surface of the panel constituent member 1 on the front side of the vehicle body of the airbag door portion 7 so as to extend along the side 3 a on the front side of the vehicle body of the breaking groove portion 3. Are connected together. The rigid portion 15 is integrally formed of two plate-like vertical ribs 15a on both sides in the vehicle width direction and three horizontal ribs 15b that connect the vertical ribs 15a, and the vehicle body front side of the airbag door portion 7 Although the rigidity of the panel constituent member 1 is increased, it may be provided in a thick block shape, or may be assembled with a metal reinforcing plate. Thereby, the rigid part 15 is comprised so that the inflation pressure may be resisted at the time of airbag deployment with each said attachment boss | hub part 19. FIG.

上記エアバッグドア部７裏面には、折り畳まれたエアバッグ２３（図４に展開初期状態を、図５に展開状態をそれぞれ示す）やインフレータ（図示せず）等を収容してなるエアバッグ装置２５が配置され、該エアバッグ装置２５の底面には第１ブラケット２７が溶接されている。一方、車幅方向に延びてインストルメントパネルを支持するインパネレインフォースメント２９には第２ブラケット３１の一端が溶接され、該第２ブラケット３１の他端は、上記第１ブラケット２７にボルト３３とナット３５とで締結されている。これにより、上記エアバッグ装置２５が上記脆弱部５に対応するようにインパネレインフォースメント２９に第１及び第２ブラケット２７，３１を介して連結支持されている。   On the back surface of the airbag door portion 7 is an airbag device that accommodates a folded airbag 23 (shown in an initial deployment state in FIG. 4 and a deployment state in FIG. 5), an inflator (not shown), and the like. The first bracket 27 is welded to the bottom surface of the airbag device 25. On the other hand, one end of the second bracket 31 is welded to the instrument panel reinforcement 29 that extends in the vehicle width direction and supports the instrument panel, and the other end of the second bracket 31 is connected to the first bracket 27 and the bolt 33. Fastened with a nut 35. Thus, the airbag device 25 is connected and supported by the instrument panel reinforcement 29 via the first and second brackets 27 and 31 so as to correspond to the fragile portion 5.

上記エアバッグ装置２５の略上半部分には、平面視略矩形状の金属製枠体３７が外嵌合されて固定されている。該枠体３７は、車幅方向に延びる前壁部３９及び後壁部４１と、これら前壁部３９及び後壁部４１の両端同士を連結する車体前後方向に延びる両側壁部４３とで構成されている。上記枠体３７の後壁部４１及び両側壁部４３の上端は、上記破断溝部３のうち車体前方側の一辺３ａを除く他の三辺３ｂ，３ｃに接近するか、又はその周縁に当接しており、パネル構成部材１の表側より作用する押圧力に対して上記破断溝部３の三辺３ｂ，３ｃ周縁を支持し、脆弱部５が不用意に破断しないようにしている。また、上記後壁部４１及び両側壁部４３の上端には、ネジ挿通孔（図示せず）を有する取付片部４５が上記各取付ボス部１９に対応するようにそれぞれ下方に折曲形成され、これら取付片部４５は、上記各取付ボス部１９にあてがわれてネジ４７をネジ挿通孔を経て各取付ボス部１９のネジ穴にねじ込むことにより締結されている。   A metal frame 37 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is externally fitted and fixed to a substantially upper half portion of the airbag device 25. The frame body 37 includes a front wall portion 39 and a rear wall portion 41 extending in the vehicle width direction, and both side wall portions 43 extending in the vehicle body front-rear direction connecting both ends of the front wall portion 39 and the rear wall portion 41. Has been. The upper ends of the rear wall portion 41 and the both side wall portions 43 of the frame body 37 approach the other three sides 3b, 3c of the fractured groove portion 3 excluding the one side 3a on the front side of the vehicle body, or abut the periphery thereof. In addition, the peripheral edges of the three sides 3b and 3c of the breaking groove 3 are supported against the pressing force acting from the front side of the panel component 1 so that the fragile portion 5 does not break carelessly. Further, at the upper ends of the rear wall portion 41 and the side wall portions 43, mounting piece portions 45 having screw insertion holes (not shown) are bent downward so as to correspond to the mounting boss portions 19, respectively. These mounting piece portions 45 are fastened by being screwed into the screw holes of the mounting boss portions 19 through the screw insertion holes by being applied to the mounting boss portions 19.

一方、上記前壁部３９は、後壁部４１及び両側壁部４３よりも上下寸法が大幅に短く形成され、該前壁部３９の上端には、４個（図１では１個のみ現れる）の係合手段としてのフック４９が上記各ヒンジ部１１の長孔１３に対応するように折曲形成されている。これらフック４９は、図３（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、先端幅広部４９ａと、該先端幅広部４９ａに連続する狭幅部４９ｂとからなり、上記先端幅広部４９ａは上記長孔１３の縦長開口部１３ｂよりも広幅で、該縦長開口部１３ｂから外れないようになっている。図１及び図３（ａ）に示すように、エアバッグドア部７の開作動初期状態では、上記フック４９の先端幅広部４９ａが上記ヒンジ部１１の長孔１３の横長開口部１３ａに移動可能に係合している。一方、図４及び図３（ｂ）に示すように、エアバッグ２３の展開圧力がエアバッグドア部７に作用してエアバッグドア部７がパネル構成部材１の表側に押し上げられた状態では、上記各フック４９の狭幅部４９ｂ上端が上記各ヒンジ部１１の長孔１３の縦長開口部１３ｂ下端に移動可能に係合して押し付けられている。これにより、上記各ヒンジ部１１がエアバッグドア部本体９と共に長孔１３によりパネル構成部材１の表裏方向に移動可能なように一体に突設されている。そして、上記エアバッグ装置２５を枠体３７を介してエアバッグドア部７裏面に配置した状態で、上記枠体３７と各ヒンジ部１１とでエアバッグ装置２５を取り囲み、該エアバッグ装置２５の作動により展開するエアバッグ２３をエアバッグドア部７裏面に導くようになっている。   On the other hand, the front wall portion 39 is formed to have a significantly shorter vertical dimension than the rear wall portion 41 and the side wall portions 43, and four (only one appears in FIG. 1) at the upper end of the front wall portion 39. The hooks 49 as the engaging means are bent so as to correspond to the long holes 13 of the hinge portions 11. As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), these hooks 49 are composed of a wide tip portion 49a and a narrow width portion 49b continuous to the wide tip portion 49a, and the wide tip portion 49a has the long hole. It is wider than the 13 vertically long openings 13b so that it cannot be removed from the vertically long openings 13b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, in the initial opening state of the airbag door portion 7, the wide end portion 49a of the hook 49 is movable to the horizontally long opening portion 13a of the long hole 13 of the hinge portion 11. Is engaged. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 3B, in a state where the deployment pressure of the airbag 23 acts on the airbag door portion 7 and the airbag door portion 7 is pushed up to the front side of the panel component member 1, The upper ends of the narrow portions 49b of the hooks 49 are movably engaged and pressed against the lower ends of the vertically long openings 13b of the long holes 13 of the hinge portions 11. Thereby, each said hinge part 11 is integrally protrudingly provided so that it can move to the front and back direction of the panel structural member 1 with the long hole 13 with the airbag door part main body 9. As shown in FIG. And in the state which has arrange | positioned the said airbag apparatus 25 on the back surface of the airbag door part 7 via the frame 37, the said frame 37 and each hinge part 11 surround the airbag apparatus 25, and this airbag apparatus 25 of The airbag 23 that is deployed by operation is guided to the back surface of the airbag door portion 7.

上述の如く構成されたエアバッグドア部７を備えたパネル構成部材１では、自動車が衝突すると、エアバッグ装置２５のエアバッグ２３がインフレータの作動によって膨張して枠体３７及び各ヒンジ部１１に案内されながら展開し、その展開圧力で脆弱部５が破断する。これにより、図４に示すように、各ヒンジ部１１がエアバッグドア部本体９と共にパネル構成部材１の表側に押し上げられて各フック４９が各ヒンジ部１１の長孔１３を移動し、エアバッグドア部７は４個のヒンジ部１１の一端に一体に接続された状態でパネル構成部材１と切り離される。その後、図５に示すように、各ヒンジ部１１が各フック４９との係合箇所を支点にエアバッグ装置２５から離れるように湾曲変形してエアバッグドア部本体９を起き上がらせるように構成されている。これにより、エアバッグドア部７が各ヒンジ部１１を支点として回動して車体前方上向きに開き、展開したエアバッグ２３で助手席の乗員を車体前後方向の衝撃から保護するようになっている。   In the panel constituent member 1 having the airbag door portion 7 configured as described above, when the automobile collides, the airbag 23 of the airbag device 25 is inflated by the operation of the inflator, and the frame body 37 and each hinge portion 11 are inflated. It develops while being guided, and the weak part 5 is broken by the development pressure. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, each hinge portion 11 is pushed up together with the airbag door portion main body 9 to the front side of the panel constituent member 1, and each hook 49 moves through the long hole 13 of each hinge portion 11. The door portion 7 is separated from the panel constituent member 1 while being integrally connected to one end of the four hinge portions 11. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, each hinge portion 11 is bent and deformed away from the airbag device 25 with the engagement point with each hook 49 as a fulcrum to raise the airbag door body 9. ing. As a result, the airbag door portion 7 pivots about each hinge portion 11 and opens upward in the front of the vehicle body, and the deployed airbag 23 protects the passenger in the front passenger seat from impact in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. .

このように、エアバッグドア部７を開作動初期段階で一旦押し上げた後、各ヒンジ部１１を湾曲変形させて起き上がらせるようにしているので、この起き上がり動作（各ヒンジ部１１の湾曲変形動作）は、その前段階でエアバッグドア部本体９を押し上げたエアバッグ２３の展開圧力の余力によって行われる。したがって、エアバッグドア部本体９を脆弱部５の破断と同時に一気に回動させて起き上がらせる場合に比べて各ヒンジ部１１に負担が掛からず、また、各ヒンジ部１１は湾曲変形可能な板状に形成されているため、エアバッグ２３の展開圧力を効果的に吸収して薄肉ヒンジの場合に比べて千切れ難く、エアバッグドア部７の飛散を防止することができる。よって、飛散防止対策として、靱性のある高価な熱可塑性エラストマー材でエアバッグドア部を成形する必要がなく、廉価なエアバッグドア部とすることができる。   In this way, after the airbag door portion 7 is once pushed up in the initial stage of opening operation, each hinge portion 11 is bent and deformed to rise, so this rising operation (curving deformation operation of each hinge portion 11). Is performed by the remaining pressure of the deployment pressure of the airbag 23 that pushed up the airbag door body 9 in the previous stage. Therefore, compared with the case where the airbag door main body 9 is swung up at the same time as the fragile portion 5 is broken and lifted up, the hinge portions 11 are not burdened, and the hinge portions 11 are plate-shaped that can be bent and deformed. Therefore, the deployment pressure of the airbag 23 is effectively absorbed, and the airbag door portion 7 can be prevented from being scattered because the deployment pressure of the airbag 23 is effectively absorbed compared to the case of the thin hinge. Therefore, as an anti-scattering measure, there is no need to mold the airbag door portion with a tough and expensive thermoplastic elastomer material, and an inexpensive airbag door portion can be obtained.

さらに、４個のヒンジ部１１をエアバッグドア部本体９の車体前方側の一辺３ａ側内寄りに該一辺３ａ側の脆弱部５に沿うように間隔をあけて一体に突設しているので、回動抵抗が４個のヒンジ部１１に分散され、個々のヒンジ部１１に対する回動抵抗が少なくなってエアバッグドア部７をスムーズに開くことができる。また、上記各ヒンジ部１１が上記枠体３７と共にエアバッグ展開時にエアバッグ２３を案内するエアバッグシュート部材の役目を担って、枠体３７と各ヒンジ部１１とでエアバッグ２３をエアバッグドア部７裏面に導くことができ、エアバッグシュート部材を別途に設ける場合に比べて部品点数を低減することができる。   Furthermore, since the four hinge portions 11 are integrally projected at intervals toward the inside of the side 3a side of the airbag door portion main body 9 on the side 3a side of the airbag door portion 9 so as to follow the fragile portion 5 on the side 3a side. The rotation resistance is distributed to the four hinge portions 11, and the rotation resistance with respect to each hinge portion 11 is reduced, so that the airbag door portion 7 can be opened smoothly. Also, each hinge 11 serves as an airbag chute member for guiding the airbag 23 together with the frame 37 when the airbag is deployed, and the airbag 37 is connected to the airbag door by the frame 37 and each hinge 11. This can be led to the rear surface of the part 7, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where an airbag chute member is provided separately.

さらにまた、上記枠体３７の各フック４９を各ヒンジ部１１の長孔１３に係合させてエアバッグ装置２５を仮止めした状態で、該エアバッグ装置２５を枠体３７を介してパネル構成部材１裏面の取付ボス部１９に取り付けるので、エアバッグ装置２５の取付作業を容易に行うことができる。   Furthermore, in a state where the hooks 49 of the frame body 37 are engaged with the long holes 13 of the hinge portions 11 and the airbag apparatus 25 is temporarily fixed, the airbag apparatus 25 is configured as a panel via the frame body 37. Since it attaches to the attachment boss | hub part 19 of the member 1 back surface, the attachment operation | work of the airbag apparatus 25 can be performed easily.

加えて、エアバッグドア部７の車体前方側のパネル構成部材１はその裏面に形成された剛性部１５で補強されているので、エアバッグ２３の展開圧力による脆弱部５の破断力がパネル構成部材１に作用してもパネル構成部材１を変形したり破損したりしないようにすることができる。また、剛性部１５は、縦リブ１５ａと横リブ１５ｂとで枠状に一体に構成されているので、例えばブロック状のもの等で剛性部を構成する場合に比べて軽量に構成でき、さらに、構成材料が少ない分安価に成形できる。また、剛性部１５とパネル構成部材１裏面との接触面積が小さくなる分、パネル構成部材１成形時にヒケなどが生じ難く、パネル構成部材１表面の見栄え悪化を防止することができる。   In addition, since the panel constituent member 1 on the vehicle body front side of the airbag door portion 7 is reinforced by the rigid portion 15 formed on the back surface thereof, the breaking force of the fragile portion 5 due to the deployment pressure of the airbag 23 is the panel configuration. Even if it acts on the member 1, the panel constituent member 1 can be prevented from being deformed or damaged. Further, since the rigid portion 15 is integrally formed in a frame shape with the vertical ribs 15a and the horizontal ribs 15b, it can be configured to be lighter than the case where the rigid portion is configured with, for example, a block-like one, Since there are few constituent materials, it can shape | mold cheaply. Further, since the contact area between the rigid portion 15 and the back surface of the panel constituent member 1 becomes small, sink marks or the like hardly occur at the time of molding the panel constituent member 1, and the appearance of the panel constituent member 1 surface can be prevented from deteriorating.

（実施形態２）
図６及び図７は実施形態２に係るエアバッグドア部構造が適用されたパネル構成部材１を示す。実施形態２における係合手段は、図８に示すように、枠体３７とは独立した板状の係合プレート５１であり、該係合プレート５１の上端には、各ヒンジ部１１に形成された矩形状の係合孔１７に係合する４個のフック状係合爪部５１ａが一体に突設されているとともに、隣り合う係合爪部５１ａ間の下方にはスライド手段としての長孔５１ｂがパネル構成部材１の表裏方向に延びるように１個ずつ合計３個形成されている。また、上記枠体３７の前壁部３９には３個のリベットからなる連結具５３が上記各長孔５１ｂに対応するように固着され、該各連結具５３は上記各長孔５１ｂに移動可能に係合して上記係合プレート５１が枠体３７の前壁部３９に取り付けられている。そのほかは実施形態１と同様に構成されているので、同一の構成箇所には同一の符号を付してその詳細に説明を省略する。 (Embodiment 2)
6 and 7 show the panel constituting member 1 to which the airbag door portion structure according to the second embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 8, the engagement means in the second embodiment is a plate-like engagement plate 51 independent of the frame body 37, and is formed on each hinge portion 11 at the upper end of the engagement plate 51. Four hook-like engaging claws 51a that engage with the rectangular engaging holes 17 are integrally projected, and a long hole as a sliding means is provided below the adjacent engaging claws 51a. A total of three pieces 51b are formed so as to extend in the front and back direction of the panel component 1. Further, a connecting tool 53 composed of three rivets is fixed to the front wall 39 of the frame body 37 so as to correspond to the long holes 51b, and the connecting tools 53 are movable to the long holes 51b. The engagement plate 51 is attached to the front wall portion 39 of the frame body 37 by engaging with the frame. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

そして、実施形態２では、自動車が衝突すると、エアバッグ装置２５のエアバッグ２３がインフレータの作動によって膨張して枠体３７及び各ヒンジ部１１に案内されながら展開し、その展開圧力で脆弱部５が破断する。これにより、図９に示すように、各ヒンジ部１１がエアバッグドア部本体９と共にパネル構成部材１の表側に押し上げられて各連結具５３が係合プレート５１の長孔５１ｂを移動し、エアバッグドア部７は４個のヒンジ部１１の一端に一体に接続された状態でパネル構成部材１と切り離される。その後、図１０に示すように、各ヒンジ部１１が係合プレート５１の各係合爪部５１ａとの係合箇所を支点にエアバッグ装置２５から離れるように湾曲変形してエアバッグドア部本体９を起き上がらせるように構成されている。これにより、エアバッグドア部７が各ヒンジ部１１を支点として回動して車体前方上向きに開き、展開したエアバッグ２３で助手席の乗員を車体前後方向の衝撃から保護するようになっている。   In the second embodiment, when the automobile collides, the airbag 23 of the airbag device 25 is inflated by the operation of the inflator and is deployed while being guided by the frame body 37 and the hinge portions 11, and the weakened portion 5 is developed by the deployment pressure. Breaks. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, each hinge portion 11 is pushed up together with the airbag door portion main body 9 to the front side of the panel constituent member 1, so that each connector 53 moves through the long hole 51 b of the engagement plate 51. The bag door portion 7 is separated from the panel constituent member 1 while being integrally connected to one end of the four hinge portions 11. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, each hinge portion 11 is bent and deformed away from the airbag device 25 with the engaging portion of the engaging plate 51 engaging with each engaging claw portion 51 a as a fulcrum. 9 is configured to get up. As a result, the airbag door portion 7 pivots about each hinge portion 11 and opens upward in the front of the vehicle body, and the deployed airbag 23 protects the passenger in the front passenger seat from impact in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. .

したがって、実施形態２では、実施形態１と同様の作用効果を奏することができる。   Therefore, in the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved.

なお、上記の各実施形態では、４個のヒンジ部１１をエアバッグドア部本体９の車体前方側の一辺３ａ側内寄りに間隔をあけて配置したが、車幅方向に長い１枚物のヒンジ部１１であってもよい。   In each of the above embodiments, the four hinge portions 11 are arranged with an interval inward of the side 3a side on the front side of the vehicle body of the airbag door portion main body 9, but one piece that is long in the vehicle width direction is arranged. The hinge part 11 may be sufficient.

さらに、上記の各実施形態では、脆弱部５をパネル構成部材１裏面に型成形により破断溝部３を形成することで薄肉化して破断し易くしたが、レーザー加工や熱刃により破断し易くしてもよい。   Further, in each of the above embodiments, the weakened portion 5 is thinned by forming the fracture groove portion 3 on the back surface of the panel constituent member 1 by molding, so that the weakened portion 5 is easily broken. However, the weakened portion 5 is easily broken by laser processing or a hot blade. Also good.

また、上記の各実施形態では、エアバッグドア部７をパネル構成部材１と一体に形成したが、パネル構成部材１に開口部を形成し、この開口部に別途成形したエアバッグドア部７を有するパネル材を嵌め込んで、エアバッグドア部７をパネル構成部材１と別体に構成してもよい。   Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the airbag door part 7 was formed integrally with the panel structural member 1, the opening part was formed in the panel structural member 1, and the airbag door part 7 separately shape | molded in this opening part is provided. The airbag door portion 7 may be configured separately from the panel constituent member 1 by fitting a panel material having the same.

さらにまた、上記の各実施形態では、エアバッグドア部７が片開きタイプである場合を例示したが、エアバッグドア部７が、前側ドア部と後側ドア部とで構成されて車体前後方向上向きに開く観音開きタイプにも適用することができる。この場合、脆弱部５（破断溝部３）は、実施形態１，２の平面視略矩形状の破断溝部３における車体側方側の二辺３ｃ中程を中間溝部で連結して平面視略日の字形に形成することになる。   Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the airbag door portion 7 is a single-open type is illustrated, but the airbag door portion 7 is configured by a front door portion and a rear door portion, and the vehicle body longitudinal direction. It can also be applied to the double door spread type that opens upward. In this case, the fragile portion 5 (breaking groove portion 3) is connected to the middle side of the two sides 3c on the side of the vehicle body in the substantially rectangular shape of the breaking groove portion 3 in the plan view of the first and second embodiments by the intermediate groove portion. It will be formed into a letter shape.

加えて、上記の各実施形態では、内装パネルがインストルメントパネルのパネル構成部材１である場合を示したが、ステアリングハンドルのエアバッグドア部組付箇所のパネル、エアバッグドア部付きセンタピラーガーニッシュ及びエアバッグドア部付きドアトリム等であってもよい。   In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the interior panel is the panel component 1 of the instrument panel has been shown. However, the panel of the steering wheel at the airbag door assembly portion, the center pillar garnish with the airbag door portion And a door trim with an airbag door part etc. may be sufficient.

この発明は、自動車のインストルメントパネル等、衝突時に乗員を保護する必要がある内装パネルに設けられたエアバッグドア部の構造として有用である。   The present invention is useful as a structure of an airbag door portion provided in an interior panel that needs to protect an occupant in the event of a collision, such as an instrument panel of an automobile.

図２のＩ−Ｉ線に相当する断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line II in FIG. 2. 実施形態１においてヒンジ部、取付ボス部及び剛性部を実線で示すとともに、エアバッグドア部が閉じた状態のパネル構成部材を仮想線で示す斜視図である。In Embodiment 1, it is a perspective view which shows the panel structural member of the state which the hinge part, the attachment boss | hub part, and the rigid part were shown with the continuous line, and the airbag door part closed. 実施形態１においてヒンジ部とフックとの係合状態を示し、（ａ）は図１のＡ矢視図、（ｂ）は図４のＢ矢視図である。The engagement state of a hinge part and a hook in Embodiment 1 is shown, (a) is A arrow directional view of FIG. 1, (b) is B arrow directional view of FIG. 実施形態１においてエアバッグドア部の開作動初期状態を示す図１相当図である。FIG. 2 is an equivalent view of FIG. 1 illustrating an initial opening operation state of the airbag door portion in the first embodiment. 実施形態１においてエアバッグドア部が開いた状態を示す図１相当図である。FIG. 2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 illustrating a state in which the airbag door portion is opened in the first embodiment. 実施形態２の図１相当図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 実施形態２の図２相当図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 of the second embodiment. 実施形態２における係合プレートの正面図である。6 is a front view of an engagement plate in Embodiment 2. FIG. 実施形態２の図４相当図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. 実施形態２の図５相当図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 of the second embodiment.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ パネル構成部材（内装パネル）
５ 脆弱部
７ エアバッグドア部
９ エアバッグドア部本体
１１ ヒンジ部
１３ 長孔（スライド手段）
２３ エアバッグ
２５ エアバッグ装置
４９ フック（係合手段）
５１ 係合プレート（係合手段）
５１ｂ 長孔（スライド手段）
５３ 連結具 1 Panel component (interior panel)
5 Fragile part 7 Airbag door part 9 Airbag door part main body 11 Hinge part 13 Long hole (sliding means)
23 Airbag 25 Airbag device 49 Hook (engagement means)
51 Engagement plate (engagement means)
51b Long hole (sliding means)
53 connector

Claims (3)

自動車の内装パネルに形成された脆弱部で囲まれ、エアバッグ装置の作動により上記脆弱部が破断して開く略矩形状のエアバッグドア部の構造であって、
エアバッグドア部本体裏面の少なくとも一辺側内寄りには、エアバッグ装置側に設けられた係合手段が係合する板状ヒンジ部が上記一辺側の脆弱部に沿うようにかつエアバッグドア部本体と共にスライド手段により内装パネルの表裏方向に移動可能なように一体に突設され、
上記ヒンジ部は、エアバッグの展開圧力で脆弱部が破断することにより上記エアバッグドア部本体と共に内装パネルの表側に押し上げられた後、上記係合手段との係合箇所を支点にエアバッグ装置から離れるように湾曲変形して上記エアバッグドア部本体を起き上がらせるように構成されていることを特徴とする自動車のエアバッグドア部構造。 It is surrounded by a fragile part formed on the interior panel of the automobile, and is a structure of a substantially rectangular airbag door part that is opened by breaking the fragile part by the operation of the airbag device,
On the inner side of at least one side of the rear surface of the airbag door main body, a plate-like hinge portion that engages with an engaging means provided on the airbag device side extends along the fragile portion on the one side and the airbag door portion. It is integrally projected so that it can move in the front and back direction of the interior panel by sliding means together with the main body,
The hinge part is pushed up to the front side of the interior panel together with the airbag door main body by breaking the weak part by the deployment pressure of the airbag, and then the airbag device with the engagement point with the engagement means as a fulcrum An airbag door portion structure for an automobile, wherein the airbag door portion main body is configured to be bent and deformed so as to be separated from the vehicle. 請求項１に記載の自動車のエアバッグドア部構造において、
スライド手段は、内装パネルの表裏方向に延びるようにヒンジ部に形成された長孔であり、
該長孔に係合手段が移動可能に係合していることを特徴とする自動車のエアバッグドア部構造。 In the automobile airbag door structure according to claim 1,
The sliding means is a long hole formed in the hinge portion so as to extend in the front and back direction of the interior panel,
An airbag door portion structure for an automobile, wherein an engaging means is movably engaged with the elongated hole. 請求項１に記載の自動車のエアバッグドア部構造において、
スライド手段は、内装パネルの表裏方向に延びるように係合手段に形成された長孔であり、
該長孔には、エアバッグ装置側に固着された連結具が移動可能に係合して上記係合手段がエアバッグ装置側に設けられていることを特徴とする自動車のエアバッグドア部構造。 In the automobile airbag door structure according to claim 1,
The sliding means is a long hole formed in the engaging means so as to extend in the front and back direction of the interior panel,
An airbag door portion structure for an automobile, wherein the elongated hole is provided with the engagement means provided on the airbag device side by movably engaging a connector fixed to the airbag device side. .

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