U.S. patent application number 09/510457 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for vehicle instrument panel.
Invention is credited to Saito, Kazuhiro.
Application Number | 20020074782 09/510457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 12658279 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020074782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saito, Kazuhiro |
June 20, 2002 |
VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Abstract
A sub panel concealing an airbag is mounted in the instrument
panel of a vehicle. The sub panel covering a portion of the
instrument panel appears to be part of the instrument panel. The
inner surface of the sub panel has cleavage grooves that split open
during a vehicle collision allowing the airbag to expand,
protecting the passenger. The sub panel and airbag unit are
replaceable after the airbag is deployed, restoring the instrument
panel functionality. In the preferred embodiment, the sub panel
covers a portion of the instrument panel on the passenger side of
the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Saito, Kazuhiro; (Omiya-Shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas R. Morrison Esq.
Morrison Law Firm
145 North Fifth Avenue
Mount Vernon
NY
10550
US
|
Family ID: |
12658279 |
Appl. No.: |
09/510457 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/732 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 2791/006 20130101;
B60R 21/2165 20130101; B29C 37/0057 20130101; B32B 5/18 20130101;
B29L 2031/3008 20130101; B29C 2791/001 20130101; B29C 37/0032
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/732 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 22, 1999 |
JP |
11-43236 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle instrument panel comprising: an instrument panel body
having an opening; a sub panel; said opening being closed by said
sub panel; an airbag disposed within said sub panel; said sub panel
having at least one cleavage groove disposed on a surface of said
sub panel whereby when said airbag is deployed, said cleavage
groove splits open; and said sub panel covering less than all of
said instrument panel body.
2. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein an
upper surface of said sub panel appears to be continuous with an
exposed surface of said instrument panel body.
3. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein: said
opening having a front edge, a seat edge, a side edge and a center
side edge.
4. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 2, further
comprising: an airbag lid part disposed on said sub panel; said
airbag lid part being openable; and a panel body surrounding said
airbag lid part.
5. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 3, further
comprising: a ridge line: said ridge line being disposed on said
front edge; and said ridge line extending from said center side
edge to said side edge.
6. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, further
comprising: a central panel having a central panel edge; said
central panel being disposed on a generally central portion of said
instrument panel body; and said center side edge being disposed
along said central panel edge.
7. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 4, further
comprising: an air conditioning vent disposed near said side edge
of said sub panel; and said airbag lid part being disposed in a
generally central portion of said sub panel.
8. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, further
comprising an airbag unit support being disposed on an inner
surface of said sub panel.
9. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 4, wherein: said
airbag lid part and said panel body are formed using a multicolored
molding process.
10. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 4, wherein: said
airbag lid part and said panel body are made as separate parts; and
said airbag lid part being fixably attached to said panel body.
11. A vehicle instrument panel according to claim 1, wherein: said
sub panel having a front surface with a material which; at minus 40
degrees C.; has a tensile strength of between
250.times.9.8N/cm.sup.2 (250 Kgf/cm.sup.2) and
500.times.9.8N/cm.sup.2(500 Kgf/cm.sup.2), an extension percentage
of at least 50%, and a tearing strength of at least
10.times.9.8N/cm.sup.2(10Kgf/cm.sup.2); and at 85 degrees C.; has a
tensile strength in a range of 10.times.9.8N/cm.sup.2(10
Kgf/cm.sup.2) to 100.times.9.8N/cm.sup.2(100 Kgf/cm.sup.2), an
extension percentage in a range of 150 to 500 (%), and a tearing
strength of at least 5.times.9.8N/cm.sup.2(5 Kgf/cm.sup.2).
12. An instrument sub panel comprising: a sub panel unit covering
less than all of an instrument panel of a vehicle; said sub panel
unit being removably insertable in said instrument panel; at least
a first cleavage groove disposed on a surface of said sub panel
unit whereby at least said first cleavage groove is cleavable
during a vehicle collision by said airbag; and means for removably
securing the sub panel unit to said instrument panel whereby said
sub panel unit appears to be integrally associated with said
instrument panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle instrument panel.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle
instrument panel with a replaceable sub panel which conceals an
airbag.
[0002] Referring to FIG. 22, prior art vehicles, such as cars,
provide for passenger safety with an airbag (not shown) installed
in a section of an instrument panel 1. During a collision, an
airbag unit 2 is activated allowing the airbag to expand,
protecting passengers (not shown).
[0003] A cleavage groove 3 splits open when the airbag expands.
Cleavage groove 3 is disposed along an inner surface of instrument
panel 1. Airbag lid parts 4, disposed within instrument panel 1,
also open when cleavage groove 3 splits. Because cleavage groove 3
faces an inner surface of instrument panel 1, it is hidden from
view. The aesthetic appearance of instrument panel 1 is improved by
concealing the presence of the airbag and associated cleavage
groove 3.
[0004] However in the prior art, because cleavage groove 3 is
disposed directly on an inner surface of instrument panel 1, after
airbag unit 2 is activated, entire instrument panel 1 must be
replaced when repairing the vehicle. This increases the cost and
complexity of repairing the vehicle.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
drawbacks of the prior art.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
attractive instrument panel that effectively conceals an
airbag.
[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a sub panel airbag assembly that allows easy replacement of a
deployed airbag.
[0008] Briefly stated, the present invention provides a sub panel
concealing an airbag mounted in the instrument panel of a vehicle.
The sub panel covering a portion of the instrument panel appears to
be part of the instrument panel. The inner surface of the sub panel
has cleavage grooves that split open during a vehicle collision
allowing the airbag to expand, protecting the passenger. The sub
panel and airbag unit are replaceable after the airbag is deployed,
restoring the instrument panel functionality. In the preferred
embodiment, the sub panel covers a portion of the instrument panel
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a vehicle instrument panel comprising: an instrument panel
body having an opening; a sub panel; the opening being closed by
the sub panel; an airbag disposed within the sub panel; the sub
panel having at least one of a cleavage groove disposed on a
surface of the sub panel whereby when the airbag is deployed, the
cleavage groove splits open; and the sub panel covering less than
all of the instrument panel body.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is
provided an instrument sub panel comprising: a sub panel unit
covering less than all of an instrument panel of a vehicle; the sub
panel unit being removably insertable in the instrument panel; at
least a first cleavage groove disposed on a surface of the sub
panel unit whereby at least the first cleavage groove is cleavable
during a vehicle collision by the airbag; and means for removably
securing the sub panel unit to the instrument panel whereby the sub
panel unit appears to be integrally associated with the instrument
panel.
[0011] The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals designate the same elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the instrument panel
relating to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-section drawing along line A-A of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an expanded perspective drawing of the essential
parts of the section attached to the sub panel of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-section drawing along line B-B of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-section drawing along line C-C of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 3 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 3 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 3 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 3 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a cross-section drawing similar to FIG. 2 of
another example of a sub panel shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the instrument panel of
yet a n other embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective drawing of an airbag lid
part and a panel body representing another embodiment of the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective drawing showing the condition where
the airbag lid part and the panel body of FIG. 18 are joined
together.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a partial expanded cross-section showing the
condition where a laminate sheet is attached to the core material
of FIG. 19.
[0032] FIG. 21 shows the condition where the sub panel of FIG. 19
is being vacuum molded.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective drawing of an example of
the instrument panel of the prior art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, an instrument panel 10 of a vehicle
(not shown), such as a car, has an instrument panel body 11.
Instrument panel body 11 transversely extends from one side of the
vehicle to the other. A central panel (cluster lid) 12 is centrally
disposed on instrument panel body 11. A sub panel 13 is disposed on
the passenger side of the vehicle.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, instrument panel body 11
includes a forward section 11a disposed along its front edge and a
backward inclining section 11b which is continuous with, but
extending away from forward section 11a. Forward section 11a
includes a forward inclining piece 11c and a horizontal piece 11d.
A ridge line 11e is formed where horizontal piece 11d joins with
backward inclining section 11b. A longitudinal defroster opening 14
is disposed in horizontal piece lid. Air is blown through air
openings 15a. A grill 15 covers defroster opening 14.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a steering member 16 is disposed within
instrument panel body 10. A bracket 17 is welded onto the section
of steering member 16 that corresponds to the passenger side. The
front end of an airbag unit 18 is anchored to bracket 17 by a bolt
19. Airbag unit 18 inclines diagonally upwards from bracket 17
towards instrument panel body 11. An airbag expansion opening 18a
is disposed towards an inner surface of instrument panel body
11.
[0037] Referring again to FIGS. 1 through 3, an expansion opening
20, allows the airbag (not shown) of airbag unit 18 to expand. The
front edge of expansion opening 20 extends along ridge line 11e.
The back edge of expansion opening 20 extends along a passenger
seat edge (back edge part) 21. One side edge of expansion opening
20 extends along a left side edge 12a of central panel 12. The
other edge extends along a left side edge 22 of instrument panel
body 11. Left side edge 12a of central panel 12 extends from
passenger seat edge 21 to ridge line 11e. Air is centrally directed
using a louver 12b. A liquid crystal display 12c of the AV system,
along with other instrumentation are disposed on central panel
12.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a panel attachment edge 23 is
disposed along the perimeter of expansion opening 20. Panel
attachment edge 23 has a U-shaped cross-section which includes an
inner perimeter wall 23a, an outer perimeter wall 23b, and a bottom
wall 23c. A panel attachment groove 23d is formed between inner
perimeter wall 23a and outer perimeter wall 23b. A flange 13a
disposed along the perimeter of sub panel 13 fits within panel
attachment groove 23d. Additionally, axial projections 23e are
tapered and protrude outward towards airbag unit 18. Axial
projections 23e are formed in bottom walls 23c at various
intervals.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the inner surface of the
perimeter of sub panel 13 has a plurality of latching tabs 24.
Plurality of latching tabs 24 attach sub panel 13 to instrument
panel body 11 along the edges of expansion opening 20.
Additionally, latching pieces 25 are formed along the inner edge
surfaces of sub panel 13 which are parallel to ridge line 11e.
Joining holes 25a are formed in latching pieces 25. Axial
projections 23e fit into joining holes 25a. Latching pieces 25 are
affixed to bottom wall 23c by tapping screws 26. Tapping screws 26
screw into axial projections 23e.
[0040] Sub panel 13 is laminated in three layers in the following
sequence: a core material 27, a foam layer 28; and a surface
covering 29. Core material 27 is formed from resin by injection
molding. A cleavage groove 30 is centrally formed on the inner
surface of sub panel 13. Cleavage groove 30 is H-shaped with
cleavage groove 30a running parallel to ridge line 11e forming the
bar in the H-shape. Cleavage grooves 30b are perpendicular to ridge
line 11e and form the uprights in the H-shape. Cleavage groove 30
is seamless and cannot be seen from the vehicle interior. Cleavage
groove 30 traverses core material 27 and foam layer 28. Cleavage
groove 30 is easily cleaved by the expansion pressure of the
airbag.
[0041] Airbag lid parts 31 are disposed below sub panel 13. Airbag
lid parts 31 open when cleavage groove 30 cleaves through the
expansion pressure of the airbag. Airbag lid parts 31 are formed
above and below cleavage groove 31a. An air conditioning hole 131
is formed on a side edge of sub panel 13. A louver 32 is attached
to air conditioning hole 131.
[0042] A large section of instrument panel 10 located on the
passenger side of the vehicle is covered by sub panel 13. This
improves the overall aesthetic appearance of instrument panel 10.
When a vehicle collision occurs, airbag lid parts 31 open allowing
an airbag to expand outward into the interior region of the vehicle
protecting the passenger. Instrument panel 10 is restored by
replacing only sub panel 13. This reduces repair costs and
simplifies restoration of the vehicle after a collision.
[0043] The aesthetic appearance of instrument panel 10 is enhanced
because ridge line 11e and the front edge of sub panel 13 coincide,
making it appear as though the front edge of sub panel 13 is
continuous with instrument panel body 11. Furthermore, left side
edge 12a of central panel 12 and the right side edge of sub panel
13 coincide, contributing to the continuous look of instrument
panel body 11 and sub panel 13.
Examples
[0044] In Mode 1 of the embodiment described above, (see FIG. 4 for
example) sub panel 13 is made using a three layer construction
consisting of 15 core material 27, foam layer 28, and surface
covering 29. However, other constructions are possible.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, a one layer construction consisting of
only core material 27, is illustrated. Cleavage groove 30, which
opens along an inner surface of core material 27, closely
approaches the outer surface of core material 27.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, sub panel 13 has a two layer
construction of core material 27 and surface covering 29. Cleavage
groove 30 traverses all of core material 27 stopping just at the
inner surface of surface covering 29.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, sub panel 13 can also be made using a
four layer construction in which core material 27, a thermal
insulation layer 27a, foam layer 28, and surface covering 29 are
laminated sequentially. Cleavage groove 30 extends through core
material 27, thermal insulation layer 27a, and foam layer 28, again
stopping just at the inner surface of surface covering 29. In
forming the four layer construction, thermal insulation layer 27a,
foam layer 28, surface covering 29 are formed in advance and set
inside the cavity of an injection molding die. Core material 27 is
then formed by injecting melted resin into the injection molding
die containing the three layer construct. Thermal insulation layer
27a prevents foam layer 28 from melting due to the heat from the
melted resin.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, support pieces (support
protrusions) 40 protrude on an inner surface of core material 27,
described above. Latching holes 40a are provided on support pieces
40. Latching is achieved by passing latching tabs 41 (which
protrude from airbag unit 18) through latching holes 40a. This
stabilizes and supports airbag unit 18 within instrument panel
10.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, core material 27 includes an
airbag lid part 50 and a panel body 51. Airbag lid part 50 is
centered and surrounded by panel body 51. Airbag lid part 50 and
panel body part 51 of core material 27 is formed by using a
multicolored molding heat welding process that uses resin materials
with differing material values. Airbag lid part 50 comprises two
airbag lid parts 31, which are divided by cleavage groove 30.
[0050] The following parts are made of core material 27 with the
following properties:
[0051] Airbag lid part 50
[0052] Bending elasticity coefficient: 10,000
Kg/cm.sup.2.about.25,000 Kg/cm.sup.2
[0053] Shrinkage factor (%): 4/1000-8/1000
[0054] Linear expansion coefficient: 4.times.10.sup.-5/.degree.
C..about.10.times.10.sup.-6/.degree. C.
[0055] Panel body part 51
[0056] Bending elasticity coefficient: 700 Kg/cm.sup.2.about.7,000
Kg/cm.sup.2
[0057] Shrinkage factor (%): 4/1000-10/1000
[0058] Linear expansion coefficient:
2.times.10.sup.-5.about.12.times.10.s- up.-6/.degree.
C..about.12.times.10.sup.-5/.degree. C.
[0059] Airbag lid part 50 of sub panel 13 is formed from an easily
bendable material, while the part surrounding airbag lid part 50 is
formed from a highly rigid material. This results in sub panel 13
which looks like it is continuous with instrument panel body 11.
When airbag unit 18 is activated, airbag lid part 50 easily opens.
By forming airbag lid part 50 and panel body part 51 of resin
materials having approximately the same material values for
shrinkage factor and linear expansion coefficient an instrument
panel 10 has excellent heat cycle resistance with little
deformation.
[0060] Support pieces 40 are disposed on airbag lid part 50. Each
of latching tabs 41 of airbag unit 18 pass through latching holes
40a and are latched.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 9-16, the construction is essentially the
same and, therefore, use the same numbers as shown in FIGS. 1-8.
The descriptions are likewise abbreviated.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 17, a vehicle has a lid 110 (this lid
opens when the display device, which is housed within the
instrument panel, is pushed during navigation activation) which
comprises part of a pop-up style navigation system located at the
top part of central panel 12. The side edges of lid 110 coincide
with the side edges of sub panel 13. The side edges of lid 110
extend to ridge 11e. This enhances the look of instrument panel
body 11 and makes it appear to be a continuous structure.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 18-21, sub panel 13 includes a
laminate sheet 71 affixed on a core material 70. Core material 70
has separate members which include an airbag lid part 72 and a
panel body part 73. Panel body 73 surrounds airbag lid part 72.
Airbag lid part 72 and panel body part 73 are fitted together.
[0064] Panel body part 73 is constructed from a normal PPC material
or other appropriate material. Airbag lid part 72 is constructed
from TPO material or TEO material or other appropriate material
which has good low temperature properties. A joining part 74
protrudes along an edge of panel body part 73. Joining part 74 fits
within a receiving groove 75 disposed on airbag lid 72.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, both body panel 73 and airbag
lid 72 are joined by force fitting them into there respective
opening. A guide pin 84 can be formed on panel body part 73 to
correctly position airbag lid part 72.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 19, the surface of core material 70 is
coated with an adhesive 76. Adhesive 76 covers panel body part 73
and airbag lid part 72. Suitable examples of adhesive 76 include
rubber, butyl rubber, or styrene type adhesives. Other suitable
adhesives could be used.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, core material 70 is placed in
a vacuum receiving mold 78 of a vacuum molding device 77. Laminate
sheet 71 is placed on the surface of core material 70 and vacuum is
applied using a vacuum source 79. Vacuum source 79 can include a
vacuum tank with a vacuum attachment to conduct the vacuum where
required. Laminate sheet 71 is a sheet material has a surface
covering 80 and a foam layer 81. Surface covering 80 is made of a
TPO material having good low temperature properties. Foam layer 81
is a PPF foam body and other appropriate material. In order to
improve the adhesion between core material 70 and laminate sheet
71, a drawing process can be used or jagged grooves can be formed
on the surface of core material 70. Alternatively, jagged grooves
82 can be formed on laminate sheet 71. In order to conduct the
vacuum, small vacuum suction holes are formed in core material 70.
Other embodiments are possible, for example, the core material
could be formed from metal.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 21, sub panel 13 is complete when removed
from the mold and cut along a dashed line 83.
[0069] By constructing panel body part 73 and airbag lid part 72
separately, core material 70 is easily and inexpensively produced
without having to use the two color molding device indicated in
FIGS. 13-16. Furthermore, since vacuum molding device 77 is used
for the adhesion between laminate sheet 71 and core material 70
only has a vacuum receiving mold 78, the cost is kept low. In this
way, sub panel 13 is easily and inexpensively produced.
[0070] For surface coverings 29 and 80 that cover cleavage groove
30, a material having the following properties is used:
[0071] at -40 degrees C. (low temperature);
1 at -40 degrees C. (low temperature); tensile strength 250 .times.
9.8 N/cm.sup.2 (250 Kgf/cm.sup.2).about. 500 .times. 9.8 N/cm.sup.2
(500 Kgf/cm.sup.2); extension percentage 50 (%) or greater, and
tearing strength 10 .times. 9.8 N/cm.sup.2 (10 Kgf/cm.sup.2) or
greater; at 23 degrees C. (normal temperature); tensile strength 50
.times. 9.8 N/cm.sup.2 (50 Kgf/cm.sup.2).about. 100 .times. 9.8
N/cm.sup.2 (100 Kgf/cm.sup.2); extension percentage 100 (%) or
greater, and tearing strength 10 .times. 9.8 N/cm.sup.2 (10
Kgf/cm.sup.2) or greater; and at 85 degrees C. (high temperature);
tensile strength 10 .times. 9.8 N/cm.sup.2 (10 Kgf/cm.sup.2).about.
100 .times. 9.8 N/cm.sup.2 (100 Kgf/cm.sup.2); extension percentage
150-500 (%) or greater; and tearing strength 5 .times. 9.8
N/cm.sup.2 (5 Kgf/cm.sup.2) or greater.
[0072] Some examples of surface coverings 29 and 80 having the
above properties include the following:
[0073] 1. TEO (TPO) thermoplastic olefin
[0074] 2. TPU (PUR) thermoplastic urethane
[0075] 3. TPVC (PVC) vinyl chloride
[0076] 4. TPEE (TEEE) thermoplastic ester elastomer
[0077] 5. SBC (TPS) styrene (polysterene, polybutadiene, or
polyisoprene) and the like.
[0078] The method for molding surface coverings 29 and 80 is as
follows:
[0079] 1. Vacuum molding depression/protrusion pull
[0080] 2. Powder slush molding (by freezing pulverization or with
microbeads pulverized material)
[0081] 3. Spray molding
[0082] 4. Sol slush molding
[0083] 5. Calender molding
[0084] 6. Extrusion molding
[0085] 7. Inflation molding and the like.
[0086] Furthermore, surface coverings 29 and 80 can have the
following constructions:
[0087] 1. Total instrument panel (used on the entire surface of
instrument panel 10.)
[0088] 2. Partial instrument panel (used on parts of instrument
panel 10.)
[0089] 3. Partial separate instrument panel (used only on airbag
lid parts 31, 50 and 72 for the passenger seat).
[0090] By using materials such as those listed above, surface
coverings 29 and 80 have relatively high extension percentages at
low temperatures. Thus when the airbag deploys, surface coverings
29 and 80 are prevented from scattering. Furthermore, by using
materials which have relatively low extension percentages at high
temperatures, delays in opening time are prevented.
[0091] Because a large part of instrument panel 10 on the passenger
seat side is sub panel 13, the overall appearance is enhanced.
Furthermore, after airbag lid part 31 opens due to the expansion of
the airbag, only sub panel 13 needs to be exchanged. As a result,
repair costs are reduced.
[0092] Because ridge line 11e coincides with a front edge of sub
panel 13, sub panel 13 appear as though it is continuous instrument
panel body 11.
[0093] Central panel 12 includes a center air blowing louver 12b
and liquid crystal display. The side edges of central panel 12
align with the respective edge of sub panel 13. This results in a
continuous looking instrument panel body that enhances the
aesthetics of the vehicle in which it is installed.
[0094] Airbag unit 18 is supported and stabilized by instrument
panel 10.
[0095] Airbag lid part 31 is formed from a material that is easily
bent and deformed, while the area surrounding airbag lid part 31 is
made of a highly rigid material. As a result sub panel 13 looks
continuous with instrument panel body 11, while allowing airbag lid
parts 31 to easily open when airbag unit 18 is activated.
[0096] The description of the embodiments discussed supra refer to
an instrument panel located on the passenger's side of a vehicle
having a steering column on the right hand side. Of course, one
skilled in the art would understand that the present invention
would also work in a vehicle having the driver and passenger sides
reversed such as those vehicles intended for use in the United
States.
[0097] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with
reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that
various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one
skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *