Patent ID: 8100431
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A front passenger seat airbag apparatus comprising: a split-opening portion formed in a base member of a vehicle instrument panel that corresponds to a front passenger seat, the split opening portion being formed by two transverse breakable portions that are arranged along a front-rear direction of the vehicle and extend substantially along a transverse direction of the vehicle, two front-rear breakable portions that are arranged along the transverse direction of the vehicle and extend substantially along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a middle breakable portion that is located between the two transverse breakable portions and extends substantially along the transverse direction of the vehicle, wherein the two transverse breakable portions and the two front-rear breakable portions are connected to each other to form a closed shape, and the middle breakable portion is connected to the front-rear breakable portions, so as to divide the closed shape; a pair of door portions formed by two portions of the base member that are surrounded by the transverse breakable portions and the front-rear breakable portions, the two portions being front and rear parts delineated by the middle breakable portion; a door adjacent portion formed by a part of the base member that is outside of and adjacent to the split-opening portion; a frame portion supporting the door adjacent portion; and a pair of door support portions arranged along the front-rear direction in the frame portion, the pair of door support portions being coupled to the frame portion with a pair of hinge portions, wherein each of the pair of door support portions supports one of the pair of door portions, wherein the pair of door portions allow the split-opening portion to be broken by pressing force of an inflated airbag so that the split-opening portion is separated from the door adjacent portion, and the pair of door support portions are pivoted together with the pair of door portions about the pair of hinge portions serving as fulcrums, and wherein the split-opening portion is broken in the order of the transverse breakable portions, the front-rear breakable portions, and the middle breakable portion.