Occupant leg protecting device for vehicle

An active knee bolster (28) and a knee bolster (42), whose accommodated positions are different, are mounted within an instrument panel (18) along a curved configuration of a wall portion (24) of the instrument panel (18) which, in a vehicle transverse direction, is convex and concave in a vehicle body longitudinal direction. At a time of a vehicle body collision, a main body (30) of the active knee bolster (28) moves from an accommodated position to a leg restraining position, and a leg restraining position of the active knee bolster (28) and a leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster (42) become equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. In accordance with this invention, legs of an occupant can be reliably protected, and degrees of freedom in designing a vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like are improved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an occupant leg protecting device for a vehicle which is mounted to a vehicle such as an automobile or the like.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

In an occupant leg protecting device for a vehicle which is mounted to a vehicle such as an automobile or the like, there has conventionally been known a structure in which a knee bolster which is movable in a vehicle body longitudinal direction is inserted into an opening hole formed in an instrument panel which is fixed to the vehicle body (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2001-122061). In this structure, after an ignition switch is set in an on state, the knee bolster is displaced, and the distance between the knee bolster and the occupant is maintained at a constant value in a normal state. Further, Japanese Patent No. 2528403 and JP-A No. 2003-54352 are other conventional techniques.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, in JP-A No. 2001-122061, there is disclosed one knee bolster which restrains the left and right leg portions of the occupant. As a result, in a case in which the knee bolster is mounted to a vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like, it is difficult to match the knee bolster to the configuration of the surface of the vehicle interior wall which is convex and concave, whereby the degrees of freedom in designing the knee bolster mounting portion at the vehicle interior wall decrease.

In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present invention is to provide an occupant leg protecting device for a vehicle which can reliably protect the legs of an occupant and which can improve the degrees of freedom in designing a vehicle interior wall such as an instrument panel or the like.

In a first aspect of the present invention, an occupant leg protecting device for a vehicle has: a vehicle interior wall disposed in front of a front seat, and having, in a vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in a vehicle body longitudinal direction; left leg protecting means, mounted to the vehicle interior wall, for restraining a left leg portion of an occupant seated on a seat at a time of a vehicle body collision; and right leg protecting means, mounted to the vehicle interior wall, for restraining a right leg portion of an occupant seated on a seat at a time of a vehicle body collision, wherein the right leg protecting means is structured such that a leg restraining position of the right leg protecting means is equal, in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, to a leg restraining position of the left leg protecting means.

In the present aspect, both the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means are mounted to the vehicle interior wall which disposed in front of the front seat and which has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Further, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the leg restraining position of the left leg protecting means and the leg restraining position of the right leg protecting means become equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, and both the left and right leg portions of the occupant are restrained at equal positions.

In accordance with the present aspect, regardless of the position of the vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like, the restraining position of the left leg protecting means and the restraining position of the right leg protecting means are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the left and right legs of the occupant can be restrained at the same time and at equal positions, and the legs of the occupant can be reliably protected. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like can be improved.

In a second aspect of the present invention, an occupant leg protecting device for a vehicle has: a vehicle interior wall disposed in front of a front seat; left leg protecting means, mounted to the vehicle interior wall, for restraining a left leg portion of an occupant seated on a seat at a time of a vehicle body collision; and right leg protecting means, mounted to the vehicle interior wall, for restraining a right leg portion of an occupant seated on a seat at a time of a vehicle body collision, wherein the right leg protecting means is structured such that an accommodated position of the right leg protecting means is different, in a vehicle body longitudinal direction, than an accommodated position of the left leg protecting means, and a leg restraining position of the right leg protecting means is equal, in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, to a leg restraining position of the left leg protecting means.

In accordance with the present aspect, both the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means, whose accommodated positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction are different, are mounted to the vehicle interior wall which is disposed in front of the front seat. Further, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the leg restraining position of the left leg protecting means and the leg restraining position of the right leg protecting means become equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, and both the left and right leg portions of the occupant are restrained at equal positions.

In accordance with the present aspect, regardless of the position of the vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like, the restraining position of the left leg protecting means and the restraining position of the right leg protecting means are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the left and right legs of the occupant can be restrained at the same time and at equal positions, and the legs of the occupant can be reliably protected. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like can be improved.

In a third aspect of the present invention, one of the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means of the above-described first or second aspect is a fixed-type knee bolster, and another is an active knee bolster which, under a predetermined condition, moves from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position.

In the present aspect, in addition to the features of the above-described first and second aspect, the accommodated position and the leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster are the same position. Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, under a predetermined condition, the active knee bolster moves from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position, and reaches a position equal to the leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster.

In accordance with the present aspect, one of the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means is a fixed-type knee bolster, and the other is an active knee bolster which, under a predetermined condition, moves from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position. Accordingly, by the active knee bolster and the fixed-type knee bolster, the left and right legs of the occupant can be reliably restrained at the same time and at equal positions, and the legs of the occupant can be reliably protected. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like can be improved.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, both of the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means of the above-described first or second aspect are active knee bolsters which, under a predetermined condition, move from the accommodated positions to the leg restraining positions.

In the present aspect, in addition to the features of the above-described first and second aspect, at the time of a vehicle body collision, under a predetermined condition, the left and right active knee bolsters move from the accommodated positions, which are different in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, to the leg restraining positions, which are equal in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

In accordance with the present aspect, both the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means are active knee bolsters which, under a predetermined condition, move from the accommodated positions to the leg restraining positions. Accordingly, in addition to the effects of the above-described first or second aspect, both of the active knee bolsters can reliably be moved to positions which are optimal for restraining the legs of the occupant, and the legs of the occupant can be restrained and protected at the same time. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall can be further improved.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, one of the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means of the above-described first or second aspect is a fixed-type knee bolster, and another is a knee air bag device equipped with an air bag body which, under a predetermined condition, inflates and unfolds from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position.

In the present aspect, in addition to the features of the above-described first or second aspect, the accommodated position and the leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster are the same position. At the time of a vehicle body collision, under a predetermined condition, the air bag body of the knee air bag device inflates and unfolds from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position, and reaches a position equal to the leg restraining position of the fixed-type knee bolster.

In accordance with the present aspect, one of the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means is a fixed-type knee bolster, and the other is a knee air bag device equipped with an air bag body which, under a predetermined condition, inflates and unfolds from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position. Accordingly, in addition to the effects owing to the features of the above-described first or second aspect, by the fixed-type knee bolster and the air bag body, the legs of the occupant can be reliably restrained at the same time and at equal positions, and the legs of the occupant can be reliably protected. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall can be further improved.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, both of the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means of the above-described first aspect are knee air bag devices equipped with air bag bodies which, under a predetermined condition, inflate and unfold from the accommodated positions to the leg restraining positions.

In the present aspect, in addition to the contents recited in the first aspect, the air bag bodies of the left and right knee air bag devices move from accommodated positions, which are different therebetween in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, to leg restraining positions, which are equal in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, at the time of a vehicle body collision under a predetermined condition.

In accordance with the present aspect, both the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means are knee air bag devices equipped with air bag bodies which, under a predetermined condition, inflate and unfold from the accommodated positions to the leg restraining positions. Accordingly, in addition to the effects owing to the features of the above-described first aspect, both of the air bag bodies are inflated and unfolded to positions which are optimal for restraining the legs of the occupant, and can restrain and protect the legs of the occupant at the same time. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall can be further improved.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means of the above-described first aspect are structured by a knee air bag device equipped with one air bag body which, under a predetermined condition, inflates and unfolds from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position.

In accordance with the present aspect, in addition to the features of the above-described first aspect, due to the inflating and unfolding of the one air bag body, whose left leg restraining portion and right leg restraining portion are at different accommodated positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, the position of the left leg restraining portion and the position of the right leg restraining portion become equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

In accordance with the present aspect, the left leg protecting means and the right leg protecting means are a knee air bag device equipped with one air bag body which, under a predetermined condition, inflates and unfolds from the accommodated position to the leg restraining position. In this case, it suffices for the unfolded thickness of the one air bag body to be set in accordance with the configuration of the vehicle interior wall such as the instrument panel or the like. Therefore, designing the one air bag body can be realized without involving great changes from conventional knee air bag devices. Accordingly, in addition to the effects owing to the features of the above-described first aspect, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall can be further improved.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, an occupant leg protecting device for a vehicle has: a vehicle interior wall disposed in front of a front seat, and having, in a vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in a vehicle body longitudinal direction; and an air bag body mounted to the vehicle interior wall and restraining left and right leg portions of an occupant seated on a seat at a time of a vehicle body collision, wherein a vehicle body longitudinal direction thickness, in an inflated and unfolded state and as seen in a plan view of a vehicle body, of a region of the air bag body which region is above an operation pedal of a vehicle, is small as compared with vehicle body longitudinal direction thicknesses, in the inflated and unfolded state and as seen in the plan view of the vehicle body, of adjacent left and right regions.

In the present aspect, the air bag body, which restrains the left and right leg portions of the occupant, is mounted to the vehicle interior wall which is disposed in front of the front seat and has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Further, in a case in which the leg portion of the occupant is depressed at a region operating an operation pedal of the vehicle, the leg portion of the occupant is restrained at a region at which the vehicle body longitudinal direction thickness, in the inflated and unfolded state and as seen in the plan view of the vehicle body, is small as compared with the left and right regions at the air bag body.

In accordance with the present aspect, even in a case in which the leg portion of the occupant is depressed at a region operating an operation pedal of the vehicle, the leg of the occupant can be reliably protected. Further, the degrees of freedom in designing the vehicle interior wall such as an instrument panel or the like can be improved.

BEST MODES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIGS. 1 through 4.

Note that, in the drawings, arrow FR denotes the forward direction of a vehicle, arrow UP denotes the upward direction of the vehicle, and arrow IN denotes the transversely inward direction of the vehicle.

As shown inFIG. 4, the occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present embodiment has an acceleration sensor12which senses a deceleration of a vehicle body10and detects a collision of the vehicle body10. Further, the acceleration sensor12is connected to a control circuit14which is equipped with a microcomputer.

As shown inFIG. 1, at a vehicle body front side of a front seat20of the vehicle body10, there is provided a wall portion24of an instrument panel18which serves as a vehicle interior wall. The wall portion24is positioned forward of a left leg portion22A and a right leg portion22B of an occupant22seated on the front seat20. Further, the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion of the wall portion24of the instrument panel18, which opposes the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, protrudes further toward the rear of the vehicle body (toward the occupant) than the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion thereof which opposes the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, and the wall portion24has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

An active knee bolster28, which serves as a left leg protecting means, is mounted adjacent to the wall portion24at the vehicle body front side of the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion in the instrument panel18.

As shown inFIG. 4, the mounting position of the active knee bolster28is diagonally upward and forward of a seat cushion20A of the front seat20. Further, the active knee bolster28has a main body30of the active knee bolster28, and an actuator32serving as a driving means which moves the main body30.

The actuator32of the active knee bolster28is fixed, via a bracket36, to an instrument panel reinforcement34which is a vehicle body strength member. Further, a base plate30A at the main body30of the active knee bolster28is flat-plate-shaped, and an energy absorbing material (EA material)30B formed of polyurethane or the like is mounted to the occupant side surface of the base plate30A. Moreover, a surface skin30C formed of resin or the like is mounted to the occupant side surface of the EA material30B.

As shown inFIG. 1, the respective configurations of the occupant side surface of the EA material30B of the active knee bolster28and the surface skin30C are rectilinear configurations which run along the vehicle transverse direction as seen in plan view, and, in the side view shown inFIG. 4, are curved configurations which are convex toward the rear of the vehicle body and extend from the vehicle body front lower side to the vehicle body rear upper side. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 1, the surface skin30C structures a portion of the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion of the wall portion24.

A fragile portion31, which is formed to be thin-walled, is formed at the periphery of the surface skin30C. When the active knee bolster28operates, the fragile portion31ruptures and the surface skin30C separates from the wall portion24.

The actuator32of the active knee bolster28has a cylinder and a rod which moves in the axial direction of the cylinder. Further, when the control circuit14judges, from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12, that the vehicle body10has collided, the control circuit14operates the actuator32of the active knee bolster28, and the rod within the cylinder extends in the axial direction.

The main body30of the active knee bolster28is pivotally supported at the vehicle body by a supporting shaft38which is mounted along the vehicle transverse direction to the lower portion of the base plate30A. The main body30can be rotated around the supporting shaft38from an accommodated position shown by the solid line inFIG. 4, in the direction of the leg portion22A of the occupant22(the direction of arrow A inFIG. 4).

Accordingly, when the rod of the actuator32extends due to gas from an inflator, the main body30of the active knee bolster28rotates and moves from the accommodated position to a leg restraining position.

As shown inFIG. 1, a fixed-type knee bolster42serving as a right leg protecting means is mounted adjacent to the wall portion24at the vehicle body front side of the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion within the instrument panel18. The knee bolster42has a main body44of the knee bolster42, and a bracket46which fixes the main body44to the instrument panel reinforcement34.

As shown inFIG. 3, a base plate44A at the main body44of the knee bolster42is formed in a flat-plate-shape, and an EA material44B formed of polyurethane or the like is mounted to the occupant side surface of the base plate44A. Further, a surface skin44C formed of resin or the like is mounted to the occupant side surface of the EA material44B.

As shown inFIG. 1, the respective configurations of the occupant side surface of the EA material44B of the knee bolster42and the surface skin44C are rectilinear configurations which extend from the vehicle transverse direction front outer side toward the vehicle transverse direction rear inner side as seen in plan view, and, in the side view shown inFIG. 3, are curved configurations which are convex toward the rear of the vehicle body and extend from the vehicle body front lower side to the vehicle body rear upper side. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 1, the surface skin44C structures a portion of the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion of the wall portion24.

As shown inFIG. 1, an accommodated position and a leg restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42are the same, and as compared with a stored position of the main body44of the knee bolster42, a stored position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28which is at the accommodated position is further toward the front side of the vehicle body. Further, as shown inFIG. 2, the leg restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42and the leg restraining position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Namely, a point P1, which is the leg restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42shown inFIG. 2and which is the central position of a width W and the central position of a longitudinal length L of the occupant side surface at the surface skin44C abutting the right leg portion22B of the occupant22and which is the central position of a vertical length H of the occupant side surface at the surface skin44C shown inFIG. 3, and a point P2, which is the leg restraining position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28shown inFIG. 2and is the central position of a width V and the central position of the longitudinal length (not illustrated because the longitudinal length in the present embodiment is substantially 0) of the occupant side surface at the surface skin30C abutting the left leg portion22A of the occupant22and which is the central position of a vertical length K of the occupant side surface at the surface skin30C shown inFIG. 4, are equal positions.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the active knee bolster28and the knee bolster42.

As shown inFIG. 4, an air bag device, which is equipped with an air bag body52for the driver's seat, is accommodated in a steering wheel50. An inflator which operates this air bag device is connected to the control circuit14. Further, an air bag device, which is equipped with an unillustrated air bag body for the front passenger's seat, is accommodated in the upper portion of the instrument panel18. An inflator which operates this air bag device also is connected to the control circuit14.

Note that numeral54inFIG. 3andFIG. 4denotes a seat belt.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, when the vehicle body10collides, the control circuit14judges from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12that the vehicle body10has collided, and operates the actuator32of the active knee bolster28.

As a result, the rod of the actuator32extends due to the gas from the inflator, and the main body30of the active knee bolster28rotates around the supporting shaft38in the direction of arrow A inFIG. 4, and rotates and moves from the accommodated position shown by the solid line inFIG. 4to the leg restraining position shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 2, the restraining position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28which has moved to the leg restraining position is a position which is equal, in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, to the restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the active knee bolster28and the knee bolster42. Therefore, the leg portions of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can be reliably protected.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the accommodated position of the main body44of the knee bolster42is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than the accommodated position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28. As a result, the active knee bolster28and the knee bolster42can be mounted within the instrument panel18along the wall portion24which has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion24of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24are improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, because the right leg protecting means is the fixed-type knee bolster42, the structure thereof is simple as compared with a structure in which the right leg protecting means also is made to be an active knee bolster.

Next, a second embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 5.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 5, at the wall portion24of the instrument panel18of the present embodiment, the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle body (toward the occupant) more than the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion, and the wall portion24is, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Further, the fixed-type knee bolster42, which serves as the left leg protecting means, is mounted adjacent to the wall portion24at the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion within the instrument panel18. The active knee bolster28, which serves as the right leg protecting means, is mounted adjacent to the wall portion24at the vehicle body front side of the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion within the instrument panel18.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, in the same way as in the first embodiment, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the knee bolster42and the active knee bolster28. Therefore, the leg portions of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can be reliably protected.

Further, the accommodated position of the main body44of the knee bolster42is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than the accommodated position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28. As a result, the active knee bolster28and the knee bolster42can be mounted within the instrument panel18along the wall portion24which has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion24of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24are improved.

Next, a third embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 6.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 6, in the present embodiment, instead of the fixed-type knee bolster in the first embodiment, an active knee bolster60serving as a right leg protecting means is mounted adjacent to wall portion24at the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion within the instrument panel18.

The active knee bolster60has a main body62of the active knee bolster60, and an actuator64serving as a driving means which moves the main body62. Because the operation mechanism of the main body62of the active knee bolster60has the same structure as that of the active knee bolster28, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The actuator64of the active knee bolster60is fixed, via a bracket66, to the instrument panel reinforcement34. Further, the respective configurations of an occupant side surface of an EA material62B mounted to the occupant side surface of a base plate62A at the main body62of the active knee bolster60, and a surface skin62C, are rectilinear configurations which extend from the vehicle transverse direction front outer side toward the vehicle transverse direction rear inner side in plan view, and, in side view which is omitted from the drawings, are curved configurations which are convex toward the rear of the vehicle body and extend from the vehicle body front lower side to the vehicle body rear upper side in the same way as the active knee bolster28. Moreover, the surface skin62C structures a portion of the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion of the wall portion24.

As shown by the solid line inFIG. 6, an accommodated position of the main body62of the active knee bolster60which is at an accommodated position, is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than the accommodated position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28.

As shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 6, a leg restraining position of the main body62of the active knee bolster60which has moved to the leg restraining position, and the leg restraining position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28, are equal positions.

Namely, a point P1, which, at the leg restraining position of the main body62of the active knee bolster60, is the central position of the width W and the central position of the longitudinal length L and the central position of a vertical length (not shown in side view) of the occupant side surface at the surface skin62C abutting the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, and a point P2, which, at the leg restraining position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28, is the central position of the width V and the central position of the longitudinal length (not illustrated because the longitudinal length in the present embodiment is substantially 0) and the central position of the vertical length K (seeFIG. 4) of the occupant side surface at the surface skin30C abutting the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, are equal positions.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the active knee bolster28and the active knee bolster60.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, when the vehicle body10collides, the control circuit14judges from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12that the vehicle body10has collided, and operates the actuator32of the active knee bolster28and the actuator64of the active knee bolster60.

As a result, the rods of the actuators32,64extend due to the gases from the inflators, and the main bodies30,62of the active knee bolsters28,60move from the accommodated positions shown by the solid lines inFIG. 6to the leg restraining positions shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 6.

Further, the leg restraining position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28, and the leg restraining position of the main body62of the active knee bolster60, are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the active knee bolster28and the active knee bolster60. Therefore, the leg portions of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can be reliably protected.

Further, as shown inFIG. 6, the accommodated position of the main body62of the active knee bolster60is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than the accommodated position of the main body30of the active knee bolster28. As a result, the active knee bolster28and the active knee bolster60can be mounted within the instrument panel18along the wall portion24which has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion24of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24are improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, because the left and right leg protecting means are the active knee bolsters28,60, the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24can be improved as compared with a structure in which one of the leg protecting means is made to be the fixed-type knee bolster.

Next, a fourth embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 7andFIG. 8.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 7, in the present embodiment, instead of the active knee bolster in the first embodiment, a knee air bag device70serving as a left leg protecting means is mounted adjacent to the wall portion24at the vehicle body front side of the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion within the instrument panel18.

As shown inFIG. 8, a case72of the knee air bag device70is fixed to the instrument panel reinforcement34via a bracket74. Further, as shown inFIG. 7, upper and lower cover portions72A,72B, which are provided at the vehicle body rear side portion of the case72, structure a portion of the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion at the wall portion24of the instrument panel18.

An inflator76serving as a driving means and an air bag body78are accommodated within the case72of the knee air bag device70. Due to gas which is jetted out from the inflator76, the air bag body78inflates and unfolds toward the left leg portion22A of the occupant22as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 8.

The accommodated position of the main body44of the knee bolster42is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than an accommodated position of the air bag body78which is at the accommodated position in a folded-up state shown by the solid line inFIG. 7.

Further, when the air bag body78inflates and unfolds, the cover portions72A,72B of the case72open outwardly in the vertical direction as shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 8.

The inflator76of the knee air bag device70is connected to the control circuit14. When the control circuit14judges, from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12, that the vehicle body10has collided, the control circuit14operates the inflator76.

As shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 7, a restraining position of a leg protecting portion78A of the air bag body78which has inflated and unfolded, and the restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42, are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Namely, a point P1, which, at the leg restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42, is the central position of the width W and the central position of the longitudinal length L and the central position of the vertical length H (seeFIG. 3) of the occupant side surface at the surface skin44C abutting the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, and a point P3, which, at the leg restraining position of the air bag body78of the knee air bag device70, is the central position of a width M and the central position of a vertical length N shown inFIG. 8of the occupant side surface abutting the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, are equal positions.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the air bag body78and the knee bolster42.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, when the vehicle body10collides, the control circuit14judges from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12that the vehicle body10has collided, and operates the inflator76of the knee air bag device70. As a result, as shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the air bag body78is inflated and unfolded toward the left leg portion22A of the occupant22by the gas from the inflator76.

Further, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 7, the leg restraining position of the leg protecting portion78A of the air bag body78which is inflated and unfolded, and the leg restraining position of the main body44of the knee bolster42, are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the air bag body78and the knee bolster42. Therefore, the leg portions of the occupant22seated on the front seat20can be reliably protected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the accommodated position of the main body44of the knee bolster42is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than the accommodated position of the air bag body78which is at the accommodated position in a folded-up state shown by the solid line inFIG. 7. The accommodated position of the main body44of the knee bolster42is further toward the rear of the vehicle body than the knee air bag device70.

As a result, the knee air bag device70and the knee bolster42can be mounted to the instrument panel18along the wall portion24which has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion24of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24are improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, because the right leg protecting means is the fixed-type knee bolster42, the structure is simple as compared with a structure in which the right leg protecting means as well is a knee air bag device.

Next, a fifth embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 9throughFIG. 11.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 9, in the present embodiment, a wall portion80of the instrument panel18is disposed at the vehicle body front side of the front seat20of the vehicle body10. The wall portion80is positioned at the front of the left leg portion22A and the right leg portion22B of the occupant22seated on the front seat20.

Further, the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion of the wall portion80of the instrument panel18which opposes the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle body (toward the occupant) as compared with the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion which opposes the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, and the wall portion80has, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Further, a knee air bag device82serving as a left and right leg protecting means is mounted to a region adjacent to the wall portion80within the instrument panel18.

As shown inFIG. 11, a case84of the knee air bag device82is fixed to the instrument panel reinforcement34via a bracket86. Upper and lower cover portions84A,84B, which are provided at the vehicle body rear side portion of the case84, structure a portion of the wall portion80of the instrument panel18.

An inflator88serving as a driving means and an air bag body90are accommodated within the case84of the knee air bag device82. Due to gas which is jetted out from the inflator88, the air bag body90inflates and unfolds toward the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 11. Further, when the air bag body90inflates and unfolds, the cover portions84A,84B of the case84open outwardly in the vertical direction as shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 11.

The knee air bag device82shown by the solid line inFIG. 9is mounted along the vehicle transverse direction.

The inflator88of the knee air bag device82is connected to the control circuit14. When the control circuit14judges, from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12, that the vehicle body10has collided, the control circuit14operates the inflator88.

As shown inFIG. 10, a connecting fabric92, which determines the inflated and unfolded configuration of the air bag body90, is mounted to the interior of the air bag body90. The connecting fabric92connects a front wall portion90C and a rear wall portion90D of the air bag body90from a left leg protecting portion90A to a right leg protecting portion90B of the air bag body90. An air hole93of the gas which inflates and unfolds the air bag body90is formed in the connecting fabric92.

Namely, at the region which becomes the vehicle body front side of the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22, a front edge portion92A of the connecting fabric92is fixed by sewing or the like to the front wall portion90C of the air bag body90, and a rear edge portion92B of the connecting fabric92is fixed by sewing or the like to the rear wall portion90D of the air bag body90.

The connecting fabric92has a trapezoidal configuration in which the rear edge portion92B is a straight line extending in the vehicle transverse direction, and the front edge portion92A is inclined from the vehicle transverse direction outer side rear toward the vehicle transverse direction inner side front. With regard to the longitudinal direction width of the connecting fabric92, a width S1of the vehicle transverse direction outer side thereof is more narrow than a width S2of the vehicle transverse direction inner side thereof.

Accordingly, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 9, when the air bag body90inflates and unfolds, the leg restraining position of the left leg protecting portion90A at the air bag body90, and the leg restraining position of the right leg protecting portion90B, are equal in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Namely, a point P4, which is at the left leg protecting portion90A of the air bag body90of the knee air bag device82shown inFIG. 9and which is the central position of a width Q and the central position of a vertical length R shown inFIG. 11of the occupant side surface abutting the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, and a point P5, which is at the right leg protecting portion90B of the air bag body90shown inFIG. 9and which is the central position of a width T and the central position of the vertical length R shown inFIG. 11of the occupant side surface abutting the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, are equal in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the one air bag body90.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, when the control circuit14judges from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12that the vehicle body10has collided, the control circuit14operates the inflator88of the knee air bag device82.

As a result, as shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 9andFIG. 11, due to the gas from the inflator88, the air bag body90inflates and unfolds toward the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22.

Further, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 9, due to the connecting fabric92, the leg restraining position of the left leg protecting portion90A at the air bag body90, and the leg restraining position of the right leg protecting portion90B, are equal in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

As a result, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the one air bag body90. Therefore, the leg portions of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can reliably be protected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the knee air bag device82shown by the solid line inFIG. 9can be mounted within the instrument panel18which has the wall portion80which, in the vehicle transverse direction, has a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion80of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion80are improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, because the leg protecting means at the left and right is structured by the knee air bag device82which is provided with the one air bag body90, the structure can be made to be simple as compared with a structure in which the means is made to be separate knee air bag devices at the left and the right. Further, this can be realized without involving great changes from conventional knee air bag devices.

Next, a sixth embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 12.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the fifth embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 12, in the present embodiment, the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion at the wall portion80of the instrument panel18protrudes out toward the rear of the vehicle body (toward the occupant) as compared with the vehicle transverse direction outer side portion, and is formed, in the vehicle transverse direction, in a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

The knee air bag device82shown by the solid line inFIG. 12is mounted along the vehicle transverse direction.

Further, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 12, when the air bag body90inflates and unfolds, the longitudinal direction positions of the leg restraining position of the left leg protecting portion90A at the air bag body90, and the leg restraining position of the right leg protecting portion90B, are equal. Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the one air bag body90.

Namely, a point P4, which is at the left leg protecting portion90A of the air bag body90of the knee air bag device82shown inFIG. 12and which is the central position of the width Q and the central position of the vertical length R in the same way as inFIG. 11of the occupant side surface abutting the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, and a point P5, which is at the right leg protecting portion90B of the air bag body90shown inFIG. 12and which is the central position of the width T and the central position of the vertical length R in the same way as inFIG. 11of the occupant side surface abutting the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, are equal in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, in the same way as in the fifth embodiment, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the one air bag body90.

Further, as shown by the solid line inFIG. 12, the knee air bag device82can be mounted within the instrument panel18which has the wall portion80which, in the vehicle transverse direction, has a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion80of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion80are improved.

Next, a seventh embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 13.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the sixth embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 13, in the present embodiment, due to a plurality of connecting fabrics95,96,97,98, which are mounted at predetermined intervals in the vehicle transverse direction within an air bag body94, a rear wall portion94A of the air bag body94which has inflated and unfolded is, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Namely, at the air bag body94A (94) which has inflated and unfolded, a region94B, which is above an acceleration pedal which serves as an operation pedal of the vehicle, and a region94C, which is above a brake pedal102which serves as an operation pedal of the vehicle, have smaller vehicle body longitudinal direction thicknesses in unfolded states as seen in a plan view of the vehicle body and are at positions further toward the front of the vehicle body, as compared with a left leg protecting portion94D and a right leg protecting portion94E.

Further, as shown by the solid line inFIG. 13, the knee air bag device82is mounted along the vehicle transverse direction.

Further, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 13, when the air bag body94inflates and unfolds, the leg restraining position P4of the left leg protecting portion94D at the air bag body94and the leg restraining position P5, in the longitudinal direction, of the right leg protecting portion94E, are equal. Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the one air bag body94.

Further, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 13, even in a case in which the right leg portion22B is depressed toward the front of the vehicle body in order for the right leg portion22B of the occupant22to operate the acceleration pedal100or the brake pedal102, the right leg portion22B of the occupant22can be restrained by the region94B or the region94C of the air bag body94which has inflated and unfolded.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, in the same way as in the fifth embodiment, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the left leg protecting portion94D and the right leg protecting portion94E at the one air bag body94.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 13, even in a case in which the right leg portion22B is depressed toward the front of the vehicle body in order for the right leg portion22B of the occupant22to operate the acceleration pedal100or the brake pedal102, the right leg portion22B of the occupant22can be restrained by the region94B or the region94C of the air bag body94which has expanded and unfolded. Therefore, the occupant can be restrained in a state of tending toward the front of the vehicle body.

Further, in the present embodiment, because the leg protecting means at the left and right is structured by the knee air bag device82which is equipped with the one air bag body94, the structure can be made to be simple as compared with a structure in which the means is made to be separate knee air bag devices at the left and the right.

Note that the air bag body94is not limited to one air bag body, and may be divided into plural air bag bodies.

Next, an eighth embodiment of an occupant protecting device for a vehicle of the present invention will be described in accordance withFIG. 14.

Note that the same reference numerals are applied to the same members as in the fourth embodiment and the sixth embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 14, in the present embodiment, instead of the knee bolster42of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 7), a knee air bag device110serving as a right leg protecting means is mounted adjacent to the wall portion24at the vehicle body front side of the vehicle transverse direction inner side portion within the instrument panel18.

Note that, similarly to the knee air bag device82of the sixth embodiment (FIG. 12), the knee air bag device110is structured to have a connecting fabric111, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

An inflator116serving as a driving means and an air bag body118are accommodated within a case112of the knee air bag device110. Due to gas which is jetted out from the inflator116, the air bag body118inflates and unfolds toward the right leg portion22B of the occupant22as shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 14.

The inflator116of the knee air bag device110is connected to the control circuit14. When the control circuit14judges, from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12, that the vehicle body10has collided, the control circuit14operates the inflator76.

As shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 14, due to the connecting fabric111, the air bag body118inflates and unfolds such that an occupant side surface of a leg protecting portion118A runs along the vehicle transverse direction. Further, a leg restraining position of the leg protecting portion118A at the air bag body118, and a leg restraining position of the leg protecting portion78A at the air bag body78which has inflated and unfolded, are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Namely, the point P3, which, at the leg restraining position of the air bag body78of the knee air bag device70shown by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 14, is the central position of the width M and the central position of the vertical length (seeFIG. 8) of the occupant side surface abutting the left leg portion22A of the occupant22, and a point P6, which, at the leg restraining position of the air bag body118of the knee air bag device110, is the central position of a width X and the central position of the vertical length (not shown) of the occupant side surface abutting the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, are equal positions.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the air bag bodies78,118.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, when the vehicle body10collides, the control circuit14judges from an input signal from the acceleration sensor12that the vehicle body10has collided, and operates the inflators76,116of the knee air bag devices70,110. As a result, as shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 14, due to the gasses from the inflators76,116, the air bag bodies78,118inflate and unfold toward the left leg portion22A and the right leg portion22B of the occupant22, respectively.

At this time, the leg restraining position of the leg protecting portion118A at the air bag body118which has inflated and unfolded, and the leg restraining position of the leg protecting portion78A at the air bag body78which has inflated and unfolded, are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, at the time of a vehicle body collision, the left and right leg portions22A,22B of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can both be restrained at equal positions by the air bag bodies78,118. Therefore, the leg portions of the occupant22seated in the front seat20can be reliably protected.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown by the solid lines inFIG. 14, the knee air bag device70and the knee air bag device110can be mounted to the instrument panel18which has the wall portion24having, in the vehicle transverse direction, a curved configuration which is convex and concave in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no need to make the wall portion24of the instrument panel18, which is the vehicle interior wall, be a rectilinear configuration running along the vehicle transverse direction, and the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24are improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, because the left and right leg protecting means are the knee air bag devices70,110, the degrees of freedom in designing the shape of the wall portion24can be improved as compared with a structure in which one of the leg protecting means is made to be the fixed-type knee bolster.

The present invention has been described in detail above with respect to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not to be limited to the above-described embodiments, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, a point, which is the leg restraining position of the knee bolster main body and which is the central position of the width and the central position of the longitudinal length and the central position of the vertical length of the occupant side surface at the surface skin abutting the occupant leg portion, and a point, which is the leg restraining position of the active knee bolster main body and which is the central position of the width and the central position of the longitudinal length and the central position of the vertical length of the occupant side surface at the surface skin abutting the occupant leg portion, are made to be equal positions. However, instead, a point, which is the leg restraining position and is the central position of the width and the central position of the longitudinal length and the central position of the vertical length of the knee bolster main body, and a point, which is the central position of the width and the central position of the longitudinal length and the central position of the vertical length of the active knee bolster main body, may be made to be equal positions.

Further, at the leg restraining positions, the point which becomes the center of gravity of the knee bolster main body, and the point which becomes the center of gravity of the active knee bolster main body, may be made to be equal positions.

Further, at the leg restraining positions, the abutment starting point of the knee bolster main body with the occupant leg portion, and the abutment starting point of the active knee bolster main body with the occupant leg portion, may be made to be equal positions.

Further, at the leg restraining positions, the occupant leg supporting portion of the knee bolster main body, and the occupant leg supporting portion of the active knee bolster main body, may be made to be equal positions.

Further, the vehicle interior wall of the above-described respective embodiments is not limited to the instrument panel18, and may be another vehicle interior wall such as a panel disposed beneath the instrument panel, or the like. Further, the curved configuration of the wall portion24,80of the instrument panel18is not limited to the configurations of the above-described respective embodiments.

Further, the above-described respective embodiments are structured such that main body30of the active knee bolster28rotates and moves around the supporting shaft38. However, instead, the main body30of the active knee bolster28may be another moving structure such as moving rectilinearly toward the leg portion of the occupant, or the like.

Further, the above-described respective embodiments are structured such that a collision of the vehicle body10is sensed by the acceleration sensor12, but may be structured such that a collision of the vehicle body is sensed by using another collision sensing means such as a camera or the like.

Further, in the above-described respective embodiments, the respective leg restraining positions of the left and right leg restraining means are equal positions in the vehicle body longitudinal direction. However, instead, a structure may be used in which the occupant can be restrained at positions at which the respective leg restraining positions of the left and right leg restraining means differ in the vehicle body longitudinal direction in accordance with the posture, physique, seat placement angle, or the like of the occupant.

Further, the operation pedals of the vehicle are not limited to the acceleration pedal100and the brake pedal102, and may be another operation pedal such as a clutch pedal or the like.

P1: point which is the widthwise central position, and the longitudinal length central position, and the vertical length central position of the occupant side surface of the knee bolster or the active knee bolster which is at the leg restraining position

P2: point which is the widthwise central position, and the longitudinal length central position, and the vertical length central position of the occupant side surface of the knee bolster which is at the leg restraining position

P3: point which is the widthwise central position and the vertical length central position of the occupant side surface of the knee air bag body which is at the leg restraining position

P4: point which is the widthwise central position and the vertical length central position of the occupant side surface of the left leg protecting portion at the knee air bag body which is at the leg restraining position

P5: point which is the widthwise central position and the vertical length central position of the occupant side surface of the right leg protecting portion at the knee air bag body which is at the leg restraining position

P6: point which is the widthwise central position and the vertical length central position of the occupant side surface of the knee air bag body which is at the leg restraining position