Side airbag device

Abstract

A side airbag device is provided that retains the airbag in a simple and compact structure while facilitating its rapid deployment. The side airbag device of this invention includes: an airbag cushion that restrains an occupant by inflating and deploying; an inflator disposed inside a seat frame and supplying inflation gas to the airbag cushion; and a retainer that holds the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion includes: an inner inflator that houses the inflator; and an outer inflator connected to the inner inflator and folded back at the front edge of the seat frame to be disposed on the outer side of the seat frame. The outer inflator includes a folded portion of the airbag cushion. The front portion of the retainer contacts the outer surface of the folded portion of the outer inflator, and the rear portion is connected to the seat frame. Furthermore, the retainer is configured to cover a portion of the outer inflator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a side airbag device mounted on a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, one or more airbags are installed in vehicles to protect occupants in the event of an accident. Airbags include, for example, a driver's airbag that inflates near the center of the steering wheel to protect the driver; curtain airbags that deploy downwards from the inside of the windows to protect occupants in lateral impacts or rollovers; and side airbags that are housed in the side supports of the seats and deploy between the occupant and the side panel to protect the occupant in the event of a lateral impact. This invention relates to a side airbag device.

[0003] Because the side airbag unit is housed inside the side support of the seat, its shape and size are subject to many limitations, requiring a compact enclosure. Therefore, methods are known, for example, of compressing the airbag by folding or rolling it up and then mounting it to the seat frame in a state where it is covered by a soft outer casing. In this case, when the airbag begins to inflate with gas, it deploys significantly outwards due to the rupture of the outer casing.

[0004] In addition to the method of keeping the airbag in a compressed state through an outer casing, there is another method of housing the airbag in a rigid shell.

[0005] However, in the case of airbags, which, like traditional airbags, retain their compression through a soft outer shell or rigid casing, there is a drawback: the time it takes for the airbag to fully deploy from the start of inflation is longer. Ideally, rapid and reliable deployment is crucial for airbags.

[0006] In addition, in cases where airbags are held in place by an outer cover or rigid shell, as is the case with traditional airbags, these components can interfere with the deployment of the airbag, potentially making the deployment of the airbag unstable.

[0007] Moreover, traditional airbag devices, due to their structure for maintaining the airbag, tend to have higher manufacturing costs and more complex manufacturing processes. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its object is to provide a side airbag device that retains the airbag in a simple and compact structure while facilitating the rapid deployment of the airbag.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device that can promote proper deployment of the airbag.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device that helps to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0012] Problem Solving Methods

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a side airbag device fixed to a seat frame of a vehicle seat, comprising: an airbag cushion that restrains an occupant by inflating and deploying; an inflator disposed inside the seat frame and supplying inflation gas to the airbag cushion; and a retaining portion that holds the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion includes: an inner inflator portion housing the inflator; and an outer inflator portion connected to the inner inflator portion and folded back at the front edge of the seat frame to be disposed on the outer side of the seat frame. The outer inflator portion includes a folded portion of the airbag cushion. The retaining portion has a front portion in contact with the outer surface of the folded portion of the outer inflator portion, and a rear portion connected to the seat frame. Furthermore, the retaining portion is configured to cover a portion of the outer inflator portion.

[0014] As described above, according to the present invention, since one end (front end) of the retaining part of the airbag cushion after folding (compressed) is connected to the folding part of the airbag cushion, and the other end (rear end) is fixed to the seat frame, the shape of the airbag cushion after folding (in its stored state) is maintained, and there is no need for an outer cover component or shell covering the entire airbag cushion.

[0015] It can be configured such that the retaining part is formed of resin and the front side of the seat frame is open.

[0016] The retaining part is made of retaining fabric and may form a temporary sewn part that connects the front portion of the retaining fabric to the outer surface of the fold of the outer expansion part and extends along the thickness direction of the fold, and breaks off when the airbag cushion is deployed.

[0017] As described above, since a temporary sewing part is formed extending along the thickness direction of the folded portion of the airbag and sewn to the front end of the retaining fabric, the shape of the folded (in its containment state) airbag is maintained by the temporary sewing part, and there is no need for an outer cover component or shell covering the entire airbag.

[0018] Furthermore, because the temporary sewn section extends along the thickness direction of the folded portion of the airbag cushion, the outer inflator maintains its folded shape when the airbag first deploys, while the inner inflator on the occupant side deploys first. Subsequently, tension is applied to the temporary sewn section, causing it to break, thereby allowing the outer inflator to deploy significantly.

[0019] Furthermore, the folded airbag cushion (outer expansion portion) essentially maintains its shape through a temporary sewing section, so if the temporary sewing section breaks, the airbag cushion and the temporary sewing section (sewing thread) will not interfere with each other.

[0020] The folded portion can be formed into a corrugated tube shape or a roll shape.

[0021] The temporary sewn section can be configured to pass through the vicinity of the front end of the retaining fabric and the vicinity of the center in the thickness direction of the fold. This allows the shape of the fold to be reliably maintained when the airbag is in its contained state.

[0022] The front portion of the retaining fabric may be configured to include a sewn portion sewn onto the airbag cushion, with a structure having a fragile portion between the sewn portion and the rear portion that can break when the airbag cushion expands.

[0023] In this way, by sewing the front part of the retaining cloth to the airbag cushion (outer expansion part), the connection between the retaining cloth and the airbag cushion can be made strong. On the other hand, by forming a weak part on the rear part of the retaining cloth, the airbag cushion can be reliably released when deployed.

[0024] When the airbag cushion in its concealed state is viewed from the width direction of the vehicle, the temporary stitching can be formed as a structure extending vertically along the surface of the outer expansion portion. With this structure, the folds of the airbag cushion are held uniformly in the vertical direction, thus providing the advantage of stable airbag cushion deployment.

[0025] The inflator has a stud extending from the inside to the outside of the seat frame, and a mounting hole that engages with the stud can be provided at the rear end of the retaining fabric. Therefore, no special structure (mechanism) is required for securing the rear end of the retaining fabric, making the structure for maintaining the shape of the airbag cushion simpler.

[0026] The retaining fabric has a vulnerable portion between the temporary sewn section and the mounting hole, which is capable of breaking when the airbag cushion deploys. In this way, by providing a vulnerable portion at the rear of the retaining fabric, the vulnerable portion breaks after the temporary sewn section breaks when the airbag cushion deploys, allowing the retaining fabric to be reliably pulled away from the airbag cushion.

[0027] It can be configured such that, when the airbag cushion in its contained state is viewed from the vehicle width direction, the temporary sewn portion extends vertically along the surface of the outer expansion portion, while the vulnerable portion extends vertically in a substantially parallel manner to the temporary sewn portion.

[0028] The vulnerable part can be a slit or a seam.

[0029] The retaining fabric can be configured to have a slit between the mounting hole and the rear end.

[0030] Furthermore, in the specification and claims of this application, when an occupant is seated in a proper posture, the direction the occupant is facing (the direction of vehicle travel) is referred to as "forward," and the opposite direction is referred to as "rear," which is called "front-rear direction" when representing coordinate axes. Additionally, when an occupant is seated in a proper posture, the occupant's right side is referred to as "right direction," and the occupant's left side is referred to as "left direction," which is called "left-right direction" when representing coordinate axes. In the left-right direction, the area of ​​the seat's side frame on the occupant's side is called "inner," and the area opposite the occupant when viewed from the side frame is called "outer." Moreover, when an occupant is seated in a proper posture, the direction of the occupant's head is referred to as "above," and the direction of the occupant's waist is referred to as "below," which is called "up-down direction" when representing coordinate axes.

[0031] The side airbags involved in this invention include types that deploy towards the door side (outer side) of the seat, as well as types that deploy towards the vehicle center side of the seat. Side airbags that deploy towards the vehicle center side of the seat are, for example, referred to as distal side airbags, front center airbags, rear center airbags, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main external shape of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, omitting the illustration of the side airbag device.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown as Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of the internal structure of the vehicle seat frame, which functions as the seat skeleton. The illustration of the side airbag device is omitted.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side view of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, showing the general state of the side airbag device as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a side view of the vehicle seat involved in the present invention, showing the state of the airbag deployment as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a vehicle seat according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 3 A portion of the cross section in the A1-A1 direction.

[0037] Figure 6 It is shown in magnification Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the image.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the general structure of a side airbag device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams (cross-sections) illustrating the deployment operation of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional and side views showing the main structural components of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional and side views showing the main structural components of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional and side views illustrating the main structural components of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a side view showing a modified example of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, corresponding to the side airbag device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 .

[0045] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The example shown is a variation of Embodiment 5.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a vehicle seat according to Embodiment Six of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 3 A portion of the cross section in the A1-A1 direction.

[0047] Figure 16 It is shown in magnification Figure 15 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the image.

[0048] Figure 17 This is a side view showing the general structure of the side airbag device according to Embodiment Six of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, the side airbag device according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the main external shape of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, omitting the illustration of the airbag device (airbag module) 20. Figure 2 It is shown as Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the internal structure (seat frame) in which the frame of the vehicle seat functions, and the illustration of the airbag device (airbag module) 20 is omitted here. Figure 3 This is a side view of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, showing the state of the airbag device (airbag module) 20 housed on the side (near side) of the left seat near the door, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Figure 4 This is a side view of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, showing the airbag deployment state as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] When viewed as a part, the vehicle seat involved in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it is configured to include a seat cushion 2 for occupant seating, a seat back 1 forming a backrest, and a headrest 3 connected to the upper end of the seat back 1.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, a seat back frame 1f forming the seat skeleton is provided inside the seat back 1, and a pad 16 made of polyurethane foam or the like is provided on its surface and around its perimeter (see reference). Figure 5 The surface of the cushion 16 is covered with a leather, fabric, or other surface material 14. A seating frame 2f is disposed on the underside of the seat cushion 2. Similar to the seat back 1, a cushion made of polyurethane foam or similar material is provided on its upper surface and around its perimeter. The surface of this cushion is covered with a leather, fabric, or other surface material 14. Figure 5 The seating frame 2f and the seat back frame 1f are connected via a tilting mechanism 4.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat back frame 1f is frame-shaped by a side frame 10 that is separated to the left and right and extends in the vertical direction, an upper frame connecting the upper end of the side frame 10, and a lower frame connecting the lower end. The headrest 3 is formed by providing a cushioning member on the outside of the headrest frame.

[0054] (Example 1)

[0055] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 3 A portion of the cross-section along the A1-A1 direction. The side frame 10 is formed from resin or metal, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional shape can be L-shaped or U-shaped. Furthermore, the airbag module, i.e., the side airbag device 20, is fixed to the side frame 10.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the seat backrest 1 has a side support portion 12 that bulges out in the vehicle travel direction (front of the vehicle) from the side (end) in the vehicle width direction. A polyurethane pad 16 is disposed inside the side support portion 12, and a side airbag device 20 is housed within the gaps in the polyurethane pad 16. The side airbag device 20 includes: an airbag cushion 33, which restrains the occupant by inflating and deploying; and an inflator 30, which supplies inflation gas to the airbag cushion 33. The inflator 30 has a stud 32 extending from the inside to the outside of the seat frame 10.

[0057] The seams 18, 22, and 24 of the seat back 1's outer surface 14 are woven into the inside and connected by stitching. Additionally, the front seam 18 cracks when the airbag deploys. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 In the figure, reference numeral 25 shows the door interior panel.

[0058] Figure 6 It is shown in magnification Figure 5 The enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the invention clearly illustrates its features. Figure 7 This is a side view showing the general structure of a side airbag device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The side airbag device 20 of the present invention has a retaining fabric 40 for retaining the airbag cushion 33. (As shown...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the retaining fabric 40 is shaped from a soft rectangular fabric and is connected to a portion of the airbag cushion 33, but does not cover the entire airbag cushion 33.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the airbag cushion 33 includes: an inner expansion portion 33a, which houses an inflator 33; and an outer expansion portion 33b, which is connected to the inner expansion portion 33a, folds back at the front edge of the seat frame 10, and is disposed on the outer side of the seat frame 10. The outer expansion portion 33b forms a folded portion of the airbag cushion 33. Furthermore, the folded portion 33b can be formed in a corrugated tube shape or a roll shape.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, a mounting hole 43 is provided at the rear end 40b of the retaining cloth 40, which can be engaged with the stud 32. Therefore, no special structure (mechanism) is required for fixing the retaining cloth 40, and the structure for maintaining the shape of the airbag cushion 33 becomes simpler.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the front end 40a of the retaining fabric 40 is connected to the outer surface of the fold 35 of the outer expansion portion 33b by sewing. As described above, at the rear end 40b of the retaining fabric 40, the mounting hole 43 is engaged with the stud 32 of the inflator 30, thereby fixing it to the seat frame 10.

[0062] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the side airbag device 20 of the present invention also has a temporary sewing part 42, which extends along the thickness direction of the folded part 35 and is sewn together to connect the front end 40a of the retaining cloth 40 and the folded part 35 (outer expansion part 33b), and can break when the airbag pad 33 is deployed.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, the temporary sewing section 42 is configured to pass through the center of the folded section 35 in the thickness direction. Therefore, the shape of the folded section 35 can be reliably maintained when the airbag cushion 33 is in its contained state.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, when the airbag cushion 33 in its stored state is viewed from the width direction of the vehicle, the temporary sewn portion 42 extends vertically along the surface of the outer expansion portion 33b (fold portion 35). With this structure, the fold portion 35 of the airbag cushion 33 is held evenly in the vertical direction, thereby stabilizing the deployment of the airbag cushion 33.

[0065] (Action in Example 1)

[0066] Figure 8 (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams (cross-sections) illustrating the deployment operation of the side airbag device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. When the airbag device 20 starts to operate due to an event such as a vehicle collision, when the inflator 30 releases the expanding gas, the inner expansion portion 33a of the airbag cushion 33 starts to expand first, and then the outer expansion portion 33b starts to expand.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown in (A), when the outer expansion portion 33b begins to expand and unfold, the temporary stitching 42 sewn onto the fold portion 35 breaks, and the temporary stitching 42 detaches from the airbag cushion 33. Afterwards, as... Figure 8 As shown in (B), the airbag cushion 33 continues to inflate and fully deploys in the free state.

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, the front end 40a of the retaining cloth 40 that holds the folded (compressed) airbag cushion 33 is connected to the outer surface of the fold portion 35 of the airbag cushion 33, and the rear end is fixed to the seat frame 10. Since a temporary sewing portion 42 is formed that extends in the thickness direction of the fold portion 35 and is sewn to the front end of the retaining cloth 40, the shape of the folded (concealed) airbag cushion 33 is maintained by the temporary sewing portion 42, and there is no need for an outer cover member or shell that covers the entire airbag cushion 33.

[0069] Furthermore, since the temporary sewn part 42 extends along the thickness direction of the fold 35 of the airbag cushion 33, the temporary sewn part 42 is subjected to tension and breaks rapidly during the initial stage of the airbag cushion 33's deployment.

[0070] Furthermore, the folded airbag cushion 33 is essentially maintained in shape by the temporary sewing part 42, so if the temporary sewing part 42 breaks, it will not interfere with the airbag cushion 33 during the deployment action.

[0071] (Example 2)

[0072] Figure 9 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional and side views illustrating the side airbag device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Furthermore, for components that are the same as or correspond to those in the previously described embodiments, the same symbols are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0073] In this embodiment, a vulnerable portion 150 is provided, which extends substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the temporary sewn portion 142 formed on the retaining fabric 140. The vulnerable portion 150 is capable of breaking when the airbag cushion 33 deploys. Alternatively, the vulnerable portion 150 can be a slit or a seam.

[0074] In this embodiment, by providing the vulnerable part 150 on the retaining cloth 140, the retaining cloth 140 can be reliably pulled away from the airbag cushion 33 during the initial stage of the airbag cushion 33's deployment.

[0075] (Example 3)

[0076] Figure 10 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional and side views illustrating the side airbag device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Furthermore, for components that are the same as or correspond to those in the previously described embodiments, the same symbols are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0077] In this embodiment, a vulnerable portion 250 is provided that extends substantially parallel to the temporary sewn portion 242 formed on the retaining fabric 240 in the vertical direction. Both the temporary sewn portion 242 and the vulnerable portion 250 are capable of breaking when the airbag cushion 33 deploys. Furthermore, the vulnerable portion 250, as in Embodiment 2, can be a slit or a seam.

[0078] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 described above is that, in addition to the temporary sewing part 242, a regular sewing part 252 is also provided. The sewing part 252 is configured to connect the front portion of the retaining fabric 240 to the outermost peripheral portion of the outer expansion portion 33b of the folded airbag cushion 33. By fixing both the temporary sewing part 242 and the sewing part 252, the shape retention function of the folded airbag cushion 33 during seat frame installation can be further improved.

[0079] (Example 4)

[0080] Figure 11(A) and (B) are cross-sectional and side views illustrating the side airbag device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Furthermore, for components that are the same as or correspond to those in the previously described embodiments, the same symbols are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0081] In this embodiment, a vulnerable portion 350 is provided that extends substantially parallel to the vertical direction relative to the temporary sewn portion 342 formed on the retaining fabric 340. Both the temporary sewn portion 342 and the vulnerable portion 350 are capable of breaking when the airbag cushion 33 is deployed. Furthermore, the vulnerable portion 350, like in embodiments two and three, can be a slit or a seam. The sewn portion 352 connects the front portion of the retaining fabric 340 to the outermost peripheral portion of the outer expansion portion 33b of the folded airbag cushion 33.

[0082] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that the temporary sewing part 342 is connected to the outer expansion part 33b of the airbag cushion 33, but not to the retaining fabric 340. Similar to Embodiment 3, by fixing the temporary sewing part 342 and the sewing part 352, the shape retention function of the folded airbag cushion 33 during seat frame installation can be further improved.

[0083] Figure 12 The structure of other vulnerable portions of the retaining fabric applicable to the present invention is shown. In this example, two slits 450 are formed between the rear edge 443 of the retaining fabric 440 and the mounting hole 43, serving as vulnerable portions that can break when the airbag cushion 33 is deployed.

[0084] (Example 5)

[0085] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, corresponding to the side airbag device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 In this embodiment, brackets 652 and 654 are used for installing the airbag device, and the compressed airbag pad 633 is fixed to the side frame 10 via brackets 652 and 654.

[0086] The brackets 652 and 654 have: a first plate 654 extending along its long side and being flat; and a second plate 652 through which two studs 32 connected to the inflator 30 pass and are directly fixed to the side frame 10. These brackets 652 and 654 are configured such that, when viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the long side, the first plate 654 and the second plate 652 are approximately orthogonal and are connected to each other by welding or the like.

[0087] The first plate 654 of the bracket has a first surface 654a facing the vehicle's direction of travel, and the folded portion 635 of the outer expansion portion 633b of the airbag cushion 633 is arranged along this first surface 654a. Moreover, when the compressed airbag cushion 633 expands and unfolds in the vehicle's direction of travel, the first surface 654a of the first plate 654 becomes the reaction force surface, and the airbag cushion 633 unfolds reliably and rapidly forward.

[0088] On the other hand, the second plate 652 of the bracket is configured to abut against a portion of the inner expansion portion 633a of the airbag cushion 633.

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, the fold 35 of the airbag cushion 33 is arranged along the outer side of the seat frame 10. However, in this embodiment, the fold 635 is arranged to contact the first plate 654 of the bracket. Furthermore, the front end 640a of the retaining fabric 640 and the fold 635 are connected by a temporary sewing part 642.

[0090] In addition, the vulnerable parts used in Embodiments 2 to 4 described above can also be applied in this embodiment and the variations described below.

[0091] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The modified example of Embodiment 5 shown is identical in structure except for the different extension direction of the temporary sewing part 742. In this modified example, the airbag cushion 733 is also fixed to the side frame 10 by brackets 652 and 654.

[0092] The front end 740a of the retaining fabric 740 reaches the front of the fold 735 of the airbag cushion 733, and the front end 740a and the fold 735 are connected by a temporary sewing part 742. Here, the temporary sewing part 742 is configured to extend through the fold 735 in the front-back direction.

[0093] (Example 6)

[0094] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a vehicle seat according to Embodiment Six of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 3 A portion of the cross section in the A1-A1 direction. Figure 16 It is shown in magnification Figure 15 The enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion clearly shows the features of this embodiment. Figure 17 This is a side view showing the general structure of the side airbag device 820 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, for components that are the same as or correspond to those in Embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the same reference numerals are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0095] The side airbag device 820 of the present invention includes a resin retaining member 840 for retaining the airbag cushion 33. For example... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the retaining member 840 is shaped as a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side, similar to other embodiments, and is configured as part of the covering airbag cushion 33.

[0096] like Figure 17 As shown, a mounting hole 843 is provided at the rear end 840b of the retaining member 840, which can be engaged with the stud 32. Therefore, no special structure (mechanism) is required for fixing the retaining member 840, and the structure for maintaining the shape of the airbag cushion 33 becomes simpler.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the front end 840a of the retaining member 840 contacts the outer surface of the fold 35 of the outer expansion portion 33b. As described above, at the rear end 840b of the retaining member 840, the mounting hole 843 engages with the stud 32 of the inflator 30, thereby fixing the retaining member 840 to the seat frame 10.

[0098] In this embodiment, when an event such as a vehicle collision occurs and the airbag device 820 is activated, inflatable gas is released from the inflator 30. The inner inflatable portion 33a of the airbag cushion 33 begins to inflate first, and then the outer inflatable portion 33b begins to inflate.

[0099] When the outer expansion portion 33b begins to expand and unfold, the retaining member 840 in contact with the folding portion 35 deforms or breaks, the front end 840a expands, and the airbag cushion 33 fully unfolds forward.

[0100] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the retaining member 840 is made of resin, the airbag cushion 33 can be reliably retained by the rigidity of the retaining member 840 itself. As a result, there is no need for temporary sewing or the creation of weak points as with cloth retaining members, which simplifies the structure and also simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0101] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, although the proximal side airbag has been described in detail in the above embodiments, it can also be used for the distal side airbag (the side of the vehicle seat away from the door), single-seat vehicles such as small mobility vehicles (regardless of whether there is a door, including vehicles with only one seat in a row), etc.

Claims

1. A side airbag device, fixed to the seat frame of a vehicle seat, characterized in that, have: Airbags restrain occupants by inflating and deploying. An inflator, disposed inside the seat frame, supplies inflatable gas to the airbag cushion; The retaining part holds the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion includes: The inner expansion section contains the inflator; An outer expansion portion, which connects to the inner expansion portion and folds back at the front edge of the seat frame to be disposed on the outer side of the seat frame, The outer expansion portion includes the folded portion of the airbag cushion. The retaining part has its front portion in contact with the outer surface of the folded portion of the outer expansion part, while its rear portion is connected to the seat frame. The retaining portion covers a part of the outer expansion portion. The retaining part is formed by a retaining fabric, the front portion of which is connected to the outer surface of the folded portion of the outer expansion part. It also has a temporary sewn section that extends along the thickness direction of the fold and breaks off when the airbag cushion deploys. The temporary sewn section is configured to pass through the vicinity of the front end of the retaining fabric and the vicinity of the center in the thickness direction of the fold.

2. The side airbag device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front portion of the retaining fabric includes a sewn section that is sewn to the airbag cushion, and a vulnerable portion that can break when the airbag cushion expands and unfolds is located between the sewn section and the rear portion.

3. The side airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the airbag cushion in its contained state is viewed from the width direction of the vehicle, the temporary sewn portion extends vertically along the surface of the outer expansion portion.

4. The side airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inflator has a stud extending from the inside to the outside of the seat frame. A mounting hole is provided at the rear end of the retaining cloth, which can be engaged with the stud.

5. The side airbag device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining fabric has a fragile portion between the temporary sewn section and the mounting hole that can break when the airbag cushion deploys.

6. The side airbag device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, When the airbag cushion in its concealed state is viewed from the width direction of the vehicle, the temporary sewn portion extends vertically along the surface of the outer inflatable portion. The vulnerable portion and the temporary sewn portion extend approximately parallel to each other in the vertical direction.

7. The side airbag device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The vulnerable part is a slit or seam.

8. The side airbag device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining fabric has a slit between the mounting hole and the rear end.

9. The side airbag device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The folded portion is formed in the shape of a corrugated tube or a roll.

Images