Mounting device for an airbag module

Abstract

Airbag arrangement for a seat frame for a vehicle, wherein the seat frame comprises a base frame (15) configured to support a seat base (14) and a backrest frame (17) attached to the base frame (15) and configured to support a seat back (16), wherein the backrest frame (17) has at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction comprising: a mounting bracket (30) attached to an outer surface (35) of the side member, wherein the mounting bracket (30) is shaped such that it partially covers the outer surface (35) of the side member and extends along the length of the side member; and an airbag module (20) attached to the mounting bracket (30), the airbag module (20) comprising an inflation device (24) and an airbag (22); at least one load transfer device (40) which is attached to an inner surface (39) of the side member and engages with a front section or a rear section of the side member, wherein the load transfer device (40) distributes a load from the mounting bracket (30) on the seat frame to the inner surface (39) and / or the front section and / or the rear section of the side member, wherein the load is due to an airbag deployment (22) or a load on the airbag (22) by the Occupants (12) at the airbag module (20) is created, whereby the at least one load transfer device (40) is an element separate from the mounting bracket (30) and has the following features: a main body (44) shaped to engage with the inner surface (39) of the lateral member; and an engagement section (42) extending from the main body (44), wherein the engagement section (42) is shaped to engage with the anterior section or the posterior section of the lateral limb.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application relates generally to the field of airbags and occupant protection systems. More specifically, the application relates to a mounting device for securing an airbag module, such as a side-impact airbag module, to a seat frame member.

[0002] Side-impact airbag devices may be provided in vehicle seats, such as the front seats of the vehicle. Side-impact airbag devices or modules may be mounted on either the outboard or inboard (i.e., center) side of the vehicle seat. The center-facing side-impact airbag is configured to deploy away from the seat to absorb inboard displacement of the occupant in the event of a vehicle side impact and to transfer the occupant's load to the seat frame.

[0003] An airbag module mounting bracket typically includes a plate with threaded studs extending from the inboard side of the plate. The studs are inserted into openings in a seat frame, and a nut engages the studs on the side of the seat frame opposite the plate. The nut is threaded down to couple the mounting bracket to the seat frame. As the airbag deploys and the occupant moves in the inboard direction into the airbag, the lateral load caused by the occupant is transferred from the airbag through the mounting bracket and to the seat frame via the surface of the bracket. The dimensions of the bracket further determine the length of the lever arm formed by the attached inflated cushion and the occupant shoulder contact point (e.g., the distance from the shoulder contact point to the front edge of the mounting bracket).This lever arm influences the airbag's retention capacity. The mount is also configured to withstand the forces generated during airbag deployment, when the inflator rapidly inflates the cushion.

[0004] However, the clamp load that couples the bracket to the seat frame and resists the force of airbag deployment is limited by the size of the bolts and nuts used to couple the bracket to the seat frame. The load is thus not distributed over a wide area, imposing excessive stress on a local portion of the seat frame adjacent to the nut. Furthermore, the bracket engages the seat frame over a relatively small area. The size of this area is generally limited by the size and configuration of the seat frame, as increasing the bracket area may interfere with other seat functions.

[0005] Modern vehicle seat frames can be designed to minimize weight and cost by reducing material thickness, eliminating welds, reducing the number of components, and optimizing seat profiles. However, such design considerations can weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle seat. Thus, there is a need for improved load distribution from the airbag to the seat frame. DE 10 2008 052 479 A1 discloses a gas bag assembly for a motor vehicle with a gas bag and an abutment element against which the gas bag can be supported. SUMMARY

[0006] A disclosed embodiment relates to an airbag assembly for a seat frame having a floor frame configured to support a seat bottom and a back frame attached to the floor frame and configured to support a seat back, the back frame having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction. The airbag assembly includes a mounting bracket attached to an outer surface of the side member. The mounting bracket is shaped to partially cover the outer surface of the side member and extend along the length of the side member. An airbag module including an inflator and an airbag is attached to the mounting bracket.At least one load transfer device is attached to an inner surface of the side member and engages a front portion or a rear portion of the side member such that the load transfer device distributes a load resulting from deployment of the airbag or loading of the airbag by the occupant on the airbag module from the mounting bracket to the seat frame to the inner surface and / or the front portion and / or the rear portion of the side member. The load transfer device includes a main body shaped to engage the inner surface of the side member and an engagement portion extending from the main body and shaped to engage the front portion or the rear portion of the side member.

[0007] Another disclosed embodiment relates to a seat frame assembly including a seat frame having a floor frame configured to support a seat bottom and a back frame attached to the floor frame and configured to support a seat back, the back frame having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction. A mounting bracket is attached to an outer surface of the side member and configured for connection to an airbag module. The mounting bracket is shaped to partially cover the outer surface of the side member and extend along a portion of the length of the side member. At least one load transfer device is attached to an inner surface of the side member and engages one of a front portion and a rear portion of the side member.The load transfer device distributes a load resulting from airbag deployment or occupant loading of the airbag at the airbag module from the mounting bracket on the seat frame to the inner surface and / or the front portion and / or the rear portion of the side member. The load transfer device includes a main body shaped to engage the inner surface of the side member and an engagement portion extending from the main body and shaped to engage the front portion or the rear portion of the side member.

[0008] Yet another disclosed embodiment relates to a mounting device for attaching an airbag module to a seat frame having a floor frame configured to support a seat bottom and a back frame attached to the floor frame and configured to support a seat back, the back frame having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket configured to be attached to an outer surface of the side member and configured to connect to the airbag module. The mounting bracket is shaped to partially cover the outer surface of the side member and to extend along a portion of the length of the side member.At least one load transfer device is configured for attachment to an inner surface of the side member and for engagement with a front portion or a rear portion of the side member. The load transfer device distributes a load resulting from deployment of the airbag or loading of the airbag by the occupant on the airbag module from the mounting bracket on the seat frame to the inner surface and / or the front portion and / or the rear portion of the side member. The load transfer device includes a main body shaped for engagement with the inner surface of the side member and an engagement portion extending from the main body, the engagement portion shaped for engagement with the front portion or the rear portion of the side member.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the inventions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below. Fig. 1 is a side view of a vehicle seat incorporating a side airbag module. At Fig. 2A-2B are a side and a front view of the vehicle seat of Fig. 1 with an inflated airbag. Fig. 3A-3B are schematic views of an upper and lower bolt of a fastener coupled to a side member of a seat frame according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is an external view of a mounting bracket of the mounting device of Fig. 3A-3B, which is coupled to the seat frame. Fig. 5 is a front view of the fastening device of Fig. 3A-3B. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the fastening device of Fig. 3A-3B. Fig. 7 is an internal view of the fastening device of Fig. 3A-3B. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the fastening device coupled to the seat frame of Fig. 3A-3B. Fig. 9 is a side view of a load transfer device of the fastening device of Fig. 3A-3B. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the load transfer device of Fig. 3A-3B. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a load transfer device according to another exemplary embodiment. Fig. 12A-12Q are schematic views of additional exemplary embodiments of the fastening device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A vehicle seat with a centrally mounted side airbag module is Fig. 1. Vehicles include one or more seats 10 configured to accommodate one or more occupants 12. The vehicle seat 10 includes a generally horizontal lower portion or seat bottom 14 coupled to the vehicle and an upper portion or seat back 16 extending upwardly from the lower end of the seat bottom 14. The seat back 16 may be connected to the seat bottom 14 by a seat recline mechanism that allows the seat back 16 to tilt or pivot relative to the seat bottom 14. Both the seat bottom 14 and the seat back 16 include a support frame 15, 17, a cushion, such as a foam cushion, coupled to the frame 15, 17, and a cover surrounding the cushion.

[0012] The seat may be configured to include an airbag device or an airbag module. As in Fig. 1 and 2A-2B, the vehicle seat 10 includes a side airbag device 20 provided in the seatback 16 beneath the cushion and overlay. The device 20 includes an inflatable airbag or cushion 22 and a gas generator or inflator 24 configured to generate a gas to inflate the cushion 22. The airbag module 20 is coupled to the seatback frame 17 by a mounting device 26. During a side impact, the cushion 22 inflates, as shown in Fig. 2A-2B, and is driven away from the seatback 16 such that it is positioned along the torso side of the occupant 12 of the vehicle seat 10 to limit the lateral (e.g., transverse) movement of the occupant 12. The occupant load impinging on the cushion 22, which occurs at the shoulder impact point 13, is transferred to the seatback frame 17 through the attachment device 26.

[0013] As in Fig. 3A-8, the fastening device 26 includes a mounting bracket 30 and at least one load transfer device 40, each coupled to a side support of the seat back frame 17. The bracket 30 includes one or more threaded bolts 32 extending through openings 38 of the seat back frame 17 for securing the bracket 30 to an outer surface 35 of the seat back frame 17. The threaded bolts 32 may be any suitable fastening means for securing the bracket 30 to the seat back frame 17, such as compression bolts, weld studs, or screws. As shown in Fig. 4-6, the bracket 30 is shaped to conform to the shape of an outer surface 35 of the side support of the seatback frame 17. The bracket 30 has a cross-sectional shape configured to maximize the contact area between the bracket 30 and the side support. Furthermore, the bracket 30 has a front edge 34 that extends a minimal distance beyond the front edge 36 of the side support so that it is substantially flush with the front edge 36 for maximum occupant comfort. As shown in Fig. 3B, the holder 30 is at least partially inserted into a sewn-in pocket contained within the cushion 22. The holder 30 may further include a cradle 37, which may be integrally formed within the holder 30 or attached as a separate component. The cradle 37 may be shaped to hold an inflator 24, which may be fixed to the cradle 37 by one or more clamps 27. The inflator 24 is inserted into a chamber of the cushion 22 to inflate the cushion 22 with gas.

[0014] As in Fig. 5-8, the mounting device 26 further includes one or more load transfer devices 40 provided on an inner surface 39 of the side support of the seatback frame 17. The load transfer devices 40 are small brackets having features configured to cooperate with the inner surface 39 and the front edge 36 of the side support to more effectively transfer the load from the cushion 22 to the seatback frame 17. The transfer devices 40 are inserted over the bolt 32 on the inner surface 39 of the side support and engage the front edge 36 of the side support of the seatback frame 17. Nuts 50 are threaded onto the bolts 32 and threaded down to apply a clamping load to the frame 17 between the bracket 30 and the transfer devices 40, thereby coupling the mounting device 26 to the frame 17.

[0015] As in Fig. 3A, the transfer device 40 increases the distribution area of ​​the clamp load on the frame 17 by extending along the area where the transfer device 40 engages the inner surface 39 of the side member (as shown by the double-headed arrow to the right of the transfer device 40). By distributing the clamp load over a larger area than a fastening system using only nuts, the stress concentration imposed on the seat frame 17 around the opening 38 through which the bolts 32 pass is reduced.Furthermore, the transfer device 40 increases the section modulus of the interface between the attachment device 26 and the side support by extending the area where the bracket 30 engages the seat frame 17 with the front edge 36 of the seat frame 17 (as shown by the double-headed arrow to the left of the transfer device 40), thereby increasing the containment or load-transfer capacity of the cushion 22 and the airbag module 20. In other words, the load transfer device 40 helps further distribute the load transferred from the attachment bracket 30 to the seat frame 17 not only to the outer surface 35 and the rear portion of the seat frame 17, but also to the inner surface 39 and the front edge 36 of the seat frame 17.

[0016] For a center-mounted side impact airbag module, the increased restraint capacity of the cushion 22 resulting from the use of the attachment device 26 assists in reducing the lateral movement or displacement of the occupant 12 toward the center of the vehicle in a side impact (as the arrow in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B). For example, shoulder displacement (i.e., the distance the shoulder can move past the front edge of the vehicle's center console during a side impact) of the occupant 12 may be reduced when using the tethering device 26 compared to a tethering device without the transfer device 40. In addition, occupant head movement (i.e., the distance the center of gravity of the occupant's head moves past a specified shoulder displacement during a side impact) may be reduced compared to a tethering device without the transfer device 40.

[0017] As in Fig. 9-10, the transfer device 40 includes a main body 44 formed with an opening 45 configured to receive one of the threaded bolts 32 of the bracket 30. The main body 44 may include cutouts, grooves, or other features 47 that can accommodate the contours of the inner surface 39 of the seat frame 17, or may be shaped to provide clearance for other systems coupled to the seat frame (e.g., wiring harness, etc.). Extending from the main body 44 is an engagement feature 42 that includes a flange 46. The main body 44 may be further connected to the flange 46 by a pair of reinforcement corner pieces 48 that provide further structural support and rigidity for the transfer device 40. The engagement feature 42 is configured to engage (e.g., hook, clip, fix, etc.) the front edge 36 of the side support of the seat back frame 17. As shown in 。 Fig. 5-8, the engagement feature 42 may be a curved hook that is secured to the inner surface 39 and the front edge 36 of the side support when the fastening device 26 is coupled to the side support. The transmission device 40 may further be configured to have a flat profile that is closely contoured to the side support. For example, the engagement feature 42 may be Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, be configured such that a front edge 43 does not project substantially outwardly past the front edge 36 of the side support, thereby reducing discomfort to the occupant of the seat.

[0018] The transmission devices 40 are separate elements (e.g., bodies) from the bracket 30 and may each be independently shaped and provided to allow the attachment device 26 to be configured to accommodate different seat frames. This allows the side airbag module to be attached to different seat frames without requiring the seat frame to include integrally formed attachment features (e.g., lugs, flanges, etc.) by providing different transmission devices configured to cooperate with the seat frame. Furthermore, the attachment device 26 may include independent transmission devices 40, as shown in Fig. 5-8, wherein each transmission device 40 engages a separate threaded bolt 32. Alternatively, the fastening device 26 may comprise only a single transmission device 40 that engages only one of the bolts 32 (e.g., the upper bolt, the lower bolt, etc.). As shown in Fig. 11, the fastening device may alternatively comprise a single transmission device 60 that engages two or more threaded bolts and engages the inner surface and the front edge of the side member along a portion of the length of the side member. As further shown in Fig. 11, the transfer device 60 may also include an extension 62 extending at a distance from the threaded bolt in a direction along the inner surface and the front edge of the side member. The extension 62 may be configured to support an "unsupported" portion of the bracket 30 (e.g., a portion of the bracket extending upwardly beyond the upper bolt or downwardly beyond the lower bolt) by engaging the inner surface and the front edge of the side member. The extension 62 may alternatively be added to support one or both "unsupported" portions of the bracket 30 and may be added to the transfer devices 40 that engage only one of the bolts 32.

[0019] The transfer devices 40 can be configured to accommodate seat frames with openings in various locations. By coupling the bracket 30 to the seat frame 17 using openings in some locations (e.g., widely spaced openings, openings along the rearmost edge or frontmost edge of the bracket, etc.), the load-bearing capacity of a bracket 30 alone (e.g., a bracket attached to the side rail with only nuts) can be greatly reduced, such as by reducing the section modulus created by the nut 50 and the cross-section of the seat frame 17. The use of the transfer devices 40 reduces the effect of the positioning of the openings 38 and increases the amount of force transferred from the cushion 22 through the attachment device 26 for absorption by the seat frame 17.

[0020] As in Fig. 12A-12Q, a variety of combinations of transfer devices, seat frames, and mounting brackets can be used to effectively distribute the load from the mounting bracket to the seat frame over a larger area and to additional, and preferably structurally stronger, sections of the seat frame. For example, as shown in Fig. 12B, a mounting bracket 130 that engages a rear portion of the outer surface of the seat frame may be used in conjunction with the transmission device 40 and the seat frame 17. As shown in Fig. 12C, a load transfer device 140 that engages a front portion of the inner surface of the seat frame may be used in conjunction with the mounting bracket 30 and the seat frame 17. Alternatively, a seat frame 117 that does not include a curved front surface may be used with a transfer device 140 and the mounting bracket 30, as shown in Fig. 12D. The transmission device 140, the seat frame 117 and the mounting bracket 130 can be combined into additional configurations, as shown in Fig. 12E and Fig. 12F. Furthermore, a seat frame 217 may include a hook-like rear portion 219 that engages a transmission device 240, which may include a hook-like extension 241 that projects from the inner surface and toward the rear of the seat frame 217 for engagement with the hook-like rear portion 219 of the seat frame 217. The seat frame 217 and the transmission device 240 may be used in combination with either the mounting bracket 30 or 130, as shown in Fig. 12G and Fig. 12H. A mounting bracket 230 may alternatively be shaped as a flat, elongated plate that engages a flat portion of the outer surface of the seat frame. The mounting bracket 230 may be used in combination with the transmission devices 40, 140, or 240 and the seat frames 17, 117, or 217, as shown in Fig. 12J-12M. Finally, the inflator 24 can serve as the mounting bracket and be attached directly to the outer surface of the seat frame by the bolts 32. This configuration can be combined with the transmission devices 40, 140, or 240 and the seat frames 17, 117, or 217, as shown in Fig. 12N-12Q is shown.

[0021] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" means the direct or indirect interconnection of two components (electrical or mechanical). Such a connection may be stationary or movable. Such a connection may be achieved by integrally forming the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intervening elements as a single, one-piece body, or by attaching the two components or the two components and any additional elements together. Such a connection may be permanent or, alternatively, removable or detachable.

[0022] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the seat frame load transfer device as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely exemplary. While only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, one skilled in the art who reads this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in size, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter presented.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be reversed or otherwise different, and the type or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or different. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be different or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

[1] An airbag assembly for a seat frame for a vehicle, the seat frame comprising a floor frame (15) configured to support a seat bottom (14) and a back frame (17) attached to the floor frame (15) and configured to support a seat back (16), the back frame (17) having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction, comprising: a mounting bracket (30) secured to an outer surface (35) of the side member, the mounting bracket (30) being shaped to partially cover the outer surface (35) of the side member and extending along the length of the side member; and an airbag module (20) attached to the mounting bracket (30), the airbag module (20) comprising an inflator (24) and an airbag (22); at least one load transfer device (40) attached to an inner surface (39) of the side member and engaging a front portion or a rear portion of the side member, the load transfer device (40) distributing a load from the mounting bracket (30) on the seat frame to the inner surface (39) and / or the front portion and / or the rear portion of the side member, the load being due to deployment of the airbag (22) or loading of the airbag (22) by the occupant (12) on the airbag module (20), whereby the at least one load transfer device (40) is a separate element from the mounting bracket (30) and comprises: a main body (44) shaped to engage the inner surface (39) of the side member; and an engagement portion (42) extending from the main body (44), the engagement portion (42) being shaped to engage with the front portion or the rear portion of the side member. [2] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein a front edge (34) of the mounting bracket (30) is substantially flush with a front edge (36) of the side member. [3] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the engaging portion (42) engages the front portion of the side member, and wherein a front edge (43) of the engaging portion (42) is substantially flush with a front edge (36) of the side member. [4] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (30) is an inflator having a mounting feature configured to extend through the side member for engagement with the load transfer device (40). [5] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body (44) is secured to the inner surface (39) of the side member. [6] The airbag assembly of claim 5, wherein the load transfer device (40) extends along a portion of the length of the side member, and wherein the main body (44) is secured to the inner surface (39) of the side member at an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the main body (44). [7] An airbag assembly according to claim 6, wherein the length of the load transfer device (40) is substantially equal to the length of the mounting bracket (30). [8] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the load transfer device (40) is attached to an upper portion of the side member. [9] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the load transfer device (40) is attached to a lower portion of the side member. [10] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein an upper edge of the engagement portion (42) is aligned with an upper edge of the mounting bracket (30). [11] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein a lower edge of the engagement portion (42) is aligned with a lower edge of the mounting bracket (30). [12] An airbag assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least two load transfer devices (40) are attached to the inner surface (39) of the side member. [13] The airbag assembly of claim 12, wherein the first load transfer device is attached to an upper portion of the side member and the second load transfer device is attached to a lower portion of the inner surface (39) of the side member. [14] An airbag assembly according to claim 13, wherein an extension engaging a portion of the inner surface (39) and a portion of the forward portion of the side member extends along a portion of the length of the side member and connects the first load transfer device to the second load transfer device. [15] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body (44) includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg and the second leg being connected in a substantially L-shaped manner. [16] The airbag assembly of claim 15, wherein the load transfer device (40) comprises at least one angled rib in connection from the first leg to the second leg. [17] The airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface (39) of the side member is contoured and wherein the main body (44) has cutouts shaped to conform to the contours such that the contours protrude through the cutouts. [18] Seat frame assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a seat frame comprising a floor frame (15) configured to support a seat floor (14) and a back frame (17) attached to the floor frame (15) and configured to support a seat back (16), the back frame (17) having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction; a mounting bracket (30) attached to an outer surface (35) of the side member and configured for connection to an airbag module (20), the mounting bracket (30) being shaped to partially cover the outer surface (35) of the side member and extending along a portion of the length of the side member; and at least one load transfer device (40) attached to an inner surface (39) of the side member and engaging a front portion or a rear portion of the side member, wherein the load transfer device (40) distributes a load from the mounting bracket (30) on the seat frame to the inner surface (39) and / or the front portion and / or the rear portion of the side member, wherein the load arises due to a deployment of an airbag (22) of the airbag module (20) or a loading of the airbag (22) by the occupant (12) on the airbag module (20), wherein the at least one load transfer device (40) is a separate element from the mounting bracket (30) and comprises: a main body (44) shaped to engage the inner surface (39) of the side member; and an engagement portion (42) extending from the main body (44), the engagement portion (42) being shaped to engage with the front portion or the rear portion of the side member. [19] A fastening device (26) for fastening an airbag module (20) to a seat frame for a vehicle, the seat frame comprising a floor frame (15) configured to support a seat bottom (14) and a backrest frame (17) attached to the floor frame (15) and configured to support a seat back (16), the backrest frame (17) having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction, comprising: a mounting bracket (30) configured for attachment to an outer surface (35) of the side member and configured for connection to the airbag module (20), the mounting bracket (30) being shaped to partially cover the outer surface (35) of the side member and extending along a portion of the length of the side member; and at least one load transfer device (40) configured to be attached to an inner surface (39) of the side member and to engage a front portion or a rear portion of the side member, wherein the load transfer device (40) distributes a load from the attachment bracket (30) on the seat frame to the inner surface (39) and / or the front portion and / or the rear portion of the side member, wherein the load arises due to a deployment of an airbag (22) of the airbag module (20) or a loading of the airbag (22) by the occupant (12) on the airbag module (20), wherein the at least one load transfer device (40) is a separate element from the mounting bracket (30) and comprises: a main body (44) shaped to engage the inner surface (39) of the side member; and an engagement portion (42) extending from the main body (44), the engagement portion (42) being shaped to engage with the front portion or the rear portion of the side member.

Images