Occupant protection device

Abstract

To provide an occupant crash protection device capable of thinly constituting a part for mounting an air bag body.SOLUTION: An occupant protection device mounted on a seat of a moving body includes an airbag body that is inflated and deployed by gas, an inflator that generates gas and is attached to an outside of the airbag body, and a conduit that connects the airbag body and the inflator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an occupant protection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices have been disclosed for protecting occupants when a vehicle collision is detected or predicted. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an airbag device mounted on the side frame of a seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-142659 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The airbag device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an airbag made of a base fabric and an inflator made of metal, and the inflator is disposed inside the airbag. Even if attempts were made to reduce the thickness of the portion of the seat where the airbag is mounted, it was difficult to make that portion thinner because of the restrictions imposed by the thickness of the metal inflator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an occupant protection device mounted on a seat of a vehicle, the occupant protection device including an airbag body that inflates and deploys with gas, an inflator that generates the gas and is attached to the outside of the airbag body, and a conduit that connects the airbag body and the inflator. According to this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the outside of the airbag body, so the thickness of the portion of the seat where the airbag body is attached can be made thinner than in a configuration in which the inflator is attached to the inside of the airbag body. (2) In the occupant protection device of the above aspect, the seat may have a seat back frame as a framework of the seat back, and the inflator may be attached to the seat back frame. In this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the seatback frame, so when the airbag body is attached to the side frame, the distance between the inflator and the airbag body can be made relatively short, and a decrease in the deployment speed of the airbag body can be suppressed. (3) In the occupant protection device of the above form, the seat may further have a seat cushion frame and a reclining shaft that connects the seat cushion frame and the seatback frame and serves as a rotation center for reclining the seat, the seatback frame may have a pair of side frames and a lower frame that connects first ends of the pair of side frames, the airbag body may be attached to one of the pair of side frames, and the inflator may be attached to the lower frame. According to this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the lower frame, which reduces the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat through the seat cushion and cushion, compared to a configuration in which the inflator is attached to the side frame. (4) In the occupant protection device of the above-described form, the seatback frame may have a side frame, the airbag body may be attached to one of the surfaces of the side frame that is located on the outer side in the width direction of the seat, and the inflator may be attached to the side frame more inward in the width direction of the seat than the airbag body. According to this form of occupant protection device, the airbag body is attached to the surface of the side frame that is located on the outer side in the width direction of the seat, and the inflator is attached to the side frame more inward in the width direction of the seat than the airbag body.Therefore, the outer portion of the seat in the width direction can be made thinner compared to a configuration in which the airbag body and the inflator are both attached to the surface of the side frame that is located on the outer side in the width direction of the seat. (5) In the occupant protection device of the above aspect, the conduit may be disposed so as to pass through the side frame. In this passenger protection device, the conduit is arranged to penetrate the side frame, so the conduit can be made shorter than in a configuration in which the conduit detours around the side frame, thereby shortening the time it takes for gas to flow into the airbag body after the inflator starts to deploy. (6) In the occupant protection device of the above aspect, the seatback frame may have a side frame, the airbag body may be attached to the side frame, and the inflator may be attached to a rear surface of the side frame. According to this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the back of the side frame, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the inflator is attached to the front of the side frame, the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat through the seat cushion and upholstery can be reduced. (7) In the occupant protection device of the above form, the airbag body has a first mounting portion for mounting to the side frame, the inflator has a second mounting portion for mounting to the side frame, and the height positions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are different from each other. According to this form of occupant protection device, the height positions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are different from each other, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the height positions of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are the same, when attaching the airbag body and the inflator to the side frame, it is possible to prevent the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion from interfering with each other and hindering attachment. (8) In the occupant protection device of the above form, the seatback frame may have a pair of side frames and an upper frame connecting the second ends of the pair of side frames, the airbag body may be attached to one of the pair of side frames, and the inflator may be attached to the upper frame. According to this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the upper frame, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the inflator is attached to the side frame, the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat through the seat cushion and upholstery can be reduced. (9) In the passenger protection device of the above aspect, the conduit may be connected to an upper portion of the airbag body. In this configuration of the occupant protection device, the conduit is connected to the upper part of the airbag body, so that the upper part of the airbag body can be deployed earlier than the lower part, compared to a configuration in which the conduit is connected to the lower part of the airbag body. This allows the airbag body to be positioned so that the position of the upper part of the airbag body that inflates and deploys corresponds to the position of the occupant's head, thereby making it possible to restrain the occupant's head more quickly. (10) In the occupant protection device of the above form, the seat may have a side frame and a seat cushion frame as a skeleton, the airbag body may be attached to the side frame, and the inflator may be attached to the seat cushion frame. According to this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the cushion side frame, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the inflator is attached to the side frame, the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat through the seat cushion and cushion can be reduced. (11) In the occupant protection device of the above aspect, the inflator may be attached to a front side of the lower frame. According to this form of occupant protection device, the inflator is attached to the front side of the lower frame, so compared to a configuration in which the inflator is attached to the rear side of the lower frame, the inflator can be positioned in a position surrounded by the lower frame, cushion side frame, and side frame, thereby reducing damage to the inflator. (12) In the occupant protection device of the above aspect, the lower frame may have a recess for accommodating the inflator, and the inflator may be accommodated in the recess. According to this embodiment of the occupant protection device, the lower frame has a storage section for storing the inflator, and the inflator is stored in the storage section, so that the composite body of the lower frame and the inflator can be made thinner compared to a configuration in which the inflator is not stored in the storage section, and also members such as a retainer for fixing the inflator can be omitted. (13) In the occupant protection device of the above aspect, the lower frame may have a support portion that supports the inflator, and the inflator may be supported by the support portion. According to this form of passenger protection device, the lower frame has a support portion that supports the inflator, and the inflator is supported by the support portion, so that the inflator can be attached more firmly to the lower frame. (14) In the passenger protection device of the above aspect, the inflator may be attached at an angle with respect to the lower frame so that the end to which the conduit is connected approaches the airbag body. In this type of passenger protection device, the inflator is attached at an angle to the lower frame so that the end to which the conduit is connected is closer to the airbag body, which allows the conduit to be made shorter, thereby enabling the airbag body to deploy more quickly.

[0007] The present disclosure can be realized in various forms, for example, a seat equipped with an occupant protection device, a vehicle equipped with an occupant protection device, and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an occupant protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an occupant protection device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an occupant protection device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an occupant protection device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. First embodiment: <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an occupant protection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the occupant protection device 100 and a seat 200 as viewed from the left rear. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 can also be said to show a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions at the center of the lower frame 220 in the horizontal direction. For ease of explanation, FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the configuration of the seat 200 and the occupant protection device 100. The occupant protection device 100 is mounted on the seat 200 of a vehicle. When a vehicle collision is detected or predicted, the occupant protection device 100 inflates and deploys an airbag body 110 to reduce impact on the occupant. The occupant protection device 100 in this embodiment is a so-called side airbag provided on a side of the seat 200 that is closer to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0010] In this disclosure, the direction along the vehicle's traveling direction is referred to as the "front-rear direction." The vertical direction as seen by the driver in the vehicle is referred to as the "up-down direction." The "up-down direction" may also be referred to as the "height direction." The direction along the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle is referred to as the "left-right direction." The "front-rear direction," "up-down direction," and "left-right direction" are directions that intersect with each other.

[0011] <Configuration of Sheet 200> 1 is a passenger seat in a right-hand drive vehicle. Seat 200 includes, as its framework, a seatback frame 205, a seat cushion frame 250, seat rails 261 and 262, and a reclining shaft SF. Note that the seat cushion and upholstery that constitute seat 200 are omitted from the drawings of the present disclosure.

[0012] The seatback frame 205 is a skeleton that forms the backrest of the seat 200. The seatback frame 205 has a frame-like external shape. The seatback frame 205 is made of metal. The seatback frame 205 includes a pair of side frames 210, 211, a lower frame 220, and an upper frame 230.

[0013] The pair of side frames 210, 211 extend in the vertical direction and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Each of the side frames 210, 211 has a first end 212 that is the lower end and a second end 213 that is the upper end. Each of the side frames 210, 211 has an L-shaped cross section.

[0014] The lower frame 220 extends in the left-right direction. The lower frame 220 has a plate-like external shape. The lower frame 220 connects the first ends 212 of the pair of side frames 210, 211 at both ends thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower frame 220 has a J-shaped cross section.

[0015] 1, the upper frame 230 extends in the left-right direction. The upper frame 230 has a plate-like external shape. The upper frame 230 connects the second ends 213 of the pair of side frames 210, 211 at both ends thereof.

[0016] The seat cushion frame 250 is a skeleton of the portion that constitutes the seating surface of the seat 200. The seat cushion frame 250 has a frame-like external shape. The seat cushion frame 250 is made of metal. The seat cushion frame 250 includes a pair of cushion side frames 251, 252, a front frame 253, and a rear frame 254.

[0017] The pair of cushion side frames 251, 252 extend in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The cushion side frames 251, 252 have a plate-like external shape.

[0018] The front frame 253 extends in the left-right direction and has a plate-like external shape. The front frame 253 connects the front ends of the pair of cushion side frames 251, 252 to each other at both ends.

[0019] The rear frame 254 extends in the left-right direction and has a plate-like external shape. The rear frame 254 connects the rear ends of the pair of cushion side frames 251, 252 to each other at both ends.

[0020] The seat rails 261, 262 guide the movement of the seat 200 in the front-rear direction. The seat rails 261, 262 extend in the front-rear direction. The seat rails 261, 262 and the lower portions of the cushion side frames 251, 252 are engaged with each other.

[0021] The reclining shaft SF is the center of rotation when reclining the seat 200. The reclining shaft SF extends in the left-right direction. The reclining shaft SF connects the seatback frame 205 and the seat cushion frame 250. The reclining shaft SF connects each of the first ends 212 of the pair of side frames 210, 211 to each of the rear ends of the pair of cushion side frames 251, 252. As shown in FIG. 2, the reclining shaft SF is arranged so as to be surrounded by the lower frame 220, which has a J-shaped cross section.

[0022] <Configuration of occupant protection device 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the occupant protection device 100 includes an airbag body 110, a conduit 120, and an inflator .

[0023] The airbag body 110 is a bag that inflates and deploys when gas is introduced into it. The airbag body 110 is made by sewing one or more pieces of base fabric together. The airbag body 110 is fixed to the side frame 210 by, for example, bolts via a retainer (not shown). In this embodiment, the airbag body 110 is attached to a surface of the side frame 210 that is located on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 200. The airbag body 110 is folded compactly using a folding method such as roll folding or accordion folding, and then wrapped in a wrapping sheet to maintain the folded state.

[0024] The conduit 120 connects the airbag body 110 and the inflator 130. More specifically, the conduit 120 connects a lower portion of the airbag body 110 attached to the side frame 210 to a gas outlet of the inflator 130. Note that the "lower portion of the airbag body 110" refers to a portion of the airbag body 110 attached to the side frame 210 that is located below the center in the up-down direction. The conduit 120 is, for example, a base fabric sewn into a cylindrical shape or a cylindrical metal member. In this embodiment, the conduit 120 wraps around the lower left side of the side frame 210 and connects to the airbag body 110.

[0025] The inflator 130 generates gas when a vehicle collision is detected or predicted. The inflator 130 has a cylindrical external shape. The longitudinal direction of the inflator 130 is along the left-right direction. It can also be said that the inflator 130 is attached along the left-right direction in which the lower frame 220 extends.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , the inflator 130 has a main body BD and a protrusion 132. The main body BD has a gas generating agent and an igniter for igniting the gas generating agent. The main body BD has a cylindrical exterior shape extending in the left-right direction. The protrusion 132 has a cylindrical exterior shape extending forward from the main body BD. The protrusion 132 is used to attach the inflator 130 to the lower frame 220. The protrusion 132 is disposed so as to penetrate the lower frame 220 and the retainer RT in the front-rear direction. The outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 132 is externally threaded. The inflator 130 is pressed against the rear surface of the lower frame 220 by the retainer RT, and is attached to the lower frame 220 by screwing the protrusion 132 into a nut 133. The retainer RT is a metal member bent to fit the shape of the main body BD. The retainer RT is used to prevent the inflator 130 from shifting out of position.

[0027] According to the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment described above, the inflator 130 is attached to the outside of the airbag body 110, and therefore the thickness of the portion of the seat 200 where the airbag body 110 is attached can be made thinner than in a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the inside of the airbag body 110.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached to the lower frame 220, which can reduce the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat 200 through the seat cover and cushion, compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the side frames 210, 211. Specifically, vehicle occupants are more likely to touch the areas around the side frames 210, 211 of the seat 200 than the areas around the lower frame 220. In this case, if the inflator 130 is attached to the side frames 210, 211, the inflator 130, which is made of metal, is relatively hard, and therefore may cause the occupant to feel a foreign body sensation when touching the areas around the side frames 210, 211 of the seat 200. Here, by attaching the inflator 130 to the lower frame 220 as in the first embodiment, the foreign body sensation felt by the occupant can be reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached to the lower frame 220, which allows for greater freedom in the placement position of the inflator 130 compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the reclining shaft SF. Specifically, because the reclining shaft SF is generally cylindrical, it is difficult to place the inflator 130 on the reclining shaft SF in a position other than the interior of the reclining shaft SF. In contrast, the lower frame 220 is a larger member than the reclining shaft SF, which allows the inflator 130 to be attached to various locations. Furthermore, the lower frame 220 has relatively more flat portions than the reclining shaft SF, which makes it easier to attach a mounting member for mounting the inflator 130.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment, the conduit 120 is connected to the lower part of the airbag body 110, so that the lower part can be deployed before the upper part of the airbag body 110. As a result, by positioning the airbag body 110 so that the position of the lower part of the airbag body 110 that inflates and deploys corresponds to the position of the occupant's waist, the occupant's waist can be restrained more quickly.

[0031] B. Second embodiment: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 100b of a second embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the occupant protection device 100b and a seat 200 as viewed from the right front. The occupant protection device 100b of the second embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in the position where the inflator 130 is attached and the position where the conduit 120 is routed. Configurations that are not specifically described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, in the occupant protection device 100b of the second embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached to the side frame 210 on the inner side of the airbag body 110. More specifically, the inflator 130 is attached so as to be surrounded by the side frame 210 having an L-shaped cross section. The longitudinal direction of the inflator 130 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the side frame 210. A bolt of the inflator 130 (not shown) extends from the front to the rear and is fastened to the back surface of the side frame 210.

[0033] A through hole 214 is provided in the side frame 210, penetrating it in the left-right direction. The through hole 214 is located below the lower end of the airbag body 110 in the up-down direction. The conduit 120 is arranged to pass through the through hole 214.

[0034] According to the second embodiment of the occupant protection device 100b described above, the airbag body 110 is attached to one of the surfaces of the side frame 210 that is located on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 200, and the inflator 130 is attached to the side frame 210 on the inner side in the width direction of the seat 200 than the airbag body 110. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the airbag body 110 and the inflator 130 are both attached to one of the surfaces of the side frame 210 that is located on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 200, the outer portion in the width direction of the seat 200 can be made thinner.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100b of the second embodiment, the conduit 120 is arranged to penetrate the side frame 210, and therefore the conduit 120 can be configured to be shorter than a configuration in which the conduit 120 detours around the side frame 210. This reduces the time from when the inflator 130 starts to activate until gas flows into the airbag body 110.

[0036] C. Third embodiment: Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 100c of a third embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the occupant protection device 100c and a seat 200 as seen from the left rear. The occupant protection device 100c of the third embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in the position at which the inflator 130 is attached. The occupant protection device 100c of the third embodiment also differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in that the airbag body 110 has a first attachment portion 111 and the inflator 130 has a second attachment portion 131. Configurations not specifically described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0037] 4, in an occupant protection device 100c of the third embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached to the back surface 215 of the side frame 210. The longitudinal direction of the inflator 130 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the side frame 210.

[0038] The airbag body 110 has a first mounting portion 111. The first mounting portion 111 is a portion for mounting the airbag body 110 to the side frame 210. The first mounting portion 111 is, for example, a bolt. The first mounting portion 111 is provided inside the airbag body 110 and penetrates the side frame 210 in the left-right direction. Note that, for the purpose of explanation, FIG. 4 shows the first mounting portion 111 schematically. In this embodiment, two first mounting portions 111 are provided.

[0039] The inflator 130 has a second mounting portion 131. The second mounting portion 131 is a portion for mounting the inflator 130 to the side frame 210. The second mounting portion 131 is, for example, a bolt. The second mounting portion 131 penetrates the back surface 215 of the side frame 210 in the front-rear direction. Note that, for the sake of explanation, FIG. 4 shows the second mounting portion 131 schematically. In this embodiment, two second mounting portions 131 are provided. The positions of the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 131 are different from each other in the height direction.

[0040] According to the third embodiment of the occupant protection device 100c described above, the inflator 130 is attached to the back surface 215 of the side frame 210, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the front surface of the side frame 210, the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat 200 through the seat skin and cushion can be suppressed.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the occupant protection device 100c, the height positions of the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 131 are different from each other, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the height positions of the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 131 are the same, when attaching the airbag body 110 and the inflator 130 to the side frame 210, it is possible to prevent the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 131 from interfering with each other and hindering attachment.

[0042] D. Fourth embodiment: Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 100d of a fourth embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the occupant protection device 100d and a seat 200 as viewed from the left rear. The occupant protection device 100d of the fourth embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in the position where the inflator 130 is attached and the position where the conduit 120 is connected to the airbag body 110. Configurations that are not specifically described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0043] 5, the inflator 130 in the occupant protection device 100d of the fourth embodiment is attached to an upper frame 230. The longitudinal direction of the inflator 130 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 230.

[0044] Furthermore, the conduit 120 in the occupant protection device 100d of the fourth embodiment is connected to the upper part of the airbag body 110 attached to the side frame 210. Therefore, the upper part of the airbag body 110 inflates and deploys earlier than the lower part. Note that the "upper part of the airbag body 110" refers to the part of the airbag body 110 attached to the side frame 210 that is located above the center in the up-down direction.

[0045] According to the fourth embodiment of the occupant protection device 100d described above, the inflator 130 is attached to the upper frame 230, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the side frame 210, the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat 200 through the seat cover and cushion can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100d of the fourth embodiment, the conduit 120 is connected to the upper part of the airbag body 110, and therefore the upper part of the airbag body 110 can be deployed more quickly than the lower part, compared to a configuration in which the conduit 120 is connected to the lower part of the airbag body 110. As a result, by positioning the airbag body 110 so that the position of the upper part of the airbag body 110 that inflates and deploys corresponds to the position of the occupant's head, the occupant's head can be restrained more quickly.

[0047] E. Fifth embodiment: Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 100e of a fifth embodiment. Fig. 6 shows the occupant protection device 100e and a seat 200 as viewed from the left. The occupant protection device 100e of the fifth embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in the position where the inflator 130 is attached. Configurations that are not specifically described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0048] 6, the inflator 130 in the occupant protection device 100e of the fifth embodiment is attached to a cushion side frame 251. Specifically, the inflator 130 is attached to a surface of the cushion side frame 251 that is positioned on the outer side in the width direction of the seat 200. The longitudinal direction of the inflator 130 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cushion side frame 251.

[0049] According to the fifth embodiment of the occupant protection device 100e described above, the inflator 130 is attached to the cushion side frame 251, and therefore, compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the side frame 210, the foreign body sensation felt by an occupant seated in the seat 200 through the seat skin and cushion can be reduced.

[0050] F. Sixth embodiment: Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an occupant protection device 100f according to a sixth embodiment. The cross-section is shown at a position corresponding to the cross-section shown in Fig. 2. The occupant protection device 100f according to the sixth embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 according to the first embodiment in the position where the inflator 130 is attached. Configurations that are not specifically described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] In this embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached to the front surface of the lower frame 220. The inflator 130 is attached by orienting the protrusion 132 rearward and screwing the protrusion 132 into a nut 133. In this embodiment, the nut 133 is preferably a cap nut.

[0052] According to the occupant protection device 100f of the sixth embodiment described above, the inflator 130 is attached to the front side of the lower frame 220, and therefore damage to the inflator 130 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the rear side of the lower frame 220. Specifically, in a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the rear surface of the lower frame 220, there is a risk that the feet of an occupant seated at the rear of the seat 200 may hit the vicinity of the inflator 130. In contrast, by positioning the inflator 130 on the front side of the lower frame 220, the inflator 130 can be surrounded by the lower frame 220, the pair of cushion side frames 251, 252, and the pair of side frames 210, 211, and damage to the inflator 130 can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, the occupant protection device 100f of the sixth embodiment can improve the attachability of the inflator 130 compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the rear side of the lower frame 220. Specifically, the protrusion 132 can be oriented rearward so as not to interfere with other members, allowing a worker to attach the inflator 130 to the lower frame 220 relatively easily.

[0054] G. Seventh embodiment: Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an occupant protection device 100g of the seventh embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a cross-section at a position corresponding to the cross-section shown in Fig. 2. The occupant protection device 100g of the seventh embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in that the inflator 130 is stored in a storage portion DP. Configurations that are not particularly described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the inflator 130 is stored in a storage portion DP. The storage portion DP is a recess that is provided in the lower frame 220 and opens toward the rear. The storage portion DP has a depth sufficient to store the inflator 130. The storage portion DP is formed by bending the lower frame 220. The protrusion 132 is disposed so as to penetrate a bottom surface B of the storage portion DP in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 132 is threadedly engaged with a nut 133. This allows the inflator 130 to be stored and fixed in the storage portion DP.

[0056] According to the occupant protection device 100g of the seventh embodiment described above, the lower frame 220 has a storage portion DP that stores the inflator 130, and the inflator 130 is stored in the storage portion DP, so that the composite body of the lower frame 220 and the inflator 130 can be configured to be thinner compared to a configuration in which the inflator 130 is not stored in the storage portion DP. Also, members such as the retainer RT for fixing the inflator 130 can be omitted.

[0057] H. Eighth embodiment: Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an occupant protection device 100h of an eighth embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a cross-section at a position corresponding to the cross-section shown in Fig. 2. The occupant protection device 100h of the eighth embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in that the inflator 130 is attached to a support portion 135. Configurations that are not particularly described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0058] The lower frame 220 in this embodiment has a support portion 135. The support portion 135 is a portion that extends rearward from a lower portion of the lower frame 220. The support portion 135 has an L-shaped cross section. The support portion 135 is formed, for example, by bending a metal material during manufacturing of the lower frame 220. The support portion 135 supports the inflator 130 from below. The inflator 130 is disposed such that a protrusion 132 penetrates the support portion 135 in the up-down direction. The protrusion 132 is threadedly engaged with a nut 133. This fixes the inflator 130 to the support portion 135.

[0059] A gap VS is provided in front of the inflator 130. The gap VS is formed by hollowing out a part of the lower frame 220. In Fig. 9, the lower frame 220 is depicted as being separated into upper and lower halves, but is continuous in the front and rear portions of the page of Fig. 9.

[0060] According to the occupant protection device 100h of the eighth embodiment described above, the lower frame 220 has the support portion 135 that supports the inflator 130, and the inflator 130 is supported by the support portion 135, so that the inflator 130 can be attached more firmly to the lower frame 220. Furthermore, the inflator 130 can be attached directly to the lower frame 220 without using a support member (for example, a retainer) for attaching the inflator 130 to the lower frame 220. This allows the number of parts to be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100h of the eighth embodiment, the support portion 135 extends rearward, which improves the ease of attachment of the inflator 130 compared to a configuration in which the support portion 135 extends forward of the lower frame 220. Specifically, since the inflator 130 and the support portion 135 can be oriented rearward so as not to interfere with other members, a worker can attach the inflator 130 to the lower frame 220 relatively easily.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the occupant protection device 100h of the eighth embodiment, the gap VS is provided in front of the inflator 130, and therefore the inflator 130 can be attached more easily than in a configuration in which the gap VS is not provided.

[0063] I. Ninth embodiment: Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 100i of a ninth embodiment. Fig. 10 shows the occupant protection device 100i and a seat 200 as viewed from the left rear. The occupant protection device 100i of the ninth embodiment differs from the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the inflator 130. Configurations that are not specifically described below are the same as those of the occupant protection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0064] In this embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached at an angle to the lower frame 220. More specifically, the inflator 130 is attached at an angle to the lower frame 220 so that the end E1 to which the conduit 120 is connected approaches the airbag body 110.

[0065] According to the occupant protection device 100i of the ninth embodiment described above, the inflator 130 is attached at an angle with respect to the lower frame 220 so that the end E1 to which the conduit 120 is connected approaches the airbag body 110, which allows the conduit 120 to be configured shorter. This allows the airbag body 110 to deploy more quickly.

[0066] J. Other Embodiments: (J1) In the second embodiment, the conduit 120 is arranged to pass through the side frame 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The conduit 120 may be arranged to bypass the side frame 210.

[0067] (J2) In the third embodiment, the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 131 are bolts, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 131 may be any mounting member such as a hook. Furthermore, the number of first mounting portions 111 and second mounting portions 131 may be any number other than two.

[0068] (J3) In the above fourth embodiment, the conduit 120 is connected to the upper part of the airbag body 110, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The conduit 120 may be connected to the lower part of the airbag body 110. Similarly, in the above first to third and fifth to ninth embodiments, the conduit 120 may be connected to the upper part of the airbag body 110.

[0069] (J4) In the above embodiments, the seatback frame 205 includes a pair of side frames 210, 211, a lower frame 220, and an upper frame 230. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The seatback frame 205 may further include a horizontal frame that is provided across the pair of side frames 210, 211 between the lower frame 220 and the upper frame 230 in the up-down direction. The seatback frame 205 may also include a vertical frame that is provided across the lower frame 220 and the upper frame 230 between the pair of side frames 210, 211 in the left-right direction. In such a configuration, the inflator 130 may be attached to the horizontal frame or the vertical frame. That is, the inflator 130 may be attached to any frame included in the seatback frame 205. According to this configuration, when the airbag body 110 is attached to the side frames 210, 211, the distance between the inflator 130 and the airbag body 110 can be made relatively short, so that a decrease in the deployment speed of the airbag body 110 can be suppressed.

[0070] (J5) In the fifth embodiment, the inflator 130 is attached to the cushion side frame 251. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an occupant protection device 100j according to another embodiment. The inflator 130 may be attached to the rear frame 254. Specifically, the inflator 130 may be attached to the rear surface of the rear frame 254. The inflator 130 is attached along the longitudinal direction of the rear frame 254. According to this configuration, the inflator 130 is disposed in a location on the seat 200 that is less visible to the occupant, thereby further improving the design. The inflator 130 may also be attached to the front frame 253. The inflator 130 may also be attached to a lateral frame provided across the pair of cushion side frames 251, 252, or to a front-rear frame provided across the front frame 253 and the rear frame 254. That is, the inflator 130 may be attached to any frame constituting the seat cushion frame 250. According to this configuration, in comparison with a configuration in which the inflator 130 is attached to the seat back frame 205, the inflator 130 can be disposed in a portion of the seat 200 corresponding to the seat cushion frame 250 that is less visible to the occupant.

[0071] (J6) In the seventh embodiment, the storage portion DP has an opening facing rearward, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The storage portion DP may have an opening facing forward. In other words, the inflator 130 may be attached to the front surface of the lower frame 220 and stored in the storage portion DP.

[0072] (J7) In the above eighth embodiment, the support portion 135 is provided rearward of the lower frame 220, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The support portion 135 may be provided forward of the lower frame 220. In such a configuration, the inflator 130 is disposed forward of the lower frame 220, and the gap VS is provided rearward of the inflator 130.

[0073] (J8) In the above embodiments, the occupant protection devices 100, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f are provided in the passenger seat, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The occupant protection devices 100, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f may be provided in any seat.

[0074] (J9) In the above embodiments, the occupant protection devices 100, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f are used as side airbags, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The occupant protection devices 100, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f may be used as far-side airbags. That is, the airbag body 110 may be provided on the side frame 211.

[0075] (J10) In each of the above embodiments, the occupant protection devices 100, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, and 100f may be provided on any moving body other than a vehicle. Such moving bodies include, for example, ships, airplanes, spacecraft, and so-called flying cars.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h, 100i, 100j...Occupant protection device, 110...Airbag body, 111...First mounting portion, 120...Conduit, 130...Inflator, 131...Second mounting portion, 132...Protrusion, 133...Nut, 135...Support portion, 200...Seat, 205...Seat back frame, 210, 211...Side frame, 212 ... End, 213...second end, 214...through hole, 220...lower frame, 230...upper frame, 250...seat cushion frame, 251, 252...cushion side frame, 253...front frame, 254...rear frame, 261, 262...seat rail, B...bottom, BD...main body, DP...storage section, E1...end, RT...retainer, SF...recliner shaft, VS...gap

Claims

1. An occupant protection device mounted on a seat of a vehicle, an airbag body that inflates and deploys using gas; an inflator that generates the gas and is attached to the outside of the airbag body; a conduit connecting the airbag body and the inflator; An occupant protection device comprising:

2. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, The seat has a seat back frame as a skeleton of the seat back, The inflator is attached to the seat back frame. Occupant protection devices.

3. 3. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, The seat further includes a seat cushion frame and a reclining shaft that connects the seat cushion frame and the seat back frame and serves as a rotation center when the seat is reclined, the seatback frame includes a pair of side frames and a lower frame connecting first ends of the pair of side frames to each other, The airbag body is attached to one of the pair of side frames, The inflator is attached to the lower frame. Occupant protection devices.

4. 3. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, The seat back frame has a side frame, The airbag body is attached to one of the surfaces of the side frame that is positioned outward in the width direction of the seat, The inflator is attached to the side frame more inward in the width direction of the seat than the airbag body. Occupant protection devices.

5. 5. The occupant protection device according to claim 4, The duct is arranged to pass through the side frame.

6. 3. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, The seat back frame has a side frame, The airbag body is attached to the side frame, The inflator is attached to the rear surface of the side frame. Occupant protection devices.

7. 7. An occupant protection device according to claim 6, the airbag body has a first mounting portion for mounting to the side frame, the inflator has a second mounting portion for mounting to the side frame, The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are positioned at different height directions. Occupant protection devices.

8. 3. The occupant protection device according to claim 2, the seatback frame includes a pair of side frames and an upper frame connecting second ends of the pair of side frames to each other, The airbag body is attached to one of the pair of side frames, The inflator is attached to the upper frame. Occupant protection devices.

9. 9. The occupant protection device according to claim 8, The conduit is connected to an upper portion of the airbag body.

10. The occupant protection device according to claim 1, The seat includes a seat back frame having a side frame and a seat cushion frame as a framework, The airbag body is attached to the side frame, The inflator is attached to the seat cushion frame. Occupant protection devices.

11. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, The inflator is attached to a front side of the lower frame. Occupant protection devices.

12. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, the lower frame has a recess that houses the inflator, The inflator is housed in the recess. Occupant protection devices.

13. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, the lower frame has a support portion that supports the inflator, The inflator is supported by the support portion. Occupant protection devices.

14. The occupant protection device according to claim 3, The inflator is attached at an angle with respect to the lower frame so that the end to which the conduit is connected approaches the airbag body. Occupant protection devices.

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