Airbag device

Abstract

To improve assembling workability of trim around an airbag device or the airbag device.SOLUTION: An airbag device 20, around which trims 12 of a vehicle 5 is mounted, comprises; a folded back airbag 22; a mounting member 30 that stores the airbag and is fixed to the vehicle; and an airbag lid 40 that includes a main body part 42 connected to the mounting member while covering the airbag from the opposite side of the mounting member and a protruding support part 50, provided to protrude from the main body part, at least a portion of which is covered with the trims. The protruding support part includes: a base end-side edge portion 51 connected to the main body part; a tip-side edge portion 52 at the opposite side of the base end-side edge portion; a locking portion (for example, a locking hole 54), provided between the base end-side edge portion and the tip-side edge portion, which connects the trims; and a reinforced portion 53 consecutively provided along the tip-side edge portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an airbag device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rear-seat side airbag device including an airbag module, a case, and an airbag door garnish. The airbag module is disposed between a side portion of a seat back and a wheel house. The airbag door garnish covers the airbag module from the passenger compartment side. The outer peripheral edge portion of the airbag door garnish is covered from the passenger compartment side by a side garnish.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to keep the positional relationship between the airbag door garnish and the side garnish constant, a configuration in which a locking claw provided on the side garnish is locked in a locking hole formed in the airbag door garnish can be considered. However, when inserting the locking claw into the locking hole, there is a risk that the peripheral edge portion of the locking hole may deform in a direction away from the locking claw due to the pushing force of the locking claw. In this case, it becomes necessary to push the locking claw provided on the side garnish more strongly to lock it in the locking hole, which may deteriorate the workability of assembling the side garnish. In particular, since the airbag door garnish is formed of a material that is easily elastically deformed so as not to crack at an unintended location due to the impact when the airbag inflates, the peripheral edge portion of the locking hole is easily elastically deformed when the locking claw is pushed in, and problems such as deterioration of the above-mentioned assembling workability are likely to occur.

[0005] Therefore, in a configuration where a trim such as a side garnish is attached to the vehicle interior side around the airbag device, the object is to improve the assembly workability of the airbag device or the trim.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an airbag device is an airbag device around which a vehicle trim is attached, and includes a folded airbag, a mounting member that houses the airbag and is fixed to the vehicle, a main body portion that is connected to the mounting member in a state of covering the airbag from the side opposite to the mounting member, and a protruding support portion that protrudes from the main body portion and at least a part of which is covered by the trim. The protruding support portion includes a base end side edge portion connected to the main body portion, a tip end side edge portion opposite to the base end side edge portion, a locking portion provided between the base end side edge portion and the tip end side edge portion for connecting the trim, and a reinforcing portion continuously provided along the tip end side edge portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] In a configuration where a trim is provided around the airbag device, the assembly workability of the airbag device or the trim can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an airbag device according to an embodiment will be described.

[0010] <Examples of Application of Airbag Device> FIG. 1 is a front view showing an airbag device 20. In FIG. 1, the peripheral portion where the airbag device 20 is attached is shown.

[0011] The airbag device 20 is incorporated into a vehicle. The airbag device 20 is a device that inflates and deploys when an impact is applied to the vehicle to mitigate the impact on the occupant. With the airbag device 20 mounted on the vehicle, a trim is attached around the airbag device 20. The trim is a resin panel that serves as an interior material in the vehicle.

[0012] In the present embodiment, an example in which the airbag device 20 is an airbag device 20 for a rear seat will be described. This airbag device 20 is provided with a trim 12 on the vehicle interior side of the wheelhouse, inside the outer surface of the vehicle 5 (the outer surface of the body). The trim 12 arranged inside the wheelhouse may be referred to as a wheelhouse inner panel. The trim 12 faces forward while being arranged between the backrest 10 of the rear seat and the inner panel on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the backrest 10. The airbag device 20 is provided on this trim 12. The airbag 22 inflated from this trim 12 can be deployed between the occupant of the rear seat and the rear side door. Thereby, it is possible to mitigate the impact applied from the outside toward the occupant, or to receive the occupant moving outward in the vehicle width direction and absorb the impact.

[0013] The airbag device 20 as described above needs to be firmly fixed to the vehicle so that it can receive the impact caused by the inflation and deployment of the airbag. For this reason, the base portion of the airbag device 20 is fixed directly or via a bracket to a portion having higher rigidity than the trim 12, for example, a metal body portion or the like. Therefore, after the airbag device 20 is attached to a high-rigidity portion in the vehicle, the trim 12 may be attached so as to surround the periphery of the surface of the airbag device 20.

[0014] In this case, if the trim 12 is attached to the airbag device 20, the trim 12 is also firmly supported at a fixed position around the airbag device 20. In order not to expose the attachment structure between the trim 12 and the airbag device 20 to the outside, it is desirable to perform an operation of pushing the trim 12 around the airbag device 20 so that the attachment operation of the trim 12 can be performed. For example, as will be described later, a locking hole 54 is formed in the airbag device 20, and a locking projection 14 that can be locked to the locking hole 54 is locked to the trim 12. Then, it is conceivable to push the trim 12 into the space around the airbag device 20 and push the locking projection 14 into the locking hole 54 to attach the trim 12 around the surface of the airbag device 20.

[0015] However, since the surface material of the airbag device 20 is formed of a material that is easily elastically deformed, when the locking projection 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, the peripheral portion of the locking hole 54 may be deformed, and it may be difficult to lock the locking projection 14 to the peripheral portion of the locking hole 54. Against such a background, in this airbag device 20, the protruding support portion 50 in which the locking hole 54 is formed is reinforced to improve the workability of assembling the trim 12 around the airbag device 20.

[0016] Note that the trim 12 around the airbag device 20 does not need to surround the entire surface of the airbag device 20, and may exist only in a part around the airbag device 20. The airbag device 20 does not necessarily have to be an airbag device 20 for a rear seat, and any device may be used as long as it is incorporated in a vehicle and has a trim provided around it. For example, an instrument panel is arranged as an example of a trim around an airbag device for a passenger seat or a knee airbag device. Therefore, for example, the configuration according to the present embodiment can also be applied to an airbag device for a passenger seat or a knee airbag device.

[0017] <Overall configuration of airbag device> FIG. 2 is a side view of the airbag device 20 as viewed from the vehicle width direction center side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the airbag device 20. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the airbag device 20, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the airbag device 20. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the protruding support portion 50 of the airbag device 20. The fixing bracket 38 is omitted in FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 5, a portion existing deeper than the cut surface may be omitted.

[0018] The airbag device 20 includes an airbag 22, a mounting member 30, and an airbag lid 40.

[0019] The airbag 22 is configured to be expandable and deployable in a bag shape by sewing a base fabric cut into a predetermined shape. The shape in which the airbag 22 can expand and deploy is set according to the shape of the space in which the airbag 22 deploys, the part of the occupant received by the airbag 22, and the like. For example, the airbag 22 is formed in a bag shape that can expand and deploy in a flat shape between an occupant sitting on the rear seat and the inner surface of the rear side door.

[0020] An inflator 24 is fixed to the airbag 22. In this embodiment, the inflator 24 is formed in an elongated shape, more specifically, in a round bar shape. Inside the inflator 24, a gas generant, an ignition device, and the like are incorporated. The inflator 24 is fixed to the airbag 22 in a state where at least a part of the inflator 24 is accommodated in the airbag 22. An example of this fixing structure will be described later.

[0021] A gas ejection port is formed in the portion of the inflator 24 that is accommodated in the airbag 22. The inflator 24 receives an ignition command signal or the like from an impact detection unit of the vehicle and causes the ignition device to fire. By this firing, the gas generant is burned, and the gas ejected thereby is supplied into the airbag 22. As a result, the airbag 22 can be inflated and deployed.

[0022] The airbag 22 is folded. The folding configuration is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a bellows-like fold or a roll-like fold. The airbag 22 is stored in the attachment member 30 in a folded state.

[0023] The attachment member 30 is a member that stores the airbag 22 and is fixed to the vehicle 5 (for example, a metal body). In this embodiment, the attachment member 30 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape with one side open. The attachment member 30 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate.

[0024] More specifically, the attachment member 30 includes a bottom portion 31 and a housing peripheral wall portion 32. The bottom portion 31 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in one direction. The housing peripheral wall portion 32 is formed in a shape that rises from the periphery of the bottom portion 31 to one surface side of the bottom portion 31. As a result, a space surrounded by the housing peripheral wall portion 32 is formed on one surface side of the bottom portion 31, and the folded airbag 22 is stored in this space. The side of the attachment member 30 opposite to the bottom portion 31 is open, and the airbag 22 can expand and deploy outward from the opening.

[0025] An opening is formed in a portion of the housing peripheral wall portion 32 corresponding to the short side on one side of the bottom portion 31. One end portion of the inflator 24 protrudes outside the attachment member 30 through the opening (see FIG. 4).

[0026] Connecting pieces 34 are provided on the outer surfaces of a pair of side wall portions corresponding to the two long sides of the bottom portion 31 in the housing peripheral wall portion 32. The connecting piece 34 is formed in a shape including a base end portion extending outward from the outer surface of the housing peripheral wall portion 32 and a tip end portion extending toward the bottom portion 31 from the tip end portion of the base end portion (for example, a shape forming an L shape when viewed along the long side direction).

[0027] The connecting piece 34 is formed, for example, by integrally forming a partial extension piece portion at an edge portion of the housing peripheral wall portion 32 opposite to the bottom portion 31 and bending the extension piece portion into an L shape. The connecting piece may be formed separately from the peripheral wall portion and may be welded, screwed, etc. to the peripheral wall portion.

[0028] The position and number of the connecting pieces 34 are arbitrary. A plurality of connecting pieces 34 may be formed at each of the two long sides of the bottom portion 31. In the present embodiment, three connecting pieces 34 are formed at intervals at each of the two long sides of the bottom portion 31.

[0029] In the present embodiment, partial reinforcing protrusions 32P1 along the longitudinal direction are formed on a pair of side wall portions corresponding to the two long sides of the bottom portion 31 in the housing peripheral wall portion 32. Branch protrusions 32P2 extending from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing protrusion 32P1 toward the connecting piece 34 are formed (see FIG. 5). Thereby, the housing peripheral wall portion 32 is reinforced particularly around the portion where the connecting piece 34 is provided, and it is difficult to deform. These reinforcing protrusions 32P1 and branch protrusions 32P2 may be omitted. Also, in the present embodiment, openings are formed at four corner portions of the bottom portion 31 in the attachment member 30. The formation of these openings is not essential.

[0030] The airbag 22 and the inflator 24 are fixed to the mounting member 30 as follows. That is, a screw portion 25 projects from the portion of the inflator 24 housed in the airbag 22. The screw portion 25 penetrates the airbag 22 and projects outside the airbag 22. A screw insertion hole is formed in the bottom portion 31. The screw portion 25 penetrates the screw insertion hole in the bottom portion 31 and projects outside the bottom portion 31. Outside the bottom portion 31, a nut 26 is screwed and tightened onto the screw portion 25. Thereby, the inflator 24 is fixed to the inner surface side of the bottom portion 31. Also, a part of the airbag 22 is sandwiched between the inflator 24 and the bottom portion 31, whereby the airbag 22 is fixed to the inner surface side of the bottom portion 31.

[0031] The mounting member 30 is fixed to the vehicle 5 via a fixing bracket 38. In the present embodiment, the fixing bracket 38 is a member formed by pressing a metal plate or the like. A part of the fixing bracket 38 is fixed to the mounting member 30 in a state of being overlapped with the outer surface of the bottom portion 31. For example, the fixing bracket 38 is fixed to the bottom portion 31 of the mounting member by screwing, welding, caulking structure, or the like. The fixing bracket may be fixed to the peripheral wall portion of the mounting member. Another part of the fixing bracket 38 extends outward from the bottom portion 31 as a fixing extension portion 39. A screw insertion hole for screwing is formed in the fixing extension portion 39. By fixing the fixing extension portion 39 to the vehicle 5 using a screw, the mounting member 30 is fixed to the vehicle 5 via the fixing bracket 38. The fixing bracket 38 may be fixed to the vehicle 5 by welding, caulking, or the like.

[0032] Note that the mounting member may be directly fixed to the vehicle. For example, an extension piece for fixing to the vehicle may be formed on the mounting member, and the extension piece may be directly fixed to the vehicle.

[0033] The airbag lid 40 includes a main body portion 42 and a protruding support portion 50. The main body portion 42 is connected to the mounting member 30 in a state of covering the airbag 22 from the side opposite to the mounting member 30. By covering the airbag 22 with the main body portion 42, the airbag 22 is hidden from the occupant in the normal state. The protruding support portion 50 is provided to protrude from the main body portion 42. At least a part of the protruding support portion 50 is covered by the trim 12. This protruding support portion 50 supports at least a part of the trim 12 around the airbag device 20.

[0034] More specifically, the airbag lid 40 is integrally formed by injection molding with resin or the like. When the airbag 22 expands and deploys, the airbag lid 40 forms an opening for the airbag 22 to expand and deploy. Also, when receiving the expansion and deployment force of the airbag 22, it is required to have flexibility to deform without being damaged. For this reason, the airbag lid 40 is formed of a resin that is more flexible than the trim 12. For example, the trim 12 may be formed of polypropylene (PP), and the airbag lid 40 may be formed of an elastomer, for example, an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPO).

[0035] The main body portion 42 includes a garnish portion 44 and a peripheral wall portion 46.

[0036] The garnish portion 44 is a portion exposed in the vehicle interior. More specifically, the garnish portion 44 covers the airbag 22 on the side opposite to the bottom portion 31. The surface of the garnish portion 44 is continuous with the surface of the trim 12, is exposed in the vehicle interior, and constitutes the vehicle interior surface together with the trim 12. The garnish portion 44 is formed in a shape that forms the vehicle interior wall surface continuously with the surface of the trim 12. For this reason, the garnish portion 44 is formed in a flat shape, a curved shape, or a shape in which they are combined according to the shape of the vehicle interior wall surface. A tear line for forming an opening when the airbag 22 expands and deploys may be formed in the garnish portion 44. The tear line is, for example, a groove recessed on the back side of the garnish portion 44, and the garnish portion 44 is partially torn along the tear line to form an opening.

[0037] The peripheral wall portion 46 protrudes from the back surface of the garnish portion 44 toward the mounting member 30 side so as to surround the airbag 22 in the mounting member 30. Here, the peripheral wall portion 46 is formed in a shape protruding in a rectangular frame shape. The peripheral wall portion 46 has an opening larger than that of the housing peripheral wall portion 32. For this reason, the housing peripheral wall portion 32 can be housed in the peripheral wall portion 46. A connecting hole 47 is formed in a portion of the peripheral wall portion 46 corresponding to the connecting piece 34. Here, the connecting hole 47 is formed between the base end portion and the tip end portion of the peripheral wall portion 46. In addition, three connecting holes 47 corresponding to each connecting piece 34 are formed in each portion of the peripheral wall portion 46 corresponding to the two long sides. The connecting hole 47 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0038] With the housing peripheral wall portion 32 of the mounting member 30 housed in the peripheral wall portion 46, each connecting piece 34 is hooked on the corresponding connecting hole 47. In this state, the tip end portion of the connecting piece 34 is hooked on the portion of the peripheral edge of the connecting hole 47 on the tip end side of the peripheral wall portion 46. Thereby, the peripheral wall portion 46 is connected to the mounting member 30.

[0039] In the protruding direction A of the peripheral wall portion 46, the opening dimension of the connecting hole 47 is larger than the thickness dimension of the base end portion of the connecting piece 34 (see FIG. 3). For this reason, the connecting piece 34 can move along the direction A in a state of being hooked on the connecting hole 47. Further, in the direction C orthogonal to the protruding direction A and the thickness direction B of the peripheral wall portion 46, the opening dimension of the connecting hole 47 is larger than the width dimension of the base end portion of the connecting piece 34. For this reason, the connecting piece 34 can move along the direction C in a state of being hooked on the connecting hole 47. Further, the distance between the outer surface of the housing peripheral wall portion 32 and the tip end portion of the connecting piece 34 is larger than the thickness dimension of the peripheral wall portion 46. For this reason, the connecting piece 34 can also move along the direction B in a state of being hooked on the connecting hole 47.

[0040] Therefore, in the connected state of the peripheral wall portion 46 and the attachment member 30, the airbag lid 40 can move with respect to the attachment member 30 within the range where the connecting piece 34 can move while being hooked on the connecting hole 47.

[0041] The protruding support portion 50 protrudes from a part of the outer peripheral edge of the garnish portion 44 toward the outside of the garnish portion 44. More specifically, an edge wall 45 extending inward is formed on one edge of the garnish portion 44. The elongated rectangular plate-shaped protruding support portion 50 is formed so as to face outward from the edge wall 45 of the garnish portion 44. The protruding support portion 50 is inclined so as to move away from the back surface of the garnish portion 44 as it faces the outside of the garnish portion 44. A locking portion is formed on the protruding support portion 50 to which a mating locking portion provided on the trim 12 side is connected in a locked state.

[0042] The mating-side locking portion may be, for example, a locking projection 14 for fixing (see FIG. 6). More specifically, the locking projection 14 is a portion provided so as to project to the back side of the trim 12. The locking projection 14 includes, for example, a pair of locking pieces 15 that can be elastically deformed in the inner and outer directions. The locking piece 15 has a retaining portion 15a that can be hooked on the locking hole 54. Such a locking projection 14 may be applied with a well-known configuration called a clamp or a clip, etc. The locking projection 14 may be a portion integrally formed with the trim 12 by die casting, or may be die-formed separately from the trim 12 and combined with the trim 12 by an embedding structure, screwing, welding, etc. The locking projection 14 may be formed of PP, like the trim 12, or may be formed of a resin having a hardness similar to that of PP.

[0043] The locking portion may be, for example, a locking hole 54 in which the above-described locking projection 14 can be retained against removal (see FIGS. 2 and 4 to 5). More specifically, the locking hole 54 may be a rectangular hole. In the present embodiment, the locking hole 54 is formed as a frustum-of-a-pyramid-shaped hole that gradually narrows in the pushing direction of the locking projection 14 to guide the locking projection 14, making it easier for the locking projection 14 to be inserted into the locking hole 54. The locking hole 54 may be formed in a shape that is easy to hook according to the shape of the locking projection 14, for example, a round hole or an oval hole.

[0044] When the locking projection 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, the locking piece 15 comes into contact with the periphery of the locking hole 54 and elastically deforms inward. When the retaining portion 15a of the locking piece 15 exceeds the periphery of the locking hole 54, the locking piece 15 elastically returns to its original shape, and the retaining portion 15a is retained against removal at the periphery of the locking hole 54. Thereby, the trim 12 is supported by the airbag lid 40.

[0045] In the present embodiment, a plurality (here, three) of locking holes 54 are formed in the protruding support portion 50. The plurality of locking holes 54 are formed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50.

[0046] In addition, additional protruding support portions 48 and 49 are also formed at both ends of the airbag lid 40 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 2). Locking holes 48h and 49h similar to the above-mentioned locking hole 54 are also formed in the additional protruding support portions 48 and 49. The opening directions (pushing-in directions) of the locking hole 54, the locking holes 48h and 49h are the same. The trim 12 is provided with locking protrusions 14 protruding in the same direction at positions corresponding to the locking hole 54, the locking holes 48h and 49h, respectively. Then, when the trim 12 is attached around the garnish portion 44 with the airbag device 20 fixed to the vehicle, each locking protrusion 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, the locking holes 48h and 49h in the same direction. Thereby, by the attachment operation of the trim 12 in the same direction, each locking protrusion 14 can be prevented from coming out and locked to the corresponding locking hole 54, the locking holes 48h and 49h.

[0047] In addition, guide holes 48gh and 49gh are formed in the additional protruding support portions 48 and 49 (see FIG. 2). The guide holes 48gh and 49gh are formed in a hole shape that gradually expands in a direction away from the trim 12. By inserting a guide rod protruding from the trim 12 into the guide holes 48gh and 49gh, the pushing-in operation of the locking protrusion 14 with respect to the locking hole 54, the locking holes 48h and 49h can be easily performed. Note that one or both of the additional protruding support portions 48 and 49 may be omitted.

[0048] Incidentally, as described above, the configuration in which the airbag lid 40 can move relative to the attachment member 30 is useful for aligning the trim 12 and the airbag lid 40 when the trim 12 is attached. That is, with the airbag device 20 fixed to the vehicle 5, the airbag lid 40 is supported by the vehicle 5 via the attachment member 30. In this state, the trim 12 is attached. The trim 12 is attached to the airbag lid 40 as well, but is positioned with respect to the vehicle 5 at other portions. For example, other peripheral portions of the trim 12 that are not located adjacent to the garnish portion 44 are also adjacent to other interior members or the like. Therefore, the trim 12 can be positioned with respect to the other interior members. When the locking projection 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, the position of the locking hole 54 moves in accordance with the position of the locking projection 14. As a result, the airbag lid 40 can move to a position based on the trim 12. Thereby, the surface of the garnish portion 44 is disposed in a design-continuous manner with respect to the surface of the trim 12.

[0049] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, an example in which the locking hole 54 is formed in the protruding support portion 50 and the locking projection 14 is provided on the trim 12 side is described. However, a locking projection protruding toward the trim side may be provided on the protruding support portion, and a lockable portion having a locking hole into which the locking projection on the trim side is locked may be provided.

[0050] <Protruding support portion> A more specific description will be given for the protruding support portion 50. As described above, the protruding support portion 50 is in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate, and is inclined so as to move away from the back surface of the garnish portion 44 as it faces outward of the garnish portion 44. The portion of the protruding support portion 50 connected to the main body portion 42 is the proximal edge portion 51. The portion of the protruding support portion 50 on the side opposite to the proximal edge portion is the distal edge portion 52. The locking hole 54 as the locking portion is provided between the proximal edge portion 51 and the distal edge portion 52. More specifically, the locking holes 54 are formed at three locations, namely, portions near both ends and the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50. The locking hole 54 is square-shaped, one side thereof is parallel to the proximal edge portion 51, and the other side is parallel to the distal edge portion 52. The other two sides extend in a direction perpendicular to the proximal edge portion 51 and the distal edge portion 52.

[0051] The protruding support portion 50 includes a reinforcing portion 53 provided along the distal edge portion 52. In the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50, the reinforcing portion 53 may be provided at least in the region where the locking hole 54 is formed. In the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50, the reinforcing portion 53 may be provided in the region between the plurality of locking holes 54. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing portion 53 is provided over the entire distal edge portion 52 in the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50.

[0052] The reinforcing portion 53 may be formed in a shape including a surface 53f that moves away from the distal edge portion 52 as it moves from the locking hole 54 toward the distal edge portion 52 (see FIG. 6).

[0053] In this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 53 includes a beam portion 53a and a column portion 53b. The beam portion 53a is formed in a shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the leading edge portion 52 with a gap provided between it and the leading edge portion 52 on the tip side. More specifically, the beam portion 53a is formed in an elongated plate shape provided on the side of the peripheral wall portion 46 of the leading edge portion 52. The beam portion 53a extends in a direction away from the leading edge portion 52 from a linear location in front of the foremost edge of the leading edge portion 52 towards the foremost edge. For this reason, a triangular groove that gradually widens towards the foremost edge of the leading edge portion 52 is formed between the leading edge portion 52 and the beam portion 53a. The surface facing the peripheral wall portion 46 of the beam portion 53a is the surface 53f. The surface 53f may be parallel to the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 46 that faces it. This makes it easier to mold the surface 53f and the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 46 by die casting.

[0054] The column portion 53b is provided between the leading edge portion 52 and the beam portion 53a and is formed in a shape connecting the beam portion 53a to the leading edge portion 52. Here, the column portion 53b is formed in a triangular plate shape perpendicular to the leading edge portion 52. At a partial location in the longitudinal direction of the leading edge portion 52, the inner surface of the leading edge portion 52 and the inner surface of the beam portion 53a are connected. The column portion 53b may be one, but in this embodiment, a plurality of column portions 53b are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the leading edge portion 52. The positions of the plurality of column portions 53b are arbitrary. The plurality of column portions 53b may be provided at regular intervals or at different intervals in the longitudinal direction of the leading edge portion 52.

[0055] By connecting the column portion 53b to the leading edge portion 52 and the beam portion 53a, it becomes difficult for the leading edge portion 52 to deform, and thus it also becomes difficult for the protruding support portion 50 to deform.

[0056] The column portion 53b may include those provided within the range where the locking hole 54 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52. When the locking protrusion 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, the peripheral edge of the locking hole 54 is likely to be elastically deformed at a position corresponding to the center of the locking hole 54 in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52. In order to suppress this elastic deformation, it is preferable that the column portion 53b is provided at a position closer to the center of the range where the locking hole 54 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52. For example, when the range where the locking hole 54 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52 is divided into three or five equal parts, the column portion 53b may be provided in the central region thereof.

[0057] Note that the reinforcing portion 53 may be formed in a shape where there is no gap between the tip-side edge portion 52 and the beam portion 53a, for example, as an elongated protrusion shape in which the tip portion of the tip-side edge portion 52 is thicker than the part in front of it.

[0058] <Regarding the support portion> This protruding support portion 50 is supported by the support portion from the side opposite to the trim 12. By the support portion supporting the protruding support portion 50, when the locking protrusion 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, the protruding support portion 50 is pushed in the pushing direction and becomes difficult to deform in the pushing direction.

[0059] In this embodiment, the support portion includes a support rib portion 60 and an additional support portion 70.

[0060] The support rib portion 60 is provided between the protruding support portion 50 and the peripheral wall portion 46, and is a portion provided integrally with the airbag lid 40. That is, the support rib portion 60 is a portion integrally formed with the mold during the mold forming of the airbag lid 40. The support rib portion 60 is plate-shaped and extends in a direction orthogonal to the tip-side edge portion 52, and extends from the surface of the protruding support portion 50 on the peripheral wall portion 46 side toward the peripheral wall portion 46.

[0061] The supporting rib portions 60 may be provided with at least one, but in this embodiment, a plurality of supporting rib portions 60 are provided at intervals in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52. The plurality of supporting rib portions 60 are provided at positions avoiding the locking holes 54 in the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50. Of the plurality of supporting rib portions 60, two supporting rib portions 60 closer to the center in the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50 (hereinafter, denoted as supporting rib portion 60a when distinguishing) are connected to the base end side of the peripheral wall portion 46 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). The supporting rib portions 60 outside the supporting rib portion 60a among the plurality of supporting rib portions 60 (hereinafter, denoted as supporting rib portion 60b when distinguishing) are connected to the peripheral wall portion 46 with a length larger than that of the supporting rib portion 60a.

[0062] Among the supporting rib portion 60a, the inward side portion 60ae that is the portion from the tip-side edge portion 52 and faces the peripheral wall portion 46 extends along the longitudinal direction of the protruding support portion 50 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0063] The supporting rib portion 60 may continuously extend from any one of the pillar portions 53b toward the peripheral wall portion 46 and extend to the peripheral wall portion 46. In other words, in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52, the supporting rib portion 60 may be provided at the same position as any one of the pillar portions 53b. Thereby, in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52, the position where the supporting rib portion 60 supports the reinforcing portion 53 and the position where the pillar portion 53b connects the reinforcing portion 53 and the tip-side edge portion 52 are aligned. Therefore, the supporting rib portion 60 can effectively support the portion where the pillar portion 53b is provided, and it becomes difficult for the tip-side edge portion 52 to be deformed partially or entirely.

[0064] Note that rib portions 64 are appropriately provided on the back surface of the garnish portion 44. Further, the rib portions 64 are also appropriately connected to the peripheral wall portion 46.

[0065] The additional support portion 70 is a member that is separately added to the airbag lid 40. The additional support portion 70 is, for example, a member formed by pressing a metal plate or the like. The additional support portion 70 may be a member formed of resin or the like.

[0066] The additional support portion 70 includes a base portion 71, an intermediate portion 72, and a tip-side support portion 73. In the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52, the width of the additional support portion 70 is smaller than the length of the protruding support portion 50, and is set to a size that can support the two support ribs 60a (larger than the interval between the two support ribs 60a, but not reaching the outer support rib 60b).

[0067] The base portion 71 is disposed on the outer surface side of the bottom portion 31 of the attachment member 30. It is attached to the outer surface of the bottom portion 31 using the screw portion 25 and the nut 26 for fixing the airbag 22 and the inflator 24.

[0068] The intermediate portion 72 extends from the portion of the base portion 71 extending from the bottom portion 31 toward the tip-side edge portion 52 of the attachment member 30. The tip-side support portion 73 extends along the inward side portion 60ae of the support rib 60a from the tip of the intermediate portion 72. Thereby, the inward side portion 60ae of the support rib 60a is supported from the opposite side of the trim 12 by the outward surface of the tip-side support portion 73. A recess may be formed between the two inward side portions 34ae of the tip-side support portion 73.

[0069] The additional support portion 70 may directly contact the back surface of the protruding support portion 50 or the reinforcing portion 53 to support the protruding support portion 50 from the opposite side of the trim 12.

[0070] Note that one or both of the support rib 60 and the additional support portion 70 may be omitted.

[0071] <Regarding the attachment work of the trim> An example of the work of attaching the trim 12 in a state where the airbag device 20 is fixed to the vehicle 5 will be described.

[0072] That is, the airbag lid 40 is supported with respect to the vehicle 5 via the attachment member 30. The surface of the garnish portion 44 faces the interior of the vehicle compartment. Further, the plurality of locking holes 54 are aligned in the same direction and face the interior of the vehicle compartment.

[0073] The plurality of locking protrusions 14 provided on the trim 12 are pushed into the corresponding locking holes 54, locking holes 48h, 49h.

[0074] At this time, since the locking protrusion 14 is pressed against the peripheral edge of the locking hole 54, the peripheral portion of the locking hole 54 in the protruding support portion 50 is pushed from the trim 12 toward the opposite side and tends to deform.

[0075] In particular, the portion of the protruding support portion 50 close to the tip side edge portion 52 is not supported by the main body portion 42, so it tends to deform greatly. However, the tip side edge portion 52 of the protruding support portion 50 is reinforced by the reinforcing portion 53. Thereby, the deformation of the protruding support portion 50 is suppressed. The deformation of the protruding support portion 50 is effectively suppressed by the support rib portion 60 and the additional support portion 70.

[0076] Thus, since the deformation of the protruding support portion 50 is suppressed, when the locking protrusion 14 is pushed into the locking hole 54, it is difficult for the locking hole 54 to be displaced or deformed so as to escape in the pushing direction. Thereby, the locking piece 15 of the locking protrusion 14 can be effectively elastically deformed inward by the force of pushing the locking protrusion 14 into the locking hole 54. Further, the locking protrusion 14 can be easily pushed into the locking hole 54 until the retaining portion 15a of the locking piece 15 passes over the locking hole 54.

[0077] By the locking protrusion 14 locking to the locking hole 54, the locking holes 48h, 49h, the position of the airbag lid 40 with respect to the trim 12 is adjusted, and the surface of the garnish portion 44 and the surface of the trim 12 constitute a continuous design.

[0078] In the above example, an example in which the trim 12 is assembled after the airbag device 20 is fixed is shown. However, for example, even when the airbag device is assembled after the trim is assembled first, as in the case of the passenger seat airbag device, similarly, since the deformation of the protruding support portion 50 is suppressed, the workability of assembling the airbag device is improved.

[0079] <Effect, etc.> According to the airbag device 20 configured as described above, when the locking projection 14, which is the mating side locking portion, locks to the locking hole 54, which is the locking portion, the locking projection 14 penetrates the locking hole 54 while pushing the peripheral edge of the locking hole 54. At this time, a force acting toward the side opposite to the trim 12 is applied to the peripheral edge of the locking hole 54 with the base end side edge portion 51 connected to the main body portion 42 as a fulcrum. As a result, the locking projection 14 tends to be partially bent and deformed. In particular, the tip side edge portion 52, which is the free end, is likely to be partially bent and deformed in its longitudinal direction. Since the reinforcing portion 53 is provided on the tip side edge portion 52 of the protruding support portion 50, partial deformation of the protruding support portion 50 is suppressed. As a result, the locking projection 14 can easily penetrate the locking piece 15 and lock to the locking piece 15, and the workability of assembling the trim 12 around the airbag device 20 can be improved.

[0080] When the protruding support portion is likely to deform, consideration is given to the use of a special clip that can easily and surely assemble the trim 12 even with such deformation. However, improving the workability of assembling the trim 12 by suppressing the deformation of the protruding support portion 50 increases the availability of general-purpose clips.

[0081] Further, since the locking portion is the locking hole 54, the protruding support portion 50 is likely to deform at the peripheral edge of the locking hole 54, and the reinforcing portion 53 can effectively suppress the deformation of the peripheral edge of the locking hole 54.

[0082] Further, the reinforcing portion 53 is formed in a shape including a surface 53f that moves away from the tip-side edge portion 52 as it extends from the locking hole 54 toward the tip-side edge portion 52. Therefore, the protruding support portion 50 is reinforced so that it becomes more difficult to deform as it extends toward the tip side, by a portion that forms a surface moving away from the tip-side edge portion 52 of the protruding support portion 50.

[0083] In addition, since the reinforcing portion 53 is configured to include a beam portion 53a and a column portion 53b, it is possible to reinforce the protruding support portion 50 with the reinforcing portion 53 while achieving weight reduction and reducing the amount of material used. Further, with the above configuration, by providing a space between the tip-side edge portion 52 and the beam portion 53a, it is possible to prevent the thickness from becoming excessive, and thereby suppress resin sink marks after die molding of the protruding support portion 50.

[0084] In addition, since the column portion 53b is provided within the range where the locking hole 54 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion 52, it is possible to effectively make the portion of the protruding support portion 50 where the locking hole 54 is provided less likely to deform by the column portion 53b.

[0085] In this way, by providing the column portion 53b at a location where the protruding support portion 50 is likely to deform, it is possible to make the deformation of the tip-side edge portion 52 of the protruding support portion 50 as uniform as possible, thereby further improving the workability of assembling the trim 12.

[0086] Further, since the support rib portion 60 and the additional support portion 70, which are support portions, support the protruding support portion 50 from the side opposite to the trim 12, the force with which the locking protrusion 14 pushes the protruding support portion 50 to the side opposite to the trim 12 is received by the support rib portion 60 and the additional support portion 70. As a result, it becomes more difficult for the protruding support portion 50 to deform to the side opposite to the trim 12 around the base-end side edge portion 51. Thereby, the locking protrusion 14 can easily penetrate the locking hole 54 and be locked to the locking hole 54, and the workability of assembling the trim 12 around the airbag device 20 can be improved.

[0087] In addition, since the support portion includes a support rib portion 60 that extends continuously from the column portion 53b to the main body portion 42 and extends into the main body portion 42, the portion of the protruding support portion 50 where the column portion 53b is provided can be effectively supported. It becomes difficult for the protruding support portion 50 to deform as a whole or partially.

[0088] In particular, the support portion includes the support rib portion 60 as a portion integrally provided with the airbag lid 40 between the protruding support portion 50 and the peripheral wall portion 46. Here, the airbag lid 40 is formed of a material that is easily deformed when the airbag 22 expands and deploys. However, the peripheral wall portion 46 is connected to the mounting member 30. For this reason, the peripheral wall portion 46 is less likely to deform compared to other portions of the airbag lid 40. By providing the support rib portion 60 integrally with the relatively non-deformable peripheral wall portion 46, the deformation of the protruding support portion 50 is effectively suppressed by the support rib portion 60.

[0089] Since the support rib portion 60 extends from the base end side edge portion 51 toward the tip end side edge portion 52 with respect to the protruding support portion 50, it is also possible to effectively suppress the deformation of the protruding support portion 50 between the base end side edge portion 51 and the tip end side edge portion 52.

[0090] In addition, there is also an advantage that the portion of the locking projection 14 that protrudes through the locking hole 54 is protected by the protruding support portion 50, and the locking of the locking projection 14 is more reliably maintained.

[0091] Note that the respective configurations described in the above embodiments and each modification can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0092] The above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless modifications not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0093] This specification and the drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0094] The first aspect is an airbag device around which a vehicle trim is attached, including a folded airbag, a mounting member that houses the airbag and is fixed to the vehicle, a main body portion connected to the mounting member with the airbag covered from the side opposite to the mounting member, and a protruding support portion provided to protrude from the main body portion and at least partially covered by the trim, and an airbag lid including the protruding support portion. The protruding support portion includes a base end side edge portion connected to the main body portion, a tip end side edge portion opposite to the base end side edge portion, a locking portion provided between the base end side edge portion and the tip end side edge portion for connecting the trim, and a reinforcing portion continuously provided along the tip end side edge portion. It is an airbag device.

[0095] According to this airbag device, when the mating locking portion is connected to the locking portion in a locked state, the reinforcing portion suppresses partial deformation of the protruding support portion. Therefore, when assembling the trim, even if the mating locking portion presses against the protruding support portion, it is difficult for the protruding support portion to be partially deformed, and the workability of assembling the trim around the airbag device can be improved.

[0096] The second aspect is the airbag device according to the first aspect, wherein the locking portion is a locking hole provided between the base end side edge portion and the tip end side edge portion, into which a locking protrusion as a mating locking portion provided on the trim is pushed and locked.

[0097] In this case, when the locking protrusion is pushed into the locking hole, the reinforcing portion makes it difficult for the peripheral portion of the locking hole to deform, thereby further improving the workability of assembling the trim around the airbag device.

[0098] The third aspect is the airbag device according to the first or second aspect, further including a support portion that supports the protruding support portion from the side opposite to the trim.

[0099] In this case, when the mating locking portion is connected to the locking portion in a locked state, the support portion supports the protruding support portion so that the entire protruding support portion is less likely to deform in the opposite direction to the trim. Therefore, even if the mating locking portion presses the mating locking portion of the protruding support portion when assembling the trim, the protruding support portion is less likely to deform as a whole, improving the ease of assembling the trim around the airbag device.

[0100] A fourth aspect is an airbag device according to the third aspect, wherein the main body portion includes a garnish portion exposed to the interior of the vehicle, and a peripheral wall portion that protrudes from the garnish portion toward the mounting member so as to surround the airbag and is connected to the mounting member, and the support portion includes a portion that is provided integrally with the airbag lid between the protruding support portion and the peripheral wall portion.

[0101] In this case, the support portion includes a portion that is integral with the air bag lid between the protruding support portion and the peripheral wall portion, so that the protruding support portion is also supported by the peripheral wall portion via the support portion, making the protruding support portion less susceptible to deformation.

[0102] A fifth aspect is an airbag device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the reinforcing portion is formed in a shape that includes a surface that moves away from the tip side edge portion as it extends from the engaging portion toward the tip side edge portion.

[0103] In this case, the closer to the tip edge portion of the protruding support portion, the more reinforced by the reinforcing portion, making it less likely to deform.

[0104] A sixth aspect is an airbag device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the reinforcing portion includes a beam portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the tip side edge portion with a gap provided between the beam portion and the tip side edge portion, and a pillar portion provided between the tip side edge portion and the beam portion and connecting the beam portion to the tip side edge portion.

[0105] This allows the protruding support portion to be reinforced by the reinforcing portion while achieving weight reduction and reduction in the amount of material used.

[0106] A seventh aspect is the airbag device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the pillar portion is provided within a range in which the locking portion is provided in the longitudinal direction of the tip side edge portion.

[0107] This effectively makes it difficult for the pillar portion to deform the portion of the protruding support portion where the locking portion is provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 5 vehicles 12 Trim 14 Locking protrusion (counterpart locking part) 20 Airbag device 22 Airbag 30 Mounting material 31 Bottom 32 Storage wall 34 Connecting piece 40 Airbag Lid 42 Main body 44 Garnish 46 Peripheral wall part 47 Connection hole 50 Protruding support part 51 Proximal edge part 52 Tip side edge part 53 Reinforcement part 53a Beam section 53b Pillar part 53f side 54 Locking hole (locking part) 60 Support rib part (support part) 70 Additional support part (support part)

Claims

1. An airbag device around which a vehicle trim is attached, comprising: a folded airbag; a mounting member that houses the airbag and is fixed to the vehicle; a main body portion connected to the mounting member in a state of covering the airbag from the side opposite to the mounting member, and a protruding support portion provided to protrude from the main body portion and at least partially covered by the trim, an airbag lid; characterized by the protruding support portion includes a base end side edge portion connected to the main body portion, a tip end side edge portion opposite to the base end side edge portion, a locking portion provided between the base end side edge portion and the tip end side edge portion for connecting the trim, and a reinforcing portion continuously provided along the tip end side edge portion; the locking portion is a locking hole provided between the base end side edge portion and the tip end side edge portion, into which a locking protrusion as a mating locking portion provided on the trim is pushed and locked; the reinforcing portion is formed in a shape including a surface that moves away from the tip end side edge portion as it extends from the locking portion toward the tip end side edge portion, an airbag device.

2. The airbag device according to claim 1, characterized by a support portion that supports the protruding support portion from the side opposite to the trim.

3. The airbag device according to claim 2, wherein the main body portion includes a garnish portion exposed in the vehicle interior and a peripheral wall portion that protrudes from the garnish portion toward the mounting member side so as to surround the airbag and is connected to the mounting member; the support portion includes a portion provided integrally with the airbag lid between the protruding support portion and the peripheral wall portion, an airbag device.

4. The airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcing portion includes a beam portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the tip end side edge portion with a gap provided between the beam portion and the tip end side edge portion, and a column portion provided between the tip end side edge portion and the beam portion for connecting the beam portion to the tip end side edge portion; the beam portion extends in a direction away from the tip end side edge portion as it extends from a linear portion in front of the foremost edge of the tip end side edge portion toward the foremost edge, and a triangular groove that gradually widens as it extends toward the foremost edge of the tip end side edge portion is formed as the gap between the tip end side edge portion and the beam portion, an airbag device.

5. The airbag device according to claim 4, The airbag device includes a column portion provided within a range where the locking portion is provided in the longitudinal direction of the tip-side edge portion. **Claim 6**: An airbag device that is fixed to a vehicle and has a trim of the vehicle attached around it, a folded airbag, a mounting member that houses the airbag and is fixed to the vehicle, a main body portion that is connected to the mounting member with the airbag covered from the side opposite to the mounting member, and a protruding support portion that protrudes from the main body portion and at least a part of which is covered by the trim. An airbag lid including: comprising: The protruding support portion includes a base-end side edge portion connected to the main body portion, a tip-side edge portion opposite to the base-end side edge portion, a locking portion provided between the base-end side edge portion and the tip-side edge portion for connecting the trim, and a reinforcing portion continuously provided along the tip-side edge portion. The locking portion is a locking hole provided between the base-end side edge portion and the tip-side edge portion, into which a locking protrusion as a mating-side locking portion provided on the trim is pushed and locked. An airbag device.

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