Reinforcement fabric fixing structure and vehicle seat equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a fixing structure of webbing that can improve workability in mounting webbing and contribute to cost reduction, and a vehicular seat comprising the same.SOLUTION: A fixing structure of webbing 10 and 20 in a vehicular seat comprising an airbag device is provided with: an airbag module that is fixed to a seat frame 102 of the vehicular seat; the first webbing 10 and the second webbing 20 which surround the airbag module together with the seat frame 102 and guide an inflated airbag to an airbag outlet on a surface of the seat; a part 11 to be engaged provided in a first end part 10t at the opposite side of the airbag outlet of the first webbing 10; and an engagement part 22 that includes an insertion port 23, provided at a second end part 20t at the opposite side of the airbag outlet of the second webbing 20, into which the part 11 to be engaged can be inserted, which the part 11 to be engaged which has been inserted and has changed in attitude is engaged with.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing structure of a force cloth and a vehicle seat provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle seat, when a vehicle collides or the like, a side airbag device is used that operates a gas generating means of an airbag module to inflate and deploy a side airbag between the upper body of an occupant and a side door (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such a side airbag device is arranged on the door side or the side part on the vehicle center side inside the seat. When the airbag module operates, the airbag stored inside inflates and is configured to break through the seat pad and the trim cover (seat cover) and pop out to the outside of the seat. For the airbag module to function properly, it is necessary for the airbag to pop out from an airbag outlet provided at a predetermined part of the seat. Therefore, in order to ensure that the airbag pops out from the airbag outlet 106', force cloths 10', 20' that connect the airbag module and the airbag outlet 106' and guide the inflating airbag to the airbag outlet 106' are provided inside the seat (see FIGS. 10 to 12). The force cloths 10', 20' are typically arranged between the airbag module 202' and the seat pad 104', and the ends of the force cloths 10', 20' are fixed to the seat frame 102' via fixing members 300'.

[0004] Typical structures for fixing the reinforcing fabrics 10' and 20' include a bag structure (so-called bag type) and a sheet metal structure (so-called sheet metal type). The bag structure involves fixing the ends of the two reinforcing fabrics 10' and 20' to the seat frame 102' to form a bag, and then attaching the seat pad 104' and airbag module 202'. While this has fewer parts and lower costs, the process of installing the airbag module 202' between the reinforcing fabrics 10' and 20', which are formed into a bag, by spreading out the seat pad 104' is quite complicated and makes it less efficient. In this respect, the sheet metal structure involves fixing the airbag module 202' to the seat frame 102' first, then covering it with the reinforcing fabrics 10' and 20', and fixing the sheet metal 310' and 320' provided at the ends of the reinforcing fabrics 10' and 20' with rivets 303' or bolts. This is extremely efficient in terms of installing the airbag module 202'. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-037261 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, despite the advantages mentioned above, the sheet metal structure still has room for improvement in terms of the weight of the sheet metal structure itself and the ease of installation. Specifically, a structure in which sheet metal 310' and 320' are attached to the ends of two reinforcing cloths 10' and 20' tends to be heavy and costly. Furthermore, the actual installation work, such as holding the two sheet metal pieces 310' and 320' with one hand while driving in rivets 303', is by no means easy.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a fixing structure for a reinforcing fabric and a vehicle seat equipped therewith, which can improve workability when attaching the reinforcing fabric and also contribute to cost reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a fixing structure for a reinforcing fabric in a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag device, An airbag module fixed to the seat frame of a vehicle seat, The first and second reinforcing fabrics surround the airbag module together with the seat frame and guide the inflating airbag to the airbag outlet on the seat surface, A engaged portion is provided at the first end of the first reinforcement fabric on the side opposite to the airbag outlet, The second end of the second reinforcement fabric, on the side opposite to the airbag outlet, includes an insertion opening into which the engaged portion can be inserted, and an engaging portion for engaging the engaged portion after it has changed its orientation after insertion. This is a fixing structure for the reinforcing fabric, equipped with the following features.

[0009] With the fixing structure described above, the reinforcing fabrics can be engaged with each other by simply inserting the engaged portion of the first reinforcing fabric into the insertion opening of the engaged portion of the second reinforcing fabric and changing its position—a simple operation similar to fastening a button on clothing. Furthermore, these reinforcing fabrics can be fixed to the seat frame while maintaining this engaged state. Therefore, compared to conventional work such as holding two sheet metal pieces with one hand while driving rivets, the work of attaching the reinforcing fabrics is easier and work efficiency is greatly improved. Moreover, with a fixing structure of this configuration, the engaged and engaged parts do not have to be sheet metal, so it is possible to reduce the amount of metal material used, thereby reducing weight and cost.

[0010] The engaged portion in the fixing structure of the reinforcing cloth as described above may include a rigid insertable member.

[0011] In the fixing structure for the reinforcing cloth as described above, the insertable member may be substantially rectangular.

[0012] In the fixing structure of the power cloth in the above-described aspect, the inserted member may be attached to the first end portion in a T-shaped state with respect to the first power cloth.

[0013] In the fixing structure of the power cloth in the above-described aspect, the insertion port of the engaging portion may be formed in a slit shape.

[0014] In the fixing structure of the power cloth in the above-described aspect, the insertion port may be formed so as to extend in the width direction of the second power cloth.

[0015] In the fixing structure of the power cloth in the above-described aspect, the periphery of the insertion port may be reinforced by sewing.

[0016] The fixing structure of the power cloth in the above-described aspect may further include a fixing member that fixes at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion to the seat frame in a state where the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion.

[0017] A fixed portion to which the fixing member is locked may be provided in the engaged portion in the fixing structure of the power cloth in the above-described aspect.

[0018] A vehicle seat according to one aspect of the present invention includes the fixing structure of the power cloth as described above.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the workability when attaching the power cloth can be improved, and it can also contribute to cost reduction. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a fixing structure of a force cloth inside a vehicle seat. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of the first end of the first force cloth provided with an engaged portion and the vicinity of the second end of the second force cloth provided with an engaging portion. [Figure 7] It is a plan view schematically showing a state where the engaged portion at the first end of the first force cloth and the engaging portion at the second end of the second force cloth are engaged. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing the periphery of the first end of the first force cloth showing an example of an inserted member. [Figure 9] It is a plan view schematically showing an example of a fixing member that fixes at least one of the first end and the second end to the seat frame in a state where the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion. [Figure 10] It is a plan view showing an example of a conventional fixing structure of a force cloth for reference. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a conventional force cloth for reference. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a conventional fixing structure of a force cloth inside a vehicle seat for reference.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings (see FIGS. 1 to 9).

[0022] The fixing structure 1 of the force cloth according to the present invention is a structure for fixing the force cloth in the vehicle seat 100 provided with the airbag device 200 (see FIGS. 1, 5, etc.). Hereinafter, first, the vehicle seat 100 provided with the airbag device 200 will be described, and then the fixing structure 1 of the force cloth will be described.

[0023] <Vehicle Seat Equipped with Airbag Device> The vehicle seat 100 is a seat installed in a vehicle such as an automobile, and comprises a seat cushion 120 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated occupant, a seat back 130 that supports the occupant's waist and back, a headrest 140 that supports the occupant's head, and an airbag module 202 (see Figure 1).

[0024] The seat back 130 incorporates a seat frame 102 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 130 (see Figure 5, etc.). Although not shown in particular detail, the seat frame 102 may include a pair of backside frames that are spaced apart in the seat width direction and extend in the seat vertical direction, and an upper frame (not shown) that connects the upper ends of the backside frames. In this embodiment, the seat frame is shown with the backside frame portion denoted by reference numeral 102 (see Figure 5). The seat frame 102 is covered by a seat pad 104 made of a relatively soft resin foam material such as urethane foam, and further covered by a trim cover 108 made of a surface material such as leather, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric.

[0025] The airbag module 202 is fixed to the backside frame of the seat frame 102, covered by the seat pad 104 and trim cover 108, and built into the seat back 130 (see Figure 5). The airbag module 202 in this embodiment has an airbag 204 (see Figure 1) and an inflator 206 for inflating the airbag 204. When the airbag module 202 is activated, the airbag 204 deploys to the side of the seat back 130 and headrest 140 to prevent collisions with the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 100 (for example, collisions with passengers seated in other seats adjacent to the vehicle seat 100, or collisions with the vehicle's doors, etc.).

[0026] The portion of the trim cover 108 that will become the airbag outlet 106 is provided with a breakable section 109 that can be easily ruptured (see Figures 2 and 3, etc.). The breakable section 109 is composed of multiple surface materials that are sewn together in a manner that allows them to easily rupture when the airbag module 202 is activated. The seat pad 104 is provided with a slit 105 that leads from the airbag module 202 to the breakable section 109 (see Figure 5).

[0027] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the vehicle is equipped with an acceleration sensor that detects collisions and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that determines whether or not to activate the inflator 206 based on the signal output from the acceleration sensor. When a predetermined signal is transmitted from the ECU, the inflator 206 activates and generates gas, inflating the airbag 204. The inflated airbag 204 reaches the rupture section 109 through the slit 105, and the expansion pressure causes the rupture section 109 to burst, ejecting the airbag 204 to the outside of the seat back 130.

[0028] The vehicle seat 100 is equipped with a reinforcing fabric that guides the inflating airbag 204 to the rupture 109. The vehicle seat 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a first reinforcing fabric 10 and a second reinforcing fabric 20 as reinforcing fabrics (see Figures 2, 3, etc.). These first reinforcing fabrics 10 and 20 are made of materials with poor elasticity, such as woven or nonwoven fabrics using polyester fibers or polyamide fibers. The ends 10a and 20a of the first reinforcing fabric 10 and the second reinforcing fabric 20 on the airbag outlet 106 side are sewn together with the surface material forming the trim cover 108 at the rupture 109 and are pulled through the slit 105 to the airbag module 202 (see Figures 2, 3, and 5). The first reinforcing fabric 10 and the second reinforcing fabric 20, which are drawn up to the airbag module 202, branch out on both sides of the airbag module 202 so as to surround the airbag module 202 together with the seat frame 102 (see Figure 5). The ends of the first reinforcing fabric 10 and the second reinforcing fabric 20 opposite to the airbag outlet 106 (referred to as the first end and the second end, respectively, and indicated by reference numerals 10t and 20t in this specification) are fixed to the seat frame 102 by the reinforcing fabric fixing structure 1.

[0029] <Reinforcement fabric fixing structure> The reinforcing fabric fixing structure 1 in this embodiment includes an airbag module 202, a first reinforcing fabric 10 and a second reinforcing fabric 20, an engaging portion 11 provided on the first end 10t of the first reinforcing fabric 10, an engaging portion 22 provided on the second end 20t of the second reinforcing fabric 20, and the like (see Figures 4 to 9, etc.).

[0030] The engaged portion 11 is provided to engage with the engaged portion 22 of the second reinforcing fabric 20, and may be configured to engage with an operation similar to fastening a button on clothing. In this embodiment, an insertable member 12 made of a rigid material is provided at the first end 10t of the first reinforcing fabric 10 and functions as the engaged portion 11 (see Figures 4, 6, etc.). The insertable member 12 is preferably a rigid material such as a thin metal plate. In this embodiment, a rigid resin core material is used and fixed to the first end 10t to form the insertable member 12. The fixing method is not particularly limited, and as an example, in this embodiment, fixing thread is sewn to fix the insertable member 12 to the first reinforcing fabric 10 (see Figure 6, etc.). In either method, the insertable member 12 is fixed to the first reinforcement fabric 10 such that a portion (locking portion 13) that catches on the engaging portion 22 is formed. For example, when the insertable member 12 is inserted into the engaging portion 22 and engages like a button, the flange-like portion of the insertable member 12 that spreads out to the side functions as the locking portion 13, locking onto the surface of the engaging portion 22 and preventing it from coming loose (see Figure 7). As long as such a locking portion 13 is formed, any position of the insertable member 12 can be fixed to the first reinforcement fabric 10. For example, the center of the insertable member 12 may be fixed to the first reinforcement fabric 10 in a T-shape, or about half of the insertable member 12 may be fixed to the first reinforcement fabric 10 (see Figure 7).

[0031] The shape of the insertable member 12 is also not particularly limited. As an example, in this embodiment, a rectangular core material is used as the insertable member 12 (see Figure 6). When the insertable member 12 has such a roughly rectangular or similar shape and is of a certain size, even if the tension acting on the reinforcing fabric (first reinforcing fabric 10, second reinforcing fabric 20) increases and the shape of the engaging portion 22 changes (for example, even if the slit-shaped insertion opening 23, as described later, widens), the insertable member 12 is less likely to come off (less likely to slip out) from the engaging portion 22.

[0032] The engaging portion 22 is provided on the second end 20t of the second reinforcing fabric 20 so as to engage with the engaged portion 11 (see Figure 4, etc.), and may be configured, for example, as a buttonhole. The engaging portion 22 of this embodiment includes a slit-shaped insertion opening 23 into which the engaged portion 11 can be inserted (see Figure 6), and is configured so that the engaged portion 11 can be engaged as if it were a button by changing the orientation (direction) of the inserted member 12 of the engaged portion 11 after it has been inserted into the insertion opening 23 (see Figure 7). The specific shape of the insertion opening 23 is not limited, and as an example, the insertion opening 23 of this embodiment is formed to extend in the width direction of the second reinforcing fabric 20 (see Figure 6), but it may be in other forms as long as it can perform the function of engaging the engaged portion 11 as the engaging portion 22. In addition, the insertion opening 23 may be reinforced to prevent tearing or the like. In this embodiment, the area around the insertion opening 23 (indicated by reference numeral 23p) is reinforced with reinforcing thread (indicated by reference numeral 24 in the figure) to improve strength (see Figure 6, etc.).

[0033] According to the reinforcing fabric fixing structure 1 of this embodiment, the reinforcing fabrics can be engaged with each other by simply inserting the engaged portion 11 of the first reinforcing fabric 10 into the insertion opening 23 of the engaging portion 22 of the second reinforcing fabric 20 and changing its position, an operation similar to fastening a button on clothing (see Figure 7). Furthermore, by not using (or using in small quantities) sheet metal for the engaged portion 11 and the engaging portion 22, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0034] The reinforcing fabric fixing structure 1 described above may maintain the height (position) of the engaged portion 11 and the engaged portion 22 by the tension of the reinforcing fabric (first reinforcing fabric 10, second reinforcing fabric 20), but it may also include fixing members for fixing them and fixed portions for fixing them as needed. Specific examples of fixing members and fixed portions will be explained with reference to another embodiment of the reinforcing fabric fixing structure 1 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0035] In the fixing structure 1 of this embodiment, the insertion member 12 of the engaged portion 11 is shaped like a belt buckle, and the first reinforcing fabric 10 is passed through two slit-shaped holes 12a and 12b and folded and sewn to form a loop, and the bar 12c between the holes 12a and 12b is configured to catch on this loop (see Figures 8 and 9). The insertion member 12 is provided with a fixed portion 16, and it can be fixed to the seat frame 102 using a fixing member 30 that is passed through a hole in the fixed portion 16 and locked in place. Specific examples of the fixing member 30 include rivets and bolts, but are not particularly limited. It should be noted that the above is merely an example of a fixing member 30 and a fixed part 16. Essentially, all that is required is that at least one of the first end 10t and the second end 20t can be fixed to the seat frame 102 while the engaged part 11 is engaged with the engaging part 22. From this perspective, it goes without saying that the fixed part may be provided on the engaging part 22 instead of the insertion member 12.

[0036] With the reinforcing fabric fixing structure 1 equipped with the fixing portion 16 as described above, it is possible to fix the reinforcing fabrics (first reinforcing fabric 10 and second reinforcing fabric 20) to the seat frame 102 while maintaining their engagement with each other. This makes the work of attaching the reinforcing fabrics easier compared to conventional work such as holding the two sheet metals with one hand while driving rivets, and greatly improves work efficiency.

[0037] While the embodiments described above are examples of preferred implementations of the present invention, they are not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0038] The present invention is particularly suitable for application to a fixing structure for reinforcing fabric in a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. Fixing structure of the reinforcement fabric 10…1st force cloth (force cloth) 10a...End of the first reinforcement fabric on the airbag outlet side 10t...First end (the end of the first reinforcement fabric opposite the airbag outlet side) 11...Engaged part 12… Insertable member 12a, 12b… Pores 12c...bar 13…Locked part 14… Fixing thread 16…Fixed part 20…Second force cloth (force cloth) 20a... The end of the second reinforcement fabric on the airbag outlet side. 20t...Second end (the end of the second reinforcement fabric opposite the airbag outlet side) 22...Engaging part 23…Socket (23p...around the socket) 24…Reinforcement stitching 30… Rivet (fastening component) 100... Vehicle seats 102,102'...Seat frame 104...Seat pad 105... Slit 106,106'...Airbag exit 108…Trim cover 109...Fracture 120... Seat cushion 130... Seat back 140... Headrest 200...Airbag system 202,202'...Airbag module 204...Airbag 206... Inflator 300'... Fixing member 303'... Rivet 310'... Sheet metal 320'... Sheet metal

Claims

1. A fixing structure for a reinforcing fabric in a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag system, An airbag module fixed to the seat frame of the aforementioned vehicle seat, A first reinforcing fabric and a second reinforcing fabric surround the airbag module together with the seat frame and guide the inflating airbag to the airbag outlet on the seat surface, A engaged portion is provided at the first end of the first reinforcement fabric opposite to the airbag outlet side, An engagement portion is provided at the second end of the second reinforcement fabric opposite to the airbag outlet side, which includes an insertion opening into which the engaged portion can be inserted, and which engages the engaged portion after it has changed its orientation after insertion, A fixing member that fixes at least one of the first end and the second end to the seat frame while the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion, A fixing structure for the reinforcing fabric, equipped with the above.

2. The fixing structure for the reinforcing cloth according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion includes a rigid insertable member.

3. The fixing structure for the reinforcing cloth according to claim 2, wherein the insertable member is substantially rectangular.

4. The fixing structure for the reinforcing cloth according to claim 3, wherein the insertion member is attached to the first end of the first reinforcing cloth in a T-shape relative to the first reinforcing cloth.

5. The fixing structure for the reinforcing cloth according to claim 1, wherein the insertion opening of the engaging portion is formed in the shape of a slit.

6. The fixing structure for the reinforcing cloth according to claim 5, wherein the insertion opening is formed to extend in the width direction of the second reinforcing cloth.

7. The fixing structure for the reinforcing fabric according to claim 5, wherein the area around the insertion opening is reinforced with stitching.

8. The fixing structure for a reinforcing cloth according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion is provided with a fixed portion to which the fixing member is locked.

9. A vehicle seat comprising a reinforcing fabric fixing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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