Side airbag device

A frame side plate part of a frame member of a seat along a side surface of a backrest; and a bracket attached to the frame side plate part in a condition where an airbag cushion and an inflator are secured. The frame side plate part has a notch region where a predetermined range of a front edge is cut out The bracket has: a base part which is fitted into the notch region of the frame side plate part and to which the airbag cushion and the inflator are secured; and a reaction force plate bent from a front side of the base part and extends to one side in a vehicle width direction. Guide grooves are formed on an upper edge and lower edge of the notch region, and the base part can be inserted into the notch region from the front along the guide grooves.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a side airbag device mounted on a vehicle.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Airbag devices have generally become standard equipment in vehicles in recent years. An airbag device is a safety device that is actuated in the event of an emergency such as a vehicle collision or the like to receive and protect an occupant by expanding and deploying a bag-shaped airbag cushion with gas pressure.

There are various types of airbag devices depending on the installation site and application. For example, a front airbag device is provided in a center of a steering wheel in order to protect a driver from a collision in a front-back direction. In addition, a curtain airbag device is provided in the vicinity of a ceiling above a side window, and a side airbag device is provided on a side part of a seat to protect an occupant from an impact in a vehicle width direction due to a side collision or the like.

An airbag cushion of a typical airbag device is stored in various sites of a vehicle in a wound or folded storing form. The airbag device may be provided with a predetermined bracket for rapid and smooth expansion and deployment of an airbag cushion. For example, in the vehicle far-side airbag device of Patent Document 1, a supporting plate54is provided along with a far-side airbag38. Cited document 1 states that the supporting plate54supports the far-side airbag38during expansion and deployment, thereby reducing swaying of the far-side airbag38.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2016-107721

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, as described in paragraph 0034, the far-side airbag38and supporting plate54are fastened and secured to a side frame20A using a stud bolt46and a nut48extending from an inflator40. Currently, airbag devices are required to have a configuration that enables easier assembly to a vehicle. In this respect, the configuration of Patent Document 1 for fastening and securing leaves room for improvement.

In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a side airbag device that can be easily assembled to a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, a representative configuration of a side airbag device according to the present invention contains a frame side plate part along a side surface of a backrest of an internal frame of a vehicle seat, and a bracket attached to the frame side plate part in a condition where a predetermined airbag cushion and inflator are secured, where the frame side plate part has a notch region where a predetermined range of a front edge is cut out, the bracket has a base part fitted into the notch region of the frame side plate part and to which the airbag cushion and inflator are secured, a reaction force plate bent from a front side of the base part and extending in to one side in a vehicle width direction, a guide groove that is long in a front-back direction is formed on an upper edge or lower edge on either the notch region or the base part such that the other can slide, and the base part can be inserted into the notch region from the front along the guide groove.

According to the configuration described above, an airbag module can be assembled to the vehicle seat by simply inserting the base part of the bracket into the notch region of the frame side plate part along the guide groove. Therefore, assembly work is simple, and thus labor can be reduced.

A stopper groove may be formed on a rear edge of either of the notch region or the base part such that the other can be inserted. According to this configuration, the bracket can be fully assembled to the frame side plate part.

The stopper groove may be formed on a portion of the rear edge, and a protruding part that can be inserted in the stopper groove formed on a portion of the rear edge may be formed on a rear edge of the other. According to this configuration, the bracket can be fully assembled to the frame side plate part.

The guide groove described above may be formed on the upper and lower edges of the notch region or base part, and the stopper groove may be formed continuously with the guide grooves on the rear edge of the notch region or base part where the guide grooves are formed. Based on this configuration, the entire range of the edges of the bracket and the notch region are coupled to each other, and therefore, the rigidity of the frame side plate part can be further supplemented.

The frame side plate part described above may further have a predetermined first rib in a periphery of the notch region. The first rib can supplement the rigidity of the frame side plate part.

The frame side plate part may further have a box shaped part formed on one side in the vehicle width direction and open toward the front, and the notch region may be formed in a range on an inner side of the box shaped part of the front edge of the frame side plate part. The box shaped part can also supplement the rigidity of the frame side plate part.

The frame side plate part described above may further have a predetermined second rib provided continuously with the box shaped part. The second rib can also supplement the rigidity of the frame side plate part.

The guide groove described above may be formed on the upper edge of the notch region or the base part, the notch region may be formed over a range below the base part, and the reaction force plate may have a lower region extending below the base part and recessed along the notch region. The airbag cushion is stored in the recessed lower region, and thus a limited space inside the vehicle seat can be effectively utilized.

In order to solve the problem, another representative configuration of a side airbag device according to the present invention contains a frame side plate part along a side surface of a backrest of an internal frame of a vehicle seat, and a bracket attached to the frame side plate part in a condition where a predetermined airbag cushion and inflator are secured, where the bracket has a base part attached along a surface on an inner side of the frame side plate part in the vehicle width direction to which the inflator and the inflator are fixed, a reaction force plate extending in a vehicle width direction across a front edge of the frame side plate part from the base part, and a plurality of protruding parts extending from the base part or the reaction force plate and inserted into the frame side plate part.

According to the configuration described above, an airbag module can be assembled to the vehicle seat by simply inserting the protruding part of the bracket into the frame side plate part. Therefore, assembly work is simple, and thus labor can be reduced.

In order to solve the problem, another representative configuration of a side airbag device according to the present invention contains a frame side plate part along a side surface of a backrest of an internal frame of a vehicle seat, and a bracket attached to the frame side plate part in a condition where a predetermined airbag cushion and inflator are secured, where the bracket has a base part attached along a surface on an outers side of the frame side plate part in the vehicle width direction to which the inflator and the inflator are fixed, a reaction force plate extending in a vehicle width direction across a front edge of the frame side plate part from the base part, and a plurality of protruding parts extending from the base part or the reaction force plate and inserted into the frame side plate part.

According to the configuration described above, an airbag module can also be assembled to the vehicle seat by simply inserting the protruding part of the bracket into the frame side plate part. Therefore, assembly work is simple, and thus labor can be reduced.

The plurality of protruding parts may include one or a plurality of front side protruding parts extending toward the front edge of the frame side plate part from the reaction force plate, and the frame side plate part may have a front side insertion hole formed in the front edge and into which the one or plurality of front side protruding parts is inserted. Based on this configuration, the airbag module can be assembled to the vehicle seat.

The plurality of protruding parts may include one or a plurality of side surface protruding parts extending toward the frame side plate part from the base part, and the frame side plate part may have a side surface insertion hole formed penetrating or recessing in the vehicle width direction and into which the one or plurality of side surface protruding parts is inserted. Based on this configuration, the airbag module can be assembled to the vehicle seat.

A stud bolt extending from the inflator may penetrate the base part and protrude on the frame side plate part side, and the one or plurality of side surface protruding parts may include the stud bolt. By using the stud bolt, the airbag module can be assembled to the vehicle seat.

The frame side plate part described above may have a notch region where a predetermined range of the front edge of the frame side plate part below the base of the bracket is cut out, and the reaction plate may have a lower region extending below the base part and recessed along the notch region. The airbag cushion is stored in the recessed lower region, and thus a limited space inside the vehicle seat can be effectively utilized.

Effect of the Invention

The present invention can provide a side airbag device that can be easily assembled to a vehicle.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, and the like indicated in the embodiments are merely examples for ease of understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise noted. Note that in the present specification and drawings, elements having essentially identical functions and configurations are labeled with identical symbols in order to omit redundant descriptions along with an illustration of elements not directly related to the present invention.

FIG.1is a view illustrating a side airbag device100according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.FIG.1(a)illustrates the side airbag device100and a seat102for a vehicle to which the side airbag device100is applied from a right side in a vehicle width direction toward the front of the vehicle. InFIG.1, a front-back direction with regard to the seat102is appropriately indicated by arrows F (Forward) and B (Back), respectively, a left-right direction is appropriately indicated by arrows L (Left) and R (Right), respectively, and an up-down direction is appropriately indicated by arrows U (up) and D (down), respectively.

In present embodiment, the seat102is assumed to be disposed on a left side in a front row. However, the side airbag device100can be provided in any seat in the front row, a back row, and even on either left or right side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the seat102normally faces the front of the vehicle, but can also assumed to rotate to face the rear. Therefore, the directions indicated by arrows in each drawing are not intended to be limited to the front-back and left-right directions relative to the vehicle, but rather the front direction is “front” and a back side direction is “back” as viewed from an occupant regularly seated in the seat102. Similarly, a right hand direction of the occupant at this time is “right” and a left hand direction is “left”. Furthermore, with regard to the center of the body of the occupant at this time, a direction toward the head is “up” and a direction toward the leg is “down.”

FIG.1(a)illustrates the side airbag device100prior to operation.FIGS.1(a) and1(b)illustrate a frame member114inside a backrest of the seat102in a condition where a backrest cover and padding (packing material) are omitted. An airbag module106illustrated inFIG.1(a)is a structure that integrally combines an airbag cushion108, an inflator110, and a bracket112described later. In the side airbag device100prior to operation, the airbag cushion108is in a storing form condensed by winding, folding, or the like.

The airbag module106is assembled to a frame side plate part116of the frame member114. The frame side plate part116is a site on the frame member114along left and right side surfaces of the backrest. The frame side plate part116is provided in pairs on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction. In the present embodiment, the airbag module106is assembled to the frame side plate part116on the left side in the vehicle width direction. Note that the airbag module106can also be assembled to the frame side plate part116on the right side in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the airbag module106can be provided either on a side part on a door side (near side) of the seat102that is closer to a collision point, or on a side part on an vehicle inner side (far side) of the seat102that is farther from the collision point.

FIG.1(b)illustrates the side airbag device100during operation. When a vehicle collision is detected, the airbag cushion108utilizes gas from the inflator110to expand and deploy toward the front while pushing away a cover of the seat102. The airbag cushion108has an overall flat shape in order to receive the occupant from the side. The airbag cushion108can be formed by stitching, adhering, or the like to a base material, or by weaving or the like using an OPW (One-Piece Woven) design.

FIG.2is a view illustrating the airbag module106inFIG.1(a)from various directions in an enlarged manner.FIG.2(a)is an enlarged perspective view of the airbag module106inFIG.1(a). InFIG.2(a), the airbag cushion108is indicated by dashed lines, and the inflator110and bracket112are illustrated as transparent.

The inflator110is a gas generating device, and in the present embodiment, a cylindrical type is used. The inflator110is attached to an inner side of a base part126of the bracket112in the vehicle width direction (vehicle inner side). The inflator110has a gas ejection hole118on an outer peripheral surface of one end side and a terminal120(seeFIG.9) to which a predetermined harness is connected on another end side. The entire inflator110or a portion including the gas ejection hole118is inserted inside the airbag cushion108. Furthermore, the inflator110is electrically connected to the vehicle side at the terminal120and operates upon receiving a signal from the vehicle side resulting from the detection of an impact to supply gas to the airbag cushion108.

Examples of currently prevailing inflators include: types which are filled with a gas generating agent and burn the agent to generate gas; types which are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat; hybrid types which utilize both combustion gas and compressed gas; and the like. Any type can be used for the inflator110.

FIG.2(b)is a cross-sectional view along A-A of the airbag module106inFIG.2(a). The inflator110is provided with a total of two stud bolts122for attachment. The stud bolt122extends from a cylindrical main body of the inflator110, passes through the bracket112, and is tightened from a vehicle outer side by a nut124. The stud bolt122of the inflator110is fastened to the bracket112such that the airbag cushion108is also secured to the bracket112.

As illustrated inFIG.2(a), the bracket112is a member that supports the airbag cushion108and the inflator110. The bracket112has the base part126to which the inflator110is secured, and a reaction force plate128that provides a reaction force when the airbag cushion108is expanded. As illustrated inFIG.2(b), the reaction force plate128is bent from a front side of the base part126and extends in the vehicle width direction to the vehicle outer side. The presence of the reaction force plate128allows the airbag cushion108to push against the reaction force plate128to expand and deploy efficiently toward the front of the vehicle.

FIG.3is a view illustrating a condition where the airbag module106inFIG.2(a)is removed from a frame side plate part116. In the present embodiment, a notch region132is provided in the frame side plate part116, in which a predetermined range of a front edge130is cut out, and the bracket112is inserted into the notch region132, such that the airbag module106can be easily assembled to the vehicle.

In order to achieve the aforementioned bracket112assembly, guide grooves134,136are formed in upper and lower edges of the notch region132. The guide grooves134,136are longitudinally formed in the front-back direction, such that an upper edge138and a lower edge140of the base part126can slide. The guide groove134has a two-way structure, and the base part126is guided by two-way protrusions from both sides in the vehicle width direction while the base part126of the bracket112is inserted into the groove.

FIG.4is a view independently illustrating the bracket112inFIG.3from various directions.FIG.4(a)is a perspective view illustrating the bracket112from the same direction asFIG.3. As described above, the base part126of the bracket112is a site for securing and fastening the inflator110(seeFIG.3), and is fitted into the notch region132of the frame side plate part116. The upper edge138and the lower edge140of the base part126are straight and slide in the front-back direction in the guide grooves134,136of the notch region132of the frame side plate part116. The base part126is provided with a plurality of lightening holes in addition to a bolt hole127through which the stud bolt122(seeFIG.2(b)) of the inflator110is passed.

FIG.4(b)is a perspective view of the bracket112ofFIG.4(a)viewed from the vehicle outer side. The reaction force plate128is shaped bent to the vehicle outer side with regard to the base part126. The reaction force plate128is vertically longer than the base part126in order to provide a wider reaction force to the airbag cushion108. The reaction force plate128extends along the front edge130of the frame side plate part116at an angle at a slightly lower side point and at an incline for a large portion of an upper side.

FIG.4(c)is a cross-sectional view along B-B inFIG.4(a). As illustrated inFIG.4(c), a curved part142curved so as to protrude to the vehicle inner side is provided between the base part126and the reaction force plate128. The curved part142produces a moderate deflection of the reaction force plate128and absorbs a load received from the airbag cushion108(seeFIG.2(b)) during expansion.

A stopper groove144is provided at a rear edge of the base part126. The stopper groove144has a two-way structure, and a periphery of a rear edge133of the notch region132(seeFIG.3) is sandwiched from both sides in the vehicle width direction by two-way protrusions while the rear edge133of the notch region132is inserted into a groove portion.

FIG.5is a view illustrating a process of assembling the airbag module106inFIG.3to the frame side plate part116.FIG.5(a)illustrates a condition of the airbag module106immediately prior to being assembled to the frame side plate part116, as viewed from the vehicle outer side. The airbag module106is assembled by inserting the upper edge138and lower edge140of the base part126of the bracket112into the guide grooves134,136of the notch region132from the front.

FIG.5(b)illustrates a condition in which the airbag module106ofFIG.4(a)is fitted into the notch region132. Assembly of the airbag module106is completed when the rear edge133of the notch region132(seeFIG.5(a)) is inserted into the stopper groove144of the base part126.

FIG.5(c)is a cross-sectional view along C-C of the guide groove136inFIG.5(b). As described above, the guide groove136that the frame side plate part116has a two-way structure, and a vicinity of the lower edge140of the lower edge140of the base part126is guided by two-way protrusions from both sides in the vehicle width direction while the lower edge140of the base part126is inserted into the groove portion. This also applies for the upper guide groove134. Therefore, the base part126inserted into the guide grooves134,136inFIG.5(b)is prevented from falling off in the vehicle width direction.

FIG.5(b)is a cross sectional view along D-D of the stopper groove144ofFIG.5(a). As described above, the stopper groove144provided on the bracket112also has a two-way structure, and a vicinity of the rear edge133of the notch region132of the frame side plate part116is sandwiched by two-way protrusions from both sides in the vehicle width direction while the rear edge133of the notch region132of the frame side plate part116is inserted into a groove portion. Therefore, the stopper groove144also prevents the base part126of the bracket112from falling off in the vehicle width direction.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, after the airbag cushion108, the inflator110, and the bracket112are integrated to form the airbag module106, the airbag module106can be assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) by simply inserting the base part126of the bracket112into the notch region132of the frame side plate part116. In particular, bolts are not required to be fastened during assembly, and therefore, assembly work is simple and labor can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the bracket112is inserted into the notch region132from the front, but the bracket112is not secured to the frame side plate part116. However, the guide grooves134,136and the stopper groove144prevent the bracket112from falling off in the vehicle width direction. A load received from the airbag cushion108is applied to the bracket112toward the vehicle outer side and toward the rear of the vehicle and is not applied in a direction that would cause the bracket112to fall off the frame side plate part116. Therefore, the bracket112can fully support the airbag cushion108when the airbag cushion108is expanded and deployed and when restraining an occupant.

Note that the site where the guide groove134is provided is not limited to the upper and lower edges of the notched region132. For example, the guide groove134can be provided on the upper edge138and the lower edge140of the base part126. Furthermore, the guide groove can be provided, for example, on the upper edge of the notch region132on an upper side and on the lower edge140of the base part126on a lower side. Furthermore, the stopper groove144can also be provided on the rear edge133of the notch region132, rather than on the rear edge of the base part126. Based on these configurations, the bracket112can be assembled to the frame side plate part116simply by inserting the bracket112into the notch region132.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the airbag module106can be easily and fully assembled to the seat102, in other words, the vehicle.

FIG.6is a view illustrating a first modification example (side airbag device200) of the side airbag device100ofFIG.5. Hereinafter, the same components as described above are labeled with the same symbols, and therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted. Furthermore, the same names as the components described above shall have the same function unless otherwise indicated even when labeled with a different symbol.

FIG.6(a)illustrates a side airbag device200corresponding toFIG.5(a). In the side airbag device200, stopper grooves204,206are formed in a portion of a rear edge203of the notch region132of a frame side plate part202. Furthermore, a rear edge210of the base part126of a bracket208has protruding portions212,214that can be inserted into the stopper grooves204,206.

FIG.6(b)is a cross-sectional view along E-E of the stopper groove202ofFIG.6(a). The stopper groove202also has a two-way structure, and the protruding portion212of the base part126is sandwiched by two-way protrusions from both sides in the vehicle width direction while the protruding portion212(seeFIG.6(a)) of the base part126is inserted into a groove portion.

FIG.6(c)illustrates the side airbag device200corresponding toFIG.5(b). In the side airbag device200, assembly of the airbag module201is completed by inserting the protruding portions212,214(seeFIG.6(a)) of the base part126into the stopper grooves202,204of the notch region132.

Based on the configuration of the present embodiment, the airbag module201can be easily and fully assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) simply by inserting the base part126of the bracket112into the notch region132of the frame side plate part116.

FIG.7is a view illustrating a second modification example (side airbag device220) of the side airbag device100ofFIG.5.FIG.7illustrates the side airbag device200corresponding toFIG.5(b). In a frame side plate part222of the side airbag device220, the guide grooves134,136are formed in the upper and lower edges of the notch region132. Furthermore, a stopper groove224is continuously formed on the rear edge of the notch region132with the guide grooves134,136.

According to the side airbag device220, a groove is formed over an entire range of an edge of the notch region132into which an edge of the base part126of the bracket226is inserted. With this configuration, the entire range of edge of the notch region132and the bracket226are coupled to each other, and therefore, the rigidity of the frame side plate part222can be further supplemented, and the assembly rigidity of the airbag module221can be increased. Note that this configuration can be applied to continuously provide a guide groove and a stopper groove on an entire range of an edge of a base part of a bracket.

FIG.8is a view illustrating a third modification example (side airbag device240) of the side airbag device ofFIG.2(a).FIG.8(a)illustrates a side airbag device240corresponding toFIG.2(a). The side airbag device240has a different configuration from each of the side airbag devices from the perspective that a notch region244of a frame side plate part242is downwardly wider and a recessed lower region248is formed in a bracket246.

FIG.8(b)illustrates the side airbag device240corresponding toFIG.3. Of the frame side plate portion242, the notch region244is formed extending over a range below the base part126of the bracket246. Furthermore, of an airbag module241, a reaction force plate250of the bracket246has a lower region248with a shape recessed rearward along the notch region244that is formed in a region extending below than the base part126.

In the side airbag device240, the recessed lower region248is formed in the bracket246, and therefore, the airbag cushion108can be stored therein. In the airbag cushion108in a stored form, a fabric is often collected on a lower side, and thus the lower side tends to be thick. If the airbag cushion108is thick, the shape of padding in a seat must be changed or a range of opening of the cover of the seat102must be changed when storing in the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)), which increases labor and cost. For the side airbag device240, the lower region248is used as an evacuation location for the airbag cushion108, and therefore, a limited space inside the seat102can be effectively used, which is beneficial from the perspective of labor and cost.

FIG.9is a first modification example (frame side plate part260) of the frame side plate part116ofFIG.2(a). The frame side plate part260has a predetermined first rib262in a periphery of the notch region132. The rib262is provided so as to span a surface of the frame side plate part260on the vehicle inner side and a rear flange264. According to the rib262, even if the notch region132is provided on the frame side plate part260, the rigidity of the frame side plate part260can be supplemented. This rib262can also be provided on any of the frame side plate parts described above.

FIG.10is a second modification example (frame side plate part280) of the frame side plate part116ofFIG.2(a).FIG.10(a)is a perspective view of a frame side plate part280as viewed from the vehicle inner side. The frame side plate part280has a box shaped part282on the vehicle outer side of the notch region132. The box shaped part282is formed on one side in the vehicle width direction and is configured to be open toward the front. The notch region132is formed in a range of the front edge130of the frame side plate part116on an inner side of the box shaped part282.

FIG.10(b)is a perspective view of a frame side plate part280of theFIG.10(a)as viewed from the vehicle inner side. The box shaped part282covers the notch region132from the vehicle outer side. The box shaped part282can also supplement the rigidity of the frame side plate part280having the notch region132.

FIG.11is an example of adding a second rib290to the box shaped part282inFIG.10(b). The rib290is provided so as to span an upper surface of the box shaped part282and a surface of the frame side plate part280on the vehicle inner side. The rib290is continuously provided with the box shaped part282, such that the rigidity of the frame side plate part280can be further supplemented. Note that the box shaped part283and the rib290can also be provided on any of the frame side plate parts described above.

FIG.12is a view illustrating a side airbag device300according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.FIG.12(a)illustrates a side airbag device300corresponding toFIG.2(a). The configuration of the side airbag device300is different from each of the side airbag devices of Embodiment 1 from the perspective that the notch region132(seeFIG.3) is not present in a frame side plate part302and an airbag module304is assembled to a frame side plate part302using a protruding part (front side protruding parts308ato308cinFIG.12(b)) of a bracket306.

FIG.12(b)is a view illustrating the side airbag device300corresponding toFIG.3. The base part126of the bracket306is along a surface of the frame side plate part302on the vehicle inner side. The reaction force plate128extends from the base part126across the front edge130of the frame side plate part302in the vehicle width direction to the vehicle outer side. Furthermore, as a plurality of protruding parts, a total of three front side protruding parts308ato308care provided on the rear side of the reaction force plate128, extending from the reaction force plate128to the frame side plate part302on the rear.

The front side protruding parts308ato308care spaced apart in an up-down direction of the reaction force plate128and extend toward the front edge130of the frame side plate part302. Corresponding to the front side protruding parts308ato308c, a total of three front side insertion hole310ato310cinto which the respective front side protruding parts308ato308care inserted are provided in the front edge130of the frame side plate part302.

FIG.13is a view illustrating the side airbag device300inFIG.12from another direction.FIG.13(a)illustrates the bracket306ofFIG.12(b)as viewed from vehicle outer side. The stud bolt122of the inflator110(seeFIG.12(b)) extends through the base part126of the bracket306toward the vehicle outer side. The stud bolt122can be used as a side surface protruding part.

FIG.13(b)illustrates the side airbag device300ofFIG.12(a)from vehicle outer side. The front side protruding parts308ato308cdescribed above are inserted into the front side insertion holes310ato310c(seeFIG.12(b)) of the frame side plate part302from the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the stud bolt122serving as a side surface protruding part is inserted into a side surface insertion hole312formed penetrating through the frame side plate part302in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle inner side. At this time, the side surface insertion hole312is simply configured to be hooked through the stud bolt122and nut124, and is formed with a larger diameter than the nut124. Note that the side surface insertion hole312can also be implemented as a non-penetrating recessed shape if the frame side plate part302is thick in the vehicle width direction.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, after the airbag cushion108, the inflator110, and the bracket306are integrated to form the airbag module304, the airbag module304can be assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) simply by inserting the front side protruding parts308ato308cof the bracket306and the stud bolt122serving as the side surface protruding part into the frame side plate part302. According to this configuration, bolts are also not required to be fastened during assembly, and therefore, assembly work is simple and labor can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the bracket306is not bolted or the like to the frame side plate part302, except that the protruding parts are inserted into the frame side plate part302. However, the front side protruding parts308ato308cextending rearwardly prevent the bracket306from moving in the vehicle width direction, and the stud bolt122extending to the vehicle outer side prevents the bracket306from moving in the front-back direction. Therefore, even if the bracket306is subjected to a load from the airbag cushion108to the vehicle outer side and rear side, there is no concern that the bracket306will fall off the frame side plate part302, and thus the airbag cushion108can be suitably supported.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the airbag module304can also be easily and fully assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)), in other words, the vehicle. Note that the number of the front side protruding parts308ato308ccan be further increased. By increasing the number of the front side protruding parts308ato308c, the posture of the bracket306when assembled to the frame side plate part302becomes more stable.

FIG.14is a first modification example (bracket320) of the bracket inFIG.13(b). The bracket320can be provided only with a side surface protruding part with the front side protruding parts308ato308comitted. For example, in addition to the two stud bolts122a,122bfunctioning as side surface protruding parts, two new side surface protruding parts322a,322bare added to the bracket320.

The bracket320is assembled to an inner side of the frame side plate part302(seeFIG.13(b)) by inserting a total of four protruding parts, namely the stud bolts122a,122band the side surface protruding parts322a,322b, into the frame side plate part302. Even in this case, the protruding parts prevent the bracket320from moving in the front-back direction. Therefore, even if the bracket320is subjected to a load from the airbag cushion108to the vehicle outer side and rear side, there is no concern that the bracket306will fall off the frame side plate part302, and thus the airbag cushion118can be suitably supported.

Note that the number of the side surface protruding parts322a,322bcan be further increased. By increasing the number of the side surface protruding parts322a,322b, the posture of the bracket306when assembled to the frame side plate part302becomes more stable.

FIG.15is a view illustrating a first modification example (side airbag device340) of the side airbag device300ofFIG.13(b).FIG.15(a)illustrates a side airbag device340corresponding toFIG.11(a). The side airbag device340has a different configuration from each of the side airbag devices from the perspective that a notch region344is formed on a frame side plate part342and the recessed lower region248is formed in a bracket346.

FIG.15(b)illustrates the side airbag device340corresponding toFIG.11(b). The notch region344of the frame side plate part342is formed in a range below the base part126of the bracket346. Furthermore, the reaction force plate250of the bracket346of an airbag module341has the lower region248with a shape recessed rearward along the notch region344that is formed in a region extending below the base part126.

In the side airbag device340, the recessed lower region248is formed in the bracket346, and therefore, the airbag cushion108can be stored therein, similar to the side airbag device240ofFIG.8. For the side airbag device340, the lower region248is also used as an evacuation location for the airbag cushion108, and therefore, a limited space inside the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) can be effectively used, which is beneficial from the perspective of labor and cost.

FIG.16is a view illustrating a second modification example (side airbag device360) of the side airbag device300ofFIG.13(b).FIG.16(a)illustrates the side airbag device360corresponding toFIG.13(b). The configuration of the side airbag device360is different from the side airbag device300from the perspective that a base part364of a bracket362is attached along a surface of the frame side plate part302on an outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the inflator110and the airbag cushion108are also provided on the outer side of the base part364in the vehicle width direction.

FIG.16(b)is a view illustrating the bracket362and inflator110ofFIG.16(a). The base part364of the bracket362is provided in a flat plate shape along the outer surface of the frame side plate302(FIG.16(a)) in the vehicle width direction. Legs366a,366bcurved to protrude to the outer side in the vehicle width direction are provided on a front edge of the base part364, and a reaction force plate368extends from the legs366a,366bto the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

FIG.17is a cross-sectional view of the side airbag device360inFIG.16(a)and a view illustrating another modification example.FIG.17(a)is a cross-sectional view along F-F of the side airbag device360ofFIG.16(a). As illustrated inFIG.17(a), the reaction force plate368extends to the inner side in the vehicle width direction via the leg366athat bends from a front side of the base part364. In the side airbag device360, the airbag cushion108can also push against the reaction force plate368to expand and deploy efficiently toward the front of the vehicle.

Based on the configuration of the side airbag device360, after the airbag cushion108, the inflator110, and the bracket362are integrated to form an airbag module370, the airbag module370can be assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) simply by inserting the front side protruding parts308ato308c(seeFIG.16(b)) of the bracket362and the stud bolt122(seeFIG.17(a)) serving as the side surface protruding part into the frame side plate part302. According to this configuration, bolts are also not required to be fastened during assembly, and therefore, assembly work is simple and labor can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the bracket362is not bolted or the like to the frame side plate part302, except that the protruding parts are inserted into the frame side plate part302. However, the front side protruding parts308ato308c(seeFIG.16(b)) extending rearwardly prevent the bracket362from moving in the vehicle width direction, and the stud bolt122extending to the inner side in the vehicle width direction prevents the bracket362from moving in the front-back direction. Therefore, even if the bracket362is subjected to a load from the airbag cushion108to the inner side in the vehicle width direction and rear side, there is no concern that the bracket362will fall off the frame side plate part302, and thus the airbag cushion108can be suitably supported.

As described above, based on the configuration of the side airbag device360, the airbag module370can also be easily and fully assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)), in other words, the vehicle. Note that the number of the front side protruding parts308ato308c(seeFIG.16(b)) can be further increased. Furthermore, similar to the side surface protruding parts322a,322bof the bracket320ofFIG.14, the bracket362can also be provided with a side surface protruding part extending to the inner side in the vehicle width direction from the base part364in place of the front side protruding part308ato308. Even in this case, the bracket362can be assembled on the outer side of the frame side plate part302in the vehicle width direction by inserting the stud bolt122and the side surface protruding part into the frame side plate part302, and thus the airbag cushion108can be suitably continually supported.

FIG.17(b)is a fourth modification example (side airbag device380) of the side airbag device1000ofFIG.2(b). In a side airbag device380, similar to the side airbag device360ofFIG.17(a), the inflator110and the airbag cushion108are provided on the outer side of the base part384of the bracket382in the vehicle width direction.

Similar to the side airbag device100ofFIG.2(a), the side airbag device380is configured to be assembled by inserting the base part384of the bracket382into the notch region132of the frame side plate part116. In the bracket382, the stopper groove144on the rear edge of the base part384also sandwiches a periphery of the rear edge of the notch region132from both sides in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the reaction force plate368extends to the inner side in the vehicle width direction via the leg366abent from a front side of the base part384. In the side airbag device380, the airbag cushion108can also push against the reaction force plate368to expand and deploy efficiently toward the front of the vehicle.

In the side airbag device380, the following effects are achieved similarly to the side airbag device100of Embodiment1illustrated inFIG.2(b)and the like. In other words, after the airbag cushion108, the inflator110, and the bracket382are integrated to form an airbag module390, the airbag module390can be assembled to the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) by simply inserting the base part384of the bracket382into the notch region132of the frame side plate part116. In particular, bolts are not required to be fastened during assembly, and therefore, assembly work is simple and labor can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the side airbag device380, the guide grooves134,136(seeFIG.5) and the stopper groove144can be used to prevent the bracket382from falling off in the vehicle width direction, and thus the airbag cushion108can be fully supported by the bracket382.

Note that in the side airbag device360ofFIG.17(a)and the side airbag device380ofFIG.17(b), the notch region344of the frame side plate part342ofFIG.15and the notch region244of the frame side plate part242ofFIG.8(b)can also be provided, and the lower region248is provided on a lower side of each bracket. In this case, for the side airbag devices360,380, similarly to the side airbag device240ofFIG.8, the lower region248can also used as an evacuation location for the airbag cushion108, and therefore, a limited space inside the seat102(seeFIG.1(a)) can be effectively used, which is beneficial from the perspective of labor and cost.

Preferred examples of the present invention were described above while referring to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can be implemented or performed by various methods. In particular, unless described otherwise in the specification of the present application, the invention is not limited to the shape, size, configurational disposition, and the like of parts illustrated in detail in the attached drawings. Furthermore, expressions and terms used in the specification of the present application are used for providing a description, and the invention is not limited thereto, unless specifically described otherwise.

Therefore, it is obvious that a person with ordinary skill in the art can conceive various changed examples or modified examples within the scope described in the scope of the claims, which is understood to naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be used in an airbag device mounted on a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF CODES