RU2673417C1 - Car side part design - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: motor vehicle industry.SUBSTANCE: design of the side of the car, allowing to stabilize the process of opening the airbag, which inflates and opens from the side door to the outside, defined in the transverse direction of the car. Protective beam is attached to the inner door panel. Protective beam of the door contains a support part that supports the injection device, and which contains a side wall located on the inside of the injection device defined along the vehicle’s transverse direction. Accordingly, the reactive force caused by the deployment of an airbag may be perceived by the support portion of the protective beam when the airbag inflates and opens. Inflating area of the airbag comprises a hole made in the outer door panel for inflating the airbag and an outer door trim strip serving as a closing element attached to the opening. Outer decorative cover of the door contains a closing part and a pair of clamps located in the longitudinal direction of the closing part so that in the transverse direction of the closing part they face each other, and each clamp has a pair of inclined surfaces.EFFECT: stabilization of the airbag deployment from a side door is stabilized.1 cl, 14 dwg

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a side structure of an automobile.

State of the art

[0002] Publication at the national phase in Japan of International Application No. 2005-537165 (Patent Document 1) discloses an invention related to an external airbag system for protecting passengers. This system of external airbags for the protection of passengers involves the installation of a blower and an airbag inside the side door. The passenger airbag system also provides a collision prediction system to predict collisions between the vehicle and the vehicle. When forecasting a collision collision between a vehicle and an object with a predictive collision detection system, the blower device is actuated so that the airbag inflates and opens from the side door to the outside defined in the transverse direction of the car. Accordingly, the collision energy, when the object and the car collide, is absorbed by the airbag, and as a result, the relative speed of the object relative to the car decreases.

[0003] However, the prior art does not provide any structural element for taking on the reactive force caused by the deployment of the airbag. Consequently, there is room for improvement with regard to stabilizing the deployment process of the airbag, which inflates and opens from the side door to the outside, defined in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a side car structure capable of stabilizing an air bag deployment process inflated and deployed from a side door to an outside defined in the transverse direction of the car.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, the side structure of an automobile comprises an outer door panel, an inner door panel, an airbag, a controller, an airbag inflation portion and a reinforcing element. The outer door panel forms a part of the side door from the outside, defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The inner door panel forms a part of the side door on the inside defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The airbag is able to inflate and open into the outside of the side door, which is determined along the transverse direction of the car, with the help of gas released when the blower device located between the outer and inner door panels is activated. The controller contains a predictive component that predicts whether or not a collision of an object approaching a car with a side door will occur. The controller activates the discharge device in the event that it is determined, based on the signal generated by the prognostic component, that the object will collide with the side door. The airbag inflating section is in a normally closed state. The airbag inflating section is made on the outer door panel so that the airbag can inflate and open into the outer side of the outer door panel defined along the transverse direction of the car, in case of inflating and opening the airbag. The reinforcing element is located on the inner side of the discharge device, which is determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, and contains a support part holding the discharge device and attached to the inner door panel.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, an injection device is disposed between an outer door panel forming a part of a side door from an outside determined along a transverse direction of the car and an inner door panel forming a part of a side door from an inner side defined along a transverse direction of a car. The discharge device is controlled by a controller containing a predictive component that determines whether or not an object approaching the vehicle will collide with the side door of the vehicle. When, based on the signal generated by the predictive component, the controller determines that the object will collide with the side door, the controller drives the discharge device.

[0007] In addition, an air bag inflating portion is provided on the outer door panel. The airbag inflating section is in the normally closed position, and the airbag inflating section is designed so that the airbag can inflate and open into the outside of the outer door panel, which is defined along the transverse direction of the car, in case of inflating and opening the airbag. Thus, when a collision between the object and the side door of the car is predicted, the gas discharged by the powered blower inflates and opens the airbag into the outside of the side door defined along the transverse direction of the car through the inflation section of the airbag. As a result, even in the event of a collision between an object and a car, the collision energy released in a collision of an object and a car can be absorbed by the airbag.

[0008] However, in the absence of a structural element that would take on the reactive force caused by the deployment of the airbag when the airbag inflates and unfolds, the deployment process of the airbag may be unstable.

[0009] To solve this problem in accordance with the present invention, a reinforcing element is fixed to the inner door panel. The reinforcing element comprises a support part located with the inner side of the discharge device defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, and holds the discharge device. This allows the supporting portion of the reinforcing element to absorb the reactive force caused by the deployment of the airbag when the airbag inflates and unfolds.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a side structure of a car is a first aspect in which the support portion includes a side wall, an upper wall and a lower wall. The thickness of the side wall is directed along the transverse direction of the car, and the side wall itself extends in the longitudinal direction of the car. The upper wall protrudes into the outer side defined along the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the side wall located on the upper side of the car. The lower wall protrudes into the outer side defined along the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the side wall located on the lower side of the car. Further, the discharge device is in the form of a tube having a closed end portion, and the discharge device is located in a state in which it is surrounded by a supporting part, with the exception of the outside determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, the support portion includes a side wall, an upper wall and a lower wall. The thickness of the side wall is directed along the transverse direction of the car, and the side wall itself extends in the longitudinal direction of the car. Upper wall The upper wall protruding to the outer side defined along the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the side wall located on the upper side of the car. The lower wall protrudes into the outer side defined along the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the side wall located on the lower side of the car. In addition, the discharge device is in the form of a tube having a closed end portion, and the discharge device is located in a state in which it is surrounded by a supporting part, with the exception of the outside determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The present invention provides for the perception of reactive force from the deployment of the airbag when the airbag inflates and unfolds in three different directions, with the exception of the outside defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention, a side structure of a car is a first object in which the support part is made in the form of a plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the car and the support part has a cross section in the form of an arc of a circle open in a direction determined along the transverse direction of the car outward when viewed in the longitudinal direction. Further, the discharge device is in the form of a circular tube with a closed end portion, and the discharge device is located in a state in which it is surrounded by a supporting part, with the exception of the outside determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the invention, the support part is made in the form of a plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the car, and the support part has a cross section in the form of an arc of a circle open to the outside determined along the transverse direction of the car when viewed in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the discharge device is in the form of a circular tube with a closed end portion, and the discharge device is located in a state in which it is surrounded by a supporting part, with the exception of the outside determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the present invention, the shape of the discharge device corresponds to the shape of the support portion, eliminating the gap between the discharge device and the support portion.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the side structure of a car is a second object or third object, in which the reinforcing element is made up of at least one of the upper extension wall or the lower extension wall. The upper continuing wall is located on the outer side of the support part defined along the transverse direction of the car and protrudes to the upper side of the car from the peripheral edge of the support part located on the upper side of the car. The lower extension wall is located on the outside of the support part defined along the transverse direction of the car and protrudes to the lower side of the car from the peripheral edge of the support part located on the lower side of the car.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the reinforcing element comprises at least one of an upper extension wall or a lower extension wall. The upper continuing wall is located on the outer side of the support part defined along the transverse direction of the car and protrudes to the upper side of the car from the peripheral edge of the support part located on the upper side of the car. The lower extension wall is located on the outside of the support part defined along the transverse direction of the car and protrudes to the lower side of the car from the peripheral edge of the support part located on the lower side of the car. Accordingly, according to the present invention, at least one of the upper extension wall or the lower extension wall is located on the inside of the airbag being determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle after inflation and deployment of the airbag.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a side structure of a car is a first object in which the discharge device is in the form of a tube extending in the longitudinal direction of the car and having a closed end portion, and the supporting part is made comprising an inner side wall, a first continuing wall , the outer side wall, the second continuing wall. The inner side wall is located with the inner side of the blower device defined along the transverse direction of the car, runs along the blower device and is attached to the inner door panel in a position in which the plate thickness is directed along the transverse direction of the car. The first extending wall protrudes into the outer side defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the inner side wall located either on the upper side of the vehicle or on the lower side of the vehicle. The outer side wall protrudes from the peripheral edge of the first extension wall located on the outside of the vehicle, which is determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, to that side of the first extension wall, which is opposite to the side of the discharge device. The second extension wall protrudes into the inner side defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the outer side wall located on that side of the outer side wall that is opposite to the side of the discharge device.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the discharge device is made in the form of a tube extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and having a closed end portion. In addition to this, the supporting part is made comprising an inner side wall, a first extension wall, an outer side wall, and a second extension wall. The inner side wall is located with the inner side of the blower device defined along the transverse direction of the car, runs along the blower device and is attached to the inner door panel in a position in which the plate thickness is directed along the transverse direction of the car. This allows the inner side wall and the inner door panel to take on reactive force from the deployment of the airbag when the airbag inflates and unfolds.

[0018] In addition, the first extension wall extends into the outer side defined along the vehicle transverse direction from either the peripheral edge of the inner side wall located either on the upper side of the vehicle or on the lower side of the vehicle. The outer side wall protrudes from the peripheral edge of the first extension wall located on the outside of the vehicle, which is determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, to that side of the first extension wall, which is opposite to the side of the discharge device. The second extension wall protrudes into the inner side defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the outer side wall located on that side of the outer side wall that is opposite to the side of the discharge device.

[0019] Accordingly, the cross-section of a portion of the reinforcing element formed by the first extension wall, the outer side wall, and the second extension wall is a U-shape open to the interior defined in the transverse direction of the vehicle when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing element. The result is the stiffness of the reinforcing element relative to the shock load transmitted through the airbag towards the side door from the object that collided with the car.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a side structure of a car is a fourth aspect based on a second aspect, wherein the reinforcing element is provided with an upper extending wall and a lower extending wall, and the reinforcing element comprises a pair of beam elements in the form of tubes extending along the support parts. The beam elements are located with the inner side of the upper extension wall and the lower extension wall defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the support portion is capable of absorbing reactive force from the deployment of the airbag in three different directions, with the exception of the outside defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The reinforcing element is made with an upper extension wall and a lower extension wall, and the beam-shaped elements in the form of tubes extending along the supporting part are located with the inner side, respectively, of the upper extension wall and the lower extension wall, defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The present invention, therefore, provides that the shock load transmitted through the airbag towards the side door from the object colliding with the car is perceived by a pair of beam elements.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a side structure of a car is a fourth aspect based on a second aspect in which a reinforcing element is provided with an upper extension wall and a lower extension wall. On the upper side of the vehicle, a first reinforcing part is made on the upper extension wall, which is a continuation of the upper extension wall, and on the lower side of the car, a second reinforcing part is made on the lower extension wall, which is an extension of the lower extension wall. The first reinforcing part comprises a first upper reinforcing wall protruding into the inner side defined along the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the upper extending wall located on the upper side of the car, and a second upper reinforcing wall protruding into the upper side of the car from the peripheral edge of the first upper reinforcing wall located with the inner side of the first upper reinforcing wall defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The second reinforcing part comprises a first lower reinforcing wall protruding into the inner side defined along the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the lower extending wall located on the lower side of the car, and a second lower reinforcing wall protruding into the lower side of the car from the peripheral edge of the first lower reinforcing wall located with the inner side of the first lower reinforcing wall defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a first reinforcing portion comprising a first upper reinforcing wall and a second upper reinforcing wall is located on the reinforcing element portion located on the upper side of the vehicle. The first reinforcing part, the upper continuing wall, as well as the upper wall and the side wall of the supporting part, form a section with a cross section in the shape of a “hat”, open to the inside defined in the transverse direction of the car, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing element. In addition, a second reinforcing part comprising a first lower reinforcing wall and a second lower reinforcing wall is located on the part of the reinforcing element located on the underside of the vehicle. The second reinforcing part, the lower continuing wall, as well as the lower wall and the side wall of the supporting part, form a section with a cross-section in the form of a “hat” open in the inner side defined in the transverse direction of the car, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing element ..

[0024] Accordingly, the second moment in the cross-sectional area of the reinforcing element relative to the neutral line of bending in the transverse direction of the car can be increased compared with the case when the reinforcing element is made in the form of a flat plate. As a result, the stiffening of the reinforcing element relative to the shock load transmitted through the airbag towards the side door from the object colliding with the car increases.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car is one of the first to seventh objects in which the air bag inflating section comprises a closure element that closes an opening formed in the outer door panel through which the air bag can inflate and disclosure. The closing element is designed so that when pressed from the side of the airbag to separate from the outer door panel.

[0026] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, an opening is made in the outer door panel through which an airbag can be inflated during inflation and deployment. Thus, in the case when a collision between the object and the side door of the car is predicted, the airbag inflates and opens, passing through the said hole into the outside of the side door defined in the transverse direction of the car.

[0027] From the point of view of ensuring the proper appearance of the side door, it is preferable that the hole in the outer door panel is generally invisible from the transverse direction of the vehicle on the outside. On the other hand, from the position of light inflation and deployment of the airbag, it is preferable that the hole does not contain anything that constitutes an obstacle when inflating and deploying the airbag.

[0028] According to the present invention, an aperture formed in an outer door panel is closed by a closure member, and under normal conditions, the aperture and airbag remain hidden behind the closure member. The closing element is designed so as to separate from the outer door panel under pressure from the side of the airbag when it is inflated and deployed. Thus, the closing element is detached from the outer door panel to the outside defined in the transverse direction of the car when the airbag is inflated and the airbag opens so that the hole is in the open state.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a side structure of an automobile is an eighth object in which a closure member is connected to a reinforcing member via a connecting portion. The connecting part is capable of providing a connected state between the closure element and the reinforcing element in a state in which the closure element is separated from the outer door panel.

[0030] According to a ninth aspect, the closure element is connected to the reinforcing element by means of a connecting part, and a connected state between the closure element and the reinforcing element is ensured even in a state in which the closure element is separated from the outer door panel.

[0031] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car is one of the first to seventh objects in which the air bag inflating section comprises a closure element that closes an opening in the outer door panel through which the airbag can inflate when inflated and disclosure. The closing element is designed in such a way that when pressed from the side of the airbag, it is disconnected so as to open into a state where an airbag can pass through it.

[0032] The tenth aspect of the invention has substantially the same configuration as the first aspect, and has the same operation and advantages as the first aspect. In addition, in the present invention, a closure member that closes an opening made in the outer door panel is pressurized by the airbag when inflating and opening to separate and open a state through which the airbag is able to pass. Essentially, in accordance with the present invention, the airbag can be inflated and deployed to the laterally determined exterior side of the side door from a state in which the closing element is located on the outer door panel.

[0033] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car is one of the first to seventh objects in which the airbag inflating section comprises a tearing portion formed on the outer door panel. The tear section is designed to disengage when the outer door panel is pressurized by the airbag during inflation and opening, and so that as a result of the disconnection, an opening is formed in the outer door panel through which the airbag can pass.

[0034] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, a tear portion is provided on the outer door panel. The tear section is disconnected when the outer door panel is pressurized by the airbag during inflation and deployment. The rupture section is disconnected so that an opening is formed in the outer door panel through which the airbag can pass, and the airbag inflates and opens into the outside of the side door defined in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Thus, the need for protrusions not provided for in the design on the stylized surface of the side door is eliminated, and the negative impact on the appearance of the stylized surface can be eliminated in comparison with the configuration, which provides for the placement on the hole made in the outer door panel through which the airbag can pass closing element in order to close the hole.

[0035] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, a side structure of an automobile is an eleventh aspect in which the outer door panel is made of a polymer material.

[0036] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the outer door panel is made of a polymer material, the use of which allows to reduce the weight of the outer door panel. In addition, in comparison with an external door panel made of metal, the load from the external door panel, which is overcome by the airbag when inflating and opening, is reduced.

[0037] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car is one of the first to twelfth objects in which the discharge device is located in that part of the side door that is closer to the front of the car than the central portion of the side door defined in the longitudinal direction of the car .

[0038] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the discharge device is located in that part of the side door that is closer to the front of the car than the central portion of the side door defined in the longitudinal direction of the car. With this configuration, even when the object collides with the side door of the car, when the discharge device moves under the influence of the object, at least the upper body of the passenger is not in the way of the discharge device.

[0039] According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car is one of the first to thirteenth objects in which the reinforcing element is positioned so that, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, a part of the reinforcing element overlaps at least one of the front racks and central racks. The front pillar is part of the car body, while part of the front pillar is located so as to overlap located on the front side of the car peripheral edge of the inner door panel, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car. The central pillar is part of the car body, while part of the central pillar is located so as to overlap located on the rear side of the car, the peripheral edge of the inner door panel, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car.

[0040] According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the reinforcing element is arranged so that, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, part of the reinforcing element overlaps at least one of the front pillar, which is part of the car body, and the central pillar, which is also part car body. When viewed along the transverse direction of the car, a part of the front pillar is positioned so as to overlap the peripheral edge of the inner door panel located on the front side of the car, and when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, part of the central pillar is positioned to overlap the peripheral edge of the car edge of the inner door panel. Thus, even if the reinforcing element is subjected to pressure from an object colliding with the side door, the reinforcing element rests on at least one of the front pillar or the central pillar in a state in which the inner door panel is located between the reinforcing element and the front pillar or central rack.

[0041] As shown above, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect in the form of stabilizing the deployment of the airbag when it is inflated and from the side door to the outside defined in the transverse direction of the car.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect that improves the stability of inflation and deployment of the airbag from the side door to the outside defined in the transverse direction of the car.

[0043] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect, allowing to reduce the space required to accommodate the discharge device and the reinforcing element.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect, allowing the reinforcing element to absorb the shock load transmitted from the object colliding with the car via the airbag to the side door.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect, allowing the reinforcing element to take on increased reactive force from the deployment of the airbag, caused by inflation and deployment of the airbag, and also providing a stable perception of the reinforcing element transmitted through the airbag on the side door of the shock load from an object colliding with the car.

[0046] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect, allowing various relevant elements to be used to absorb reactive forces from the deployment of the airbag and the impact perception towards the side door.

[0047] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect that provides a stable state when the shock load is perceived towards the side door.

[0048] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect, which allows both to maintain the normal appearance of the side door and to reduce the resistance of the airbag when it is inflated and deployed.

[0049] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect in preventing loss of a closing element when inflating and deploying an airbag.

[0050] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect, allowing both to maintain the normal appearance of the side door and, compared with the configuration in which the closure element is detached from the side door, reduce environmental impact in form of a closing element.

[0051] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect, which allows both to reduce the number of components on the side of the side door and to maintain the normal appearance of the side door.

[0052] In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect that improves stability with which the airbag inflates and unfolds to the outside defined in the transverse direction of the vehicle while reducing the weight of the side door.

[0053] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the vehicle has an excellent beneficial effect that prevents the discharge device from moving toward the upper body of the passenger as a result of an impact load from an object colliding with the side door of the vehicle.

[0054] In accordance with the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the side structure of the car has an excellent beneficial effect, allowing for the perception of shock load from an object colliding with the side door of the car, an element of the car body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0055] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, where:

In FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view illustrating a position along line 1-1 of FIG. 6) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a car in which a side structure of a car according to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front side a car;

In FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process carried out in an external cushion system for side impact protection provided in an automobile, the side structure of which corresponds to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the normal position of an airbag in a side door of a vehicle, the side structure of which corresponds to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention when viewed from the front of the vehicle;

In FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the position of an airbag in a side door of a car immediately after a predicted point in time of impact loading when the side structure of the car is in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the invention when viewed from the front of the car;

In FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the position of the airbag with respect to the side door of the vehicle after inflation and deployment, when the side structure of the vehicle is in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the invention when viewed from the front of the vehicle;

In FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the state after the airbag has been deployed in the side door of the car, the side structure of which corresponds to the first illustrative embodiment of the invention when viewed from the outside determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle (in the direction of arrow 4 in FIG. 3C);

In FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a car, the side structure of which corresponds to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention, in a state in which the outer door panel is not shown when viewed from the outside determined along the transverse direction of the car;

In FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a side door of a car, the side structure of which corresponds to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention when viewed from an outside determined along a transverse direction of the car;

In FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (cross-section corresponding to FIG. 1) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a car in which a side structure of a car according to a second illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the car;

In FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a car in which a side structure of a car according to a third illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the car;

In FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 1) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a vehicle in which a side structure of a vehicle according to a fourth illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the vehicle;

In FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a vehicle in which a side structure of a vehicle according to a fifth illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the vehicle;

In FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 1) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a car in which a side structure of a car according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the car;

In FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of an airbag and a closure member located in a side door of a vehicle in which a side structure of a vehicle according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the vehicle;

In FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 1) illustrating a configuration of respective parts of a side door of a vehicle in which a side structure of a vehicle according to a seventh illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from the front of the vehicle; and

In FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a side door of a vehicle in which a side structure of a vehicle according to a seventh illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied when viewed from an outside defined along a vehicle lateral direction.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0056] First Exemplary Embodiment With reference to FIG. 1-6, a description is provided regarding a first illustrative embodiment for a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that in all the drawings, the FORWARD arrow points to the front of the car, the UP arrow points to the top of the car, and the RIGHT arrow points to the right side of the car along the transverse axis of the car, where applicable.

[0057] First of all, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a description is given regarding a schematic representation of a vehicle 10 in which a side structure of a vehicle according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention is applied. It should be noted that in the present illustrative embodiment, the car 10 is fundamentally made with left-right symmetry. Therefore, the description below will focus on the configuration of the car parts on the right side of the car 10 defined along the transverse axis, and the description of the configuration of the car parts on the left side of the car 10 defined along the transverse axis will be omitted where appropriate. The vehicle 10 is configured to include a vehicle body 12, a side door (front side door) 14 attached to the vehicle body 12, and a side-impact cushion system 34 described below, installed in the vehicle 10.

[0058] The car body 12 is configured to include a roof side beam 16 forming the upper side of the car body 12 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the car, and a threshold 18 forming the lower side part of the car body 12 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the car.

[0059] The front pillar 20 and the central pillar 22, connecting together the side beam 16 of the roof with a threshold 18, are located on the side portion 12A of the car body 12. In particular, the front strut 20 extends along the vertical axis of the vehicle, and the front strut 20 connects the front of the roof side beam 16 to the front of the threshold 18 along the vertical axis of the vehicle. The central pillar 22 extends along the vertical axis of the car, and the central pillar 22 connects the central part of the side beam 16 of the roof, defined in the longitudinal direction of the car, to the central part of the threshold 18, defined in the longitudinal direction of the car. A doorway 24, the boundaries of which are a side beam 16 of the roof, a threshold 18, a front pillar 20 and a central pillar 22, and which has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed along the transverse axis of the car, in which the side door 14 opens and closes, is formed in the side parts 12A of the car body 12.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, in a state in which the doorway 24 is closed (a state in which the side door 14 is closed), the direction of the width of the side door 14 (the direction of the width of the door) coincides with the longitudinal direction of the car, and the direction of the thickness of the side door 14 (the direction of thickness of the door) is the same with the transverse direction of the car. It should be noted that both the door width direction and the door thickness direction used in the description below mean a direction in a state in which the side door 14 is closed.

[0061] The side door 14 comprises an outer door panel 26 made of metal and constituting the outer part of the side door 14 defined along the transverse direction of the car, and an inner door panel 28 made of metal and constituting the inner part of the side door 14 defined along the transverse direction a car. Outer door panel 26 extends along the vertical direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The outer door panel 26 is curved in such a way that the central part of the outer door panel 26, defined along the transverse direction of the car, protrudes to the outer side of the transverse direction of the car in a cross section taken along the vertical direction of the car, and that the central part of the outer door panel 26, defined along the vertical direction of the car, protrudes to the outside of the transverse direction of the car in a cross section taken along the longitudinal direction of the car. In other words, the outer door panel 26 is bent so that the central portion of the outer door panel 26 projects to the outside of the transverse direction of the car when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the car.

[0062] The inner door panel 28 extends along the vertical direction of the car and the longitudinal direction of the car. Technological holes 30 used during maintenance or other work are formed in the inner door panel 28 in several places. The peripheral edge of the inner door panel 28 is connected to the peripheral edge of the outer door panel 26 by flange.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, the side door 14, made in accordance with the above description, is arranged so that the peripheral edge (on one side of the door in the direction of its width) of the inner door panel 28 on the front side of the car overlaps the front pillar 20 in a state when the doorway 24 is closed when viewed along the transverse direction of the car (direction of door thickness). In this state, the peripheral edge (on the other side of the door in the direction of its width) of the inner door panel 28 from the rear side of the car overlaps the central pillar 22 when viewed along the transverse direction of the car. Further, an interior space 32 having a depth in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and along the transverse direction of the vehicle is formed between the outer door panel 26 and the inner door panel 28. As shown in FIG. 1, a known window mechanism (not shown), a protective beam 48 serving as a reinforcing element, and an airbag device 36, which are described below, and the like, are located in the inner space 32.

[0064] The airbag device 36 is attached to the safety beam 48 as described below. As shown in FIG. 1, together with the controller 43, the airbag device 36 is part of the side impact system 34 of the airbag. The airbag device 36 includes an air bag 38 and a blower device 40, which is a gas generator.

[0065] The airbag 38, for example, is in the form of a bag of several pieces of material made of nylon or polyester sewn to each other along the outer peripheral edge. The discharge device 40 is integrated into the airbag 38 from the side of the main end (from the inside of the transverse direction of the vehicle). In the state in which the airbag 38 is folded in a certain way, for example by folding or twisting, into a cylinder shape, the airbag 38 is wrapped in a wrapping material (not shown) that is easily burst by the discharge pressure created by the pressure device 40 and the airbag 38. It should be noted that in the figures in which the airbag 38 is shown, the outer contour of the airbag 38 is shown schematically.

[0066] By the discharge device 40 is meant a cylindrical type blower, the discharge device 40 being made in the form of a tube and its end parts are closed on both sides in the longitudinal direction. The end part of the blower device 40 from the rear side of the car (rear end part) is positioned so as to be lower in the vertical direction of the car relative to the end part of the blower device 40 from the front side of the car (front end part), when viewed along the transverse direction of the car. Essentially, the discharge device 40 is located in a position in which its longitudinal direction is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by a certain angle when viewed along the transverse direction of the vehicle. It should be noted that the discharge device 40 is located inside the end of the airbag 38 from the front of the vehicle (front end) in a position in which the longitudinal direction of the discharge device 40 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the airbag 38 (see FIG. 5) when the airbag safety is in a collapsed position. A pair of threaded rods (not shown) is installed on the base 42, which is located on the inner side of the discharge device 40 defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The threaded rods protrude along the transverse direction of the vehicle and are located at a predetermined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the discharge device 40. Device 36 airbags containing the discharge device 40, is attached to the protective beam 48 using threaded rods.

[0067] The airbag device 36, in accordance with the above description, is configured such that when the blower device 40 is actuated and the gas it emits into the airbag 38, the wrapping material breaks under the pressure of the airbag 38 inflated and the airbag 38 inflates and opens to the outside of the vehicle lateral direction (one side of the door thickness direction) from the side door 14. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the airbag 38 is configured so that when inflated and deployed, the airbag 38 is in the form of an elliptical column when viewed in its longitudinal direction. It should be noted that the longitudinal direction of the airbag 38 practically coincides with the same direction, both in the retracted position and in the inflated and open position. The discharge device 40 is electrically connected to the controller 43, and the actuation of the discharge device 40 is carried out by the controller 43.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 43 comprises an ECU 44 driving the injection device 40, and a collision predictive sensor 46 serving as a predictive component electrically connected to the ECU 44. The ECU 44 drives the injection device 40 based on a signal from the collision predictive sensor 46.

[0069] The predictive collision sensor 46 is located on the side of the vehicle 10 and is formed from a millimeter-wave radar, a stereo camera, a laser radar (LiDAR), or a similar device. The predictive collision sensor 46 detects an object approaching the side of the vehicle 10, in particular the side door 14, measures the distance between the vehicle 10 and the object, as well as the relative speed between the vehicle 10 and the object. The measured values are issued in the form of signals on the ECU 44.

[0070] The computer 44, based on the input from the predictive collision sensor 46, determines if there is an object approaching the car 10. In the event that the object approaches the car 10, the computer 44 determines whether a collision will occur between the car 10 and the object. The side impact cushion system 34 is configured so that the blower 40 is driven by a trigger from the ECU 44 in cases where the ECU 44 has determined (predicted) that a side collision between the vehicle 10 and an object approaching the vehicle 10 is unavoidable .

[0071] The first distinguishing feature of the present illustrative embodiment of the invention is the configuration of the protective beam 48 located in the inner space 32 of the side door 14 and serving as a support for the airbag device 36. A second distinguishing feature is that the inflating section 50 of the airbag is such that it includes an opening 52 made in the outer door panel 26 for inflating the airbag 38 and an outer decorative door trim 54 serving as a cover member fixed to the hole 52. Below a description is given regarding the configuration of the protective beam 48 and the airbag inflating section 50, which are essential parts of the present illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0072] First of all, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, description will be given regarding the configuration of the door security beam 48. The door protection beam 48 is made, for example, of steel by stamping. In general, the door protection beam 48 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so that the end portion 48B of the protection beam 48 on the rear side of the vehicle is lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the end portion 48A of the protection beam 48 on the front side of the vehicle when viewed along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The protective beam 48 is formed comprising a support portion 48C on which a blower 40 rests, extending the wall 48D serving as the upper extension wall, extending the wall 48E serving as the lower extension wall, reinforcing portion 48F serving as the first reinforcing portion, and a reinforcing portion 48G serving as a second reinforcing portion.

[0073] The support portion 48C includes a side wall 48C1 located on a car lateral direction determined along the vehicle lateral direction 40, an upper wall 48C2 extending to the outside of the car lateral direction from the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 48C1, and a lower wall 48C3 extending into the outer side of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the lower peripheral edge of the side wall 48C1.

[0074] In particular, the side wall 48C1 has a thickness direction coinciding with the transverse direction of the car, and the wall itself is made in the form of a rectangular-shaped plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the car when viewed in the transverse direction of the car, and the upper wall 48C2 and the lower wall 48C3 are made in the form of rectangular plates extending in the longitudinal direction of the car, when viewed in the vertical direction of the car. It should be noted that the upper wall 48C2 and the lower wall 48C3 are located so that they are facing each other and are at a predetermined distance from each other, while between them is enclosed an airbag device 36 extending in the direction of the side wall 48C1. The distance between the upper wall 48C2 and the lower wall 48C3 gradually increases as you move from the inner side of the transverse direction of the car to the outer side of the transverse direction of the car.

[0075] The extension wall 48D projects to the upper side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the upper wall 48C2 located on the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle. It can be said that the extension wall 48D is located on the outside of the support portion 48C and protrudes to the upper side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the support portion 48C located on the upper side of the vehicle. In particular, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, the extending wall 48D has the shape of a rectangular plate extending along the supporting portion 48C and is located at a predetermined distance from the outer door panel 26, facing the outer door panel 26.

[0076] The extension wall 48E protrudes into the lower side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the upper wall 48C3 located on the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle. It can be said that the extension wall 48E is located on the outside of the support portion 48C and protrudes into the lower side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the support portion 48C located on the lower side of the vehicle. In particular, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, the extending wall 48E has the shape of a rectangular plate extending along the supporting portion 48C and is located at a predetermined distance from the outer door panel 26, facing the outer door panel 26.

[0077] The reinforcing portion 48F includes a reinforcing wall 48F1 serving as a first upper reinforcing wall and a flange portion 48F2 serving as a second upper reinforcing wall. In particular, the reinforcing wall 48F1 protrudes into the inner side of the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the continuation wall 48D located on the upper side of the car and is made in the form of a rectangular plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the car when viewed along the vertical direction of the car. The flange portion 48F2 protrudes to the upper side of the car from the peripheral edge of the reinforcing wall 48F1 located on the inner side of the car transverse direction, and is made in the form of a rectangular plate extending along the extending wall 48D when viewed along the transverse direction of the car.

[0078] The reinforcing portion 48G comprises a reinforcing wall 48G1 serving as a first lower reinforcing wall and a flange portion 48G2 serving as a second lower reinforcing wall. In particular, the reinforcing wall 48G1 protrudes into the inner side of the transverse direction of the car from the peripheral edge of the continuation wall 48E located on the lower side of the car and is made in the form of a rectangular plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the car when viewed along the vertical direction of the car. The flange portion 48G2 protrudes into the lower side of the car from the peripheral edge of the reinforcing wall 48G1 located on the inner side of the transverse direction of the car, and is made in the form of a rectangular plate extending along the extending wall 48E when viewed along the transverse direction of the car.

[0079] As shown above, the airbag device 36 is located in the protective beam 48 in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the airbag device 36 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the protective beam 48, and is surrounded on three sides by a side wall 48C1, an upper wall 48C2 and a lower wall 48C3 of the supporting part 48C, with the exception of the outer side in the transverse direction of the car. A pair of insertion holes (not shown) coinciding with the threaded rods of the injection device 40 are made in the side wall 48C1. The airbag device 36 is fixed to the protective beam 48 by inserting the threaded rods of the blower device 40 into the insertion holes of the side wall 48C1 and secured to the threaded rods of fasteners (not shown), such as nuts, from the inside of the side wall 48C1 defined in the transverse direction of the car. It should be noted that in the state in which the airbag device 36 is fixed to the protective beam 48, although the configuration is such that the airbag device 36 is in a state where a part of the airbag device 36 extends further to the outside of the vehicle lateral direction than the protective beam 48, when viewed along the vertical direction of the vehicle, the configuration may be such that the entire airbag device 36 is in a state covered by a protective beam 48, when viewed in the longitudinal direction l vertical direction of the car.

[0080] The security beam 48 is secured in place by attaching the flange portions 48F2, 48G2 to the inner door panel 28 in the fastening portions (not shown) by welding or other similar method. As shown in FIG. 5, in a state in which the security beam 48 is fixed to the inner door panel 28, the end portion 48A and the end portion 48B of the security beam 48 are arranged so that they overlap the front strut 20 and the central strut 22, respectively, when viewed along the transverse direction of the vehicle. It should be noted that in the fixed position on the side door 14, the discharge device 40 of the airbag device 36 is located on the portion of the side door 14 closer to the front of the vehicle relative to the central portion of the side door 14 defined in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The location of the discharge device 40 along the vertical direction of the car is determined so that it is near the Central section of the side door 14, defined along the vertical direction of the car.

[0081] The following is a description related to the execution of the airbag inflating section 50, primarily with reference to the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. The hole 52 made in the outer door panel 26 has a rectangular shape and extends in the longitudinal direction of the airbag device 36 in its retracted state, and is slightly larger in size than the airbag device 36 when viewed along the transverse direction of the car. Airbag 38 may pass through hole 52 when inflated and deployed. It should be noted that the hole 52 is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 6.

[0082] The exterior door trim 54 includes a cover portion 54A and several clips 54B, and is made of an elastically deformable polymeric material. The cover portion 54A is in the form of a rectangular plate slightly larger in size than the hole 52 when viewed along the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0083] Several pairs of clips 54B facing each other in the transverse direction of the cover portion 54A are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cover portion 54A. The latches 54B have an almost triangular shape and protrude toward the peripheral edges of the cover portion 54A and at the same time extend in its longitudinal direction when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the cover portion 54A. More specifically, on each latch 54B, an inclined side surface 54B1 is formed on the side of the cover portion 54A. Each inclined side surface 54B1 is made at an angle so that the width of the clips 54B gradually increases in the transverse direction of the cover portion 54A, advancing towards the side of the clips that is opposite to the side of the cover portion 54A. The inclined side surface 54B2 is made on the side of each latch 54B, which is opposite to the covering part 54A. Each inclined side surface 54B2 is made at an angle so that the width of the latches 54B gradually increases as it moves toward the side of the latches 54B located on the side of the cover portion 54A.

[0084] The latches 54B of the outer door trim plate 54, made as described above, are fixed at the edges of the opening 52 to secure the outer door trim plate 54 to the outer door panel 26. That is, the hole 52 is normally closed by the outer trim plate 54 doors. In other words, the airbag inflation portion 50 is in a normally closed position. Performed in accordance with the above description, the latches 54B are elastically deformed when the inclined side surfaces 54B2 are pressed against the peripheral edges of the hole 52 when the latches 54B are inserted into the hole 52 when securing the outer decorative door trim 54 in the hole 52.

[0085] Furthermore, the latches 54B are elastically deformed when the latched side surfaces 54B1 of the latches 54B are pressed against the peripheral edges of the hole 52 when the inflated and deployed airbag 38 presses on the exterior door trim 54. Thus, the fixing state of the latches 54B at the peripheral edges of the hole 52 is released, and the outer door trim 54 is separated from the outer door panel 26.

[0086] Functioning and Benefits of the Present Exemplary Embodiment

The following is a description related to the operation and beneficial effects of the present illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0087] First of all, in the example of FIG. 2, a general description is given of the control algorithm of the airbag system 34 for protection in a side collision. In FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a control algorithm executed by the controller 43. When starting the control algorithm of the ECU 44 based on the signal generated by the predictive collision sensor 46, it determines in step S1 whether there is an object approaching the car 10. If it is determined that the object is approaching the car 10 is missing, then step S1 is repeated. However, in the case where it is determined that the object is approaching the vehicle 10, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0088] In step S2, the ECU 44 determines, based on the signal provided by the collision predictive sensor 46, whether an object approaching the car 10 inevitably collides with the side door 14. When determining that the car 10 collides with the object approaching the car 10 does not happen, the process returns to step S1. However, when determining that a collision of an object approaching the vehicle 10 with the vehicle 10 will occur, the control algorithm proceeds to step S3.

[0089] In step S3, the injection device 40 is driven by a signal from the ECU 44, and the cushion 38 is inflated and expanded. After actuation of the injection device 40, the above control algorithm ends.

[0090] The following is a description related to the operation of the airbag device 36 and the configuration of elements located close to the airbag 36 in the vehicle 10, the side structure of which corresponds to the present illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0091] According to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the discharge device 40 is located between the outer door panel 26 forming a part of the side door 14 from the outside in the transverse direction of the car, and the inner door panel 28 forming the part of the side door 14 from the inside in the transverse direction of the car. In accordance with the above description, the pressure device 40 is actuated by the controller 43 in determining that a collision between the side door 14 and an object approaching the vehicle 10 will occur.

[0092] The airbag inflating portion 50 is located on the outer door panel 26. The airbag inflating portion 50 is in the normally closed position, and the airbag inflating portion 50 is designed so that the airbag 38 is able to inflate and open outward to the vehicle lateral direction from the outer door panel 26 in the case of inflating and opening the pillow 38. Thus, in the case where the collision of the object and the side door 14 of the car 10 is predicted by the controller 43, g the air discharged when the blower device 40 is actuated inflates and opens the airbag 38 to the outside of the side door 14 defined in the transverse direction of the car through the airbag inflating section 50. As a result, even in the event of an object colliding with the vehicle 10 (side door 14), the energy released during the collision of the object and the vehicle 10 can be absorbed by the airbag 38.

[0093] However, if there is no structural element that would take the reactive force from the deployment of the airbag 38 when the airbag 38 is inflated and unfolds, the deployment process of the airbag 38 may be unstable.

[0094] To solve this problem, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the protective beam 48 is fixed to the inner door panel 28. The protective beam 48 includes a support portion 48C holding the pressure device 40 and comprising a side wall 48C1 located on the inside of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the injection device 40. This allows the supporting portion 48C of the protective beam 48 to take on the reactive force caused by inflation and deployment of the airbag 38. The present illustrative embodiment of the invention allows to stabilize the deployment of the airbag 38 when it is inflated and opened from the side door 14 to the outside of the transverse direction of the car.

[0095] Furthermore, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support portion 48C includes a side wall 48C1, an upper wall 48C2 and a lower wall 48C3. The thickness of the side wall 48C1 is directed along the transverse direction of the car, and the side wall itself extends in the longitudinal direction of the car. The upper wall 48C2 protrudes to the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 48C1. The lower wall 48C3 protrudes to the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the lower peripheral edge of the side wall 48C1. The discharge device 40 is in the form of a tube with closed end portions, and the discharge device 40 is located in a state in which it is surrounded by a support portion 48C except for the outside in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The present exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an emphasis on reactive force from the deployment of the airbag 38 caused by the inflation and deployment of the airbag 38 in three different directions, with the exception of the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle. As a result, the stability with which the airbag 38 will inflate and unfold to the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle can be enhanced.

[0096] In addition, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the protective beam 48 includes an extension wall 48D and an extension wall 48E. The extension wall 48D is located on the outer side of the support portion 48C defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle and protrudes to the upper side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the support portion 48C located on the upper side of the vehicle. The extension wall 48E is located on the outside defined along the transverse direction of the car, support portion 48C and protrudes into the lower side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the support portion 48C located on the lower side of the vehicle. Accordingly, according to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the extension wall 48D and the extension wall 48E are located on the inside of the airbag 38 defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle after inflating and deploying the airbag 38. The present illustrative embodiment of the invention accepts the impact beam transmitted by the protective beam 48 through the airbag 38 to the side door 14 as a result of the collision of the object with the car 10.

[0097] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing portion 48F comprising the reinforcing wall 48F1 and the flange portion 48F2 is formed on a portion of the protective beam 48 located on the upper side of the vehicle. The reinforcing portion 48F extending the wall 48D as well as the upper wall 48C2 and the side wall 48C1 of the supporting part 48C, form a section with a cross section in the form of a "hat", open to the inner side of the transverse direction of the car, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the protective beam 48. Reinforcing a portion 48G comprising a reinforcing wall 48G1 and a flange portion 48G2 is formed on a portion of the protective beam 48 located on the lower side of the vehicle. The reinforcing portion 48G, extending the wall 48E, as well as the lower wall 48C3 and the side wall 48C1 of the supporting portion 48C, form a section with a cross section in the form of a "hat", open to the inside of the transverse direction of the car, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the protective beam 48.

[0098] Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second moment in the cross-sectional area of the protective beam 48 relative to the neutral axis of the bend directed toward the transverse direction of the vehicle can be increased compared with the case when the protective beam 48 is made of a plate of a flat shape. As a result, the stiffness (in particular the bending stiffness in the transverse direction of the vehicle) of the protective beam 48 can be increased with respect to the shock load transmitted through the airbag 38 to the side door 14 from an object colliding with the vehicle 10. Thus, the present illustrative embodiment The implementation of the invention allows for a stable perception of shock from the side door 14.

[0099] Moreover, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the outer door panel 26 has an opening 52 through which the airbag 38 can be inflated and inflated. When a collision is predicted between the object and the side door 14 of the vehicle 10, the airbag 38 inflates and opens, passing through the hole 52 to the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the side door 14.

[0100] From the point of view of the appearance of the side door 14, it is preferable that the hole 52 in the outer door panel 26 is normally not visible from the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, from the position of lightly inflating and deploying the airbag 38, it is preferable that the opening 52 is not blocked by anything constituting an obstacle when inflating and opening the airbag 38.

[0101] According to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, an opening 52 formed in the outer door panel 26 is closed by the outer door trim plate 54. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the aperture 52 and the airbag 38 are normally hidden behind the decorative trim 54. The outer decorative door trim 54 is configured to detach from the outer door panel 26 under the pressure of the airbag 38 when inflated and deployed. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the outer door trim plate 54 is detached from the outer door panel 26 to the outside of the vehicle lateral direction by inflating and deploying the airbag 38 so that the opening 52 is in the open position. From this position, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, airbag 38 inflates and opens. Thus, the present illustrative embodiment of the invention provides for both maintaining the normal appearance of the side door 14 and reducing the pressure resistance of the airbag 38 when inflating and deploying the airbag 38.

[0102] Furthermore, in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the discharge device 40 is located on a portion of the side door 14 that is closer to the front of the vehicle with respect to a longitudinal portion of the central portion of the side door 14. In this configuration, even when an object collides with the side door 14 of the vehicle 10 when the discharge device 40 moves under the influence of the object, at least the upper body of the passenger 56 is not in the way of the discharge device 40. Thus, in accordance with the present illustrative Rianta the invention are not permitted movement of the inflator 40 toward the upper body of an occupant 56 caused by the shock load from an object colliding with the vehicle side door 14 October.

[0103] In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the end portion 48A and the end portion 48B of the guard beam 48 are arranged so that they overlap the front strut 20, which is part of the car body 12, and the central strut 22, which is also part of the car body 12, respectively. when viewed along the transverse direction of the car. If you look along the transverse direction of the car, then part of the front pillar 20 is located so as to overlap the front peripheral edge of the inner door panel 28, and when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, then part of the central pillar 22 is located so as to overlap the rear peripheral edge of the inner door panel 28. Thus, even if the protective beam 48 is subjected to pressure from an object colliding with the side door 14, the protective beam 48 is held at least by the front strut 20 or the central pillar 22 in the state in which the inner door panel 28 is located between the protective beam 48 and the front pillar 20 or the central pillar 22. Thus, in accordance with the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, the body member 12 of the car is perceived to be impacted from the object, collided with the side door 14 of the car 10.

[0104] A Second Exemplary Embodiment With reference to FIG. 7 describes a description of a second illustrative embodiment of a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that the configuration parts, similar to the configuration parts of the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, are assigned the same numbers and their description is omitted.

[0105] According to the present embodiment, the structural features of the side part of the vehicle are a protective beam 60 serving as a reinforcing element without parts corresponding to the reinforcing parts 48F, 48G, and a tearing portion 64 in the outer decorative door trim 62 serving as a closing element. It should be noted that in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, in accordance with the description below, the exterior door trim 62 serves as an element of the airbag discharge portion.

[0106] In more detail, the security beam 60 comprises a support portion 60A extending to a wall 60B serving as an upper extension wall and extending to a wall 60C serving as a lower extension wall. It should be noted that the support portion 60A has the same shape as the support portion 48C, the extension wall 60B has the same shape as the extension wall 48D, and the extension wall 60C has the same shape as the extension wall 48E.

[0107] The protective beam 60, for example, is made of high strength steel with strength characteristics exceeding those of the steel of which the protective beam 48 is made, and has a rigidity (bending stiffness in the transverse direction of the vehicle) comparable to the rigidity of the protective beam 48. In accordance with the present embodiment, the safety beam 60 is secured in place by attaching the support portion 60A to the inner door panel 28 in the fastening portions (not shown) by welding or the like th method.

[0108] The exterior door trim 62 includes a cover portion 62A having the same shape as the cover portion 54A of the exterior door trim 54 as viewed from the outside along the transverse direction of the vehicle, as well as latches 62B. The latches 62B are located similarly to the latches 54B of the outer decorative door trim 54. However, the shape of the clips 62B is different from the shape of the clips 54B.

[0109] In particular, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the closure portion 62A, the latches 62B are in the form of a trapezoid that gradually expands as it moves along the retainer 62B toward the closure portion 62B. Accordingly, although the latches 62B can be inserted into the hole 52 similarly to the latches 54B, after the outer door trim 62 is secured to the outer door panel 26, the latches 62B serve as teeth. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the outer decorative door trim 62 does not separate from the outer door panel 26 even when pressed from the inside along the transverse direction of the car.

[0110] Moreover, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, a groove-shaped discontinuous portion 64 extending along a center line extending in the longitudinal direction of the closing portion 62A is provided on an inner surface defined along a vehicle lateral direction of the vehicle. Thus, when pressed from the side of the airbag 38 during inflation and deployment, the cover portion 62A is torn (opens) in the vertical direction of the vehicle along the tearing portion 64 in order to assume a position allowing the airbag 38 to pass. It should be noted that the cover portion 62A is illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 7 in the state after its disclosure.

[0111] Such a configuration provides substantially the same operation and beneficial effects as the first illustrative embodiment disclosed above, with the exception of the functioning and beneficial effects of the reinforcing portions 48F, 48G.

[0112] Furthermore, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the outer door trim 62 covering the opening 52 in the outer door panel 26 is pressurized by the airbag 38 as it inflates and opens to tear and open to a position, in which airbag 38 can pass through it. Essentially, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the airbag 38 may be inflated and deployed in a laterally defined outer side of the side door 14 from a state in which the outer door trim 62 is located on the outer door panel 26. The present illustrative an embodiment of the invention allows to maintain the normal appearance of the side door 14 and, compared with the configuration in which the element is detached from the side door 14 ana logically external door trim plate 54, allows to reduce the impact of the external door trim plate 62 on the environment.

[0113] Third Exemplary Embodiment

Below with reference to FIG. 8, a description is provided regarding a third illustrative embodiment of a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that the configuration parts, similar to the configuration parts of the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, are assigned the same numbers and their description is omitted.

[0114] In accordance with the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, the hallmark of the side structure of the car is a protective beam 70, serving as a reinforcing element, made in almost semicircular shape.

[0115] In more detail, the protective beam 70 is arranged similarly to the protective beam 48 and comprises a supporting portion 70A and a continuing wall 70B serving as an upper extension wall. In particular, the supporting part 70A is made in the form of a plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the car, and the cross section of the supporting part 70A is an arc of a circle open to the outside of the transverse direction of the car. The extension wall 70B protrudes to the upper side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the supporting portion 70A located on the upper side of the vehicle and is designed as a rectangular plate when viewed along the transverse axis of the vehicle. It should be noted that depending on the configuration of the side door 14 or other similar elements, the configuration may be such that the extension wall 70B protrudes into the lower side of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the supporting portion 70A located on the lower side of the vehicle and serves as the lower extension wall.

[0116] Further, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the airbag device 36 may be in a state in which the airbag 38 is folded so as to have a cylindrical column located along the inner peripheral surface of the support portion 70A and be in a state when it is surrounded by the supporting part 70A except for the outside in the transverse direction of the car. It should be noted that in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, either the outer door trim plate 54 or the outer door trim plate 62 is fixed in the hole 52 of the outer door panel 26.

[0117] Such a configuration provides substantially the same functioning and beneficial effects as in the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, with the exception of the functionalities and beneficial effects of the extension wall 48E and the reinforcing parts 48E, 48F. In addition, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the shape of the blower device 40, as well as the shape of the airbag device 36, correspond to the shape of the support portion 70A, thereby eliminating the gap between the blower device 40 and the support portion 70A. The present exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a reduction in the space required to accommodate the discharge device 40 and the protective beam 70.

[0118] Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

Below with reference to FIG. 9, a description is provided regarding a fourth illustrative embodiment of a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that the configuration parts, similar to the configuration parts of the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, are assigned the same numbers, and their description is omitted.

[0119] According to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hallmark of the side structure of the vehicle is a guard beam 80 serving as a reinforcing element. The protective beam 80 is located similarly to the protective beam 48, contains a support portion 80A and a flange portion 80B, and is configured to have a hat-shaped cross section when viewed in its longitudinal direction.

[0120] In more detail, the support portion 80A comprises an inner side wall 80A1 extending the wall 80A2 serving as the first extension wall, an outer side wall 80A3 and the extension wall 80A4 serving as the second extension wall. The inner side wall 80A1 extends along the injection device 40 from the inside of the injection device 40 defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle and is located in a state in which the plate thickness direction coincides with the transverse direction of the vehicle. The extension wall 80A2 extends to the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the lower peripheral edge of the inner side wall 80A1. The outer side wall 80A3 extends from the peripheral edge of the vehicle extending from the outside of the vehicle lateral direction 80A2, which is located on that side of the extension wall 80A2, which is opposite to the side of the discharge device 40. The extension wall 80A4 protrudes into the inner side of the transverse direction of the vehicle from the peripheral edge of the outer side wall 80A3 located on that side of the outer side wall 80A3, which is opposite to the discharge device 40.

[0121] It should be noted that, depending on the configuration of the side door 14 or similar elements, the support portion 80A may be configured such that the continuation wall 80A2, the outer side wall 80A3 and the continuation wall 80A4 are located in this order from the upper side of the inner side walls 80A1.

[0122] Moreover, in accordance with the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, the protective beam 80 is fixed in place by attaching the inner side wall 80A1 and the flange portion 80B protruding from the inner side of the transverse direction of the vehicle of the peripheral edge of the extension wall 80A4 to the side, the opposite side of the discharge device 40, to the inner door panel 28 in the fastening portions (not shown) by welding or a similar method. It should be noted that in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, either the exterior door trim 54 or the exterior door trim 62 is fixed to an opening 52 of the outer door panel 26.

[0123] In such a configuration, the inner side wall 80A1 is disposed from the inner side of the blower device 40 defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle so as to extend along the blower device 40, while the inner side wall 80A1 is fixed to the inner door panel 28 in a state in which the thickness direction plate coincides with the transverse direction of the car. This allows the inner side wall 80A1 and the inner door panel 28 to absorb the reactive force caused by the inflation and deployment of the airbag 38.

[0124] In addition, the outer side wall 80A3 assumes the shock load transmitted through the airbag 38 toward the side door 14 from an object colliding with the vehicle 10. According to the present embodiment, the cross section of a portion of the protective beam 80 formed the continuing wall 80A2, the outer side wall 80A3 and the continuing wall 80A4, is a U-shape, open to the inner side of the transverse direction of the car, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the protections beam 80. This allows you to achieve the rigidity of the protective beam 80 relative to the shock load transmitted through the airbag 38 towards the side door 14 from the object that collided with the car 10. Thus, this illustrative embodiment of the invention makes it possible for the protective beam 80 to perceive increased reactive force caused by the deployment of the airbag 38, and also provides reliable perception by the protective beam 80 of the shock transmitted through the airbag 38 to the side Eph 14 from the object to the vehicle 10 encountering.

[0125] Fifth illustrative embodiment

Below with reference to FIG. 10, a description is provided regarding a fifth illustrative embodiment of a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that the configuration parts, similar to the configuration parts of the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, are assigned the same numbers and their description is omitted.

[0126] According to the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hallmark of the side structure of the vehicle is a guard beam 90 serving as a reinforcing element. The protective beam 90 comprises a panel element 92 having a shape substantially identical to the protective beam 48, as well as a pair of beam elements 94.

[0127] In more detail, the panel element 92 comprises a support portion 92A extending the wall 92B serving as the upper extension wall, extending the wall 92C serving as the lower extension wall, reinforcing part 92D serving as the first reinforcing part, and reinforcing part 92E serving as a second reinforcing part. The panel element 92 is made of steel having a smaller plate thickness or having less rigidity than the steel of the protective beam 48. The panel element 92 is attached to the inner door panel 28 at fixing sections (not shown) by welding or other similar method.

[0128] The beam elements 94 are made in the form of circular tubes extending along the supporting portion 92A. The beam elements 94 are respectively located on the inner side of the extending walls 92B, 92C defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle and are attached to the panel element 92 in the fastening sections (not shown) by welding or another similar method. It should be noted that an extension portion of a plate-like shape (not shown) is made at each end portion of the beam elements 94, and the extension portion is attached to the inner door panel 28 in the fastening portion (not shown) by welding or other similar method. In the present exemplary embodiment, either the outer door trim plate 54 or the outer door trim plate 62 is fixed to an opening 52 of the outer door panel 26.

[0129] Such a configuration provides substantially the same functioning and beneficial effects as in the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above. Additionally, this illustrative embodiment allows the support portion 92A to take on reactive force from the deployment of the airbag 38 from three different directions with the exception of the outside of the transverse direction of the vehicle, and also provides a pair of beam elements 94 of the shock load transmitted through the airbag 38 to the side doors 14 from an object colliding with car 10. This illustrative embodiment of the invention thus allows to have the implied reactive force from the deployment of the airbag 38 and the shock load transmitted to the side door 14 to various corresponding elements.

[0130] Sixth illustrative embodiment

Below with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 is a description relating to a sixth illustrative embodiment of a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that the configuration parts, similar to the configuration parts of the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, are assigned the same numbers and their description is omitted.

[0131] In accordance with the present embodiment, the hallmark of the side structure of the car is the connection of the protective beam 48 and the outer door trim 54 with a harness 100 serving as the connecting part.

[0132] In more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the tow 100 is made of a polymeric material and has a filiform shape. The first end 100A of the tow 100 is secured to the upper peripheral edge of the cover portion 54A from the inside defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle using a latch (not shown), a connecting part, or the like. The second end 100B of the tow 100 is secured to the outer surface of the extension wall 48D of the guard beam 48 defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle with a latch (not shown), a connecting part, or a similar element.

[0133] A groove 102 is formed in a portion of the cover portion 54 on its upper side overlapping the outer door panel 26. Groove 102 extends laterally to the cover portion 54A from its portion adjacent to the first end 100A of the tow 100. Groove 102 is configured to that it has a size that allows the harness 100 to be placed in it. A portion of the harness 100 extending along the vertical direction of the vehicle from the first end 100A of the harness 100 is placed inside the groove 102.

[0134] On the peripheral edge of the hole 52 located on the upper side of the car, made in the outer door panel 26, in the area overlapping the groove 102 of the outer decorative door trim 54, when viewed along the transverse direction of the car, a rectangular cut 104 is made open to the bottom a car. The dimensions of the slot 104 are made so that a bundle 100 can be inserted into it. The bundle 100 starts from the side of the first end 100A of the bundle 100, extends into the inner side of the transverse direction of the vehicle and sequentially passes through the groove 102 and through the slot 104. It should be noted that part of the bundle 100 is located between the outer door panel 26 and the safety beam 48 in a weakened state.

[0135] As such, in accordance with the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the configuration is such that even if the outer door trim plate 54 is detached from the outer door panel 26, the connected state between the outer door trim plate 54 and the safety beam 48 is supported by a harness 100. In a state in which the outer door trim plate 54 is fixed to the outer door panel 26, the tow 100 is in a weakened state. Accordingly, in the separated state, the exterior door trim 54 can be offset relative to the airbag 38 when inflating and opening, and the exterior door trim 54 does not interfere with the inflation and deployment of the airbag 38.

[0136] This configuration provides substantially the same functioning and beneficial effects as in the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above. In addition, in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the outer door trim 54 is connected to the security beam 48 by a tow 100, and the connected state between the outer door trim 54 and the security beam 48 is maintained even when the outer door trim 54 disconnected from the outer door panel 26. Thus, the present illustrative embodiment of the invention does not allow the loss of the outer decorative door trim 54 when inflated and deployment of airbag 38.

[0137] Seventh Illustrative Embodiment

Below with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is a description related to a seventh illustrative embodiment of a side structure of an automobile according to the present invention. It should be noted that the configuration parts, similar to the configuration parts of the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, are assigned the same numbers and their description is omitted.

[0138] In accordance with the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, the hallmark of the side structure of the car is an outer door panel 110 made of a polymer material of predetermined strength, wherein the airbag inflating section 112 comprises a tear section 114 in the outer door panel 110.

[0139] In more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the shape of the outer door panel 110 is substantially similar to the shape of the outer door panel 26. However, unlike the outer door panel 26, the outer door panel 110 is connected to the inner door panel 28 by a latch or connecting part (not shown).

[0140] As shown in FIG. 13, a rupture portion 114 is formed from the inner side of the outer door panel 110 defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The rupture portion 114 is, for example, substantially H-shaped when viewed along the transverse direction of the vehicle, and is configured to separate (tear) under the influence inflation pressure from the side of the airbag 38 equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In particular, the burst portion 114 comprises a first burst portion 114A, second burst sections 114B and third burst sections 114C. The first bursting portion 114A is in the form of a groove extending along the airbag 38 when viewed along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The second discontinuous sections 114B are respectively formed at each end portion of the first discontinuous section 114A and are in the form of grooves extending in a direction perpendicular to the first discontinuous section 114A. The third tearing portions 114C are in the form of grooves extending at an angle relative to the second tearing portions 114B from each end portion of the second tearing portions 114B in the direction opposite to the first bursting portion 114A of the second tearing portions 114B.

[0141] The tear section 114 described above is formed on the outer door panel 110 so as to form a vertical pair of airbag flaps 116 including an upper flap 116A and a lower flap 116B. The airbag flaps 116 are configured so that the tear portion 114 is separated by the inflation pressure from the side of the airbag 38, the upper flap 116A opens to the upper side of the car, and the lower flap 116B opens to the lower side of the car. When the airbag flaps 116 are opened, an opening 118 is formed in the outer door panel 110 through which the airbag 38 can pass.

[0142] With this configuration, the outer door panel 110 has a tear section 114 comprising a first tear section 114A and second tear sections 114B. The rupture portion 114 is split when pressure is applied to the outer door panel 110 by the airbag 38 when inflating and opening. The tearing portion 114 is divided so that the airbag flaps 116 open in the vertical direction of the vehicle (towards the second tearing portions 114B), forming an opening 118 in the outer door panel 110 through which the airbag 38 can pass, with the airbag 38 inflating and expanding on the outside of the side door 14 defined in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the need for forming is not required. design of the protrusions on the front surface of the side door 14, and eliminates the negative impact on the appearance and front surface in comparison with the configuration, providing for the opening in the outer door panel 110 of the hole through which the airbag 38 can pass, using a closing element to close the hole . The present illustrative embodiment of the invention, thus, allows to reduce the number of components in the side door 14, and to maintain the appearance of the side door 14.

[0143] In addition, in accordance with the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, the outer door panel 110 is made of a polymer material, the use of which allows to reduce the weight of the outer door panel 110. Further, compared with the case when the outer door panel 110 is made of metal, is reduced the load from the outer door panel 110, overcome by the airbag 38 when inflating and opening. As a result, the present exemplary embodiment of the invention improves the stability with which the airbag 38 inflates and unfolds in the laterally defined outer side of the car, while the weight of the side door 14 decreases.

[0144] A further description of the above illustrative embodiments of the invention

(1) In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed above, although the side structures of the car corresponding to the above illustrative embodiments are applicable to the side parts on both sides of the car 10 defined in the transverse direction of the car, the side structure may be applied to the side only on that side of the car 10, defined in the transverse direction of the car.

[0145] (2) In addition, in accordance with the illustrative embodiments disclosed above, although the configuration is such that the airbag device 36 and the safety beam are attached to the front side door, depending on the configuration of the vehicle 10, the airbag device 36 and the safety beam can be made for the rear side door.

[0146] (3) Additionally, in the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed above, although the safety beam is configured such that the outside of the airbag device 36 along the transverse direction of the vehicle remains open, this is not a limitation. In particular, depending on the manufacturing process, etc. the safety beam may be configured such that the outside of the airbag device 36 along the transverse direction of the vehicle is closed to such an extent that it does not inflate and deploy the airbag 38.

[0147] (4) In addition, in accordance with the illustrative embodiments disclosed above, although an airbag device 36 comprising a fabric-made airbag 38 is housed inside the side door 14, this is not a limitation. For example, the configuration may be such that a metal airbag is supported inside the side door 14, supported by a protective beam, and a tear section is formed on the outer door panel 26, serving as a section of the air bag inflating, which is separated by pressure from the side of the metal airbag. In such a configuration, similarly to the seventh exemplary embodiment disclosed above, the attachment of the outer door trim to the outer door panel 26 is not required.

[0148] (5) In the first illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, the outer decorative door trim 54 is fixed to the opening 52 of the outer door panel 26. However, the outer decorative trim 62 can be fixed to the opening 52.

[0149] (6) According to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention disclosed above, although the protective beam 70 is provided with an extension wall 70B, depending on the configuration of the side door 14 or the like, the configuration may be such that the protective beam 70 does not have an extension wall 70B.

[0150] (7) In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed above, the injection device 40 is made in the form of a tube of circular cross section, in which both end sections defined in the longitudinal direction are closed. However, in the embodiments of the invention from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, with the exception of the third embodiment, the discharge device 40 may have a different shape. For example, in embodiments of the invention from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, with the exception of the third embodiment, the discharge device 40 may be in the form of an angular section tube in which both end portions defined in the longitudinal direction are closed. This configuration makes it easy to position the discharge device 40 relative to the protective beam.

[0151] (8) According to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the invention disclosed above, although the outer door trim plate 54 and the safety beam 48 are connected by a harness 100, this is not a limitation. For example, the configuration may be such that instead of a protective beam 48, any protective beam of protective beams 60, 70, 80 or 90 is used, and this protective beam and the outer decorative door trim 54 of the door are connected to each other by a harness 100. Moreover, the configuration the tow 100 is not limited to that described above. For example, depending on the configuration of the protective beam and the like, the tow 100 may be made in the company of a belt made of synthetic fiber, such as nylon fiber. In addition, the places in which the protective beam is connected by a tow 100 to the outer door trim 54 are not limited to the above description. For example, depending on the configuration of the side door 14 and the like, the configuration may be such that the portion of the protective beam on the underside of the vehicle and the portion of the exterior decorative trim 54 of the door on the underside of the vehicle are connected using a bundle 100. It should be noted that the shapes and the location of the groove 102 and the tear section 104 can be changed appropriately in accordance with the junction of the protective beam and the outer decorative door trim 54 by means of a bundle 100.

[0152] (9) According to the seventh illustrative embodiment disclosed above, although the tear section 114 advantageously extends along the peripheral edges of the airbag flaps 116, this is not a limitation and the tear sections can be located along the axis of rotation of the flaps 116 airbags. This configuration facilitates easier opening of the airbag flaps 116. In addition, the outer door panel 110 may be made using a two-color decorative lining in which the portion of the airbag flaps 116 is made of flexible polymeric material and the remaining portions are made of rigid polymeric material.

Claims (11)

1. The design of the side of the car, containing: an outer door panel forming a part of the side door from the outside, defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle; an inner door panel forming a part of the side door from an inner side defined along a transverse direction of the vehicle; an airbag capable of inflating and opening into the outside of the side door, determined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, by means of gas discharged when the blower device located between the outer and inner door panels is activated; a controller containing a predictive component that predicts whether or not a collision of an object approaching the car with a side door occurs, and the controller activates a discharge device if it is determined based on a signal generated by the predictive component that the collision of the object with a side door will occur; the airbag inflating section, which is in the normally closed state, wherein the airbag inflating section is made on the outer door panel so that the airbag can inflate and open into the outer side of the outer door panel defined along the transverse direction of the car in case of inflating and opening the airbag; a reinforcing element located with the inner side of the discharge device defined along the transverse direction of the vehicle, comprising a support portion supporting the discharge device and attached to the inner door panel; wherein the airbag inflating section comprises an opening in the outer door panel for inflating the airbag and an outer decorative door trim serving as a cover member fixed to the hole, wherein the outer decorative door trim includes a closing part and a pair of latches located in the longitudinal direction of the closing part so that they are facing each other in the transverse direction of the closing part, and each latch has a pair of inclined surfaces, one inclined surface located on the first side of the latch, which is the side of the closing part, is made at an angle so that the width of the latch gradually increases in the transverse direction of the closing part, moving towards the second side of the latch, which is opposite to the closing part, and another inclined surface located on the specified second side of the latch is made at an angle so that the width of the latch gradually increases in the transverse direction of the closing part with the advancement to the specified first side of the latch.

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