Patent Description:
In the related art, a structure of an airbag device for a saddled vehicle including, in a bottom portion region of a retainer accommodating an airbag, an opening portion from which water that has entered the retainer can be discharged to outside is known (see <CIT>).

<CIT> discloses an airbag device for a saddled vehicle comprising: a retainer provided in front of a passenger seat; an inflator; an airbag accommodated in the retainer, the airbag being configured to be expanded by gas released by the inflator and deployed upward in an upper surface of the retainer; and a lid blocking the opening, wherein a cover covering the retainer from surroundings is provided below the lid, and the lid is formed integrally with the cover, a back surface portion of he cover covers the retainer from a back side and is exposed to a straddling space in front of the seat, ripping portions that are caused to rupture by the airbag deployed are provided in the cover and the lid, the ripping portions include a tear line, which is a groove-shaped brittle portion, and a hinge portion, the teat line includes a lid-side tear line provided at least at a front edge of the lid, and the hinge portion extends in a vehicle width direction in a back surface of the lid, and the lid is deformed starting from the hinge portion when the airbag is deployed.

<CIT> discloses the following features of claim <NUM>; a saddled vehicle with an airbag device the airbag device comprising; a retainer provided in front of a passenger seat; an inflator; an airbag accommodated in the retainer, the airbag being configured to be expanded by gas released by the inflator and deployed upward from an opening in an upper surface of the retainer; and a lid blocking the opening, wherein a cover covering the retainer from an outer side is provided below the lid, wherein the retainer includes an inflator accommodating portion accommodating the inflator, wherein the lid is formed integrally with the cover,wherein a lower-side opening portion opened downward is provided in a lower surface of the cover, and the retainer is able to be accommodated in the cover from the lower-side opening portion,wherein the retainer is formed into an L shape including an upward/downward extending portion extending upward and downward and a sideward extending portion extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the upward/downward extending portion, and wherein the opening is provided in an upper surface of the upward/ downward extending portion.

However, although the airbag device for a saddled vehicle in <CIT> is provided with the opening portion on the assumption that water enters the retainer, it is desirable to prevent water from entering the retainer as much as possible.

An object of the present invention, which has been made in view of the aforementioned circumstances, is to improve water proofness of an airbag device for a saddled vehicle with a simple structure.

The invention provides a saddled vehicle according to claim <NUM>.

The airbag device for a saddled vehicle includes: the retainer provided in front of the passenger seat; the inflator; the airbag accommodated in the retainer, the airbag being configured to be expanded by the gas released by the inflator and deployed upward from the opening in the upper surface of the retainer; and the lid blocking the opening, and the cover covering the retainer from the outer side is provided below the lid.

With this configuration, it is possible to curb entrance of water into the retainer with the cover covering the retainer from the outer side below the lid and to
a simple structure.

The retainer includes the inflator accommodating portion accommodating the inflator, and the cover covers the inflator accommodating portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to improve water proofness of the inflator accommodating portion with the cover and to curb adhesion of water to the inflator.

The lid is formed integrally with the cover.

With this configuration, the lid and the cover are integrated, and it is thus possible to improve water proofness and to reduce the number of components.

The cover and the lid include ripping portions that are caused to rupture by the airbag deployed.

With this configuration, the lid rips at the ripping portion, and it is thus possible to satisfactorily deploy the airbag even in a case in which water proofness is improved by the cover.

Also, in the aforementioned configuration, the lower-side opening portion opened downward is provided in the lower surface of the cover, and the retainer is able to be accommodated in the cover from the lower-side opening portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily assemble the cover with the retainer via the lower-side opening portion.

Also, the opening is provided in the upper surface of the upward/downward extending portion, and the cover covers the inflator accommodating portion provided at the sideward extending portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to improve water proofness of the inflator accommodating portion provided at the sideward extending portion with the cover in the retainer in the L shape with the opening provided in the upper surface of the upward/downward extending portion.

Also, in the aforementioned configuration, the cover may cover the range from the upper end portion of the retainer to at least the intermediate portion of the retainer in the up-down direction.

With this configuration, the cover covers the range from the upper end portion of the retainer to the intermediate portion of the retainer in the up-down direction, which contributes to an improvement in water proofness against water from the upper wide while reducing the size of the cover.

Also, in the aforementioned configuration, the cover may cover the range from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the retainer.

With this configuration, the cover covers the range from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the retainer, and high water proofness is thus achieved.

Also, in the aforementioned configuration, the cover may be fastened to the retainer.

With this configuration, it is possible to secure the cover to the retainer with a simple structure.

Note that description of directions such as front, back, left, right, up and down are assumed to be the same as directions relative to a vehicle body unless otherwise particularly indicated. Also, the reference sign FR illustrated in each drawing represents a vehicle body front side, the reference sign UP represents a vehicle body upper side, and the reference sign LH represents a vehicle body left side.

<FIG> is a left side view of a motorcycle <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The motorcycle <NUM> is a scooter saddled vehicle including a vehicle body frame <NUM> (vehicle body), a steering system <NUM> that supports a front wheel <NUM> such that the steering system <NUM> can steer the front wheel <NUM>, a power unit <NUM> that is supported at a back portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM>, a rear wheel <NUM>, and a seat <NUM> in which a passenger is seated in a straddling manner.

Also, the motorcycle <NUM> includes a vehicle body cover <NUM> that covers the vehicle body such as the vehicle body frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a right side view of the vehicle body frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM> provided at a front end portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM>, a down frame <NUM> extending from a back surface of the head pipe <NUM> to the back lower side, a pair of left and right lower frames <NUM> extending from a lower end portion of the down frame <NUM> to the back side, and a pair of left and right seat frames <NUM> extending from back end portions of the lower frames <NUM> to the back upper side.

The head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> are located at the center of the vehicle width similarly to the front wheel <NUM>.

The power unit <NUM> is a unit swing engine integrally including an engine that serves as a drive source of the rear wheel <NUM> and a swing arm that supports the rear wheel <NUM> such that the rear wheel <NUM> can swing. The power unit <NUM> is supported by the vehicle body frame <NUM> such that the power unit <NUM> can swing via a link mechanism (not illustrated) provided at a front portion of the power unit <NUM>.

A rear suspension <NUM> is bridged between a back portion of the seat frame <NUM> and a back end portion of the power unit <NUM>.

An accommodation box (not illustrated) supported by the seat frame <NUM> is disposed below the seat <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is supported by the seat frame <NUM> via the accommodation box.

A pair of left and right plate-shaped step floors <NUM> on which the passenger seated in the seat <NUM> puts his/her feet are provided on a front lower side of the seat <NUM> and cover the lower frame <NUM> from the upper side.

The steering system <NUM> includes a pair of front forks 11a disposed on left and right sides of the front wheel <NUM>, a bridge member 11b that couples upper end portions of the left and right front forks 11a in the vehicle width direction, a steering shaft 11c that extends upward from the center of the bridge member 11b and is rotatably supported by the head pipe <NUM>, a handle post 11d that is secured to an upper end portion of the steering shaft 11c, and a steering handle 11e secured to an upper end of the handle post 11d.

An axial line 15a of the head pipe <NUM> is inclined backward relative to the vertical direction in a vehicle side view. An axial line of the rotation of the steering shaft 11c conforms to the axial line 15a. The handle post 11d obliquely extends from the side of the head pipe <NUM> to the back upper side along the axial line 15a.

The front wheel <NUM> is supported by an axle 2a that couples lower end portions of the front forks 11a in the left-right direction.

A front fender <NUM> that covers the front wheel <NUM> from the upper side is secured to the front forks 11a.

<FIG> is a view of the front portion of the motorcycle <NUM> when seen from the upper side on the side of the passenger.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the vehicle body cover <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM> that covers the steering system <NUM> and the head pipe <NUM> from the front side, an inner cover <NUM> that covers the steering system <NUM> and the head pipe <NUM> from the back side, a lower cover <NUM> that covers the lower frame <NUM> from the outer side below the step floors <NUM>, and a side cover <NUM> that covers the seat frame <NUM> from the outer side below the seat <NUM>.

In a vehicle side view, a straddling space <NUM> recessed downward in a vehicle side view is sectioned between the inner cover <NUM> and the front end portion of the seat <NUM>. The passenger can straddle the motorcycle <NUM> via the straddling space <NUM> when the passenger rides on and gets off the motorcycle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> includes an airbag device <NUM> that protects the passenger from impact.

The airbag device <NUM> includes an airbag unit <NUM>, an acceleration sensor (not illustrated) that detects impact against the motorcycle <NUM>, and an airbag control device (not illustrated) that controls operations of the airbag unit <NUM> on the basis of a detection result of the acceleration sensor.

The airbag unit <NUM> is disposed on the back surface side of the inner cover <NUM> and is located in front of the passenger who is seated in the seat <NUM>. Also, the airbag unit <NUM> is provided below the handle 11e behind the head pipe <NUM> and is located at the front portion of the straddling space <NUM>.

A back portion of the airbag unit <NUM> is exposed from a notch portion provided at a center portion of the inner cover <NUM> to the straddling space <NUM> outside the vehicle body cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the airbag unit <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM> when seen from the back side. <FIG> is a right side view of the airbag unit <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the front end portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM> when seen from the right back side.

Referring to <FIG>, the airbag unit <NUM> is disposed behind the head pipe <NUM> and the handle post 11d and is disposed with a backward inclination along the back surface of the head pipe <NUM> in a vehicle side view.

The airbag unit <NUM> is secured to a stay <NUM> provided at the front end portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the stay <NUM> includes a first stay <NUM> provided at the upper portion of the head pipe <NUM> and a second stay <NUM> provided at the upper portion of the down frame <NUM>.

The first stay <NUM> is provided further upward than the connecting portion 16a between the head pipe <NUM> and the upper end of the down frame <NUM>.

The first stay <NUM> includes a pair of first attachment portions 33a extending backward from left and right outer surfaces of the upper portion of the head pipe <NUM> and a plate-shaped connecting portion 33b connecting back ends of the left and right first attachment portions 33a in the vehicle width direction. The left and right first attachment portions 33a are provided with a plurality of securing hole portions 33c penetrating through the first attachment portions 33a in the vehicle width direction.

The second stay <NUM> is disposed below the first stay <NUM>.

The second stay <NUM> includes a pair of second attachment portions 34a secured to left and right outer surfaces of the down frame <NUM> and a connecting portion 34b connecting the left and right second attachment portions 34a in the vehicle width direction behind the down frame <NUM>. The left and right second attachment portions 34a are provided with securing hole portions 34c penetrating through the second attachment portions 34a in the vehicle width direction.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the airbag unit <NUM>. <FIG> is a view illustrating a state where an exterior member <NUM>, which will be described later, has been detached from the state in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the airbag unit <NUM> includes a box-shaped retainer <NUM> provided in front of the passenger who is seated in the seat <NUM> (<FIG>), an airbag <NUM> accommodated in the retainer <NUM>, an inflator <NUM> that releases gas into the airbag <NUM>, a securing member <NUM> that secures the inflator <NUM> and the airbag <NUM> to the retainer <NUM>, and the exterior member <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM> from the outer side.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> is a box-shaped member formed into an inverted L shape when seen from the side of the passenger (the vehicle back side). Note that the L shape in the following description means that the retainer <NUM> has an L shape when seen from the front side or the back side. Although the retainer <NUM> has an inverted L shape when seen from the back side, it is possible to state that the retainer <NUM> is formed into an L shape.

The retainer <NUM> is secured to the front end portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM> via the stay <NUM> (<FIG>) and is located behind the head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM>.

The retainer <NUM> includes an upward/downward extending portion <NUM> extending in the up-down direction and a sideward extending portion <NUM> extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower portion side of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>.

The upward/downward extending portion <NUM> is a box-shaped portion extending in the up-down direction along the head pipe <NUM> and is inclined backward in a vehicle side view. The upward/downward extending portion <NUM> is located at the center of the vehicle width and overlaps the handle post 11d, the head pipe <NUM>, and the upper end portion of the down frame <NUM> from the back side.

The sideward extending portion <NUM> is a box-shaped portion extending in the vehicle width direction. The sideward extending portion <NUM> passes through the outer side of the head pipe <NUM> from the side portion of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> and extends outward in the vehicle width direction and forward.

The retainer <NUM> is formed into the L shape by the sideward extending portion <NUM> extending from the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>. An L-shaped airbag passage <NUM> formed by an inner space of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> and an inner space of the sideward extending portion <NUM> is formed inside the retainer <NUM>.

An opening <NUM> through which the airbag passage <NUM> is exposed upward is formed in an upper surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>. The airbag <NUM> is deployed upward from the opening <NUM>.

The inflator <NUM> is disposed inside the sideward extending portion <NUM> and is disposed to be offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM> located at the center of the vehicle width.

The retainer <NUM> is constituted into a box shape by assembling a plurality of components.

More specifically, the retainer <NUM> is formed by assembling a first component <NUM> (inflator accommodating portion) that covers the inflator <NUM> from the front side in the vehicle front-back direction, a second component <NUM> that is provided behind the head pipe <NUM>, and a third component <NUM> that is provided on the side of the passenger and is fitted to the second component <NUM> and the first component <NUM> from the back side.

The first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are joined through welding, for example, and are integrated. A front-side case <NUM> constituting substantially a half of the retainer <NUM> on the front side is formed by the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> being joined to each other.

The third component <NUM> is a back-side case constituting substantially a half of the retainer <NUM> on the back side.

The retainer <NUM> is formed by causing the third component <NUM> to be joined to the front-side case <NUM> from the back side.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the retainer <NUM> when seen from the front side.

Referring to <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> includes a first securing portion <NUM>, a second securing portion <NUM>, a third securing portion <NUM>, a fourth securing portion <NUM>, a fifth securing portion <NUM>, a sixth securing portion <NUM>, a seventh securing portion <NUM>, an eighth securing portion <NUM>, and a ninth securing portion <NUM> as securing portions that secure the front-side case <NUM> to the third component <NUM> through fastening.

The first securing portion <NUM> and the second securing portion <NUM> are provided in a side surface 45a on an opposite side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> out of left and right side surfaces of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>. The first securing portion <NUM> and the second securing portion <NUM> are provided to be aligned on the upper and lower sides in the side surface 45a.

The third securing portion <NUM> is provided in a lower surface 45b of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>.

The fourth securing portion <NUM> is provided in a side surface 45c on the side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> out of the left and right side surfaces of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>.

The fifth securing portion <NUM> and the sixth securing portion <NUM> are disposed to be aligned on the left and right sides in an upper surface 46a of the sideward extending portion <NUM>.

The seventh securing portion <NUM> and the eighth securing portion <NUM> are disposed to be aligned on the left and right sides in a lower surface 46b of the sideward extending portion <NUM>.

The ninth securing portion <NUM> is provided across an outer side surface 46c of the sideward extending portion <NUM> and a front surface 51a of the first component <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the front-side case <NUM> when seen from the back side.

Referring to <FIG>, the second component <NUM> includes a front wall portion <NUM> with a substantially rectangular shape that constitutes a front surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, a one-side side wall <NUM> extending backward from a side edge on the opposite side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> out of left and right side edges of the front wall portion <NUM>, an other-side side wall <NUM> extending backward from the side edge on the side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> out of the left and right side edges of the front wall portion <NUM>, and a lower wall portion <NUM> extending backward from a lower edge of the front wall portion <NUM>. The front wall portion <NUM> is a plate with an oblong shape that is long in the up-down direction. The other-side side wall <NUM> is formed at an upper portion of the front wall portion <NUM>.

Also, the second component <NUM> includes an extending wall portion <NUM> extending outward in the vehicle width direction and on the vehicle front side from a side edge on the side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> and below the other-side side wall <NUM> out of the left and right side edges of the front wall portion <NUM>. The extending wall portion <NUM> is continuous with the lower portion of the front wall portion <NUM>.

Moreover, the second component <NUM> includes an extending portion upper wall 70a extending outward in the vehicle width direction and backward from an upper edge of the extending wall portion <NUM> and an extending portion lower wall 70b extending outward in the vehicle width direction and backward from a lower edge of the extending wall portion <NUM>. The extending portion upper wall 70a is continuous with a lower end of the other-side side wall <NUM> while the extending portion lower wall 70b is continuous with a side portion of the lower wall portion <NUM>.

A recessed portion <NUM> that causes the second component <NUM> to be recessed backward is formed at a lower end portion of the second component <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> is a part at which a lower end portion of the front wall portion <NUM> and a front portion of the lower wall portion <NUM> are recessed to the inner side of the retainer <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> is provided at a center portion of the front wall portion <NUM> in the width direction.

Ribbed stepped portions <NUM> projecting by one stage toward the inner side of the retainer <NUM> are provided in an inner surface of the extending wall portion <NUM>. The stepped portions <NUM> are formed to be longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and extend in the left-right direction inside the retainer <NUM>.

The plurality of stepped portions <NUM> are disposed to be aligned in the up-down direction. The stepped portions <NUM> are formed by pushing parts of the extending wall portion <NUM> out from the outer side to the inner side of the retainer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastening portion <NUM> that fastens the retainer <NUM> to the stay <NUM> of the vehicle body frame <NUM> is provided in the front surface of the front wall portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM>.

More specifically, the fastening portion <NUM> includes a first fastening member <NUM> that is fastened to the first stay <NUM> of the head pipe <NUM> and a second fastening member <NUM> that is fastened to the second stay <NUM> of the down frame <NUM>.

A reinforcing member <NUM> with a substantially rectangular plate shape is attached to the front surface of the front wall portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. The reinforcing member <NUM> extends from a lower portion to an upper end portion of the front wall portion <NUM>.

The first fastening member <NUM> is secured to a front surface of the reinforcing member <NUM>.

The first fastening member <NUM> includes a pair of securing plate portions 74a facing each other in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) and a connecting plate portion 74b that connects back edges of the securing plate portions 74a in the vehicle width direction.

The connecting plate portion 74b of the first fastening member <NUM> is secured to the front surface of the reinforcing member <NUM>. Each securing plate portion 74a projects forward relative to the reinforcing member <NUM>. Each securing plate portion 74a is provided with a securing hole portion 74c that penetrates through the securing plate portion 74a in the vehicle width direction.

A plurality of hook-shaped engagement portions 76a projecting forward are provided to be aligned in the vehicle width direction at an upper end of the reinforcing member <NUM>.

The second fastening member <NUM> is secured to the lower end portion of the front surface of the front wall portion <NUM> below the first fastening member <NUM>.

The second fastening member <NUM> includes a pair of left and right forward extending portions 75a extending forward at positions on left and right sides of the recessed portion <NUM> in the front surface of the front wall portion <NUM>, a pair of left and right downward extending portions 75b extending downward from the forward extending portions 75a, a pair of left and right backward extending portions 75c extending backward from the downward extending portions 75b, and a connecting portion 75d that connects back ends of the left and right backward extending portions 75c in the left-right direction.

The left and right backward extending portions 75c and the connecting portion 75d are located below the lower wall portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> and is below the recessed portion <NUM>.

Each of the left and right backward extending portions 75c is provided with a securing hole portion 75e penetrating through the backward extending portion 75c in the vehicle width direction. The left and right backward extending portions 75c are located outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the recessed portion <NUM>.

The connecting portion 75d is provided with a securing hole portion 75f (<FIG>) that penetrates through the connecting portion 75d in the front-back direction.

The second component <NUM> includes a first securing piece 56a and a second securing piece 57a that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the one-side side wall <NUM>.

Also, the second component <NUM> includes a third securing piece 58a extending to a lower side of the lower wall portion <NUM>. The third securing piece 58a is a connecting portion 75d of the second fastening member <NUM> and is formed integrally with the second fastening member <NUM>.

Moreover, the second component <NUM> includes a fourth securing piece 59a extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the other-side side wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first component <NUM> is a box-shaped component with a back portion opened backward.

The first component <NUM> includes a substantially rectangular wall portion <NUM> that covers the inflator <NUM> from the front side, an upper wall portion <NUM> that extends backward from an upper edge of the wall portion <NUM>, a lower wall portion <NUM> that extends backward from a lower edge of the wall portion <NUM>, an outer side wall portion <NUM> extending backward from a side edge of the wall portion <NUM> on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and an inner side wall portion <NUM> extending backward from a side edge of the wall portion <NUM> on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

The first component <NUM> is an inflator accommodating portion that accommodates the inflator <NUM> inside the box shape.

The wall portion <NUM> of the first component <NUM> is an inflator support portion that supports the inflator <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view along XI-XI in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the airbag <NUM> is not illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inflator <NUM> includes a tubular inflator main body 43a that injects gas and a flange portion 43b that extends in a radial direction from an outer periphery of the inflator main body 43a.

The wall portion <NUM> of the first component <NUM> includes an accommodating portion 78a expanding on the front side at the center portion of the wall portion <NUM>, a receiving surface portion 78b that is provided in the surroundings of the accommodating portion 78a and receives the flange portion 43b of the inflator <NUM>, and a plurality of securing hole portions 78c provided in the receiving surface portion 78b.

The flange portion 43b of the inflator <NUM> is sandwiched between the receiving surface portion 78b and the securing member <NUM> with a frame shape. The inflator <NUM> is fastened to an inner surface of the wall portion <NUM> with the securing member <NUM>, the flange portion 43b, and a plurality of securing tools <NUM> inserted into the securing hole portions 78c in the receiving surface portion 78b.

The front portion of the inflator main body 43a projecting forward from the flange portion 43b is accommodated in the accommodating portion 78a.

The inflator <NUM> is disposed in the inner surface of the wall portion <NUM> in an orientation such that an axial line 43c of the tubular inflator main body 43a is directed in the vehicle front-back direction in a vehicle side view. The wall portion <NUM> to which the flange portion 43b is secured is slightly inclined backward relative to the vertical direction in a vehicle side view. Therefore, the axial line 43c extends backward with an inclination toward the back lower side in a vehicle side view. Here, the inclination of the axial line 43c in a vehicle side view is smaller than <NUM>° with respect to the horizontal direction. Also, the inflator <NUM> is disposed in an orientation such that the axial line 43c is close to the center of the vehicle width toward the vehicle back side in a plan view seen from the upper side.

The inflator <NUM> injects gas from a plurality of gas injection ports 43d (<FIG>) provided in the outer periphery of the inflator main body 43a behind the flange portion 43b. The securing member <NUM> with a frame shape surrounds the gas injection ports 43d from the surroundings. The gas injected from the gas injection ports 43d is guided by the inner surface of the securing member <NUM> and flows backward.

The lower wall portion <NUM> of the first component <NUM> is provided with a wiring penetration hole 79a through which a wiring <NUM> (<FIG>) that connects the inflator <NUM> to the airbag control device passes.

Referring to <FIG>, the first component <NUM> includes a fifth securing piece 60a and a sixth securing piece 61a extending upward from the upper wall portion <NUM>.

Also, the first component <NUM> includes a seventh securing piece 62a and an eighth securing piece 63a extending downward from the lower wall portion <NUM>.

Moreover, the first component <NUM> includes a ninth securing piece 64a extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the front surface of the wall portion <NUM>. A distal end portion 64a1 of the ninth securing piece 64a is bent backward, and the distal end portion 64a1 is located on an outer side of the outer side wall portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first component <NUM> is welded to the second component <NUM> by a weld-securing portion 51b (secured location) which is a part where the upper wall portion <NUM>, the lower wall portion <NUM>, and the inner side wall portion <NUM> overlap the second component <NUM> from the outer side.

More specifically, the upper wall portion <NUM> overlaps the extending portion upper wall 70a of the second component <NUM> from the upper side, the lower wall portion <NUM> overlaps the extending portion lower wall 70b of the second component <NUM> from the lower side, and the inner side wall portion <NUM> overlaps the extending wall portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM> from the inner side in the vehicle width direction, in the weld-securing portion 51b.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the third component <NUM> when seen from the back side.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the third component <NUM> includes a substantially rectangular back wall portion <NUM> constituting a back surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, a side portion back wall portion <NUM> constituting a back surface of the sideward extending portion <NUM>, and an extending portion side wall <NUM> extending forward and outward in the vehicle width direction from an edge portion of the side portion back wall portion <NUM> on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The back wall portion <NUM> is a plate with an oblong shape that is long in the up-down direction. The side portion back wall portion <NUM> extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the side of the lower portion of the back wall portion <NUM>.

Also, the third component <NUM> includes a one-side side wall <NUM> that extends forward from a side edge on the opposite side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> out of left and right side edges of the back wall portion <NUM> and an other-side side wall <NUM> extending forward from the side edge on the side of the sideward extending portion <NUM> out of the left and right side edges of the back wall portion <NUM>. The other-side side wall <NUM> is formed at the upper portion of the back wall portion <NUM>.

Moreover, the third component <NUM> includes a lower wall portion <NUM> that extends forward from a lower edge of the back wall portion <NUM>, a lower edge of the side portion back wall portion <NUM>, and a lower edge of the extending portion side wall <NUM> and an extending portion upper wall <NUM> that extends forward from an upper edge of the side portion back wall portion <NUM> and an upper edge of the extending portion side wall <NUM>. The extending portion upper wall <NUM> is continuous with the lower end of the other-side side wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the side portion back wall portion <NUM> of the third component <NUM> faces a back surface 43e of the inflator main body 43a. The axial line 43c of the inflator main body 43a intersects the side portion back wall portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>.

The inner surface of the side portion back wall portion <NUM> is provided with stepped shapes <NUM> projecting by one stage toward the inner side of the retainer <NUM>. The stepped shapes <NUM> are formed into rib shapes that are longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and extend in the left-right direction inside the retainer <NUM>.

The plurality of stepped shapes <NUM> are disposed to be aligned in the up-down direction. The plurality of stepped shapes <NUM> disposed to be aligned in the up-down direction constitutes a guide portion <NUM> that guides a flow of gas injected by the inflator <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The stepped shapes <NUM> are formed by pushing parts of the side portion back wall portion <NUM> out from the outer side to the inner side of the retainer <NUM>.

The third component <NUM> includes a first securing piece 56b and a second securing piece 57b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the one-side side wall <NUM>.

Also, the third component <NUM> includes a third securing piece 58b extending downward from a part of the lower wall portion <NUM> below the back wall portion <NUM>.

Also, the third component <NUM> includes a fourth securing piece 59b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the other-side side wall <NUM>.

Moreover, the third component <NUM> includes a fifth securing piece 60b and a sixth securing piece 61b extending upward from the extending portion upper wall <NUM>.

In addition, the third component <NUM> includes a seventh securing piece 62b and an eighth securing piece 63b extending downward from a part of the lower wall portion <NUM> below the side portion back wall portion <NUM>.

Moreover, the third component <NUM> includes a ninth securing piece 64b extending forward from the extending portion side wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first securing piece 56a and the first securing piece 56b constitute the first securing portion <NUM>. The first securing piece 56a and the first securing piece 56b are fastened with a fastening tool 56c inserted into the first securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

A first cover securing hole portion 56d to which the exterior member <NUM> is secured is provided above the fastening tool 56c at the first securing piece 56b.

The second securing piece 57a and the second securing piece 57b constitute the second securing portion <NUM>. The second securing piece 57a and the second securing piece 57b are fastened with a fastening tool 57c inserted into the second securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

A second cover securing hole portion 57d to which the exterior member <NUM> is secured is provided above the fastening tool 57c at the second securing piece 57b.

The third securing piece 58a and the third securing piece 58b constitute the third securing portion <NUM>. The third securing piece 58a and the third securing piece 58b are fastened with the fastening tool 58c inserted into the third securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

The fourth securing piece 59a and the fourth securing piece 59b constitute the fourth securing portion <NUM>. The fourth securing piece 59a and the fourth securing piece 59b are fastened with a securing tool 59c inserted into the fourth securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

A third cover securing hole portion 59d to which the exterior member <NUM> is secured is provided above the fastening tool 59c at the fourth securing piece 59b.

The fifth securing piece 60a and the fifth securing piece 60b constitute the fifth securing portion <NUM>. The fifth securing piece 60a and the fifth securing piece 60b are fastened with a fastening tool 60c inserted into the fifth securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

The sixth securing piece 61a and the sixth securing piece 61b constitute the sixth securing portion <NUM>. The sixth securing piece 61a and the sixth securing piece 61b are fastened with a fastening tool 61c inserted into the sixth securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

The seventh securing piece 62a and the seventh securing piece 62b constitute the seventh securing portion <NUM>. The seventh securing piece 62a and the seventh securing piece 62b are fastened with a fastening tool 62c inserted into the seventh securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

The eighth securing piece 63a and the eighth securing piece 63b constitute the eighth securing portion <NUM>. The eighth securing piece 63a and the eighth securing piece 63b are fastened with a fastening tool 63c inserted into the seventh securing portion <NUM> from the back side.

A ninth securing piece 64a and the ninth securing piece 64b constitute the ninth securing portion <NUM>. The ninth securing piece 64a and the ninth securing piece 64b are fastened with a fastening tool 64c inserted into the ninth securing portion <NUM> from the outer side.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the front-side case <NUM> made up of the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> has an L-shaped outer shape when seen from the back side.

Also, the third component <NUM> has an L-shaped outer shape when seen from the back side.

The retainer <NUM> is formed into an L shape by assembling the third component <NUM> in the L shape with the front-side case <NUM> in the L shape such that the third component <NUM> is fitted thereto from the back side and achieving fastening at the first to ninth securing portions <NUM> to <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in the state in which fastening has been achieved at the first to ninth securing portions <NUM> to <NUM>, the one-side side wall <NUM> overlaps the one-side side wall <NUM> from the outer side, the other-side side wall <NUM> overlaps the other-side side wall <NUM> from the outer side, the lower wall portion <NUM> overlaps the lower wall portion <NUM>, the extending portion lower wall 70b, and the lower wall portion <NUM> from the outer side, the extending portion upper wall <NUM> overlaps the extending portion upper wall 70a and the upper wall portion <NUM> from the outer side, and the extending portion side wall <NUM> overlaps the outer side wall portion <NUM> from the outer side.

Each of the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> is a component that is individually manufactured. Most parts of the shapes of the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> are formed by pressing plate materials by using dedicated molds, for example. In this manner, the retainer <NUM> in the L shape is formed in a separated manner for the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM>, and the third component <NUM>, and it is thus possible to reduce the sizes of the molds for manufacturing the retainer <NUM> and to easily manufacture the retainer <NUM>.

Although a part of the retainer <NUM> supporting the inflator <NUM> tends to have a complicated shape, the first component <NUM> including the wall portion <NUM> that serves as the inflator support portion is manufactured separately from the second component <NUM> and the third component <NUM>, which facilitate manufacturing of the retainer <NUM>.

The retainer <NUM> can be separated into the front-side case <NUM> and the third component <NUM> by fastening and loosening the first to ninth securing portions <NUM> to <NUM>. This contributes to an improvement in an assembling property of the airbag device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the airbag <NUM> is accommodated in a folded state in the airbag passage <NUM> in the L shape inside the retainer <NUM> and is provided from the sideward extending portion <NUM> to the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>.

The airbag <NUM> is connected to the inflator <NUM> by an upstream end of the airbag <NUM> along the gas flow being pinched between the securing member <NUM> and the flange portion 43b illustrated in <FIG>.

The secured locations of the first component <NUM> with respect to the third component <NUM> are the fifth securing portion <NUM>, the sixth securing portion <NUM>, the seventh securing portion <NUM>, the eighth securing portion <NUM>, and the ninth securing portion <NUM>.

Also, the secured location of the first component <NUM> with respect to the second component <NUM> is the weld-securing portion 51b (<FIG> and <FIG>).

The fifth to ninth securing portions <NUM> to <NUM> and the weld-securing portion 51b are disposed in the surroundings of the inflator <NUM> and are provided to surround the inflator <NUM> from the outer periphery.

<FIG> is a left side view of the retainer <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM>. <FIG> is a right side view of the retainer <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of the retainer <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM> when seen from the front side.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> is fastened to the stay <NUM> of the vehicle body frame <NUM> by the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> provided in the front surface of the front wall portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM>.

The first fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the first stay <NUM> of the head pipe <NUM>.

More specifically, the first fastening member <NUM> is provided such that the left and right securing plate portions 74a overlap the left and right first attachment portions 33a of the first stay <NUM> from the outer side in the vehicle width direction and is fastened to the first stay <NUM> with a securing tool <NUM> inserted into the securing hole portion 74c and the securing hole portion 33c from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

The second fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the second stay <NUM> of the down frame <NUM>.

More specifically, the second fastening member <NUM> is provided such that the left and right backward extending portions 75c overlap the left and right second attachment portions 34a of the second stay <NUM> from the outer side in the vehicle width direction and is fastened to the second stay <NUM> with a pair of left and right securing tools <NUM> inserted into the securing hole portion 75e and the securing hole portion 34c from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

Since the first fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the first stay <NUM> of the head pipe <NUM>, and the second fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the second stay <NUM> of the down frame <NUM> in this manner, it is possible to dispose the retainer <NUM> on the front side near the head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> and to compactly dispose the retainer <NUM> in the vehicle front-back direction. Also, it is possible to firmly secure the retainer <NUM> to the vehicle body frame <NUM> by the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> separated from each other in the up-down direction.

The left and right second attachment portions 34a of the second stay <NUM> are provided in the outer side surfaces of the down frame <NUM>, and the left and right backward extending portions 75c of the second fastening member <NUM> and the securing tool <NUM> overlap the outer side surfaces of the down frame <NUM> from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The backward extending portions 75c are overlapping portions that overlap the outer side surfaces of the down frame <NUM> from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is possible to fasten the second fastening member <NUM> to the second stay <NUM> at a position on the vehicle front side and also to dispose the retainer <NUM> near the vehicle front side as compared with a configuration in which the securing tool <NUM> is fastened behind the down frame <NUM>, for example.

The second stay <NUM> integrally includes the third securing piece 58a for fastening the third component <NUM> to the second component <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to fasten the third component <NUM> to the second component <NUM> with a simple structure by using the second stay <NUM>.

The back portion of the upper end portion of the down frame <NUM> is located inside the recessed portion <NUM> (<FIG>) at the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM> in the proximity to the down frame <NUM> and to compactly dispose the retainer <NUM>.

Also, the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM> is fastened to the second stay <NUM> via the left and right backward extending portions 75c located outside the recessed portion <NUM> on the left and right sides. In this manner, it is possible to firmly secure the part in the proximity of the recessed portion <NUM> to the second stay <NUM>, and even in a case in which the recessed portion <NUM> is disposed near the down frame <NUM>, a clearance between the recessed portion <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> can be secured.

The first fastening member <NUM> is disposed to be inclined along the back surface of the head pipe <NUM> below the handle post 11d that is disposed with an inclination to the back upper side in a vehicle side view. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the first fastening member <NUM> near the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle front-back direction.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> is located immediately behind the head pipe <NUM> and is located at the center in the vehicle width direction. The sideward extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> extends outward in the vehicle width direction and forward from the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>. The first component <NUM> constituting the front end portion of the sideward extending portion <NUM> is located outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM> and is located further forward than the head pipe <NUM> in a vehicle side view as illustrated in <FIG>.

The inflator <NUM> accommodated in the first component <NUM> is also located outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM> and is located further forward than the head pipe <NUM> in a vehicle side view.

Since the sideward extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> is disposed outward and forward relative to the head pipe <NUM> in the airbag unit <NUM>, it is possible to dispose the inflator <NUM> and the airbag <NUM> by using a space on the outer side and the front side of the head pipe <NUM>. It is thus possible to reduce the size of the retainer <NUM> in the vehicle front-back direction and to reduce the protrusion of the retainer <NUM> on the side of the passenger.

Also, the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> are offset inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the inflator <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to compactly dispose the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> by using the space on the inner side of the inflator <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

<FIG> is a view of the exterior member <NUM> when seen from the back side (the side of the passenger). <FIG> is a view of the exterior member <NUM> when seen from the front side. <FIG> is a sectional view along XVIII-XVIII in <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view along XIX-XIX in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the airbag <NUM> is not illustrated.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exterior member <NUM> is formed to cover substantially the entire surface of the retainer <NUM> except for the lower surface of the retainer <NUM>.

The exterior member <NUM> integrally includes a cover <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM> from the surroundings and a lid portion <NUM> (lid) that covers the opening <NUM> in the upper surface of the retainer <NUM> from the upper side.

The cover <NUM> is provided below the lid portion <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> integrally includes an upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM> that covers the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> from the surroundings and a sideward extending portion cover portion <NUM> that covers the sideward extending portion <NUM>.

A lower-side opening portion <NUM> that opens a space inside the cover <NUM> downward is formed in the lower surface of the cover <NUM>. The lower-side opening portion <NUM> is provided over the entire lower surface of the exterior member <NUM>. The exterior member <NUM> is attached to the retainer <NUM> by being placed over the retainer <NUM> from the upper side via the lower-side opening portion <NUM>.

More specifically, the upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM> includes a back surface portion 101a that covers the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> from the back side, a front surface portion 101b that covers the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> from the front side, a one-side side surface portion 101c that covers the side surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> on the opposite side of the sideward extending portion <NUM>, and an other-side side surface portion 101d that covers a side surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> on the side of the sideward extending portion <NUM>.

The back surface portion 101a covers the back wall portion <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The front surface portion 101b covers the front wall portion <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. The one-side side surface portion 101c covers the side surface 45a. The other-side side surface portion 101d covers the side surface 45c.

The sideward extending portion cover portion <NUM> includes a side portion back surface portion 102a that covers the sideward extending portion <NUM> from the back side, a side portion front surface portion 102b that covers the sideward extending portion <NUM> from the front side, a side portion upper surface portion 102c that covers the sideward extending portion <NUM> from the upper side, an outer side surface portion 102d that covers the sideward extending portion <NUM> from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and an inner side surface portion 102e that covers the sideward extending portion <NUM> from the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

The side portion back surface portion 102a covers the side portion back wall portion <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The side portion front surface portion 102b covers the wall portion <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. The side portion upper surface portion 102c covers the upper surface 46a of the sideward extending portion <NUM>. The outer side surface portion 102d covers the outer side surface 46c. The inner side surface portion 102e covers the inner-side side wall portion <NUM> of the first component <NUM>.

The one-side side surface portion 101c of the upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM> is provided with a securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> obtained by causing a part of the one-side side surface portion 101c to expand outward in the vehicle width direction.

The first securing portion <NUM> and the second securing portion <NUM> are accommodated in the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM>.

An upper portion of a front surface of the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> is provided with a first attachment hole 105a penetrating through the front surface.

A second attachment hole 105b penetrating through the front surface of the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> is provided below the first attachment hole 105a in the front surface of the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM>.

The side portion upper surface portion 102c of the sideward extending portion cover portion <NUM> is provided with a securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> obtained by causing a part of the side portion upper surface portion 102c to expand upward.

The fourth securing portion <NUM>, the fifth securing portion <NUM>, and the sixth securing portion <NUM> are accommodated in the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM>.

A front surface of the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> is provided with a third attachment hole 106a penetrating through the front surface.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the exterior member <NUM> is fastened to the retainer <NUM> by a cover fastening tool <NUM> inserted into the first attachment hole 105a and fastened to the first cover securing hole portion 56d, a cover fastening tool <NUM> inserted into the second attachment hole 105b and fastened to the second cover securing hole portion 57d, and a cover fastening tool <NUM> inserted into the third attachment hole 106a and fastened to the third cover securing hole portion 59d.

Here, referring to <FIG>, the first securing piece 56b where the first cover securing hole portion 56d is provided is a securing piece into which the fastening tool 56c for fastening the third component <NUM> and the front-side case <NUM> is inserted.

Also, the second securing piece 57b where the second cover securing hole portion 57d is provided is a securing piece into which the fastening tool 57c for fastening the third component <NUM> and the front-side case <NUM> is inserted.

Moreover, the fourth securing piece 59b where the third cover securing hole portion 59d is provided is a securing piece into which the fastening tool 59c for fastening the third component <NUM> and the front-side case <NUM> is inserted.

Therefore, it is possible to secure the exterior member <NUM> to the retainer <NUM> with a simple structure by using the securing pieces for fastening the third component <NUM> and the front-side case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of engagement holes <NUM> with which the engagement portions 76a (<FIG>) of the retainer <NUM> are engaged are provided to be aligned in the vehicle width direction at the upper portion of the front surface portion 101b of the upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM>. The exterior member <NUM> is secured to the retainer <NUM> by the engagement portions 76a as well.

A notch portion <NUM> that avoids the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> projecting forward from the retainer <NUM> are provided below the engagement holes <NUM> in the front surface portion 101b of the upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper end portion of the handle post 11d is provided with a handle holder 11f that supports the handle 11e. The handle holder 11f has a disc shape in a plan view from the upper side, and the handle 11e is secured to an upper surface of the handle holder 11f.

The airbag unit <NUM> is disposed such that the lid portion <NUM> of the exterior member <NUM> is aligned behind the handle holder 11f.

The lid portion <NUM>, the back surface portion 101a, the side portion back surface portion 102a, the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> and the securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> of the exterior member <NUM> are exposed to the straddling space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a lid recessed portion 103a recessed downward to avoid the back portion of the handle holder 11f is provided at the front portion of the lid portion <NUM>. A back edge of the lid recessed portion 103a is formed into an arc shape in accordance with the shape of the back portion of the handle holder 11f.

The back portion of the handle holder 11f is disposed in the lid recessed portion 103a. It is thus possible to dispose the lid portion <NUM> near the handle holder 11f in the vehicle front-back direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the exterior member <NUM> includes a tear line <NUM> and a hinge portion <NUM> as a ripping portion that is caused to rupture due to the deployed airbag <NUM>.

The tear line <NUM> and the hinge portion <NUM> are a groove-shaped brittle portion formed to have a thin plate thickness as compared to the plate thickness of the exterior member <NUM> at the part around the tear line <NUM> and the hinge portion <NUM>.

The tear line <NUM> is formed to have a thinner plate thickness than the plate thickness of the hinge portion <NUM> and rupture with higher priority than the hinge portion <NUM>. Although the hinge portion <NUM> may rupture, the exterior member <NUM> is deformed starting from the hinge portion <NUM>.

The tear line <NUM> includes a lid-side tear line 115a provided at a part except for the part corresponding to the lid recessed portion 103a at a back edge 103b of the lid portion <NUM>, both left and right side edges 103c of the lid portion <NUM>, and a front edge 103d of the lid portion <NUM>.

Also, the tear line <NUM> includes a pair of left and right back-side tear lines 115b extending downward along the left and right side edges of the back surface portion 101a from parts corresponding to left and right end portions of the back edge 103b in the lid-side tear line 115a and a pair of left and right front-side tear lines 115c extending downward along the left and right side edges of the front surface portion 101b from parts corresponding to left and right end portions of the front edge 103d in the lid-side tear line 115a.

The back-side tear line 115b extends from the lid portion <NUM> to the lower portion of the upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM>, and a lower end of the back-side tear line 115b is located further downward than the side portion upper surface portion 102c.

The front-side tear line 115c extends from the lid portion <NUM> to the upper portion of the upward/downward extending portion cover portion <NUM>, and a lower end of the front-side tear line 115c is located further upward than the side portion upper surface portion 102c.

The hinge portion <NUM> linearly extends in the vehicle width direction between the back edge 103b and the lid recessed portion 103a in the upper surface of the lid portion <NUM>.

The exterior member <NUM> covers a range from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM> and covers substantially the entire retainer <NUM> except for the lower surface of the retainer <NUM> and the notch portion <NUM> from the outer side. Here the upper end portion of the retainer <NUM> is the opening <NUM>, and the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM> is lower edges of the back wall portion <NUM> and the side portion back wall portion <NUM>.

Therefore, it is possible to cover the retainer <NUM> entirely from the upper side and the surroundings with the exterior member <NUM> and to improve water proofness of the retainer <NUM>.

The exterior member <NUM> integrally includes the lid portion <NUM> that covers the opening <NUM> and the cover <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM> from the surrounding and thus has high water proofness. In a case in which the lid portion <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are provided as separate components, for example, water is likely to enter a gap between the lid portion <NUM> and the cover <NUM>.

Also, the sideward extending portion cover portion <NUM> of the exterior member <NUM> covers the first component <NUM> that accommodates the inflator <NUM> from the upper side, the lateral side, and the front side. Therefore, even in a case in which the inflator <NUM> is disposed to be offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the lid portion <NUM> that covers the opening <NUM>, it is possible to secure water proofness of the inflator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the inflator <NUM> injects gas into the airbag <NUM> toward the vehicle back side along the axial line 43c under control of the airbag control device.

The path of the gas released from the inflator <NUM> to the inside of the airbag <NUM> is guided by the sideward extending portion <NUM> and the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, and the gas flows in the L shape inside the airbag passage <NUM>.

At this time, a part of the gas injected from the inflator <NUM> comes into contact with the guide portion <NUM> of the sideward extending portion <NUM> via the airbag <NUM> and flows inward in the vehicle width direction along the guide portion <NUM>.

If the gas flows from the sideward extending portion <NUM> to the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, then the flow in the left-right direction changes to a flow in the upward direction, and the gas flows upward inside the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>.

If the airbag <NUM> is expanded upward by the gas flowing upward inside the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, then the exterior member <NUM> rips starting at the parts corresponding to the tear line <NUM> and the hinge portion <NUM>, the lid portion <NUM> is opened, and the opening <NUM> is then exposed. Then, the airbag <NUM> is deployed upward as illustrated in <FIG> from the opening <NUM> by the gas flowing upward.

Also, the retainer <NUM> is fastened to the down frame <NUM> at a position on the lower side of the retainer <NUM> via the second fastening member <NUM>. In this manner, support rigidity of the lower portion of the retainer <NUM> with respect to the side of the vehicle body frame <NUM> is enhanced. When the airbag <NUM> is expanded by the gas, the part of the upper portion of the retainer <NUM> on the side of the opening <NUM> slightly moves to the side of the passenger with the part corresponding to the second fastening member <NUM> as a support point due to the expansion of the airbag <NUM> and is deformed to widen the opening <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily deploy the airbag <NUM> upward.

Moreover, the retainer <NUM> is supported by the vehicle body frame <NUM> at a plurality of locations by the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM>. Therefore, even if the retainer <NUM> has an L shape with a large size in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to satisfactorily support the retainer <NUM>.

As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the airbag device <NUM> for the motorcycle <NUM> includes: the retainer <NUM> provided in front of the seat <NUM> for the passenger; the inflator <NUM>; the airbag <NUM> that is accommodated in the retainer <NUM>, is expanded by the gas released by the inflator <NUM>, and deployed upward from the opening <NUM> in the upper surface of the retainer <NUM>; and the lid portion <NUM> that blocks the opening <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM> from the outer side is provided below the lid portion <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to curb invasion of water into the retainer <NUM> with the cover <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM> from the outer side below the lid portion <NUM> and to improve water proofness with a simple structure.

Also, the retainer <NUM> includes the first component <NUM> as the inflator accommodating portion that accommodates the inflator <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> covers the first component <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to improve water proofness of the first component <NUM> that is the inflator accommodating portion with the cover <NUM> and to curb adhesion of water to the inflator <NUM>.

Also, the lid portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the cover <NUM>.

With this configuration, the lid portion <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are integrated, and it is thus possible to improve water proofness and to reduce the number of components.

Moreover, the cover <NUM> includes the tear line <NUM> as the ripping portion that is caused to rapture by the deployed airbag <NUM>.

With this configuration, the cover <NUM> rips by means of the tear line <NUM>, and it is thus possible to satisfactorily deploy the airbag <NUM> even in a case in which the water proofness is improved by the cover <NUM>.

Also, the lid portion <NUM> includes the lid-side tear line 115a of the tear line <NUM> and the hinge portion <NUM> as the ripping portion that is caused to rapture by the deployed airbag <NUM>.

With this configuration, the lid portion <NUM> rips by means of the lid-side tear line 115a and the hinge portion <NUM>, and it is thus possible to satisfactorily deploy the airbag <NUM> even in a case in which water proofness is improved by the cover <NUM>.

Also, the cover <NUM> covers the range from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM>.

With this configuration, the cover <NUM> covers the range from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM>, and high water proofness is thus achieved.

Also, the lower surface of the cover <NUM> is provided with the lower-side opening portion <NUM> opened downward such that the retainer <NUM> can be accommodated in the cover <NUM> from the lower-side opening portion <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily assemble the cover <NUM> with the retainer <NUM> via the lower-side opening portion <NUM>.

Also, the cover <NUM> is fastened to the retainer <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to secure the cover <NUM> to the retainer <NUM> with a simple structure.

In addition, the retainer <NUM> is formed into an L shape including the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> extending in the up-down direction and the sideward extending portion <NUM> extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, the opening <NUM> is provided in the upper surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> covers the first component <NUM> as the inflator accommodating portion provided at the sideward extending portion <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to improve, with the cover <NUM>, water proofness of the first component <NUM> as the inflator accommodating portion provided at the sideward extending portion <NUM> in the retainer <NUM> in the L shape with the opening <NUM> provided in the upper surface of the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>.

Also, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the airbag device <NUM> for the motorcycle <NUM> includes: the retainer <NUM> provided behind the head pipe <NUM>; the inflator <NUM>; and the airbag <NUM> accommodated in the retainer <NUM>, the airbag being configured to be expanded by the gas released by the inflator <NUM> and deployed in front of the passenger, the retainer <NUM> has a box shape formed by assembling the plurality of components, the inflator <NUM> is disposed to be offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM>, the first component <NUM> covers the inflator <NUM> from the vehicle front side, the second component <NUM> is provided behind the head pipe <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> is provided on the side of the passenger and is fitted to the second component <NUM> and the first component <NUM> from the back side.

With this configuration, in a case in which the inflator <NUM> is disposed to be offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM>, the retainer <NUM> is formed by assembling the first component <NUM> that covers the inflator <NUM> from the vehicle front side, the second component <NUM> that is provided behind the head pipe <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> that is provided on the side of the passenger and is fitted to the second component <NUM> and the first component <NUM> from the back side. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of each mold for manufacturing the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> and to easily manufacture the retainer <NUM>. In particular, it is possible to easily form the first component <NUM> that tends to have a complicated shape by individually forming the first component <NUM> that is disposed to be offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM> and covers the inflator <NUM> in the vehicle front-back direction.

Also, the weld-securing portion 51b and the fifth securing portion <NUM>, the sixth securing portion <NUM>, the seventh securing portion <NUM>, the eighth securing portion <NUM>, and the ninth securing portion <NUM> which are secured locations of the first component <NUM> with respect to the second component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> are around the inflator <NUM>.

With this configuration, the secured locations of the first component <NUM> with respect to the second component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> are gathered around the inflator <NUM>, and it is thus possible to easily secure the secured locations of the first component <NUM> and to effectively receive a gas injection pressure of the inflator <NUM> by the secured locations.

Also, the second component <NUM> is provided with the fastening portion <NUM> that secures the retainer <NUM> to the vehicle body frame <NUM>.

With this configuration, the second component <NUM> provided behind the head pipe <NUM> is provided with the fastening portion <NUM>, and it is thus possible to secure the retainer <NUM> to the vehicle body frame <NUM> with a simple structure.

Moreover, the third component <NUM> is provided with the guide portion <NUM> that guides the flow of the gas inward in the vehicle width direction with the stepped shape <NUM> inside the retainer <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to cause the gas from the inflator <NUM> offset outward in the vehicle width direction to flow inward in the vehicle width direction by the guide portion <NUM> and to efficiently deploy the airbag <NUM>.

Also, the first component <NUM> includes the wall portion <NUM> as the inflator support portion that supports the inflator <NUM>, the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are joined to form the front-side case <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> is joined to the front-side case <NUM>.

With this configuration, the first component <NUM> including the wall portion <NUM> as the inflator support portion is individually constituted, and it is thus possible to easily form the first component <NUM> that tends to have a complicated shape. Also, the third component <NUM> is joined to the front-side case <NUM> in which the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are joined to each other, and it is thus possible to easily form the retainer <NUM> into a box shape.

Also, the retainer <NUM> has an L shape including the upward/downward extending portion <NUM> extending in the up-down direction and having the upper end portion from which the airbag is deployed and the sideward extending portion <NUM> extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the upward/downward extending portion <NUM>, and the front-side case <NUM> in the L shape and the third component <NUM> in the L shape are joined to each other.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily manufacture the retainer <NUM> in the L shape by joining the front-side case <NUM> in the L shape and the third component <NUM> in the L shape.

Also, the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> are joined through welding, and the third component <NUM> is detachably fastened to the front-side case <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to achieve satisfactory strength of the front-side case <NUM> through the welding between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. Also, the third component <NUM> can be attached to and detached from the front-side case <NUM>, which contributes to an improvement in an assembling property of the airbag device <NUM>.

Also, the inflator <NUM> is disposed in an orientation such that the axial line 43c of the inflator <NUM> is directed in the vehicle front-back direction, the first component <NUM> supports the inflator <NUM> with the inflator <NUM> covered from the front side and is joined to the second component <NUM>, and the third component <NUM> is fitted to the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> from the back side.

With this configuration, it is possible to satisfactorily support the inflator <NUM> disposed in the orientation such that the axial line 43c is directed in the vehicle front-back direction by the first component <NUM> that covers the inflator <NUM> from the front side. Also, it is possible to easily form the retainer <NUM> into a box shape by fitting the third component <NUM> to the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> from the back side.

Also, the inflator <NUM> is supported by the first component <NUM>, and at least a part of the first component <NUM> is provided at the position in front of the head pipe <NUM> and outward in the vehicle width direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to compactly dispose the first component <NUM> that supports the inflator <NUM> at the position in front of the head pipe <NUM> and outward in the vehicle width direction. Also, the first component <NUM> provided in front of the second component <NUM> disposed behind the head pipe <NUM> is individually formed with respect to the second component <NUM>, and it is thus possible to easily manufacture the retainer <NUM> even in a case in which the retainer <NUM> is formed into a complicated shape.

Further, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the motorcycle <NUM> includes: the vehicle body frame <NUM> including the head pipe <NUM> that supports the steering system <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> that extends downward from the head pipe <NUM>; the retainer <NUM> provided behind the head pipe <NUM>; the inflator <NUM>; and the airbag <NUM> accommodated in the retainer <NUM>, the airbag being configured to be expanded by the gas released by the inflator <NUM> and deployed in front of the passenger, the retainer <NUM> is provided with the fastening portion <NUM> that fastens the retainer <NUM> to the vehicle body frame <NUM>, the fastening portion <NUM> includes the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> as the plurality of fastening members.

With this configuration, the retainer <NUM> is fastened to the vehicle body frame <NUM> via the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM>, and it is thus possible to compactly form the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM>, to bring the retainer <NUM> close to the vehicle front side, and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Also, the plurality of fastening members include the first fastening member <NUM> fastened to the head pipe <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> fastened to the vehicle body frame <NUM> below the first fastening member <NUM>.

With this configuration, the first fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the head pipe <NUM>, the second fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the vehicle body frame <NUM> below the first fastening member <NUM>, and it is thus possible to bring the retainer <NUM> close to the vehicle front side and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger. In addition, the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> are separated in the up-down direction, and it is thus possible to enhance support rigidity of the retainer <NUM>.

Also, the second fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the down frame <NUM>.

With this configuration, the retainer <NUM> is fastened to the head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> via the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM>, and it is thus possible to bring the retainer <NUM> close to the vehicle front side and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Also, the first fastening member <NUM> is provided on a lateral side of the inflator <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to dispose the first fastening member <NUM> by using a space on the lateral side of the inflator <NUM> and thereby to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

In addition, the inflator <NUM> is disposed to be offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe <NUM>, and the first fastening member <NUM> is disposed inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the inflator <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to secure the space around the head pipe <NUM> by disposing the inflator <NUM> on the outer side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle width direction and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger by disposing the first fastening member <NUM> at a position near the head pipe <NUM>.

Moreover, the steering system <NUM> includes the handle post 11d extending upward relative to the head pipe <NUM> and supporting the handle 11e, and the first fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the head pipe <NUM> below the handle post 11d in a vehicle side view.

With this configuration, the first fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the head pipe <NUM> below the handle post 11d, and it is thus possible to dispose the first fastening member <NUM> near the vehicle front side and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Also, the second fastening member <NUM> includes the backward extending portions 75c as overlapping portions that overlap the down frame <NUM> from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the backward extending portions 75c are fastened to the down frame <NUM>.

With this configuration, it is possible to dispose the second fastening member <NUM> near the front side up to a position at which the second fastening member <NUM> overlaps the down frame <NUM> on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and thereby to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Also, the down frame <NUM> extends from the head pipe <NUM> to the back lower side, the lower portion of the retainer <NUM> is provided with the recessed portion <NUM> recessed backward, and a part of the down frame <NUM> is located in the recessed portion <NUM>.

With this configuration, the part of the down frame <NUM> is located in the recessed portion <NUM> at the lower portion of the retainer <NUM>, and it is thus possible to dispose the retainer <NUM> near the side of the down frame <NUM> and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Also, the second fastening member <NUM> includes the plurality of left and right backward extending portions 75c as the securing portions fastened to the down frame <NUM>, and the recessed portion <NUM> is provided between the left and right backward extending portions 75c.

With this configuration, the second fastening member <NUM> secures the retainer <NUM> with the backward extending portions 75c on the left and right sides of the recessed portion <NUM>, and it is thus possible to firmly secure the retainer <NUM>. Therefore, even in a case in which the recessed portion <NUM> is disposed near the down frame <NUM>, it is possible to secure the clearance between the recessed portion <NUM> and the down frame <NUM> and to dispose the retainer <NUM> in the proximity of the down frame <NUM>.

Furthermore, the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> overlap the stay <NUM> provided at the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the vehicle width direction and are fastened to the stay <NUM> with the securing tool <NUM> and the securing tool <NUM> inserted in the vehicle width direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to compactly fasten the first fastening member <NUM> and the second fastening member <NUM> to the vehicle body frame <NUM> in the vehicle front-back direction and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Also, the inflator <NUM> is accommodated in the retainer <NUM> at a position in front of the head pipe <NUM> and outward in the vehicle width direction.

With this configuration, the inflator <NUM> is accommodated in the retainer <NUM> at the position in front of the head pipe <NUM> and outward in the vehicle width direction, and it is thus possible to minimize the backward protrusion of the retainer <NUM> and to improve an occupant comfort of the passenger.

Although the aforementioned first embodiment has been described on the assumption that the cover <NUM> covers the range from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the retainer <NUM>, the present invention is only limited by the appended claims. For example, the cover <NUM> may cover a range from the upper end portion of the retainer <NUM> to at least an intermediate portion of the retainer <NUM> in the up-down direction. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve effective water proofness against water from the upper side while reducing the size of the cover <NUM>.

Also, although the aforementioned first embodiment has been described on the assumption that the exterior member <NUM> is fastened to the retainer <NUM> with the cover fastening tools <NUM> to <NUM>, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the exterior member <NUM> may be fastened together with the third component <NUM> via the fastening tools 56c, 57c, and 59c, for example.

Also, although the aforementioned first embodiment has been described by exemplifying the motorcycle <NUM> as an example of the saddled vehicle, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to a three-wheeled vehicle including two front wheels or rear wheels and saddled vehicles including four or more wheels.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In the second embodiment, the same reference signs will be applied to components constituted similarly to those in the aforementioned first embodiment, and description will be omitted.

The second embodiment is different from the aforementioned first embodiment in the securing portion that secures the front-side case <NUM> to the third component <NUM> through fastening and the shape of the exterior member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of a retainer <NUM> attached to a vehicle body frame <NUM> when seen from the back side in the second embodiment.

The retainer <NUM> does not include the fifth securing portion <NUM>, the sixth securing portion <NUM>, the seventh securing portion <NUM>, and the eighth securing portion <NUM> in the aforementioned first embodiment. The other structures of the retainer <NUM> are the same as those of the retainer <NUM> in the aforementioned first embodiment.

<FIG> is a view of an exterior member <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM> when seen from the back side.

The exterior member <NUM> includes a securing portion accommodating portion <NUM> obtained by causing a part of a side portion upper surface portion 102c to expand upward.

Claim 1:
A saddled vehicle with an airbag device the airbag device comprising;
a retainer (<NUM>) provided in front of a passenger seat (<NUM>);
an inflator (<NUM>);
an airbag (<NUM>) accommodated in the retainer (<NUM>), the airbag being configured to be expanded by gas released by the inflator (<NUM>) and deployed upward from an opening (<NUM>) in an upper surface of the retainer (<NUM>); and
a lid (<NUM>) blocking the opening (<NUM>), wherein a cover (<NUM>) covering the retainer (<NUM>) from an outer side is provided below the lid (<NUM>), wherein the retainer (<NUM>) includes an inflator accommodating portion (<NUM>) accommodating the inflator (<NUM>),
wherein the cover (<NUM>) covers the inflator accommodating portion (<NUM>),
wherein the lid (<NUM>) is formed integrally with the cover (<NUM>),
wherein the cover (<NUM>) includes a ripping portion (<NUM>) that is caused to rupture by the airbag (<NUM>) being deployed,
wherein the lid (<NUM>) includes a lid-side ripping portion (115a) and a hinge portion (<NUM>) that are caused to rupture by the airbag (<NUM>) being deployed, wherein the ripping portions (<NUM>, 115a) and the hinge portion (<NUM>) are a groove-shaped brittle portion formed to have a thin plate thickness as compared to the plate thickness of the lid (<NUM>) and the cover (<NUM>) at the part around the ripping portions (<NUM>, 115a) and the hinge portion (<NUM>), the ripping portions (<NUM>, 115a) are formed to have a thinner plate thickness than the plate thickness of the hinge portion (<NUM>) and rupture with higher priority than the hinge portion (<NUM>), the lid (<NUM>) and cover (<NUM>) are deformed starting from the hinge portion (<NUM>),
wherein a lower-side opening portion (<NUM>) opened downward is provided in a lower surface of the cover (<NUM>), and the retainer (<NUM>) is able to be accommodated in the cover (<NUM>) from the lower-side opening portion (<NUM>),
wherein the retainer (<NUM>) is formed into an L shape including an upward/downward extending portion (<NUM>) extending upward and downward and a sideward extending portion (<NUM>) extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the upward/downward extending portion (<NUM>), the opening (<NUM>) is provided in an upper surface of the upward/downward extending portion (<NUM>), and
wherein the cover (<NUM>) covers the inflator accommodating portion (<NUM>) provided at the sideward extending portion (<NUM>).