Patent Description:
Conventionally, a saddle-ride type vehicle including an airbag module has been known (see, for example, <CIT>). In <CIT>, the airbag module is supported by a main frame extending rearward and downward from a head pipe via a stay, and is disposed behind the head pipe.

<CIT> shows a saddle-ride type vehicle comprising: a retainer that is provided behind a head pipe; an inflator; and an airbag that is housed in the retainer, inflates by gas discharged by the inflator, and is deployed in front of an occupant, wherein the airbag is housed in the retainer in a state of being folded bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to a horizontally central portion of the airbag in a cross section in a vehicle top view.

In a case where the airbag module is disposed more adjacent to the head pipe and disposed compactly in a front-rear direction, there is a possibility that the airbag module interferes with a handlebar in a case where the deployment of the airbag is insufficient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle capable of efficiently deploying an airbag.

The invention provides a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim <NUM>.

The saddle-ride type vehicle includes: a retainer (<NUM>) that is provided behind a head pipe (<NUM>); an inflator (<NUM>); and an airbag (<NUM>) that is housed in the retainer (<NUM>), inflates by gas (G) discharged by the inflator (<NUM>), and is deployed in front of an occupant, in which the airbag (<NUM>) is housed in the retainer (<NUM>) in a state of being folded bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to a horizontally central portion (C1 and C2) of the airbag (<NUM>) in a cross section in a vehicle top view.

In the above configuration, the airbag (<NUM>) may be housed in the retainer (<NUM>) in a state in which one of left and right sides of the horizontally central portion (C1 and C2) of the airbag (<NUM>) is folded in a bellows shape and the other one of the left and right sides is folded in a roll shape in the cross section in the vehicle top view.

In the above configuration, the airbag (<NUM>) may be connected to the inflator (<NUM>) on the other one of the left and right sides of the horizontally central portion (C1 and C2) of the airbag (<NUM>).

In the above configuration, the airbag (<NUM>) may be housed in the retainer (<NUM>) in a state of including a proximal end-side folded portion (<NUM>) folded in a roll shape or a bellows shape, an intermediate-side folded portion (<NUM> and <NUM>) extending from the proximal end-side folded portion (<NUM>) and folded above the proximal end-side folded portion (<NUM>), and a distal end-side folded portion (<NUM>) extending from the intermediate-side folded portion (<NUM> and <NUM>) and folded in a roll shape or a bellows shape in a cross section in a vehicle side view, and the intermediate-side folded portion (<NUM> and <NUM>) may have a plurality of folding-back points (P1, P2, and P3) at which folding is made along the distal end-side folded portion (<NUM>) in a front-rear direction of the distal end-side folded portion (<NUM>) in the cross section in the vehicle side view.

In the above configuration, the retainer (<NUM>) may extend along the head pipe (<NUM>) and be open upward, and the airbag (<NUM>) may have the folding-back points (P1, P2, and P3) provided adjacent to side surfaces (<NUM> and <NUM>) of the retainer (<NUM>).

In the above configuration, the retainer (<NUM>) includes the L-shaped airbag passage (<NUM>) from which the airbag (<NUM>) is deployed upward from a left-right direction, and the airbag (<NUM>) may be housed in the airbag passage (<NUM>).

A saddle-ride type vehicle includes: a retainer that is provided behind a head pipe; an inflator; and an airbag that is housed in the retainer, inflates by gas discharged by the inflator, and is deployed in front of an occupant, in which the airbag is housed in the retainer in a state of being folded bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to a horizontally central portion of the airbag in a cross section in a vehicle top view. With this configuration, the airbag can be more efficiently deployed.

In the above configuration, the airbag may be housed in the retainer in a state in which one of left and right sides of the horizontally central portion of the airbag is folded in a bellows shape and the other one of the left and right sides is folded in a roll shape in the cross section in the vehicle top view. With this configuration, the deployment times of the airbag in the left-right direction can be adjusted.

In the above configuration, the airbag may be connected to the inflator on the other one of the left and right sides of the horizontally central portion of the airbag. With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the development times in the left-right direction by making the side where the gas discharged from the inflator easily reaches have a roll shape and making the side where the gas discharged from the inflator hardly reaches have a bellows shape.

In the above configuration, the airbag may be housed in the retainer in a state of including a proximal end-side folded portion folded in a roll shape or a bellows shape, an intermediate-side folded portion extending from the proximal end-side folded portion and folded above the proximal end-side folded portion, and a distal end-side folded portion extending from the intermediate-side folded portion and folded in a roll shape or a bellows shape in a cross section in a vehicle side view, and the intermediate-side folded portion may have a plurality of folding-back points at which folding is made along the distal end-side folded portion in a front-rear direction of the distal end-side folded portion in the cross section in the vehicle side view. With this configuration, the airbag can be more efficiently deployed.

In the above configuration, the retainer may extend along the head pipe and be open upward, and the airbag may have the folding-back point provided adjacent to side surfaces of the retainer. With this configuration, the airbag can be more efficiently deployed.

In the above configuration, the retainer includes the L-shaped airbag passage from which the airbag is deployed upward from a left-right direction, and the airbag may be housed in the airbag passage. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently deploy the airbag disposed in the L-shaped airbag passage.

Note that, in the description, directions such as a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, and a vertical direction are the same as directions with respect to a vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In the drawings, Reference Sign FR denotes the front side of the vehicle body, Reference Sign UP denotes the upper side of the vehicle body, and Reference Sign LH denotes the left side of the vehicle body.

<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 type saddle-ride type vehicle including a vehicle body frame <NUM>, a steering system <NUM> that steerably supports a front wheel <NUM>, a power unit <NUM> supported by a rear portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM>, a rear wheel <NUM>, and a seat <NUM> on which an occupant sits astride the seat.

Further, the motorcycle <NUM> includes a vehicle body cover <NUM> that covers a 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 rearward and downward from a rear side of the head pipe <NUM>, a pair of left and right lower frames <NUM> extending rearward from a lower end portion of the down frame <NUM>, and a pair of left and right seat frames <NUM> extending rearward and upward from rear end portions of the lower frames <NUM>.

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

The power unit <NUM> is a unit swing engine including an engine as a drive source of the rear wheel <NUM> and a swingarm supporting the rear wheel <NUM> in a swingable manner, the engine and the swingarm being integrated with each other. The power unit <NUM> is supported by the vehicle body frame <NUM> in a swingable manner via a link mechanism (not illustrated) provided at a front portion of the power unit <NUM>.

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

A storage 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 storage box.

A pair of left and right step floors <NUM> having a plate shape and on which feet of the occupant sat on the seat <NUM> are placed are provided in front of and below the seat <NUM>, and cover the lower frame <NUM> from above.

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

An axis 15a of the head pipe <NUM> is inclined rearward with respect to a vertical direction in a vehicle side view. An axis of rotation of the steering shaft 11c coincides with the axis 15a. The handlebar post 11d obliquely extends rearwards and upwards from the head pipe <NUM> side along the axis 15a.

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

A front fender <NUM> that covers the front wheel <NUM> from above is fixed to the front forks 11a.

<FIG> is a view of a front portion of the motorcycle <NUM> as viewed from above on an occupant side.

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 rear 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 the vehicle side view, a straddling space <NUM> recessed downward when viewed from the side of the vehicle is defined between the inner cover <NUM> and a front end portion of the seat <NUM>. When getting on and off the motorcycle <NUM>, the occupant can straddle the motorcycle <NUM> through the straddling space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> includes an airbag device <NUM> that reduces an impact on the occupant.

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

The airbag unit <NUM> is disposed on the rear side of the inner cover <NUM> and is positioned in front of the occupant sat on the seat <NUM>. The airbag unit <NUM> is provided behind the head pipe <NUM> and below the handlebar 11e, and is positioned at a front side of the straddling space <NUM>.

A rear portion of the airbag unit <NUM> is exposed from a notch portion provided in a central portion of the inner cover <NUM> to the straddling space <NUM> positioned on the outside of the vehicle body cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the airbag unit <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM> as viewed from the rear side. <FIG> is a right side view of the airbag unit <NUM> attached to the vehicle body frame <NUM>. <FIG> is a left side view of the airbag unit <NUM> in a state in which an exterior member <NUM> is removed.

The airbag unit <NUM> is disposed behind the head pipe <NUM> and the handlebar post 11d, and is disposed in such a way as to be inclined rearward along the rear side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The airbag unit <NUM> is fixed to a stay <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided at the front end portion of the vehicle body frame <NUM>.

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

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

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

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the airbag unit <NUM>.

The airbag unit <NUM> includes a box-shaped retainer <NUM> provided in front of the occupant sat on the seat <NUM> (see <FIG>), an airbag <NUM> housed in the retainer <NUM>, an inflator <NUM> that discharges gas into the airbag <NUM>, a fixing member <NUM> that fixes 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.

The retainer <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed in a box shape by assembling a plurality of parts. The retainer <NUM> is configured by assembling an inflator accommodating portion <NUM> covering the inflator <NUM> from the front side, a retainer front half <NUM> provided behind the head pipe <NUM>, and a retainer rear half <NUM> provided on the occupant side and joining with the retainer front half <NUM> and the inflator accommodating portion <NUM> from the rear side.

The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> and the retainer front half <NUM> are coupled and integrated by welding, for example. The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> and the retainer front half <NUM> are coupled to form a front case <NUM> constituting substantially a front half of the retainer <NUM>.

The retainer rear half <NUM> is a rear case constituting substantially a rear half of the retainer <NUM>.

The retainer <NUM> is formed by coupling the retainer rear half <NUM> to the front case <NUM> from the rear side.

In <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> is a box-shaped member formed in an inverted L shape when viewed from the occupant side (the rear side of the vehicle). Note that, in the following description, an L shape means an L shape when the retainer <NUM> is viewed from the front side or the rear side. The retainer <NUM> has an inverted L shape when viewed from the rear side, but it can be said that the retainer <NUM> is formed in an L shape.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> includes a vertically extending portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending vertically, and a side extending portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending outward in the vehicle width direction from a lower side of the vertically extending portion <NUM>.

The vertically extending portion <NUM> is a box-shaped portion extending in the vertical direction along the head pipe <NUM>, and is inclined rearward in the vehicle side view. The vertically extending portion <NUM> is positioned at the center of the vehicle width and overlaps with upper end portions of the handlebar post 11d, the head pipe <NUM>, and the down frame <NUM> from the rear side.

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

The retainer <NUM> is formed in an L shape in which the side extending portion <NUM> extends from the vertically extending portion <NUM>. An L-shaped airbag passage <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed by an internal space of the vertically extending portion <NUM> and an internal space of the side extending portion <NUM> is formed inside the retainer <NUM>.

An opening <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) for exposing the airbag passage <NUM> upward is formed at an upper portion of the vertically extending portion <NUM>. The airbag <NUM> is deployed upward from the opening <NUM>.

The inflator <NUM> is disposed in the side extending portion <NUM> and is disposed offset outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the head pipe <NUM> positioned at the center of the vehicle width.

Parts of the retainer front half <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>, the inflator accommodating portion <NUM>, and the retainer rear half <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the retainer front half <NUM> includes a substantially rectangular front wall portion <NUM> that is vertically long. The front wall portion <NUM> constitutes a front side surface of the vertically extending portion <NUM>. A lower wall portion <NUM> extending rearward is formed at a lower edge of the front wall portion <NUM>. A first side wall <NUM> extending rearward is formed at an edge of one of the left and right sides of the front wall portion <NUM>. A second side wall <NUM> extending rearward is formed at an upper portion of an edge of the other one of the left and right sides of the front wall portion <NUM>.

An extending wall portion <NUM> extending toward the side extending portion <NUM> and the front side of the vehicle is formed at a lower portion of the edge of the other one of the left and right sides of the front wall portion <NUM>. The extending wall portion <NUM> is continuous with a lower portion of the front wall portion <NUM>. An extending portion upper wall 70a extending outward in the vehicle width direction and rearward is formed at an upper edge of the extending wall portion <NUM>. The extending portion upper wall 70a is continuous with a lower end of the second side wall <NUM>. An extending portion lower wall 70b extending outward in the vehicle width direction and rearward is formed at a lower edge of the extending wall portion <NUM>. The extending portion lower wall 70b is continuous with a side portion of the lower wall portion <NUM>.

A recess <NUM> formed by denting the retainer front half <NUM> rearward is formed at a lower end portion of the retainer front half <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is a portion where a lower end portion of the front wall portion <NUM> and a front portion of the lower wall portion <NUM> are recessed toward the inside of the retainer <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is provided at a central portion of the front wall portion <NUM> in a width direction. A rear portion of an upper end portion of the down frame <NUM> is positioned in the recess <NUM>. Therefore, a lower end portion of the retainer <NUM> can be disposed close to the down frame <NUM>, and the retainer <NUM> can be disposed compactly.

A rib-shaped step portion <NUM> protruding toward the inside of the retainer <NUM> is provided on an inner surface of the extending wall portion <NUM>. The step portion <NUM> is formed to be longer in the left-right direction than in the vertical direction and extends in the left-right direction in the retainer <NUM>. A plurality of step portions <NUM> are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The step portion <NUM> is formed by pushing out a portion of the extending wall portion <NUM> from the outside to the inside of the retainer <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a fastening portion <NUM> for fastening the retainer <NUM> to the stay <NUM> of the vehicle body frame <NUM> is provided at a front surface of the front wall portion <NUM> of the retainer front half <NUM>. The fastening portion <NUM> includes a first fastening member <NUM> fastened to the first stay <NUM> of the head pipe <NUM> and a second fastening member <NUM> fastened to the second stay <NUM> of the down frame <NUM>. The first fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the first stay <NUM> by a fixing tool (not illustrated). The second fastening member <NUM> is fastened to the second stay <NUM> by a pair of left and right fixing tools <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the inflator accommodating portion <NUM> is connected to the retainer front half <NUM>. The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> is a box-shaped part whose rear portion is opened rearward. The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> includes a substantially rectangular wall portion <NUM> covering the inflator <NUM> from the front side. An upper wall portion <NUM> extending rearward is formed at an upper edge of the wall portion <NUM>. A lower wall portion <NUM> extending rearward is formed at a lower edge of the wall portion <NUM>. An outer side wall portion <NUM> extending rearward is formed at an outer side edge of the wall portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. An inner side wall portion <NUM> extending rearward is formed on an inner side edge of the wall portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The upper wall portion <NUM> overlaps with the extending portion upper wall 70a of the retainer front half <NUM> from above, the lower wall portion <NUM> overlaps with the extending portion lower wall 70b of the retainer front half <NUM> from below, and the inner side wall portion <NUM> overlaps with the extending wall portion <NUM> of the retainer front half <NUM> from the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> is welded to the retainer front half <NUM> by a welded fixing portion 51b (fixing portion) which is a portion where the upper wall portion <NUM>, the lower wall portion <NUM>, and the inner side wall portion <NUM> overlap with the retainer front half <NUM> from the outer side.

A main body accommodating portion 78a (see <FIG>) formed by making a central portion of the wall portion <NUM> bulge forward is formed in the wall portion <NUM> of the inflator accommodating portion <NUM>. A receiving surface portion 78b for receiving the inflator <NUM> is formed around the main body accommodating portion 78a. A plurality of fixing hole portions (not illustrated) penetrating in the thickness direction are formed in the receiving surface portion 78b.

A tubular inflator main body 43a of the inflator <NUM> that ejects gas is accommodated in the main body accommodating portion 78a. In the inflator <NUM>, a flange portion 43b extending in a radial direction from an outer circumference of a rear portion of the inflator main body 43a abuts on the receiving surface portion 78b. The flange portion 43b is sandwiched between the receiving surface portion 78b and the frame-shaped fixing member <NUM>. The inflator <NUM> is fastened to an inner surface of the wall portion <NUM> by a fixing tool <NUM> (see <FIG>) inserted into the fixing hole portions (not illustrated) of the fixing member <NUM>, the flange portion 43b, and the receiving surface portion 78b. The wall portion <NUM> is an inflator support portion that supports the inflator <NUM>.

The inflator <NUM> is disposed on the inner surface of the wall portion <NUM> in a direction in which an axis 43c of the tubular inflator main body 43a is directed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle in the vehicle side view. The wall portion <NUM> to which the flange portion 43b is fixed is slightly inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction in the vehicle side view. Therefore, the axis 43c extends rearward and downward in the vehicle side view. Here, the inclination of the axis 43c in the vehicle side view is smaller than <NUM>° with respect to the horizontal. Further, the inflator <NUM> is disposed in a direction in which the axis 43c becomes closer to the center of the vehicle width toward the rear side of the vehicle in plan view viewed from above.

The inflator <NUM> ejects gas from a plurality of gas ejection ports 43d (see <FIG>) provided in the outer circumference of the inflator main body 43a behind the flange portion 43b. The frame-shaped fixing member <NUM> surrounds the gas ejection ports 43d. The gas ejected from the gas ejection ports 43d is guided by an inner surface of the fixing member <NUM> to flow rearward.

A wire passage hole 79a is provided in the lower wall portion <NUM> of the inflator accommodating portion <NUM>. A wire <NUM> (see <FIG>) connecting the inflator <NUM> to the airbag control device passes through the wire passage hole 79a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a substantially rectangular rear wall portion <NUM> that is a vertically long plate. The rear wall portion <NUM> constitutes a rear side surface of the vertically extending portion <NUM>. A side rear wall portion <NUM> extending outward in the vehicle width direction is formed at a lower-left portion of the rear wall portion <NUM>. The side rear wall portion <NUM> constitutes a rear side surface of the side extending portion <NUM>. An extending portion side wall <NUM> extending forward and outward in the vehicle width direction is formed at an edge portion of the outer side of the side rear wall portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

A first side wall <NUM> extending forward from a side edge of a side opposite from the side extending portion <NUM> is formed at a side edge of one of the left and right sides of the rear wall portion <NUM>. The second side wall <NUM> extending forward from a side edge of a side adjacent to the side extending portion <NUM> is formed at a side edge of the other one of the left and right sides of the rear wall portion <NUM>. The second side wall <NUM> is formed at an upper portion of the rear wall portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a lower wall portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending forward from a lower edge of the rear wall portion <NUM>, a lower edge of the side rear wall portion <NUM>, and a lower edge of the extending portion side wall <NUM>, and an extending portion upper wall <NUM> extending forward from an upper edge of the side rear wall portion <NUM> and an upper edge of the extending portion side wall <NUM>. The extending portion upper wall <NUM> is continuous with a lower end of the second side wall <NUM>.

The side rear wall portion <NUM> of the retainer rear half <NUM> faces a rear surface 43e of the inflator main body 43a. The axis 43c of the inflator main body 43a intersects the side rear wall portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>.

A stepped shape <NUM> protruding toward the inside of the retainer <NUM> is provided on an inner surface of the side rear wall portion <NUM>. The stepped shape <NUM> is formed in a rib shape longer in the left-right direction than in the vertical direction, and extends in the left-right direction in the retainer <NUM>.

A plurality of stepped shapes <NUM> are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The plurality of stepped shapes <NUM> arranged side by side in the vertical direction guide a flow of the gas ejected from the inflator <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The stepped shape <NUM> is formed by pushing out a portion of the side rear wall portion <NUM> from the outside to the inside of the retainer <NUM>.

Next, fixing portions of the front case <NUM> and the retainer rear half <NUM> will be described.

The retainer front half <NUM> of the front case <NUM> includes the first fixing piece 56a and the second fixing piece 57a extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first side wall <NUM>. Correspondingly, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes the first fixing piece 56b and the second fixing piece 57b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the first side wall <NUM>. The first fixing piece 56a and the first fixing piece 56b constitute first fixing portions 56a and 56b. The first fixing piece 56a and the first fixing piece 56b are fastened to each other by fasteners (not illustrated) inserted into the first fixing portions 56a and 56b from the rear side. The second fixing piece 57a and the second fixing piece 57b constitute second fixing portions 57a and 57b. The second fixing piece 57a and the second fixing piece 57b are fastened to each other by fasteners (not illustrated) inserted into the second fixing portions 57a and 57b from the rear side.

The retainer front half <NUM> includes a third fixing piece 58a extending downward from the lower wall portion <NUM>. The third fixing piece 58a is a connecting portion of the second fastening member <NUM>, and is formed integrally with the second fastening member <NUM>. Corresponding to the third fixing piece 58a, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a third fixing piece 58b extending downward from a lower portion of the rear wall portion <NUM> in the lower wall portion <NUM>. The third fixing piece 58a and the third fixing piece 58b constitute a third fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The third fixing piece 58a and the third fixing piece 58b are fastened to each other by a fastener 58c (see <FIG>) inserted into the third fixing portion <NUM> from the rear side.

The retainer front half <NUM> includes a fourth fixing piece 59a extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the second side wall <NUM>. Correspondingly, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a fourth fixing piece 59b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the second side wall <NUM>. The fourth fixing piece 59a and the fourth fixing piece 59b constitute a fourth fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fourth fixing piece 59a and the fourth fixing piece 59b are fastened to each other by a fastener 59c inserted into the fourth fixing portion <NUM> from the rear side.

The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> of the front case <NUM> includes a fifth fixing piece 60a and a sixth fixing piece 61a extending upward from the upper wall portion <NUM>. Correspondingly, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a fifth fixing piece 60b and a sixth fixing piece 61b extending upward from the extending portion upper wall <NUM>. The fifth fixing piece 60a and the fifth fixing piece 60b constitute a fifth fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The fifth fixing piece 60a and the fifth fixing piece 60b are fastened to each other by a fastener 60c (see <FIG>) inserted into the fifth fixing portion <NUM> from the rear side.

The sixth fixing piece 61a and the sixth fixing piece 61b constitute a sixth fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The sixth fixing piece 61a and the sixth fixing piece 61b are fastened to each other by a fastener 61c (see <FIG>) inserted into the sixth fixing portion <NUM> from the rear side.

The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> includes a seventh fixing piece 62a and an eighth fixing piece 63a extending downward from the lower wall portion <NUM>. Correspondingly, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a seventh fixing piece 62b and an eighth fixing piece 63b extending downward from a lower portion of the side rear wall portion <NUM> in the lower wall portion <NUM>. The seventh fixing piece 62a and the seventh fixing piece 62b constitute a seventh fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The seventh fixing piece 62a and the seventh fixing piece 62b are fastened to each other by a fastener 62c (see <FIG>) inserted into the seventh fixing portion <NUM> from the rear side. The eighth fixing piece 63a and the eighth fixing piece 63b constitute an eighth fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The eighth fixing piece 63a and the eighth fixing piece 63b are fastened to each other by a fastener 63c inserted into the eighth fixing portion <NUM> from the rear side.

The inflator accommodating portion <NUM> includes a ninth fixing piece 64a extending outward in the vehicle width direction from a front surface of the wall portion <NUM>. A distal end portion 64a1 of the ninth fixing piece 64a is bent rearward, and the distal end portion 64a1 is positioned outside the outer side wall portion <NUM>. Corresponding to the ninth fixing piece 64a, the retainer rear half <NUM> includes a ninth fixing piece 64b extending forward from the extending portion side wall <NUM>. The ninth fixing piece 64a and the ninth fixing piece 64b constitute a ninth fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The ninth fixing piece 64a and the ninth fixing piece 64b are fastened to each other by a fastener 64c (see <FIG>) inserted into the ninth fixing portion <NUM> from the outer side.

The retainer <NUM> can be separated into the front case <NUM> and the retainer rear half <NUM> by fastening and unfastening the fixing portions 56a to 57b and <NUM> to <NUM>. This contributes to improvement in assemblability of the airbag device <NUM>.

By fastening the fixing portions 56a to 57b and <NUM> to <NUM>, the front case <NUM> and the retainer rear half <NUM> are fastened to form the retainer <NUM>.

In a state in which the fixing portions 56a to 57b and <NUM> to <NUM> are fastened, the retainer rear half <NUM> overlaps with the front case <NUM> from the outer side. That is, in a state where the fixing portions <NUM> to <NUM> are fastened, the first side wall <NUM> overlaps with the first side wall <NUM> from the outer side, the second side wall <NUM> overlaps with the second side wall <NUM> from the outer side, the lower wall portion <NUM> overlaps with 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 with the extending portion upper wall 70a and the upper wall portion <NUM> from the outer side, and the extending portion side wall <NUM> overlaps with the outer side wall portion <NUM> from the outer side.

The airbag <NUM> is housed in the L-shaped airbag passage <NUM> in the retainer <NUM> in a folded state, and is provided from the side extending portion <NUM> to the vertically extending portion <NUM>.

An upstream end of the airbag <NUM> in the gas flow is sandwiched between the fixing member <NUM> and the flange portion 43b, whereby the airbag <NUM> is connected to the inflator <NUM>.

The exterior member <NUM> is attached to the retainer <NUM>. The exterior member <NUM> is formed in such a way as to cover substantially the entire surface of the retainer <NUM> except for a lower surface of the retainer <NUM>. The exterior member <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> that covers the retainer <NUM>, and a lid portion <NUM> (lid) that covers the opening <NUM> at the upper surface of the retainer <NUM> from above, the cover <NUM> and the lid portion <NUM> being integrated with each other. The cover <NUM> is provided on a lower side of the lid portion <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes a vertically extending portion cover portion <NUM> that covers the vertically extending portion <NUM> and a side extending portion cover portion <NUM> that covers the side extending portion <NUM>, the vertically extending portion cover portion <NUM> and the side extending portion cover portion <NUM> being integrated with each other. A lower opening portion <NUM> that opens a space inside the cover <NUM> downward is formed in a lower surface of the cover <NUM>. The lower opening portion <NUM> is provided in the entire lower surface of the exterior member <NUM>. The exterior member <NUM> is attached to the retainer <NUM> by covering the retainer <NUM> from above through the lower opening portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a first side surface portion 101c of an opposite side of the vertically extending portion cover portion <NUM> from the side extending portion <NUM>, a fixing portion housing portion <NUM> formed by making a portion of the first side surface portion 101c bulge outward in the vehicle width direction is provided. The first fixing portions 56a and 56b (see <FIG>) and the second fixing portions 57a and 57b (see <FIG>) are housed in the fixing portion housing portion <NUM>.

A first attachment hole 105a penetrating through a front surface of the fixing portion housing portion <NUM> is provided in an upper portion of the front surface of the fixing portion housing portion <NUM>. A cover fastener <NUM> is inserted into the first attachment hole 105a. The cover fastener <NUM> is fastened to a first cover fixing hole portion 56d (see <FIG>) provided in an upper portion of the first fixing piece 56b.

A second attachment hole 105b penetrating through the front surface of the fixing portion housing portion <NUM> is provided in the front surface of the fixing portion housing portion <NUM> below the first attachment hole 105a. A cover fastener <NUM> is inserted into the second attachment hole 105b. The cover fastener <NUM> is fastened to a second cover fixing hole portion 57d provided in an upper portion of the second fixing piece 57b.

On a side upper surface portion 102c of the side extending portion cover portion <NUM>, a fixing portion housing portion <NUM> formed by making a portion of the side upper surface portion 102c bulge upward is provided.

The fourth fixing portion <NUM>, the fifth fixing portion <NUM>, and the sixth fixing portion <NUM> are housed in the fixing portion housing portion <NUM>. A third attachment hole 106a (see <FIG>) penetrating through a front surface of the fixing portion housing portion <NUM> is provided in the front surface. A cover fastener <NUM> is inserted into the third attachment hole 106a. The cover fastener <NUM> is fastened to a third cover fixing hole portion 59d (see <FIG>) provided in an upper portion of the fourth fixing piece 59b.

The exterior member <NUM> is fastened to the retainer <NUM> by the cover fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The exterior member <NUM> of the present embodiment is engaged with a claw portion (not illustrated) provided on the front surface of the retainer <NUM>, and is attached to the retainer <NUM> in a state where a front portion of the exterior member <NUM> is prevented from coming off upward.

Referring to <FIG>, a handlebar holder 11f that supports the handlebar 11e is provided at an upper end portion of the handlebar post 11d. The handlebar holder 11f has a disk shape in plan view viewed from above, and the handlebar 11e is fixed to an upper surface of the handlebar holder 11f.

The airbag unit <NUM> is disposed in such a way that the lid portion <NUM> of the exterior member <NUM> is arranged behind the handlebar holder 11f.

The lid portion <NUM> of the exterior member <NUM>, a rear surface portion 101a, a side rear surface portion 102a, the fixing portion housing portion <NUM>, and the fixing portion housing portion <NUM> are exposed to the straddling space <NUM>.

A lid recessed portion 103a recessed downward is provided at a front portion of the lid portion <NUM> to avoid a rear portion of the handlebar holder 11f. A front edge of the lid recessed portion 103a is formed in an arc shape in accordance with the shape of the rear portion of the handlebar holder 11f.

The rear portion of the handlebar holder 11f is disposed in the lid recessed portion 103a. Therefore, the lid portion <NUM> can be disposed close to the handlebar holder 11f in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the exterior member <NUM> includes a tear line <NUM> as a cleavage portion broken by the deployed airbag <NUM>.

The tear line <NUM> is a groove-shaped fragile portion formed to have a plate thickness smaller than a plate thickness of a portion of the exterior member <NUM> around the tear line <NUM>.

The tear line <NUM> is formed to have a small plate thickness and preferentially cleaves.

The tear line <NUM> includes a rear edge 103b of the lid portion <NUM>, left and right side edges 103c of the lid portion <NUM>, and a lid-side tear line 115a provided in a portion excluding a portion of the lid recessed portion 103a in a front edge 103d of the lid portion <NUM>. The tear line <NUM> includes a pair of left and right rear tear lines 115b extending downward along the left and right side edges of the rear surface portion 101a from portions of the left and right end portions of the rear edge 103b in the lid-side tear line 115a. Furthermore, the tear line <NUM> includes a pair of left and right front tear lines (not illustrated) extending downward along the left and right side edges of a front surface portion 101b from the left and right end portions of the front edge 103d in the lid-side tear line 115a.

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 and a lower-left portion of the front surface of the retainer <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 rear wall portion <NUM> and the side rear wall portion <NUM>.

Therefore, the retainer <NUM> can be entirely covered from above and surrounded by the exterior member <NUM>, and the waterproofness of the retainer <NUM> can be improved.

In the airbag device <NUM> of the present embodiment, the inflator <NUM> ejects gas into the airbag <NUM> toward the rear side of the vehicle along the axis 43c under the control of the airbag control device.

The gas discharged from the inflator <NUM> into the airbag <NUM> is guided by the side extending portion <NUM> and the vertically extending portion <NUM>, and flows in an L shape in the airbag passage <NUM>.

At this time, a part of the gas ejected from the inflator <NUM> hits the stepped shape <NUM> of the side extending portion <NUM> via the airbag <NUM> and flows inward in the vehicle width direction along the stepped shape <NUM>.

When the gas flows from the side extending portion <NUM> to the vertically extending portion <NUM>, the flow in the left-right direction is changed to the flow in the upward direction, and the gas flows upward in the vertically extending portion <NUM>.

When the airbag <NUM> inflates upward by the gas flowing upward in the vertically extending portion <NUM>, the tear line <NUM> of the exterior member <NUM> cleaves, the lid portion <NUM> is opened, and the opening <NUM> is exposed. Then, the airbag <NUM> is deployed upward from the opening <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> by the gas flowing upward.

The retainer <NUM> is fastened to the down frame <NUM> at a lower side position of the retainer <NUM> via the second fastening member <NUM>. As a result, the support rigidity of a lower portion of the retainer <NUM> with respect to the vehicle body frame <NUM> side is increased, and when the airbag <NUM> inflates by the gas, a portion of an upper portion of the retainer <NUM> on the opening <NUM> side slightly moves toward the occupant side with a portion of the second fastening member <NUM> as a fulcrum due to the inflation of the airbag <NUM>, and is deformed to widen the opening <NUM>. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be satisfactorily deployed upward.

<FIG> is a view of the deployed and inflating airbag <NUM> as viewed from the rear side (corresponding to the occupant side). <FIG> is a view of the deployed and inflating airbag <NUM> as viewed from the front side (a side opposite from the occupant).

The airbag <NUM> is a bag including a proximal end portion <NUM> positioned in the airbag passage <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the retainer <NUM> in a deployed state and an outward deployment portion <NUM> positioned outside the airbag passage <NUM> in a deployed state, the proximal end portion <NUM> and the outward deployment portion <NUM> being integrated with each other.

The outward deployment portion <NUM> is formed bilaterally symmetrically with respect to a center line (left-right center line) C1 of the outward deployment portion <NUM> in the width direction (left-right direction). The airbag <NUM> is disposed in such a way that the center line C1 is positioned on the left side of the center of the vehicle width. The airbag <NUM> is disposed in such a way that the center line C1 is at the same position as a center line 47C (see <FIG>) of the vertically extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The outward deployment portion <NUM> includes a neck portion 122A extending upward from an upper end of the proximal end portion <NUM>, a deployment portion main body 122B extending upward from an upper end of the neck portion 122A, and a bulging portion 122C bulging upward from the center of the upper portion of the deployment portion main body 122B in the width direction.

The neck portion 122A is a cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction from the opening <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> in a state where the airbag <NUM> is operated and deployed.

The deployment portion main body 122B is formed in a fan shape extending upward and having a width in the left-right direction increasing from a lower end which is a connecting portion with the neck portion 122A. The deployment portion main body 122B includes a head facing portion 122D having the maximum width in the left-right direction at an upper end portion thereof. The head facing portion 122D is a portion assumed to receive the head of the occupant in a state where the airbag <NUM> is operated and deployed.

The neck portion 122A, the deployment portion main body 122B, and the bulging portion 122C are provided bilaterally symmetrically with respect to the center line C1.

The airbag <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed in a bag shape by a joining structure of a front base fabric (front surface) <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a rear base fabric (rear surface) <NUM> (see <FIG>). A sewn portion (coupling portion) <NUM> for forming the joining structure in which the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM> are sewn together is formed at peripheral edge portions of the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM>.

The deployment portion main body 122B includes a pair of middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM> at positions between the neck portion 122A and the head facing portion 122D. The middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM> are provided bilaterally symmetrically with respect to the center line C1.

The middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM> are portions where the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM> of the outward deployment portion <NUM> are sewn and connected along peripheral edge portions of the middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and the gas G does not pass through the middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

A throttle portion <NUM> in which the passage of the gas G becomes narrower than that on the upstream side is formed between the left and right middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, throttle portions <NUM> and <NUM> in which the passage of the gas G becomes narrower than that on the upstream side are formed between left and right side portions of the outward deployment portion <NUM> and the middle sewn portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Since the passage of the gas G on the upstream side of the head facing portion 122D become narrower by the throttle portion <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the gas G is quickly supplied to the head facing portion 122D.

<FIG> is an explanatory view of panels <NUM> and <NUM> forming a circumferential length difference.

In the airbag <NUM> of the present embodiment, the panels <NUM> and <NUM> forming a circumferential length difference between the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM> when viewed from the side are sewn to the sewn portion <NUM> of the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM>. The panels <NUM> and <NUM> are formed of fabric similarly to the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM>. A pair of panels <NUM> and <NUM> are provided on the left and right sides of the neck portion 122A. In <FIG>, the left panel <NUM> is illustrated in a left side view, and the right panel <NUM> is illustrated in a right side view. The panels <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be bilaterally symmetrical. The panels <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially D-shaped in a side view. Each of the panels <NUM> and <NUM> includes a front edge portion <NUM> and a rear edge portion <NUM> facing the front edge portion <NUM>. In a side view, the front edge portion <NUM> and the rear edge portion <NUM> are formed in an arc shape recessed rearward, and the front edge portion <NUM> has a shorter circumferential length than the rear edge portion <NUM>.

The peripheral edge portion of the front base fabric <NUM> and the front edge portion <NUM> of the panel <NUM> are sewn while facing each other. The circumferential length of the peripheral edge portion of the front base fabric <NUM> corresponds to the circumferential length of the front edge portion <NUM> of the panel <NUM> in a side view at a portion sewn to the panel <NUM>.

A peripheral edge portion of the rear base fabric <NUM> and the rear edge portion <NUM> of the panel <NUM> are sewn while facing each other. The circumferential length of the peripheral edge portion of the rear base fabric <NUM> corresponds to the circumferential length of the rear edge portion <NUM> of the panel <NUM> in a side view at a portion sewn to the panel <NUM>.

In the neck portion 122A of the outer deployment portion <NUM>, the front base fabric <NUM> is shorter, and the rear base fabric <NUM> is longer. Since there is a circumferential length difference between the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM> in a direction along the center line C1, the airbag <NUM> is easily deployed in a state of being bent toward a certain front side of the front base fabric <NUM> in the direction along the center line C1 at the time of deployment.

The neck portion 122A is a cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction from the opening <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>, and is positioned below the handlebar 11e in the vehicle side view in a deployed state. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> is deployed in a state in which the panels <NUM> formed at the neck portion 122A are positioned below the handlebar 11e in the vehicle side view. As a result, the airbag <NUM> can be deployed while suppressing interference with the handlebar 11e.

In particular, the panel <NUM> in the present embodiment is disposed upstream of the deployment portion main body 122B including the head facing portion 122D and greatly expanding in the left-right direction, in a flow direction of the gas G. Therefore, it is possible to deploy the airbag <NUM> while suppressing the deployment portion main body 122B from interfering with portions of the handlebar 11e positioned on the left and right sides of the handlebar post 11d.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the airbag <NUM>, the proximal end portion <NUM> connected to the inflator <NUM> includes a bag left-right extending portion 121A extending in the left-right direction in the side extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> and a bag upward extending portion 121B extending upward from the bag left-right extending portion 121A.

The bag left-right extending portion 121A extends in the left-right direction from the inflator <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> toward the center line C1.

The bag upward extending portion 121B extends upward while being slightly inclined with respect to the center line C1 in the vertically extending portion <NUM>. The outward deployment portion <NUM> extending upward is continuous with an upper end of the bag upward extending portion 121B.

In the proximal end portion <NUM>, the bag left-right extending portion 121A extends toward one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the center line C1, and is formed to be bilaterally asymmetrical with respect to the center line C1.

That is, in the airbag <NUM>, the outward deployment portion <NUM> is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the center line C1, but the proximal end portion <NUM> is provided bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to the center line C1 along the L-shaped airbag passage <NUM>.

An angle at which an extending direction X1 of the bag left-right extending portion 121A and an extending direction Y1 of the bag upward extending portion 121B intersect is larger than a right angle. The proximal end portion <NUM> is formed in an L shape along the airbag passage <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>.

When housed in the retainer <NUM>, the proximal end portion <NUM> has a shape curved at a substantially right angle along the airbag passage <NUM>.

In the peripheral edge portion of the proximal end portion <NUM>, curved portions 121C and 121D are formed at a connecting portion between the bag left-right extending portion 121A and the bag upward extending portion 121B. The gas G smoothly flows along the curved portions 121C and 121D.

A connecting port 121E (see <FIG>) connected to the inflator <NUM> is provided at a position offset from the center line C1 of the bag left-right extending portion 121A in the vehicle width direction in the front base fabric <NUM> of the proximal end portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of a loop diffuser <NUM>.

The airbag <NUM> includes the loop diffuser <NUM> that guides the gas G. The loop diffuser <NUM> is formed in an L-shaped bag shape including an opening 141A at one end thereof. A peripheral edge portion of the loop diffuser <NUM> is closed except for the opening 141A.

The loop diffuser <NUM> is disposed in the gas flow path of the proximal end portion <NUM> and extends from the inflator <NUM> to a lower end portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM>. The loop diffuser <NUM> is coupled to the airbag <NUM> by being sewn to an inner surface of the proximal end portion <NUM>.

The loop diffuser <NUM> includes a connecting portion 141B connected to the inflator <NUM>. The connecting portion 141B is connected to the inflator <NUM> in such a way as to overlap with the connecting port 121E of the bag left-right extending portion 121A from the inner side. The gas G discharged from the inflator <NUM> directly flows into the bag of the loop diffuser <NUM> from the connecting portion 141B. The gas G flowing into the loop diffuser <NUM> flows along the loop diffuser <NUM> and flows into the outward deployment portion <NUM> from the opening 141A.

The opening 141A is disposed in such a way that the gas G discharged from the opening 141A flows upward.

Since the flow direction of the gas G from the inflator <NUM> can be controlled by the loop diffuser <NUM>, a filling procedure for filling the airbag <NUM> with the gas G can be controlled, and the airbag <NUM> can be efficiently deployed upward.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a right pipe portion <NUM> is formed at a lower portion of an inner peripheral side of the right middle sewn portion <NUM>. A left pipe portion <NUM> is formed at a lower portion of an inner peripheral side of the left middle sewn portion <NUM>. The pipe portions <NUM> and <NUM> sew the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM> in a circular shape.

A right side tab <NUM> and a left side tab <NUM> are provided on the proximal end portion <NUM>. The side tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are fabrics separate from the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM>. The side tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed between the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM> and are sewn to the sewn portion <NUM>.

The right side tab <NUM> is sewn in a state of extending toward one side in the left-right direction from the right curved portion 121D of the proximal end portion <NUM>. The right side tab <NUM> overlaps with a line L2 passing through the center of the inflator <NUM> and extending along the longitudinal direction X1 of the bag left-right extending portion 121A in a vehicle front view.

The left side tab <NUM> is sewn in a state of extending toward the other side in the left-right direction from the left curved portion 121C of the proximal end portion <NUM>. The left side tab <NUM> is disposed above the right side tab <NUM> in the vehicle front view.

Anchoring bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed between the pipe portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the side tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. The anchoring bodies <NUM> and <NUM> are formed of a belt-shaped fabric extending in the vertical direction.

<FIG> is an explanatory view of a folding order of the airbag <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a cross section of the airbag <NUM> in a vehicle side view corresponding to a cross section taken along line XIII-XIII in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a cross section of the airbag <NUM> in a vehicle top view corresponding to a cross section taken along line XIV-XIV in <FIG>. In <FIG>, a center line C2 is a center line extending in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the center line C1. That is, the center line C1 corresponds to the center line in the vehicle front view, and the center line C2 corresponds to the center line in the left-right direction in the vehicle top view. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the airbag <NUM> is schematically illustrated as a single layer structure for convenience of explanation.

The airbag <NUM> is housed in the retainer <NUM> in a folded state.

How the airbag <NUM> is folded will be described with reference to <FIG>.

First, the outward deployment portion <NUM> is folded in a direction orthogonal to the center line C1 in the vehicle front view. It may be considered that the outward deployment portion <NUM> is folded in a direction orthogonal to the center line C2 in the vehicle top view. In the present embodiment, the outward deployment portion <NUM> is folded in a bellows shape bilaterally symmetrically with respect to the center line C1 (C2).

Specifically, a portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on a left end 42B side of the center line C1 (C2) is folded forward with a position corresponding to a predetermined length W1 on the left side of the center line C1 (C2) as a folding-back point (folding-back position). Next, the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the left end 42B side is folded forward with a position corresponding to the center line C1 (C2) as a folding-back point. Then, the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the left end 42B side is folded forward with the position corresponding to the predetermined length W1 on the left side of the center line C1 (C2) as a folding-back point. In this manner, the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the left end 42B side is folded forward a plurality of times and folded in a bellows shape with the position corresponding to the predetermined length W1 on the left side of the center line C1 (C2) and the position corresponding to the center line C1 (C2) as the folding-back points.

A portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the right end 42C side is folded in the same manner as the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the left end 42B side except that the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the right end 42C side is laterally reversed. That is, the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the right end 42C side is folded forward a plurality of times and folded in a bellows shape with a position corresponding to the predetermined length W1 on the right side of the center line C1 (C2) and the position corresponding to the center line C1 (C2) as folding-back points.

As a result, as illustrated in <FIG>, a pair of left and right bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed in the airbag <NUM>. The sum of the width (length) W1 of the bellows-shaped portion <NUM> in the left-right direction and the width W1 of the bellows-shaped portion <NUM> in the left-right direction is a width at which the airbag <NUM> can be accommodated in the vertically extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>.

In the present specification, folding the outward deployment portion <NUM> in a bellows shape refers to folding performed in such a way as to overlapping linearly extending portions while switching a folding-back direction.

Next, the outward deployment portion <NUM> is folded in a direction along the center line C1. That is, the bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> are folded in a direction along the center line C1 of the airbag <NUM>. In the present embodiment, an upper end 42A is bent forward and formed in a roll shape by a preset number of turns (a preset number of times). In the present specification, folding the outward deployment portion <NUM> in a roll shape refers to folding performed in such a way as to fold back an end portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> or the folding-back point of the outward deployment portion <NUM> as an end portion, and roll the folded-back portion in a certain direction in such a way as to wrap the folded-back portion. As a result, a distal end-side folded portion <NUM> folded in a roll shape is formed in the airbag <NUM>. A virtual line L1 in the longitudinal direction is formed along a folded portion including the upper end 42A in a cross section in the vehicle side view on the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the virtual line L1 extends in the vertical direction.

After the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is formed, the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is folded back in the opposite direction (downward) on the front side. As a result, a second folding-back point P2 is formed on the front side of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>, and a second folded-back portion 154B is formed. The second folded-back portion 154B includes a portion extending downward from the second folding-back point P2 along the virtual line L1.

After the second folding-back point P2 is formed, the outward deployment portion <NUM> is folded in such a way as to wrap the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>, whereby the panel <NUM> is moved to the rear side of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>, and folded back in the opposite direction (downward) at the position of the panel <NUM>. As a result, a first folding-back point P1 is formed on the rear side of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>, and a first folded-back portion 154A is formed. The first folded-back portion 154A includes a portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that extends from the first folding-back point P1 along the virtual line L1.

A portion closer to the proximal end portion <NUM> than to the first folded-back portion 154A is folded back a plurality of times in the front-rear direction and folded in a bellows shape. As a result, a proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> is formed below the first folded-back portion 154A.

An intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> is formed between the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>. The intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> of the first embodiment includes the first folded-back portion 154A and the second folded-back portion 154B.

The airbag <NUM> is housed in the vertically extending portion <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> in a state of including the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM>, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM>, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>.

At this time, the virtual line L1 in the longitudinal direction of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is disposed along the center line 47C of the vertically extending portion <NUM>. The first folding-back point P1 is disposed adjacent to the rear wall portion (side surface) <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>, and the first folded-back portion 154A is sandwiched between the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> and the rear wall portion <NUM>. Further, the second folding-back point P2 is disposed adjacent to the front wall portion (side surface) <NUM> of the retainer <NUM>, and the second folded-back portion 154B is sandwiched between the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> and the front wall portion <NUM>.

A connecting portion P0 where the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> and the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> are connected is set to a position where the virtual line L1 of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> and the outermost periphery portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> intersect each other. In this case, a height H1 of the first folding-back point P1 is set to a length from the connecting portion P0 to the first folding-back point P1 along the virtual line L1. A height H2 of the second folding-back point P2 is set to a length from the connecting portion P0 to the second folding-back point P2 along the virtual line L1.

Here, it has been confirmed by experiments that the higher the height H1 of the first folding-back point P1, the more likely the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is deployed toward the front of the vehicle when the airbag <NUM> is deployed. In addition, it has been confirmed by experiments that, the higher the height H2 of the second folding-back point P2, the more likely the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is deployed toward the occupant side when the airbag <NUM> is deployed.

In the present embodiment, the height H1 of the first folding-back point P1 is higher than the height H2 of the second folding-back point P2.

<FIG> is a left side view of a main part of the motorcycle <NUM> in a state before the airbag <NUM> is deployed. <FIG> is a continuation of <FIG> and is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the airbag <NUM> starts to be deployed. <FIG> is a continuation of <FIG> and is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the first folded-back portion 154A of the airbag <NUM> starts to be deployed. <FIG> is a continuation of <FIG> and is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the second folded-back portion 154B starts to be deployed.

<FIG> is an explanatory view corresponding to a vehicle front upper view of <FIG>. <FIG> is a continuation of <FIG> and is an explanatory view corresponding to a vehicle front upper view of <FIG>.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

Once the inflator <NUM> of the airbag device <NUM> operates, the gas G is injected into the airbag <NUM>. The airbag <NUM> inflates by a pressure of the gas G and deployed upward.

That is, when the inflator <NUM> operates, the gas G is injected to the loop diffuser <NUM>. The gas G is guided by the loop diffuser <NUM> to move through the L-shaped proximal end portion <NUM>. The gas G having passed through the proximal end portion <NUM> enters the outward deployment portion <NUM> to deploy the outward deployment portion <NUM>. The outward deployment portion <NUM> supported by the proximal end portion <NUM> is easily deployed in a stable posture.

In the outward deployment portion <NUM>, the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM>, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM>, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> are deployed in the vehicle side view, and the bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> are deployed in the left-right direction.

Once the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> inflates, as illustrated in <FIG>, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> rise. Accordingly, the exterior member <NUM> is broken, and the outward deployment portion <NUM> is deployed from the opening <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the second fastening member <NUM> increases the support rigidity of the lower portion of the retainer <NUM>, and when the airbag <NUM> inflates, the portion of the upper portion of the retainer <NUM> on the opening <NUM> side slightly moves toward the occupant side with the portion of the second fastening member <NUM> as a fulcrum, and is deformed to widen the opening <NUM>. Therefore, the outward deployment portion <NUM> of the airbag <NUM> is easily deployed rearward immediately after the inflation.

Once the outward deployment portion <NUM> is deployed rearward, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first folded-back portion 154A is deployed immediately below the handlebar 11e in the vehicle side view. The bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> are deployed in the left-right direction.

The distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is disposed in front of the first folded-back portion 154A, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> receives a force to move forward from the deployed first folded-back portion 154A.

The panels <NUM> and <NUM> are sewn to the first folded-back portion 154A, and a circumferential length difference is generated between the front base fabric <NUM> and the rear base fabric <NUM>. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> that pops out rearward from the retainer <NUM> is easily deployed upward after passing below the handlebar 11e, and is easily deployed while suppressing the airbag <NUM> from coming into contact with the handlebar 11e.

After the first folded-back portion 154A starts to be deployed, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second folded-back portion 154B is deployed behind the handlebar holder 11f in the vehicle side view. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the vehicle front upper view, the bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> are deployed in a well-balanced manner in the left-right direction, the airbag <NUM> is unfolded outward in such a way as to be wider than the seat <NUM> in the left-right direction, and is deployed to the vicinity of bases (inner ends of left and right grips 11e1 and 11e1 of the handlebar 11e in the vehicle width direction) of rearview mirrors <NUM> and <NUM>.

The distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is disposed behind the second folded-back portion 154B, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> receives a force to move toward the occupant side (rear side) from the deployed second folded-back portion 154B.

A direction in which the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is deployed is adjusted by the first folded-back portion 154A and the second folded-back portion 154B. The distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is folded in a roll shape and deployed while rotating.

As described above, the airbag <NUM> is efficiently deployed while being suppressed from coming into contact with the handlebar 11e (see <FIG>).

As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes: the retainer <NUM> that is provided behind the head pipe <NUM>; the inflator <NUM>; and the airbag <NUM> that is housed in the retainer <NUM>, inflates by the gas G discharged by the inflator <NUM>, and is deployed in front of the occupant, in which the airbag <NUM> is housed in the retainer <NUM> in a state of including the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> folded in a bellows shape, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> extending from the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> and folded above the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM>, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> extending from the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> and folded in a roll shape or a bellows shape in the cross section in the vehicle side view, and the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> has the plurality of folding-back points P1 and P2 at which folding is made along the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> in the front-rear direction of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> in the cross section in the vehicle side view. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be more efficiently deployed.

In the present embodiment, the folding-back points P1 and P2 are provided on the front side and the rear side of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the direction in which the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is deployed.

In the present embodiment, the retainer <NUM> extends along the head pipe <NUM> and is open upward, and the airbag <NUM> may have the folding-back points P1 and P2 provided adjacent to the front wall portion <NUM> and the rear wall portion <NUM> constituting the side surfaces of the retainer <NUM>. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be more efficiently deployed.

In the present embodiment, the airbag <NUM> is folded bilaterally symmetrically with respect to the center line C1 of the airbag <NUM> in a cross section in the vehicle top view. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be deployed in a well-balanced manner in the left-right direction.

In the present embodiment, the bilaterally symmetrically folded airbag <NUM> has a bellows shape. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be easily folded and housed in the retainer <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the retainer <NUM> includes the L-shaped airbag passage <NUM> from which the airbag <NUM> is deployed upward from the left-right direction, and the airbag <NUM> is housed in the airbag passage <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently deploy the airbag <NUM> disposed in the L-shaped airbag passage <NUM>.

<FIG> is an explanatory view of a second embodiment and is a view corresponding to <FIG> of the first embodiment.

In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In an airbag <NUM> of the second embodiment, an outward deployment portion <NUM> is folded bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to center lines (horizontally central portions) C1 and C2. The airbag <NUM> of the second embodiment includes a roll-shaped portion <NUM> and an irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> instead of the bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

Specifically, a portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on a left end 42B side of the center line C1 (C2) is folded in a roll shape in a manner in which the left end 42B is bent rearward. As a result, the roll-shaped portion <NUM> folded in a roll shape is formed on the left side (one side in the left-right direction) of the center line C1 (C2) of the airbag <NUM>.

A portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on a right end 42C side of the center line C1 (C2) is folded rearward a plurality of times and folded in a bellows shape with a position corresponding to a predetermined length W2 on the right side of the center line C1 (C2) and a position corresponding to the center line C1 (C2) as folding-back points. In this manner, a bellows-shaped portion 252A is formed.

Next, the portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the right end 42C side is folded rearward with the position corresponding to the center line C1 (C2) as a folding-back point on the rear side of the bellows-shaped portion 252A, and is folded in such a way as to surround a rear portion, a right portion, and a front portion of the bellows-shaped portion 252A. In this manner, a surrounding portion 252B is formed.

The portion of the outward deployment portion <NUM> that is positioned on the right end 42C side is folded forward with the position corresponding to the center line C1 (C2) as a folding-back point at an inner end of a front portion of the surrounding portion 252B. In this manner, a front-side straight portion 252C is formed.

The irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> of the second embodiment includes the bellows-shaped portion 252A, the surrounding portion 252B, and the front-side straight portion 252C.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the roll-shaped portion <NUM> folded in a roll shape is formed on the left side of the center line C1 (C2) on which the inflator <NUM> is disposed. The irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> folded in a bellows shape is formed on the right side of the center line C1 (C2) which is a side away from the inflator <NUM>. Although a configuration in which the center lines C1 and C2 are formed bilaterally asymmetrically is described in the present embodiment, the horizontally central portion based on which the center lines C1 and C2 are formed bilaterally asymmetrically does not need to coincide with the center lines C1 and C2, and may be shifted in the left-right direction from the center lines C1 and C2.

In the second embodiment, once the inflator <NUM> of the airbag device <NUM> operates, the gas G is injected into the airbag <NUM>, and in the outward deployment portion <NUM>, the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM>, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM>, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> are deployed in the vehicle side view, and the roll-shaped portion <NUM> and the irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> are deployed in the left-right direction.

That is, in the vehicle side view, as in the first embodiment, the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM>, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM>, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> are deployed.

On the other hand, the roll-shaped portion <NUM> and the irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> are deployed in the left-right direction. In general, the portion of the airbag <NUM> that is folded in the roll shape is deployed at a lower speed as compared with the portion of the airbag <NUM> that is folded in the bellows shape.

In the second embodiment, in the left-right direction, the roll-shaped portion <NUM> is positioned on the inflator <NUM> side with respect to the center line C1 (C2), and the irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> is positioned on a side opposite from the inflator <NUM> with respect to the center line C1 (C2). Therefore, the side where the gas G injected from the inflator <NUM> easily enters is folded in a roll shape. The side where the gas G injected from the inflator <NUM> hardly enters is folded in a bellows shape. In the second embodiment, it is easy to match deployment times of the left side and the right side (times required for deployment) at different distances from the inflator <NUM>, and it is thus easy to efficiently deploy the airbag <NUM>.

As described above, according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes the retainer <NUM> that is provided behind the head pipe <NUM>, the inflator <NUM>, and the airbag <NUM> that is housed in the retainer <NUM>, inflates by the gas G discharged by the inflator <NUM>, and is deployed in front of the occupant, in which the airbag <NUM> is housed in the retainer <NUM> in a state of being folded bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to the center line C1 (C2) of the airbag <NUM> in the cross section in the vehicle top view. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be more efficiently deployed.

In the present embodiment, the airbag <NUM> is housed in the retainer <NUM> in a state in which the right side of the center line C1 (C2) of the airbag <NUM> is folded in a bellows shape and the left side of the center line C1 (C2) of the airbag <NUM> is folded in a roll shape in the cross section in the vehicle top view. Therefore, the deployment times of the airbag <NUM> in the left-right direction can be adjusted.

In the present embodiment, the inflator <NUM> is disposed on the left side of the center line C1 (C2) of the airbag <NUM>, and the airbag <NUM> is connected to the inflator <NUM> on the left side of the center line C1 (C2) of the airbag <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the development times in the left-right direction by making the side where the gas G discharged from the inflator <NUM> easily reaches have a roll shape and making the side where the gas G discharged from the inflator <NUM> hardly reaches have a bellows shape.

Further, in the present embodiment, the airbag <NUM> is housed in the retainer <NUM> in a state of including the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> folded in a bellows shape, the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> extending from the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> and folded above the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM>, and the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> extending from the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> and folded in a roll shape in the cross section in the vehicle side view, and the intermediate-side folded portion <NUM> has the plurality of folding-back points P1 and P2 at which folding is made along the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> in the front-rear direction of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> in the cross section in the vehicle side view. Therefore, the airbag <NUM> can be more efficiently deployed.

Each of the above embodiments illustrates one aspect to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

Although a configuration in which the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is folded in a roll shape has been described in the above embodiments, the distal end-side folded portion may be folded in a bellows shape.

Although a configuration in which the proximal end-side folded portion <NUM> is folded in a bellows shape has been described in the above embodiments, the proximal end-side folded portion may be folded in a roll shape.

Furthermore, although a configuration in which the first folding-back point P1 and the second folding-back point P2 are provided has been described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, three or more folding-back points may be provided.

Although a configuration in which the bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed has been described in the third embodiment, but the roll-shaped portion <NUM> and the irregular bellows-shaped portion <NUM> may be formed instead of the bellows-shaped portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the above embodiments, it is preferable that the folding-back points P1 to P3 are formed on the front side and the rear side of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM>. However, a configuration in which the folding-back points P1 to P3 are formed only on one of the front side and the rear side of the distal end-side folded portion <NUM> is also possible.

Claim 1:
A saddle-ride type vehicle comprising: a retainer (<NUM>) that is provided behind a head pipe (<NUM>) and is formed in an L shape in which a side extending portion (<NUM>) extends outward in a vehicle width direction from a lower side of a vertically extending portion (<NUM>) extending in a vertical direction; an L-shaped airbag passage (<NUM>) that is formed by an internal space of the vertically extending portion (<NUM>) and an internal space of the side extending portion (<NUM>) and is formed inside the retainer (<NUM>); an opening (<NUM>), for exposing the airbag passage (<NUM>) upward, that is formed at an upper portion of the vertically extending portion (<NUM>); an inflator (<NUM>) that is disposed in the side extending portion (<NUM>) and is disposed offset outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the head pipe (<NUM>); and an airbag (<NUM>) that is housed in the retainer (<NUM>), inflates by gas (G) discharged by the inflator (<NUM>), and is deployed in front of an occupant and upward from the opening (<NUM>) along the L-shaped airbag passage (<NUM>),
wherein the airbag (<NUM>) includes a proximal end portion (<NUM>) positioned inside the retainer (<NUM>) in a deployed state and an outward deployment portion (<NUM>) positioned outside the retainer (<NUM>) in a deployed state and formed bilaterally symmetrically with respect to a horizontally central portion (C1 and C2) of the airbag (<NUM>), the proximal end portion (<NUM>) and the outward deployment portion (<NUM>) being integrated with each other,
the outward deployment portion (<NUM>) is housed in the retainer (<NUM>) in a state of being folded bilaterally asymmetrically with respect to the horizontally central portion (C1 and C2) in a cross section in a vehicle top view, characterized in that
the airbag (<NUM>) includes a roll-shaped portion (<NUM>) in which a side, of the inflator (<NUM>), where the gas (G) injected from the inflator (<NUM>) easily enters is folded in a roll shape and an irregular bellows-shaped portion (<NUM>) in which a side, opposite from the inflator (<NUM>), where the gas (G) injected from the inflator (<NUM>) hardly enters is folded in a bellows shape.