Vehicles and airbags suitable for use as parts of such vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising: a first portion (10) that at least indirectly carries at least one rear wheel (12), the first portion (10) including at least one seat element (16) and a component located in front of the at least one seat element (16); a second portion (20) rotatably attached to the first portion (10) at a front end and carrying at least one front wheel (22), the second portion (20) including at least one handle (24); and an airbag device comprising an airbag (30) attached to the first portion (10), the airbag (30) having an outer surface layer (40) including an impact wall (42) located in front of the seat element (16) when the airbag (30) is fully deployed. The invention also relates to an airbag (30) suitable for use in said vehicle.

Description

[0001] manual

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle as described in the preamble of claim 1, and an airbag as described in claim 12 suitable for use as part of such a vehicle.

[0003] Frontal airbag systems are widely used in modern automotive technology, and are a component of almost every modern passenger car and similar vehicle. Such frontal airbag systems (hereinafter also simply referred to as "airbag systems") consist of an airbag with an outer layer and an inflator for filling the airbag. When the airbag fully deploys, the outer layer of such an airbag system always includes an impact wall facing the occupant to be protected. Most commonly, the outer layer also includes a front wall that supports the airbag at a rigid part of the vehicle (such as the steering wheel or dashboard). Thus, the outer surface of the front wall forms the supported surface of the outer layer of the airbag. To reduce the depth of the fully deployed airbag, it is known to provide at least one tethering element between the front and rear walls, wherein the tethering element is under tension when the airbag fully deploys. Such frontal airbag systems greatly contribute to the safety of passenger car occupants.

[0004] It is a known fact that motorcyclists are at greater risk than passenger car occupants during an accident. Therefore, the concept of applying frontal airbags to motorcycles has been proposed. For example, a motorcycle with such a frontal airbag system is described in JP2015-067148A.

[0005] Based on the prior art, the objective of this invention is to improve general-purpose vehicles.

[0006] This task is accomplished by a vehicle having the features of claim 1. Claim 12 defines an airbag suitable for use as part of such a vehicle.

[0007] This invention primarily relates to motorcycles, but can also be applied to similar vehicles such as three-wheeled and four-wheeled motorcycles or other types of two-wheeled vehicles, four-wheeled motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and other types of four-wheeled vehicles without a body. These vehicles share the characteristic of comprising a first part having a seat element (typically in the form of a bench) and a second part rotatably held at the front end of the first part and including handlebars, wherein the first element includes a component located between the seat element and the second element. This component is typically a housing.

[0008] The basic idea is to use at least a portion of the upper surface of the component as a support surface for deploying the airbag, and accordingly select the shape of the outer surface layer of the airbag. It has been found that the matching shape of the airbag surface layer is a wedge shape, which gives it a bottom wall and an inclined impact wall, a front wall, and two substantially triangular side walls.

[0009] The wedge shape allows the upper surface of the component in the first part of the vehicle in front of the seat element to serve as a support surface (as already mentioned), and enables early connection between the rider's abdominal area and the impact wall of the airbag's outer layer without applying too much force to the rider's head and neck. Furthermore, the volume enclosed by the outer layer when the airbag fully deploys is minimized.

[0010] In order to limit the total width of the airbag so that the outer layer has a classic wedge shape, at least one lateral tethering element connecting the sidewalls is preferably provided.

[0011] To form a wedge shape, it may be preferable that the airbag includes at least one longitudinal tethering element connected to the impact wall and the front wall. Similar to the lateral tethering element, this at least one longitudinal tethering element is under tension when the airbag is fully deployed. In this case, it may be advantageous that this at least one longitudinal tethering element is also connected to the bottom wall. This helps to shape the bottom wall so that it can be properly supported by the upper surface of the first part of the component. However, in other embodiments, the at least one longitudinal tethering element is not connected to the bottom wall. This can improve the uniform gas distribution within the gas space enclosed by the outer outer layer.

[0012] The lateral and longitudinal tethering elements can be combined into a combined lateral and longitudinal tethering element, which is connected to the sidewall and at least to the impact wall, and preferably also to the front wall. In particular, in this case, it may be preferred that the edges of the combined tethering element connected to the impact wall are concave, thereby causing the impact wall to be at least partially concave.

[0013] Such combinations of lateral and longitudinal tethering elements can be used alone, or in combination with at least one different lateral tethering element and / or at least one different longitudinal tethering element. Of course, more than one combination of lateral and longitudinal tethering elements can be used.

[0014] If there are at least one different lateral tethering element and at least one different longitudinal tethering element, they must intersect each other in some way. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one lateral tethering element extends through the at least one longitudinal tethering element, or the at least one longitudinal tethering element extends through the at least one lateral tethering element. In another preferred embodiment, the lateral tethering element comprises at least two portions, wherein two adjacent portions are connected to the longitudinal tethering element, or the longitudinal tethering element comprises at least two portions, wherein two adjacent portions are connected to the lateral tethering element.

[0015] In particular, in order to shape the impact wall to prevent the rider's head from slipping sideways, it may be advantageous to provide at least two longitudinal tethering elements.

[0016] As already mentioned, the bottom wall extends along at least a portion of the upper surface of the component located in front of at least one seat element. Preferably, the bottom wall extends at least half the length of the upper surface of the component, more preferably along substantially the entire length of the upper surface of the component. Generally, it is ideal for the bottom wall to extend substantially to the rear end of the component near the seat element.

[0017] Of course, a vehicle's airbag system includes an inflator for inflating the airbags.

[0018] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the vehicle (i.e., motorcycle) of the present invention is shown, wherein the vehicle's airbags are fully deployed.

[0020] Figure 2 Shown in perspective Figure 1 The vehicle's airbags shown in the image have some hidden components indicated by dashed lines.

[0021] Figure 2a It shows according to Figure 2 The second implementation scheme of the airbag in the representation,

[0022] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 2 The representation shows a third embodiment of the airbag, but the hidden element is not shown.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The tethering element of the airbag.

[0024] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The variation of the tethering element shown,

[0025] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken from plane AA in the middle.

[0026] Figure 7 This shows the effect during airbag deployment. Figure 1 motorcycles,

[0027] Figure 8 This shows the airbag after it has fully deployed. Figure 7 The motorcycle shown (and) Figure 1 same),

[0028] Figure 9 It shows that according to Figure 7The representation (meaning during airbag deployment) is another embodiment of the motorcycle, and

[0029] Figure 10 This shows the airbag after it has fully deployed. Figure 9 Motorcycles.

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment in which the vehicle of the invention is a motorcycle. This is the most important application of the invention according to current knowledge; however, it should be noted that the invention can also be applied to similar vehicles, particularly those with a longitudinal bench and a fork or fork-like portion on which the rider sits, and which has handlebars. In any case, a component of the vehicle must extend between the seat element (seat bench) and the handlebars. Currently, this component is typically a housing. Generally, the rider's legs are positioned on the left and right sides of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, and most commonly on the left and right sides of this component and outside the vehicle.

[0031] First, a brief description Figure 1 The motorcycle shown has the following structure: The motorcycle can be viewed as comprising two parts, namely a first part 10 and a second part 20. The first part 10 is essentially the "rear section" and typically includes a frame 11, a housing 14 attached to the frame, a seat element (seat bench) 16 attached to the frame 11, and a swing arm 17 oscillatingly attached to the frame 11. The swing arm 17 holds the rear wheel 12. The second part is rotatably connected to the first part, i.e., to the front end of the frame 11. As is common in motorcycles, the second part 20 includes a fork 26 and a handlebar 24 attached to the fork 26. The front wheel 22 is held by the fork. The wheels 12 and 22 are, of course, also parts of the vehicle.

[0032] An airbag device is provided, and the airbag 30 of the airbag device is in Figure 1 The airbag is shown in its fully deployed state. The airbag system also includes an inflator, but this is not shown in the accompanying drawings. Airbag 30 is again shown in... Figure 2 The following is shown in more detail, and its structure and position relative to the first and second parts of the motorcycle are now described:

[0033] Like each airbag, the airbag 30 includes an outer layer 40. This outer layer 40 includes an impact wall 42, a front wall 46, and a bottom wall 44. The bottom wall 44 extends from a front end 44a to a rear end 44b, the impact wall 42 extends from the rear end 44b of the bottom wall to a top end 42c, and the front wall 46 extends from the top end 42c of the impact wall 42 to the front end 44a of the bottom wall 44. The impact wall 42 is inclined relative to the vertical direction Z, for example, at an angle between 20° and 40°. When viewed from the side, the three walls substantially form a triangle, wherein the bottom wall 44, in particular, may be curved, especially concave, to conform to the upper surface 15 of the housing 14. The outer layer 40 is closed on the sides by substantially triangular side walls 48 and 49.

[0034] The bottom wall 44 extends substantially along the entire length of the upper surface 15 of the housing 14 (meaning the part in front of the seat element 16). As shown, and preferably, the rear end 44b of the bottom wall 44 (which is also the rear end and lower end of the impact wall 42) is located at or near the rear end of the housing 14, such that it is positioned close to the motorcycle driver's location, particularly close to his / her abdominal area. Further preferably, and shown, the bottom wall 44 extends substantially to the front end of the housing 14, such that the entire upper surface 15 of the housing 14 (more generally: the part of the first section) or at least a majority of that surface can be used as a support surface.

[0035] As already mentioned, it is important that the outer layer 40 of the airbag 30 is wedge-shaped, preferably with the bottom wall 44 conforming to the upper surface of the housing 14. To achieve this wedge shape, the side walls 48, 49 are, of course, essentially triangular, and at least one tethering element is required. Particularly good results can be achieved if at least two tethering elements (i.e., a lateral tethering element 50 and a longitudinal tethering element 60) are provided. The lateral tethering element 50 is attached to the first side wall 48 by means of a first side wall connector 51 (typically a seam), and to the second side wall 49 by means of a second side wall connector 52 (also typically a seam). Preferably, the lateral tethering element 50 extends along a large portion of the height of the side walls 48, 49.

[0036] The longitudinal tethering element 60 is attached to the impact wall 42 by means of the impact wall connector 62 (usually a joint) and to the front wall 46 by means of the front wall connector 66 (also usually a joint). Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal tethering element 60 is also connected to the bottom wall 44, i.e., via the bottom wall connector 64 (which is also typically a seam). This helps to shape the bottom wall, but is not mandatory. Where the impact wall connector 62 extends along the entire height of the impact wall, the front wall connector 66 extends along the entire height of the front wall 46, and the bottom wall connector 64 extends along the entire length of the bottom wall 44, these connectors 62, 64, and 66 can be part of a single connector. In other embodiments, the longitudinal tethering element 60 does not extend to the bottom wall, such that the two chambers separated by the longitudinal tethering element 60 are connected at the bottom. This has the advantage of requiring only a single central gas inlet, or the inflator can be located within the gas space.

[0037] Due to the structure and shape of the tethering elements 50 and 60, they need to cross each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal tethering element 60 shows an opening 68 for this purpose. Of course, such an opening can also be provided in the transverse tethering element 50. In the case where the tethering elements are conventional strap ropes, these ropes can certainly pass exactly through each other.

[0038] The longitudinal tethering element 60 divides the gas space enclosed by the outer layer into two parts. To ensure substantially symmetrical deployment, each part is provided with an inflator opening 45, 45'. If the longitudinal tethering element does not extend to the bottom wall, a central inflator opening is sufficient.

[0039] The tethering elements 50 and 60 help maintain the fully deployed outer layer 40 in its wedge shape. This wedge shape has the advantage that the lower rear end of the outer layer 40 can be positioned close to the motorcyclist, particularly close to his / her abdominal area, allowing for early engagement between the driver and the airbag (i.e., its impact wall 42). Furthermore, a large supported surface can be provided; essentially, the entire outer surface of the bottom wall 44 serves as the supported surface. Preferably, the width of the bottom wall 44 in the Y direction is at least the width of the housing 14, providing maximum support without exceeding the necessary volume of the airbag. Due to the lateral tethering element 50, the maximum width (in the Y direction) of the fully deployed outer layer 40 substantially does not exceed the width of the bottom wall 44, or is at least limited to a defined value. In addition to the reduced volume, this has the further advantage that the deployed airbag does not interfere with the rider's arms, allowing the driver's hands to remain on the handlebars 24 even when the airbag is fully deployed. The longitudinal tethering element 60 and, in particular, its connection to the impact wall 42, has the further advantage that the impact wall 42 is flat or even slightly concave, thus preventing the driver's head and torso from sliding out from the side.

[0040] Figure 2aAn embodiment with combined lateral and longitudinal tethering elements 55 is shown, which are both lateral and longitudinal tethering elements. Preferably, the edges of the combined lateral and longitudinal tethering elements 55 connected to the impact wall 42 are concave, such that the outer surface of the impact wall (impact surface) is also concave. This helps prevent the rider from slipping off the impact surface. Of course, at least two such combined lateral and longitudinal tethering elements 55 spaced apart from each other in the Z direction can be used.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A third embodiment of the airbag 30 is shown, wherein... Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 A perspective view, but without showing the hidden elements, and Figure 4 Only the tethering elements are shown. The difference from the first embodiment is that two longitudinal tethering elements 60, 60' are provided. For this purpose, two connectors to the impact wall, two connectors to the bottom wall (if such a connection exists), and two connectors to the front wall are also provided; impact wall connectors 62, 62' are... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, by providing two longitudinal tethering elements 60, 60', a substantially flat area of ​​the impact wall 42 can be created. This can be particularly helpful in keeping the driver's head centered on the impact wall 42.

[0042] In this case, even if the longitudinal tethering elements extend to the bottom wall, the gas supply can be provided, for example, only in the middle between the two longitudinal tethering elements 60, 60'. In this case, it may be necessary to provide overflow openings 69, 69' in the longitudinal tethering elements 60, 60'.

[0043] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 An alternative to the structure shown is presented here. The lateral tethering element 50 has three portions 50a, 50b, and 50c, wherein the outer portions 50a and 50c are each connected to a sidewall and a longitudinal tethering element, and the middle portion 50b is connected to two longitudinal tethering elements 60 and 60'. This concept can, of course, also be applied to cases where only one longitudinal tethering element is used.

[0044] The tethering element shown in the implementation scheme has a fairly flat two-dimensional structure. This can be advantageous, but it should be noted that the tethering element can also be a "classic" strap-like tether. In this case, several tethers may be needed for each direction (longitudinal and transverse).

[0045] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the airbag assembly (referring to the undeployed airbag and inflator) can be positioned, for example, at the rear end of the housing 14 or the front end of the seat element 16, such that the airbag deploys substantially forward and upward. This has the advantage that the impact wall 42 is positioned in front of the driver in the early stages.

[0046] As an alternative (such as) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown), the airbag device can also be located essentially in front of the housing 14, so that the airbag deploys more like a traditional frontal airbag, i.e., towards the rider.

[0047] Alternatively (but not shown in the accompanying drawings), the airbag device can be positioned essentially in the middle of the housing, allowing it to deploy forward and backward.

[0048] It can be seen that the wedge shape of the outer layer of this airbag offers many advantages compared to existing motorcycle airbags.

[0049] List of reference numerals

[0050] 10. The first part of the vehicle

[0051] 11 Framework

[0052] 12 rear wheels

[0053] 14. Enclosure

[0054] 15. Top surface of the enclosure

[0055] 16 Seat Components

[0056] 17. Swing Arm

[0057] 20 Part Two

[0058] 22 front wheels

[0059] 24 handles

[0060] 26 Forklifts

[0061] 30 airbags

[0062] 40. Outer layer of the airbag

[0063] 42 Impact Wall

[0064] 42c top

[0065] 44 bottom wall

[0066] 44a Frontend

[0067] 44b backend

[0068] 45' and 45' air pump openings

[0069] 46 Anterior wall

[0070] 48, 49 Sidewalls

[0071] 50 Lateral tethering element

[0072] 51 First sidewall connector

[0073] 52 Second sidewall connector

[0074] 55 Combined lateral and longitudinal tethering elements

[0075] 59 Overflow opening

[0076] 60' longitudinal tethering element

[0077] 62, 62' Impact wall connector

[0078] 64 Bottom wall connector

[0079] 66 Front wall connector

[0080] 68. Opening of the lateral fastening element

[0081] 69, 69' Overflow opening

Claims

1. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: The first part (10) at least indirectly carries at least one rear wheel (12), and the first part (10) includes at least one seat element (16) and a housing (14) located in front of the at least one seat element (16). The second part (20), which is rotatably attached to the front end of the first part (10) and carries at least one front wheel (22), includes at least one handle (24), and An airbag device comprising an airbag (30) attached to the first portion (10), the airbag (30) having an outer surface layer (40) including an impact wall (42) located in front of the seat element (16) when the airbag (30) is fully deployed. Its features are, The outer layer (40) of the fully deployed airbag (30) is wedge-shaped and comprises: The bottom wall (44) extends from the front end (44a) to the rear end (44b), and the impact wall (42) extends from the rear end (44b) of the bottom wall (44) to the top end (42c). Front wall (46), which extends from the top end (42c) of the impact wall (44) to the front end (44a) of the bottom wall (44), and The first sidewall (48) and the second sidewall (49) are essentially triangular, and the sidewalls (48, 49) connect the side edges of the bottom wall (44), the impact wall (42) and the front wall (46). The bottom wall (44) extends along the upper surface (15) of the housing (14), and the upper surface (15) serves as a supporting surface. The airbag (30) further includes at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60'), which is connected to the impact wall (42) by means of an impact wall connector (62) and to the front wall (46) by means of a front wall connector (66). When the airbag (30) is fully deployed, the at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60') is under tension, wherein the impact wall connector (62) extends along the height of the impact wall (42) and the front wall connector (66) extends along the height of the front wall (46).

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag (30) further includes at least one lateral tethering element (50), which is connected to the first sidewall (48) by means of a first side connector (51) and to the second sidewall (49) by means of a second side connector (52). When the airbag (30) is fully deployed, the lateral tethering element (50) is under tension, such that the lateral tethering element restricts the width of the outer surface layer of the airbag.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60') is further connected to the bottom wall (44).

4. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one transverse tethering element (50) extends through the at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60'), or the at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60') extends through the at least one transverse tethering element (50).

5. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lateral tethering element (50) comprises at least two parts, wherein two adjacent parts are connected to the same longitudinal tethering element (60, 60'), or the at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60') comprises at least two parts, wherein two adjacent parts are connected to the same lateral tethering element (50).

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag (30) includes at least two longitudinal tethering elements (60, 60').

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The airbag further includes at least one combined lateral and longitudinal tethering element, which is connected to the first sidewall (48) by means of a first side connector (51), to the second sidewall (49) by means of a second side connector (52), to the impact wall (42) by means of an impact wall connector (62), and to the front wall (46) by means of a front wall connector (66). When the airbag (30) is fully deployed, the combined lateral and longitudinal tethering element is under tension, such that the combined lateral and longitudinal tethering element restricts the width of the outer surface layer of the airbag.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The bottom wall (44) extends along at least a portion of the upper surface (15) of the housing located in front of the at least one seat element (16).

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom wall (44) extends at least half the length of the upper surface (15) of the housing (14).

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom wall (44) extends substantially the entire length of the upper surface (15) of the housing (14).

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The vehicle has no body.

12. An airbag (30) suitable for use in a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the airbag comprising an outer layer (40) that is wedge-shaped when the airbag (30) is fully deployed, and comprising: Impact wall (42), the impact wall having a top end (42c). A bottom wall (44) extends from the front end (44a) to the rear end (44b), wherein the bottom wall (44) extends along the upper surface (15) of the housing (14), wherein the upper surface (15) serves as a support surface. The front wall (46) extends from the top end (42c) of the impact wall (42) to the front end (44a) of the bottom wall (44). The first sidewall (48) and the second sidewall (49) are essentially triangular, and the sidewalls (48, 49) connect the side edges of the bottom wall (44), the impact wall (42), and the front wall (46). The airbag (30) further includes: At least one lateral tethering element (50) is connected to the first sidewall (48) by means of a first side connector (51) and to the second sidewall (49) by means of a second side connector (52). When the airbag (30) is fully deployed, the lateral tethering element (50) is under tension, such that the lateral tethering element restricts the width of the outer surface layer of the airbag, and / or At least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60') is connected to the impact wall (42) by means of an impact wall connector (62) and to the front wall (46) by means of a front wall connector (66), wherein the at least one longitudinal tethering element (60, 60') is under tension when the airbag (30) is fully deployed, wherein the impact wall connector (62) extends along the height of the impact wall (42) and the front wall connector (66) extends along the height of the front wall (46).

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