Airbag device for vehicle, airbag device for saddle-type vehicle, and airbag device for stand-type vehicle

Abstract

Provided are an airbag device for a vehicle, an airbag device for a saddle-type vehicle, and an airbag device for a stand-type vehicle, which make an airbag capable of being separated from a locked state with a simple configuration. The airbag device for a vehicle has an inflator (41) and an airbag (42), and in the airbag device for a vehicle in which the airbag (42) is separated after inflation, a guide portion (60) that guides gas is provided in the airbag (42), the airbag (42) is connected to the inflator (41) via the guide portion (60), the airbag (42) has an inlet portion (53) of the gas, the guide portion (60) has an inflation portion (60b) that is inserted into the inlet portion (53) and is disposed inside the airbag (42), the gas of the inflator (41) flows into the airbag (42) through the inflation portion (60b), and the inflation portion (60b) is inflated to be larger in diameter than the inlet portion (53) when a prescribed gas ejection pressure or more is applied and is deformable to be smaller in diameter than the inlet portion (53) when less than the prescribed gas ejection pressure is applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to airbag devices for vehicles, airbag devices for saddle-type vehicles, and airbag devices for upright-type vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, an airbag device for a saddle-type vehicle was known, which included an inflator installed in the saddle-type vehicle and an airbag connected to the inflator, wherein the airbag, which inflates by means of gas released by the inflator, is cut off after inflation (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the airbag is cut off from the inflator by a cutting mechanism that operates using the pressure of the gas inside the airbag.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 199334 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] However, in airbag systems installed in vehicles such as saddle-type vehicles, it is desirable to have a simple structure that allows the airbag to be separated from the locked state.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to enable the airbag in a vehicle airbag device to be disengaged from the locked state with a simple construction.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] An airbag device for a vehicle is provided, comprising an inflator installed in the vehicle, an airbag connected to the inflator, the airbag being inflated by gas released by the inflator and then cut off after inflation. The airbag device is characterized by having a flexible guide portion provided within the airbag for guiding gas flowing from the inflator into the airbag. The airbag is connected to the inflator via the guide portion. The airbag has an inlet portion serving as an inlet for gas into the airbag. The guide portion has an expansion portion inserted into the inlet portion and disposed inside the airbag. Gas from the inflator flows into the airbag through the expansion portion. The expansion portion expands to a diameter larger than the inlet portion of the airbag when above a predetermined gas ejection pressure, and when below a predetermined gas ejection pressure, the expansion portion can deform to a diameter smaller than the inlet portion of the airbag.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] In a vehicle's airbag system, the airbag can be made to be detached from the locked state with a simple construction. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a left view showing the airbag deployed to protect the occupants.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a front view of the airbag before it deploys.

[0015] Figure 4 This diagram shows a state where a guide section is installed at the entrance.

[0016] Figure 5 This diagram shows a configuration where a guide section and an air inflator are installed at the entrance.

[0017] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0018] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0019] Figure 8 It is the state of the inflator detached along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the time-varying pressure within the airbag and guide section.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a left view of the standing vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a front view of the airbag before deployment, viewed from the front in the first reference example.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a front view of the airbag before deployment, viewed from the front in the second reference example.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a front view of the airbag before deployment, viewed from the front in the third reference example.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a front view of the airbag before deployment, viewed from the front in the fourth reference example.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the connection status of the inlet, inflator, and straps in the fifth reference example.

[0027] Label Explanation

[0028] 10: Saddle-type vehicles;

[0029] 17: Seat;

[0030] 40: Airbag system (airbag system of saddle-type vehicles, airbag system of vehicles);

[0031] 41: Air inflator;

[0032] 41a: Insertion part;

[0033] 42: Airbag;

[0034] 53: Entrance;

[0035] 60: Guiding Department;

[0036] 60b: Expansion section;

[0037] 62: Sewing section;

[0038] 210: Standing-room type vehicles;

[0039] 212: Platform Department;

[0040] 240: Airbag system (airbag system for standing vehicles, airbag system for vehicles). Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the description, unless otherwise specified, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up / down are assumed to be the same as directions relative to the vehicle body. Additionally, in each figure, the reference numeral FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the reference numeral UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the reference numeral LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0042] [Implementation Method]

[0043] Figure 1 This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle comprising the following parts: a frame 11, a power unit 12 supported on the frame 11, a front fork 14 supporting the front wheel 13 for steering, a swing arm 16 supporting the rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for the passenger.

[0045] The saddle-riding vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the occupant sits on the seat 17 in a straddling manner. The seat 17 is located above the rear of the frame 11.

[0046] The frame 11 includes: a front riser tube 18 disposed at the front end of the frame 11, a front frame 19 located behind the front riser tube 18, and a rear frame 20 located behind the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the front riser tube 18.

[0047] Seat 17 is supported by rear frame 20.

[0048] The front fork 14 is supported by the front seat tube 18 for easy left and right steering. The front wheel 13 is supported on an axle 13a located at the lower end of the front fork 14. A handlebar 21 for steering, held by the rider, is mounted on the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0049] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot 22 supported on the frame 11. The pivot 22 is a horizontally extending shaft in the vehicle width direction. The pivot 22 is inserted through the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down around the pivot 22.

[0050] The rear wheel 15 is supported on an axle 15a located at the rear end of the swing arm 16.

[0051] The power unit 12 is positioned between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported on the frame 11.

[0052] The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder section 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. The exhaust port of the cylinder section 24 is connected to an exhaust device 25.

[0053] The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 through a drive force transmission component that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0054] In addition, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has: a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a footrest 28 for the occupant to place their feet, and a fuel tank 29 for storing fuel used by the power unit 12.

[0055] The front fender 26 is mounted on the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and footpeg 28 are positioned below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported on the frame 11.

[0056] The saddle-mounted vehicle 10 is an automatic two-wheeled vehicle. The fuel tank 29 is located in front of the seat 17 and behind the front riser 18.

[0057] The passenger R, seated in seat 17, extends both arms R1 forward to hold handle 21 and places both feet on pedal 28, using both legs R2 to hold the vehicle body, including fuel tank 29 and frame 11.

[0058] The saddle-type vehicle 10 is equipped with an airbag device 40 to protect the occupant R.

[0059] The airbag device 40 is positioned forward of the seat 17 and is positioned to overlap with the rear end of the fuel tank 29 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the side.

[0060] The airbag device 40 is disposed in an airbag storage portion 29a provided at the rear end of the fuel tank 29. The airbag storage portion 29a is, for example, a recess formed by recessing the rear end of the fuel tank 29, and the airbag device 40 is disposed in the recess.

[0061] The airbag device 40 includes an inflator 41 and an airbag 42 that inflates by means of gas released from the inflator 41. The airbag 42 is stored in a folded state in the airbag storage section 29a. The airbag 42 is positioned forward of the occupant R relative to the seating position of the seat 17. Furthermore, the airbag 42, like the front wheels 13, is positioned in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0062] The saddle-type vehicle 10 includes an acceleration sensor (not shown) for detecting impacts acting on it. This acceleration sensor is electrically connected to the control unit (not shown) of the saddle-type vehicle 10, which is in turn electrically connected to the inflator 41. The control unit determines whether the airbag device 40 is operational or not based on the detected acceleration. When the airbag device 40 is operational, the control unit activates the inflator 41, releasing gas into the airbag 42. The airbag 42 inflates and deploys due to the pressure of the gas. Here, the control unit may not be the vehicle's own control unit, but rather the airbag control unit. That is, the control unit may be an airbag ECU (Electronic Control Unit) independent of the vehicle control ECU.

[0063] The airbag 42 is covered by a cover (not shown) that covers the airbag storage section 29a from above. The airbag 42 expands by pushing open the cover.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a left view showing the state in which the airbag 42 has deployed and is protecting the occupant R. Figure 3 This is a front view of the airbag 42 before deployment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the deployment of the airbag 42 is primarily for deployment by the expansion of gas pressure. Figure 3 The airbag 42 shown is not inflated, therefore, Figure 3 This is a diagram showing airbag 42 before deployment.

[0065] The airbag 42 has a first deployable portion 51 that expands upward from the airbag storage portion 29a, and a pair of second deployable portions 52 that branch off from the lower part of the first deployable portion 51 and extend rearward.

[0066] In addition, the airbag 42 has a pair of left and right inlets 53 at the lower end of the first deployment part 51, which are the inlets for the gas of the airbag 42.

[0067] The first unfolding section 51 is positioned in the center of the vehicle width direction and covers the torso R3 of the occupant R from the front.

[0068] In detail, the first unfolding part 51 integrally includes: an upper unfolding part 51a extending upward from the airbag housing 29a on one side (right side) relative to the center in the vehicle width direction; and an upper unfolding part 51b extending upward from the airbag housing 29a on the other side (left side) relative to the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0069] The upper extension 51a on one side and the upper extension 51b on the other side are connected in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) and extend upwards in a generally parallel manner.

[0070] The first unfolding section 51 includes a dividing section 51c that divides the space within the first unfolding section 51 into an upper unfolding section 51a on one side and an upper unfolding section 51b on the other side. The dividing section 51c extends from the lower end to the upper end of the first unfolding section 51.

[0071] One left and right entrance 53 is located at the lower end of the upper expansion portion 51a on one side. The other left and right entrance 53 is located at the lower end of the upper expansion portion 51b on the other side.

[0072] The second extension portion 52 is a rod-shaped portion extending rearward from the outer sides of the lower part of the first extension portion 51 in the vehicle width direction. The base end of the second extension portion 52 communicates with the interior of the first extension portion 51.

[0073] The second extension 52 on the left and right sides extends backward from the side of the upper extension 51a on one side.

[0074] The second extension 52 on the left and right sides extends rearward from the side of the upper extension 51b on the other side.

[0075] When viewed from the side, the second extension 52 extends obliquely upward and backward from the first extension 51. The second extension 52 extends from the first extension 51 between the arm R1 and leg R2 of the occupant R who is seated on the seat 17 and holding the handle 21, and extends along the outer side of the torso R3 to the rear of the occupant R.

[0076] The upper part 51a on one side and the second part 52 on the left and right sides constitute a side part 55R that unfolds on the left and right sides.

[0077] The other side upper expansion portion 51b and the other side second expansion portion 52 constitute the other side expansion portion 55L that expands on the other side.

[0078] One side expansion section 55R and the other side expansion section 55L have independent air chambers, and the gas from the inflator 41 flows into these air chambers.

[0079] With airbag 42 deployed, such as Figure 2As shown, airbag 42 surrounds occupant R from all sides and is attached to occupant R.

[0080] In detail, the first unfolding part 51 comes into contact with the torso R3 from the front, protecting the torso R3.

[0081] The second extension portion 52 abuts against the outer side of the torso R3 below the arm R1, protecting the torso R3. The rear end of the second extension portion 52 may also abut against the back of the torso R3.

[0082] Occupant R is sandwiched between the first deployment section 51 and the left and right second deployment sections 52. As a result, the airbag 42 is well attached to occupant R.

[0083] The left and right entrances 53 are cylindrical sections that extend from the lower end of the upper expansion section 51a on one side into the upper expansion section 51a on the other side.

[0084] The other entrance 53 is a cylindrical part that extends from the lower end of the other upper expansion 51b into the other upper expansion 51b.

[0085] The lower end of the inlet 53 opens outward to the outside of the airbag 42.

[0086] The airbag 42 is formed into a bag shape by sewing together fabric. The inlet portion 53 in this embodiment is also made of fabric, similar to the airbag 42. The inlet portion 53 is a cylindrical piece of fabric. In this embodiment, the cylindrical structure of the inlet portion 53 will be described, but the inlet portion 53 can also be formed simply by overlapping two pieces of fabric and sewing the left and right ends of the overlapping fabric together in a straight line.

[0087] A base component 56 is provided within the airbag 42 to support the inlet portion 53 within the airbag 42. The base component 56... Figure 3 In the front view, it is arranged overlapping with the inlet 53. The base component 56 is respectively provided on the upper expansion portion 51a on one side and the upper expansion portion 51b on the other side. The base component 56 is made of fabric, just like the airbag 42.

[0088] The base member 56 extends axially along the inlet portion 53. The base member 56 extends inwardly to the airbag 42 beyond the inlet portion 53. The inlet portion 53 is fixed to the base member 56 by sewing it to the base member 56.

[0089] The base component 56 is sewn and fixed to the airbag 42 via the inner stitching portion 56a located inside the airbag 42. That is, the inlet portion 53 is fixed to the inside of the airbag 42 via the base component 56.

[0090] In this embodiment, the base member 56 and the inlet portion 53 are described as being formed from different fabrics, but the base member 56 and the inlet portion 53 could also be a single piece of fabric. That is, a portion of the fabric constituting the base member 56 could also constitute the inlet portion 53. Conversely, the base member 56 could also be constituted by a portion of the fabric constituting the inlet portion 53.

[0091] Furthermore, the structure in which the base member 56 extends axially along the inlet portion 53 and is sewn to the airbag 42 via the inner sewing portion 56a located at the axial end has been described, but the sewing position is not particularly limited. Therefore, for example, the base member 56 may also extend in the left-right direction along the inlet portion 53 and be sewn and fixed to the airbag 42 at the left-right ends.

[0092] In addition, a portion of the fabric constituting the airbag 42 may form the base component 56 and the inlet portion 53.

[0093] Figure 4 This diagram shows the state in which the guide section 60 is provided at the entrance section 53. Figure 5 This diagram shows the state in which the guide section 60 and the inflator 41 are provided at the inlet section 53. Here, in Figure 4 The air inflator 41 is not shown in the diagram. Figure 5 The bag-shaped main body of the airbag 42 is not shown in the figure.

[0094] The airbag device 40 has a guide section 60, which rectifies the gas flowing from the inflator 41 into the airbag 42 toward the target direction.

[0095] The guide section 60 and the inlet section 53 constitute a cutting mechanism 61 that cuts the inflated airbag 42 away from the inflator 41.

[0096] The cutting mechanism 61 is provided on one side of the unfolded portion 55R and the other side of the unfolded portion 55L. Since the cutting mechanism 61 is configured in the same way on one side of the unfolded portion 55R and the other side of the unfolded portion 55L, the cutting mechanism 61 on one side of the unfolded portion 55R will be described in detail here.

[0097] The guide section 60 is generally a cylindrical component that extends axially along the inlet section 53.

[0098] The guide portion 60 integrally includes a cylindrical portion 60a that is inserted into the inlet portion 53, and an expansion portion 60b disposed at a position inside the airbag 42 than the cylindrical portion 60a.

[0099] In this embodiment, the guide portion 60 is made of fabric, just like the airbag 42. Furthermore, the airbag 42, guide portion 60, and base component 56 may be made of the same material, but they can also be made of different materials. For example, the guide portion 60 only needs to be flexible, and it can be made of silicone instead of fabric. Therefore, for example, the guide portion 60 could also be a silicone tube.

[0100] The guide portion 60 is made of fabric and is flexible, allowing it to be easily folded. Therefore, the folded guide portion 60 can be inserted into the inlet portion 53 from the outside, thereby assembling the guide portion 60 into the inlet portion 53.

[0101] The expansion section 60b is positioned inside the air bladder 42, closer to the inlet section 53, and is located near the inlet section 53.

[0102] The expansion portion 60b is a cylindrical shape extending axially along the inlet portion 53. The outer diameter of the expansion portion 60b is larger than the inner diameter of the inlet portion 53. The expansion portion 60b has a protrusion 60c that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction toward the second expansion portion 52 in a portion of its cylindrical shape.

[0103] The guide portion 60 is a cylindrical component with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The opening at one end of the guide portion 60 is an inlet opening 60d located at the end of the cylindrical portion 60a. The opening at the other end of the guide portion 60 is an outlet opening 60e located at the end of the expansion portion 60b.

[0104] The inlet opening 60d is located on the outside of the airbag 42. The outlet opening 60e is located on the inside of the airbag 42.

[0105] The expansion portion 60b is temporarily fixed to the airbag 42 by the sewing portion 62 that sews the expansion portion 60b to the airbag 42. As a result, the expansion portion 60b can be positioned with high precision relative to the inlet portion 53.

[0106] The inflator 41 is fixed to the body of the saddle-type vehicle 10. The inflator 41 is fixed to the frame 11, which is the body of the vehicle, for example, via a support (not shown). In this embodiment, the inflator 41 is fixed to the frame 11 via the support, but alternatively, a retainer (not shown) that houses the inflator 41 may be installed on the support of the frame 11, and the inflator 41 may be installed in the retainer.

[0107] The inflator 41 has an insertion part 41a that is inserted into the airbag 42. Figure 5 ).

[0108] The insertion part 41a is cylindrical and extends axially along the inlet part 53. A gas outlet 41b for releasing gas is provided at the front end of the insertion part 41a.

[0109] The insertion part 41a of the inflator 41 is inserted into the cylindrical part 60a through the inlet opening 60d of the guide part 60. A portion of the insertion part 41a is located inside the inlet part 53 via the cylindrical part 60a. That is, a portion of the insertion part 41a is located inside the inner circumference of the inlet part 53.

[0110] The front end of the insertion part 41a is disposed inside the expansion part 60b and overlaps with it in the axial direction. The gas outlet 41b is disposed inside the expansion part 60b and overlaps with it in the axial direction. Gas is released from the gas outlet 41b inside the expansion part 60b.

[0111] The guide portion 60 is fixed to the outer periphery of the inflator 41 by an annular band member 63 fitted to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 60a on the outside of the airbag 42. Therefore, the guide portion 60 and the inflator 41 are integrally connected. The inflator 41 is connected to the inlet portion 53 via the guide portion 60.

[0112] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI. Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view along line VII-VII. Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII. Here, in Figures 6-8 The image also illustrates airbag 42. Figure 8 The image shows the guide section 60 and the inflator 41 detached from the inlet section 53. Additionally, in... Figures 6-8 In the diagram, the arrow marked 65 indicates the direction of external air pressure. Figures 6-8 In the diagram, the arrow indicated by label 66 shows the direction of the internal pressure of the gas-based airbag 42. Figures 6-8 In the diagram, the symbol 67 indicates the pressure of the gas moving inwards towards the inside of the paper. Figure 6 In the diagram, the arrow indicated by reference numeral 68 shows the direction of the internal pressure of the gas-based expansion section 60b.

[0113] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the time-dependent changes in the internal pressures P1 and P2 of the airbag 42 and the guide section 60. Figure 9 The upper section represents the time-varying pressure P1 within the airbag 42 and the time-varying pressure P2 within the guide section 60. Figure 9 In the upper section, the vertical axis represents pressure P, and the horizontal axis represents time T. Additionally, Figure 9 The lower section represents the time variation of the pressure difference ΔP (=P2-P1) between the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42 and the internal pressure P2 of the guide section 60. Figure 9 In the lower section, the vertical axis represents the pressure difference ΔP, and the horizontal axis represents time T. Additionally, in... Figure 9In the diagram, time t0 is the moment of collision. Time t1 is the moment when the inflator 41 ignites. Time t2 is the moment when the airbag 42 completes its inflation.

[0114] Before the inflator 41 is in operation, the external air pressure, the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42, and the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b of the guide section 60 are equal.

[0115] When acceleration accompanying a collision, etc., is detected ( Figure 9 At time t0, the control unit determines whether to activate the airbag device 40. When the control unit determines that the airbag device 40 should be activated, it ignites the inflator 41 to begin operation. Figure 9 The time period from time t0 to time t1 is the collision determination period A1 during which the control unit determines whether to activate the airbag device 40, or in other words, whether a collision has occurred.

[0116] When the inflator 41 is working ( Figure 9 At time t1, gas from the inflator 41 is released from the gas outlet 41b into the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60, and then flows into the airbag 42 from the outlet opening 60e. Thus, the expansion portion 60b and the airbag 42 expand with the help of gas. At this time, regarding the sewing portion 62, due to the expansion of the expansion portion 60b, the sewing portion 62 breaks or loosens, the temporary fixation of the sewing portion 62 is released, and the airbag 42 expands to a size larger than the expansion portion 60b; therefore, the expansion portion 60b is separated from the airbag 42.

[0117] At this time, the guide section 60 rectifies the gas to enable the airbag 42 to inflate efficiently, and protects the airbag 42 from the heat of the gas near the inlet section 53. That is, in addition to its function of rectifying the gas, the guide section 60 also acts as a heat-resistant protective component to prevent the heat of the gas from contacting the airbag body of the airbag 42. Specifically, the guide section 60 also functions to prevent the high-temperature gas near the gas outlet 41b of the inflator 41 from contacting the airbag body of the airbag 42.

[0118] The inflator 41 is working, and gas is flowing out of the gas outlet 41b. Figure 5 In the released state, that is, as Figure 9 As shown, during the period from time t1 to time t2, i.e., the gas release period A2, the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b is greater than the internal pressure P1 of the air bladder 42, and the internal pressure P1 of the air bladder 42 is greater than the external air pressure. Gas is released from the gas outlet 41b within the expansion section 60b; therefore, the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b is greater than the internal pressure P1 of the air bladder 42.

[0119] In the state where gas is being released from gas outlet 41b and before the airbag 42 is supposedly fully inflated, such as Figure 7As shown, the inlet 53 is subjected to the internal pressure of the airbag 42 indicated by reference numeral 66. Therefore, the inlet 53 is pressed against the insertion part 41a of the inflator 41, and is held in a cylindrical shape by the insertion part 41a. Furthermore, in the state where gas is being released from the gas outlet 41b and before the airbag 42 is fully inflated, as... Figure 6 As shown, the expansion section 60b expands under the pressure of the gas, becoming a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than that of the inlet section 53.

[0120] That is, when the internal pressure P2 of the gas-based expansion section 60b is higher than the internal pressure P1 of the gas-based airbag 42 by a predetermined value, that is, when the pressure difference ΔP is greater than the predetermined value ΔP2 (a state above the predetermined gas ejection pressure), the outer diameter D1 of the expansion section 60b ( Figure 6 ) is greater than the inner diameter D2 of the inlet 53. Figure 7 The pressure difference ΔP is greater than the specified value ΔP2, and this state is maintained for a certain period of time by the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b. In other words, when the pressure difference ΔP is greater than the specified value ΔP2, the expansion section 60b of the guide section 60 is difficult to deform into a small diameter. In the inflated state, the expansion section 60b is stuck in the inlet section 53 and cannot pass through the inlet section 53 axially. In this state, the airbag 42 is held in place by the expansion section 60b and will not fall off from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41.

[0121] At this time, the inlet portion 53 is pressed against the insertion portion 41a of the inflator 41 by the internal pressure of the airbag 42 (represented by reference numeral 66), and the inlet portion 53 can be said to be in a state of clamping the insertion portion 41a from all sides. Therefore, regarding the inlet portion 53, it is pressed against the inflator 41 by the internal pressure of the airbag 42 in the gas ejection state, thereby preventing the airbag 42 from being cut off from the inflator 41. Therefore, for example, by adjusting the amount of overlap between the inlet portion 53 and the insertion portion 41a, i.e., the contact area, or by using components with different coefficients of friction, the difficulty of cutting off can be adjusted.

[0122] In addition, Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the state in which the expansion portion 60b expands into a perfect circle, but the expansion portion 60b may not be perfectly circular.

[0123] When the gas release from the gas outlet 41b ends, the airbag 42 becomes fully inflated. Figure 9 At time t2). In this state, the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42 is greater than the external pressure of the airbag 42, but the pressure difference ΔP between the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b and the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42 decreases, and soon they are equal. The state in which the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b is equal to the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42 is the state in which the pressure difference ΔP between the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b and the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42 is less than the aforementioned specified value ΔP2 (less than the specified gas ejection pressure).

[0124] When the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b is equal to the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42, the expansion section 60b shrinks compared to when the internal pressure P2 of the expansion section 60b is higher than the internal pressure P1 of the airbag 42. In other words, when the pressure difference ΔP is less than or equal to a predetermined value ΔP1 (which is smaller than the predetermined value ΔP2), the expansion section 60b of the guide section 60 easily deforms into a smaller diameter. As a result, the locking of the airbag 42 based on the expansion section 60b is released, and the expansion section 60b can pass through the inlet section 53 axially. The period after the moment t2 when the inflation of the airbag 42 is completed is a separable period A3 during which the airbag 42 can be separated from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41.

[0125] Reference Figure 6 The internal pressure of the airbag 42, as indicated by reference numeral 67 within the expansion section 60b, compresses the axial end face 41c of the insertion section 41a. The pressure of reference numeral 67 acts as a force that pushes the inflator 41 out of the airbag 42. That is, the pressure of reference numeral 67 during the separability period A3 becomes a force that separates the inflator 41 and the airbag 42 axially within the insertion section 41a, by which the airbag 42 is separated from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41.

[0126] The inflated portion 60b and the insertion portion 41a, which are in a shrunken state, are subjected to the force of being pushed outward from the inlet portion 53 and towards the outside of the airbag 42 due to the pressure of reference numeral 67.

[0127] Here, "the airbag 42 is separated from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41" means that the guide section 60 and the inflator 41 exit from the inlet section 53 to the outside of the airbag 42, and the airbag 42 separates from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41.

[0128] Before the airbag 42, which is based on the expansion section 60b, is released from its locking position and the airbag 42 is separated from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41, in addition to the pressure of pressing the axial end face 41c of the insertion section 41a (labeled 67), the inertial force of the airbag body of the airbag 42 based on the deployment behavior of the airbag 42, the force of the airbag 42 attached to the occupant R moving together with the occupant R and being pulled, etc., are also applied. As a result, the airbag 42 can also be separated from the guide section 60 and the inflator 41.

[0129] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the insertion part 41a detaches from the inlet part 53, the component maintaining the shape of the inlet part 53 disappears. Therefore, due to the internal pressure of the airbag 42 (reference numeral 66), the inlet part 53 collapses and closes. This prevents gas from flowing out of the airbag 42 through the inlet part 53. In other words, the inlet part 53 functions as a check valve that works to prevent gas from flowing out due to the internal pressure of the airbag 42. Figure 7 In the diagram, the closed entrance section 53 is illustrated by an imaginary line.

[0130] The base member 56 supporting the inlet portion 53 is fixed inside the airbag 42 by the inner sewn portion 56a. This prevents the inlet portion 53 from leaking out of the airbag 42 due to the internal pressure. Therefore, the inlet portion 53 can function properly as a check valve.

[0131] When the airbag 42 deploys, it attaches to the occupant R and is detached from the inflator 41. Therefore, after the airbag 42 deploys, it prevents the airbag 42 from being excessively pulled by the inflator 41 and thus shifting away from the occupant R.

[0132] The inlet 53 functions as a check valve for the gas, so the airbag 42 remains inflated even after being separated from the guide 60 and the inflator 41, and adheres well to the occupant R.

[0133] As explained above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an airbag device 40 for a saddle-type vehicle, as an example of an airbag device for a vehicle, includes an inflator 41 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 10 and an airbag 42 connected to the inflator 41. The airbag 42, which inflates by means of gas released from the inflator 41, is then cut off after inflation. A flexible guide portion 60 is provided inside the airbag 42 to guide the gas flowing from the inflator 41 into the airbag 42. The airbag 42 passes through the guide portion 60. The airbag 42 is connected to the inflator 41. The airbag 42 has an inlet portion 53 that serves as the inlet for the gas in the airbag 42. The guide portion 60 has an expansion portion 60b that is inserted into the inlet portion 53 and disposed inside the airbag 42. The gas from the inflator 41 flows into the airbag 42 through the expansion portion 60b. When the gas ejection pressure is above a specified gas ejection pressure, the expansion portion 60b expands to a size larger than the diameter of the inlet portion 53 of the airbag 42. When the gas ejection pressure is below a specified gas ejection pressure, it deforms to a size smaller than the diameter of the inlet portion 53 of the airbag 42.

[0134] According to this structure, when the airbag 42 inflates, the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 expands to a size larger than the diameter of the inlet portion 53 of the airbag 42 when the gas ejection pressure is above a predetermined pressure, thus locking the airbag 42 in place. Conversely, when the gas ejection pressure is below a predetermined pressure, the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 shrinks compared to when the gas ejection pressure is above a predetermined pressure. This releases the locking of the airbag 42 based on the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60, allowing the airbag 42 to detach from the guide portion 60. Therefore, by utilizing the gas-rectifying guide portion 60, the airbag 42 can be easily detached from the locked state using a simple construction.

[0135] In this embodiment, the expansion portion 60b is temporarily fixed to the airbag 42 by the sewing portion 62 sewn into the airbag 42, and the temporary fixation of the sewing portion 62 is released by the expansion of the airbag 42 with the help of gas.

[0136] According to this structure, the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 is temporarily fixed to the airbag 42 by the sewing portion 62. Therefore, when the airbag 42 is not deployed, the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 can be positioned, and the expansion position of the expansion portion 60b can be adjusted. In addition, according to this structure, when the expansion portion 60b expands, the temporary fixation of the sewing portion 62 is released, so the airbag 42 can be cut away from the guide portion 60.

[0137] In addition, in this embodiment, the inlet 53 extends into the airbag 42, and when the airbag 42 is cut off from the guide 60, the inlet 53 is closed by the internal pressure of the airbag 42.

[0138] According to this structure, a gas check valve can be formed with a simple construction through the inlet 53 extending inside the airbag 42. This check valve can prevent gas from flowing out of the airbag 42, thus maintaining the detached airbag 42 in an inflated state.

[0139] In addition, in this embodiment, the inflator 41 has an insertion part 41a that is inserted into the airbag 42, and gas is ejected from the insertion part 41a. The insertion part 41a is located inside the inlet part 53.

[0140] According to this structure, when the airbag 42 inflates, before the airbag 42 is cut off from the guide portion 60, the inlet portion 53 can be kept open by the insertion portion 41a located inside the inlet portion 53. Furthermore, after the airbag 42 is cut off from the guide portion 60, the insertion portion 41a inside the inlet portion 53 disappears, and therefore, the inlet portion 53 collapses due to the internal pressure of the airbag 42, thus closing the inlet portion 53.

[0141] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the airbag device 40 of the saddle-type vehicle has an inflator 41 installed on the saddle-type vehicle 10 and an airbag 42 connected to the inflator 41. The airbag 42, which is inflated by means of gas released by the inflator 41, is cut off after inflation. In the airbag device 40 of the saddle-type vehicle, the airbag 42 has an inlet portion 53 as the inlet of gas for the airbag 42. The inlet portion 53 extends inside the airbag 42 and overlaps at least partially with the inflator 41. When the gas is ejected, the inlet portion 53 is pressed against the inflator 41 by the internal pressure of the airbag 42, which can prevent the airbag 42 from being cut off from the inflator 41.

[0142] According to this structure, the inlet 53 is pressed against the inflator 41 by the internal pressure of the airbag 42 when the gas is ejected, thus preventing the airbag 42 from being cut off from the inflator 41.

[0143] [Second Implementation]

[0144] The following is for reference Figure 10 The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In this second embodiment, parts that are constructed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0145] The second embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that the airbag device 240 is mounted on a standing vehicle 210. The basic structure of the airbag device 240 in the second embodiment is the same as that of the airbag device 40 in the first embodiment.

[0146] Figure 10 This is a left view of the standing vehicle 210 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] The standing-riding vehicle 210 is a vehicle comprising the following parts: a frame 211; a plate-shaped platform 212 for passengers R to sit on; a steering unit 213 supported by the front end of the frame 211 and capable of turning left and right; a front wheel 214 supported by the lower end of the steering unit 213; and a rear wheel 215 provided at the rear end of the vehicle body. The platform 212 is supported by the frame 211.

[0148] The steering unit 213 has a steering shaft 216 supported on the front end of the frame 211 and a handle 217 provided on the upper end of the steering shaft 216.

[0149] The passenger R stands on the platform 212 behind the handle 217 and rides in the standing vehicle 210 by holding the handle 217.

[0150] The standing vehicle 210 is a so-called scooter, which is a vehicle in which the passenger R rides in a standing position.

[0151] The passenger position 218 of the occupant R is located on the platform 212 behind the handle 217 and in front of the rear wheel 215.

[0152] A box-shaped retainer (airbag housing) 220 is provided on the rear surface of the handle 217. The airbag device 240 of this embodiment is housed in the retainer 220. The retainer 220 and the airbag device 240 are positioned in front of and above the seating position 218.

[0153] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown by the imaginary line, the retainer 220 can also be positioned on the rear surface of the steering shaft 216 below the handle 217, and the airbag device 240 can be housed in the retainer 220.

[0154] When the airbag 42 is deployed, the airbag 42 extends rearward and upward from the retainer 220, surrounds the occupant R, and attaches to the occupant R. At this time, in this embodiment, the airbag 42 can also be locked in a locked state before full inflation and can be detached from the inflator 41 after full inflation by means of the detachment mechanism 61.

[0155] As explained above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the airbag device 240 of the standing-type vehicle 210, which is provided with a platform section 212 for the occupant R to stand on, achieves the same effect as the airbag device 40 of the saddle-type vehicle of the first embodiment. Specifically, according to the airbag device 240 of the standing-type vehicle of the second embodiment, when the airbag 42 inflates, the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 expands to a size larger than the diameter of the inlet portion 53 of the airbag 42 when the gas ejection pressure is above a predetermined pressure, thus locking the airbag 42 in place. Furthermore, when the gas ejection pressure is below a predetermined pressure, the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 shrinks compared to when the gas ejection pressure is above a predetermined pressure. Therefore, the locking of the airbag 42 based on the expansion portion 60b of the guide portion 60 is released, and the airbag 42 can be detached from the guide portion 60. Therefore, by utilizing the guide 60 that rectifies the gas flow, the airbag 42 can be made in a simple configuration to be separated from the locked state.

[0156] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0157] Furthermore, the above embodiments represent one way in which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the situation where the locking of the airbag 42 based on the guide portion 60 is released when the internal pressure of the guide portion 60 is equal to the internal pressure of the airbag 42 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the release of the locking of the airbag 42 based on the shrinkage of the guide portion 60 may also occur when the internal pressure is less than the above-mentioned predetermined value and the internal pressure of the guide portion 60 is higher than the internal pressure of the airbag 42.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the airbag devices 40 and 240 are positioned in front of the occupant R, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the airbag devices 40 and 240 may also be positioned behind the occupant R, with the airbag 42 attached to the occupant R from the rear.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inflator 41 is exemplified, and the structure of the insertion part 41a inserted into the airbag 42 is described as equivalent to the main body of the inflator 41 with the largest diameter. However, the insertion part may not be the main body of the inflator 41. For example, if a tube is provided that is connected to the gas outlet 41b of the inflator 41, and gas is released from the front end of the tube, the front end of the tube is equivalent to the insertion part inserted into the airbag 42.

[0161] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the saddle-mounted vehicle 10 was described as an example of an automatic two-wheeled vehicle, but the saddle-mounted vehicle is not limited to this, and may also be a three-wheeled saddle-mounted vehicle with two front wheels or two rear wheels, or a saddle-mounted vehicle with four or more wheels.

[0162] [Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0163] The above implementation supports the following structures.

[0164] (Structure 1) An airbag device for a vehicle, comprising an inflator installed in the vehicle and an airbag connected to the inflator, wherein the airbag, inflated by means of gas released by the inflator, is cut off after inflation, the airbag device being characterized in that a flexible guide portion is provided inside the airbag to guide gas flowing from the inflator into the airbag, the airbag being connected to the inflator via the guide portion, the airbag having an inlet portion serving as an inlet for gas in the airbag, the guide portion having an expansion portion inserted into the inlet portion and disposed inside the airbag, gas from the inflator flowing into the airbag through the expansion portion, the expansion portion expanding to a diameter larger than the inlet portion of the airbag when above a predetermined gas ejection pressure, and deformable to a diameter smaller than the inlet portion of the airbag when below a predetermined gas ejection pressure.

[0165] According to this structure, when the airbag inflates, the expansion portion of the guide expands to a diameter larger than the inlet diameter of the airbag when the gas ejection pressure is above a specified pressure, thus locking the airbag at the inlet. Conversely, when the gas ejection pressure is below the specified pressure, the expansion portion of the guide shrinks compared to when the pressure is above the specified pressure. This releases the locking of the airbag based on the expansion portion of the guide, allowing the airbag to detach from the guide. Therefore, by utilizing a guide portion that rectifies the gas flow, the airbag can be easily detached from the locked state.

[0166] (Structure 2) In the airbag device of the vehicle of Structure 1, the inflatable part is temporarily fixed to the airbag by a sewn part sewn into the airbag, and the temporary fixation of the sewn part is released by the expansion of the airbag by means of gas.

[0167] According to this structure, the expansion portion of the guide is temporarily fixed to the airbag by a sewing portion. Therefore, when the airbag is not deployed, the expansion portion of the guide can be positioned, and the expansion position of the expansion portion can be adjusted. In addition, according to this structure, when the expansion portion expands, the temporary fixation of the sewing portion is released, so the airbag can be cut away from the guide portion.

[0168] (Structure 3) In the airbag device of the vehicle of Structure 1 or 2, the inlet extends into the airbag, and when the airbag is cut off from the guide, the inlet is closed by the internal pressure of the airbag.

[0169] According to this structure, a gas check valve can be formed with a simple construction through the cylindrical inlet extending inside the airbag. This check valve can prevent gas from flowing out of the airbag, thus maintaining the detached airbag in an inflated state.

[0170] (Structure 4) In the airbag device of the vehicle of Structure 3, the inflator has an insertion part inserted into the airbag, gas is ejected from the insertion part, and the insertion part is located inside the inlet.

[0171] According to this structure, when the airbag inflates, before the airbag is cut off from the guide section, the inlet can be kept open by the insertion part located inside the inlet. Furthermore, after the airbag is cut off from the guide section, the insertion part inside the inlet disappears, and therefore, the inlet collapses due to the internal pressure of the airbag, thus closing the inlet.

[0172] (Structure 5) An airbag device for a vehicle, comprising an inflator mounted on the vehicle and an airbag connected to the inflator, wherein the airbag, which inflates by means of gas released by the inflator, is detached after inflation, wherein the airbag device for the vehicle is characterized in that the airbag has an inlet portion serving as an inlet for gas in the airbag, the inlet portion extending within the airbag, the inlet portion and the inflator at least partially overlapping, and the inlet portion being pressed against the inflator by the internal pressure of the airbag in the gas ejection state, thereby preventing the airbag from detaching from the inflator.

[0173] According to this structure, the inlet is pressed against the inflator by the internal pressure of the airbag when the gas is ejected, thus preventing the airbag from detaching from the inflator.

[0174] (Structure 6) An airbag device for a saddle-type vehicle, provided in a saddle-type vehicle having a seat for passengers, characterized in that the airbag device of the saddle-type vehicle is composed of the airbag device of any one of Structures 1 to 5.

[0175] According to this structure, in the airbag device of a saddle-type vehicle, when the airbag inflates, the expansion portion of the guide expands to a diameter larger than the airbag inlet when the gas ejection pressure is above a specified pressure, thus locking the airbag at the inlet. Conversely, when the gas ejection pressure is below a specified pressure, the expansion portion of the guide shrinks compared to when the pressure is above a specified pressure, releasing the airbag from the locking mechanism and allowing the airbag to detach from the guide. Therefore, by utilizing a guide that rectifies the gas flow, the airbag can be easily detached from the locked state.

[0176] (Structure 7) An airbag device for a standing vehicle, which is installed in a standing vehicle having a platform for passengers to stand on, characterized in that the airbag device of the standing vehicle is composed of the airbag device of any one of Structures 1 to 5.

[0177] According to this structure, in the airbag system of a standing vehicle, when the airbag inflates, the expansion portion of the guide expands to a diameter larger than the airbag inlet when the gas ejection pressure is above a specified pressure, thus locking the airbag in place. Conversely, when the gas ejection pressure is below a specified pressure, the expansion portion of the guide shrinks compared to when the pressure is above a specified pressure. This releases the airbag locking mechanism based on the expansion portion of the guide, allowing the airbag to detach from the guide. Therefore, by utilizing a guide that rectifies the gas flow, the airbag can be easily detached from its locked state.

[0178] [Reference Example]

[0179] The following is for reference Figures 11-15 The following description will use an airbag separation mechanism that separates the inflated airbag 242 from the inflator 241 as a reference example. In this reference example, parts constructed in the same way as in the above embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0180] Airbag 242 is the same as airbag 42, and inflator 241 is the same as inflator 41. However, in order to distinguish it from the above embodiments, other reference numerals 242 and 241 are used for description.

[0181] Figure 11 This is a front view of the airbag 242 before deployment, viewed from the front in the first reference example.

[0182] The airbag 242 has a one-sided deployment section 55R and a other-sided deployment section 55L. The one-sided deployment section 55R and the other-sided deployment section 55L each have an inlet section 53.

[0183] The inflator 241 is inserted into a pair of left and right inlets 53 respectively. The expansion section 55R on one side and the expansion section 55L on the other side are expanded by means of the gas released from the inflator 241.

[0184] One left and right inlet 53 is located at the lower end 55a of one side of the unfolding part 55R. The other left and right inlet 53 is located at the lower end 55b of the other side of the unfolding part 55L. The lower ends 55a and 55b are the lower ends of the airbag 242.

[0185] The airbag cutting mechanism 261 includes a tether 280 connected to the airbag 242 and a tether cutter 281 for cutting the tether 280.

[0186] The tether cutter 281 is fixed to the body of the saddle-type vehicle 10. The tether cutter 281 is fixed to the frame 11, for example, via a support. The tether cutter 281 is electrically connected to the aforementioned control unit.

[0187] The tether 280 is the cord that connects the airbag 242 and the tether cutter 281. The middle part of the tether 280 along its length is the connecting part 280a that connects to the tether cutter 281.

[0188] The strap 280 includes: a side strap portion 282 that extends from the connecting portion 280a toward the airbag 242 and is connected to the lower end portion 55a of the side deployment portion 55R; and a other side strap portion 283 that extends from the connecting portion 280a toward the airbag 242 and is connected to the lower end portion 55b of the other side deployment portion 55L.

[0189] One end of the side strap portion 282 is a connecting portion 280a. The other end 282a of the side strap portion 282 is connected to the lower end portion 55a. More specifically, the other end 282a is connected to the outer side of the entrance portion 53 of the side extension portion 55R in the vehicle width direction at the lower end portion 55a.

[0190] One end of the other side strap portion 283 is a connecting portion 280a. The other end 283a of the other side strap portion 283 is connected to the lower end portion 55b. In detail, the other end 283a is connected to the outer side of the entrance portion 53 of the other side unfolding portion 55L in the vehicle width direction at the lower end portion 55b.

[0191] Furthermore, the other ends 282a and 283a are connected to the lower end of the airbag 242, but the connection position of the other ends 282a and 283a is not limited to the lower end. The other ends 282a and 283a can be connected to any end of the airbag 242 as long as they are near the inlet 53.

[0192] The airbag 242 is pulled toward the tether cutter 281 via the tether 280 and thus secured to the vehicle body. By securing the airbag 242 via the tether 280 and the tether cutter 281, the inflator 241 remains inserted into the inlet 53.

[0193] exist Figure 11 In the middle, the tether cutter 281 is disposed on the opposite side of the airbag 242 in the axial direction of the inlet 53, across the inflator 241.

[0194] When the control unit determines that the airbag 242 needs to be inflated, it activates the inflator 241 to inflate the airbag 242 using gas. In this state, the airbag 242 is secured to the vehicle body via the strap 280 and the strap cutter 281. The strap 280 withstands the force that would cause the airbag 242 to detach from the inflator 241 due to the pressure of the gas, thus preventing the airbag 242 from disengaging from the inflator 241.

[0195] The aforementioned control unit, after a predetermined time following the start of operation of the inflator 241, activates the tether cutter 281 to cut the tether 280. The connecting portion 280a of the tether 280 is severed. This predetermined time is, for example, the time elapsed from the start of operation of the inflator 241 until the airbag 242 is fully inflated. The inflated airbag 242 is attached to the occupant R.

[0196] When the tether 280 is cut, the restraint of the tether 280 on the airbag 242 is released. Then, by the internal pressure of the airbag 242, the airbag 242 moves axially along the inflator 241 in a manner that separates it from the inflator 241, and the airbag 242 is detached from the inflator 241. When the airbag 242 is detached, the inlet 53, which acts as a check valve, is closed by the internal pressure of the airbag 242.

[0197] In the airbag disconnection mechanism 261, the airbag 242 can be secured to the vehicle body with a simple structure via the tether 280. Furthermore, by cutting the tether 280 using the tether cutter 281, the airbag 242 can be disconnected from the inflator 241 with a simple structure. By adjusting the timing of the tether cutter 281's operation, the airbag 242 can be disconnected at any time.

[0198] The other ends 282a and 283a of the strap 280 are connected to the airbag 242 on the axial direction of the inflator 241 relative to one end 241a of the inflator 241 located inside the airbag 242, on the other end 241b side of the inflator 241. This prevents the strap 280 from obstructing the inflation of the airbag 242, allowing the airbag 242 to inflate properly.

[0199] Furthermore, the straps 280 are connected to the airbag 242 at two separate points on the left and right sides via a pair of side strap portions 282 and a side strap portion 283. Thus, when the airbag 242 inflates, the airbag 242 can be well supported by the pair of side strap portions 282 and the side strap portions 283, allowing the airbag 242 to inflate properly.

[0200] Figure 12 This is a front view of the airbag 242 before deployment, viewed from the front in the second reference example.

[0201] In the second reference example, the other end 282a of the side strap portion 282 is connected at the lower end 55a to the inside of the entrance portion 53 of the side unfold portion 55R in the vehicle width direction.

[0202] In addition, in the second reference example, the other end 283a of the other side tether portion 283 is connected at the lower end 55b to the inside of the entrance portion 53 of the other side unfold portion 55L in the vehicle width direction.

[0203] Figure 13 This is a front view of the airbag 242 before deployment, viewed from the front in the third reference example.

[0204] In the third reference example, the other end 282a of the side strap portion 282 is connected at the lower end 55a to the inside of the entrance portion 53 of the side unfold portion 55R in the vehicle width direction.

[0205] In addition, in the third reference example, the other end 283a of the other side tether portion 283 is connected at the lower end 55b to the outer side of the entrance portion 53 of the other side unfolding portion 55L in the vehicle width direction.

[0206] Figure 14 This is a front view of the airbag 242 before deployment, viewed from the front in the fourth reference example.

[0207] The airbag cutting mechanism 461 includes a tether cutter 281, and a first tether 481 and a second tether 482 connected to the airbag 242.

[0208] The first tether 481 and the second tether 482 are ropes that connect the airbag 242 and the tether cutter 281.

[0209] The middle part of the first lacing 481 along its length is the connecting part 481a that connects to the lacing cutter 281.

[0210] The first tether 481 has a first outer tether portion 483 and a first inner tether portion 484 extending from the connecting portion 481a toward the airbag 242 and connected to the lower end portion 55a of the one-sided deployment portion 55R.

[0211] One end of the first outer strap portion 483 is a connecting portion 481a. The other end 483a of the first outer strap portion 483 is connected at the lower end portion 55a to the outer side of the entrance portion 53 of the side expansion portion 55R in the vehicle width direction.

[0212] One end of the first inner strap portion 484 is a connecting portion 481a. The other end 484a of the first inner strap portion 484 is connected at the lower end portion 55a to the inner side of the entrance portion 53 of the side expansion portion 55R in the vehicle width direction.

[0213] The middle part of the second tether 482 along its length is the connecting part 482a that connects to the tether cutter 281.

[0214] The second tether 482 includes a second outer tether portion 485 and a second inner tether portion 486 that extend from the connecting portion 482a toward the airbag 242 and are connected to the lower end portion 55b of the other side deployment portion 55L.

[0215] One end of the second outer strap portion 485 is a connecting portion 482a. The other end 485a of the second outer strap portion 485 is connected at the lower end portion 55b to the outer side of the entrance portion 53 of the other side unfolding portion 55L in the vehicle width direction.

[0216] One end of the second inner strap portion 486 is a connecting portion 482a. The other end 486a of the second inner strap portion 486 is connected at the lower end 55b to the inner side of the entrance portion 53 of the other side unfolding portion 55L in the vehicle width direction.

[0217] The tie cutter 281 cuts off the connecting part 481a and the connecting part 482a.

[0218] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the connection state of the inlet 53, the inflator 241, and the strap 580 in the fifth reference example.

[0219] A cylindrical protrusion 242a protruding downward is provided at the lower end of the airbag 242.

[0220] The entrance 53 is located inside the protrusion 242a.

[0221] In the protrusion 242a, a hole 590 is provided at a position offset relative to the inlet 53 in the vehicle width direction, through which the airbag 242 passes. The hole 590 is disposed on the outside of the portion in which gas flows into the inflator 241.

[0222] The inflator 241 has an inlet insertion portion 241c that is inserted into the inlet portion 53. A groove 241d that is recessed radially inward is provided on the outer periphery of the inlet insertion portion 241c. The groove 241d is annular around the outer periphery of the inlet insertion portion 241c.

[0223] Airbag cutting mechanism 561 is equipped with tether cutter 281 ( Figure 11 ) and the strap 580 that connects to the airbag 242.

[0224] One end of the lace 580 is connected to the lace cutter 281.

[0225] The other end of the strap 580 is attached to the protrusion 242a. More specifically, the other end of the strap 580 has a winding portion 581 that is wound around the outer periphery of the protrusion 242a.

[0226] The winding portion 581 passes through the hole portion 590 and is wound around the outer periphery of the protrusion 242a. The front end of the winding portion 581 is the other end 580a of the strap 580. The other end 580a is connected to the protrusion 242a. The other end 580a is located on the opposite side of the hole portion 590 in the protrusion 242a, separated by the inflator 241.

[0227] The winding portion 581 is wound around the protrusion 242a and then onto the groove 241d located inside the protrusion 242a. This allows the protrusion 242a and the strap 580 to be securely fastened by locking them into the groove 241d.

[0228] When the tether 580 is cut by the tether cutter 281, the winding portion 581 loosens. Therefore, the airbag 242 can be cut off from the inflator 241.

Claims

1. An airbag device for a vehicle, comprising an inflator (41) mounted on the vehicle and an airbag (42) connected to the inflator (41), wherein the airbag (42), which inflates by means of gas released from the inflator (41), is detached after inflation, the airbag device for the vehicle being characterized in that, A flexible guide (60) is provided inside the airbag (42) to guide the gas flowing from the inflator (41) into the airbag (42). The airbag (42) is connected to the inflator (41) via the guide (60). The airbag (42) has an inlet (53) that serves as an inlet for the gas in the airbag (42). The guide portion (60) has an expansion portion (60b) that is inserted into the inlet portion (53) and disposed inside the airbag (42). The guide (60) is fixed to the outer periphery of the inflator (41) by a strap (63) fitted to the outer periphery of the guide (60) on the outside of the airbag (42). The gas from the inflator (41) flows into the airbag (42) through the expansion section (60b). When the specified gas ejection pressure ΔP1 is above, the expansion portion (60b) expands to a diameter larger than the inlet portion (53) of the airbag (42); when the specified gas ejection pressure ΔP2 is below, the expansion portion (60b) can deform to a diameter smaller than the inlet portion (53) of the airbag (42). The expansion portion (60b) is temporarily fixed to the airbag (42) by means of the sewing portion (62) sewn into the airbag (42). The temporary fixation of the sewn part (62) is released by the expansion of the air bladder (42) with the help of gas.

2. The airbag device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet (53) extends into the airbag (42). When the airbag (42) is cut off from the guide (60), the inlet (53) is closed by the internal pressure of the airbag (42).

3. The airbag device for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inflator (41) has an insertion part (41a) that is inserted into the airbag (42), from which gas is ejected. The insertion part (41a) is located inside the entrance part (53).

4. The airbag device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet (53) extends within the airbag (42), The inlet (53) at least partially overlaps with the inflator (41). When the gas is ejected, the inlet (53) is pressed against the inflator (41) by the internal pressure of the airbag (42), which can prevent the airbag (42) from being cut off from the inflator (41).

5. An airbag device for a saddle-type vehicle, which is disposed in a saddle-type vehicle (10) equipped with a passenger seat (17), characterized in that, The airbag device of the saddle-type vehicle is composed of the airbag device of the vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. An airbag device for a standing vehicle, which is disposed in a standing vehicle (210) having a platform (212) for occupants to stand on, characterized in that, The airbag device of the standing vehicle is composed of the airbag device of the vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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