Saddle-ride type vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a saddle-type vehicle in which an airbag unit is disposed in the left and right central portions of a handlebar, and in which the deployment surface of the airbag can be efficiently directed toward the driver without reducing the visual recognition of an instrument. The saddle-type vehicle has an instrument (53), a steering shaft (32) supported to a front stand pipe (18) in a steerable manner, a steering pipe (61) supported to the steering shaft (32), and a handlebar (21) mounted to the upper end of the steering pipe (61), wherein the handlebar (21) is in a shape that expands left and right above the steering pipe (61), and an airbag unit (70, 270) is disposed in the left and right central portions of the handlebar (21) at a position that is rearward of the lower end (53a1) of the instrument (53) when the vehicle is viewed in side elevation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to saddle-type vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, it was known that there were saddle-type vehicles with airbag units disposed in the left and right center parts of the handlebars (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the airbag unit is supported by an airbag support column, which is fixed to the front end of the front riser and extends upward along the front riser.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4162643 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Typically, instruments are located around the center left and right sides of the handlebars in saddle-type vehicles. Therefore, when placing the airbag unit in the center left and right sides of the handlebars, it is necessary to ensure the visual legibility of the instruments while also accommodating the airbag unit.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a saddle-mounted vehicle in which the airbag unit is located in the left and right center of the handlebars, thereby ensuring the visual legibility of the instrument panel and enabling the airbag deployment surface to be efficiently oriented toward the driver.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] A saddle-mounted vehicle has: an instrument panel; a steering shaft supported on a front riser tube in a steerable manner; a steering tube supported on the steering shaft; and a handlebar mounted on the upper end of the steering tube. The saddle-mounted vehicle is characterized in that the handlebar extends laterally above the steering tube, and an airbag unit is disposed at the center of the left and right sides of the handlebar. When the vehicle is viewed from the side, the airbag unit is positioned further rearward than the lower end of the instrument panel.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] A saddle-riding vehicle is provided in which the airbag unit is located in the center left and right of the handlebars, ensuring the visual legibility of the instrument panel and enabling the airbag deployment surface to be efficiently oriented towards the driver. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the main part of the longitudinal section of the front of a saddle-type vehicle.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the handle component and airbag unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a left-side view showing the handle component and airbag unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a left-side view showing the main parts of a saddle-type vehicle, indicating the airbags after deployment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a rear view showing the main parts of a saddle-type vehicle with the airbags deployed.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the main parts of a saddle-type vehicle with the airbags deployed.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the handle component and airbag unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] 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, "UP" indicates the top of the vehicle body, and "LH" indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0022] [Implementation Method]

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The saddle-riding vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which passengers sit in a straddle position on the seat 17. The seat 17 is located above the rear of the frame 11.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Seat 17 is supported by rear frame 20.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The rear wheel 15 is supported on an axle 15a located at the rear end of the swing arm 16.

[0031] The power unit 12 is positioned between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported on the frame 11.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Additionally, the saddle-type vehicle 10 includes: 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The saddle-riding vehicle 10 of this embodiment is a footboard type saddle-riding vehicle equipped with a seat 17 for passengers to sit in a straddle-like manner. The power unit 12 of the saddle-riding vehicle 10 is a single-unit swing engine that functions as an engine driving the rear wheel 15 and a swing arm 16 supporting the rear wheel 15. In the saddle-riding vehicle 10, the driver R (refer to…) who is the passenger… Figure 5 The foot pedals 28 are a pair of foot pedal base plates located on the left and right sides below the front of the seat 17.

[0037] The saddle-type vehicle 10 has a steering system 31, which includes a pair of left and right front forks 14. The steering system 31 has a steering shaft 32 supported on the front seat tube 18. A left-right extending axle component 33 is fixed to the lower end of the steering shaft 32. The upper parts of the left and right pair of front forks 14 are connected to the left and right ends of the axle component 33. The left and right pair of front forks 14 are arranged on the left and right sides of the front wheel 13 and support the front wheel 13. A handlebar component 34 with a handlebar 21 is fixed to the upper end of the steering shaft 32.

[0038] The steering system 31 of this embodiment consists of a steering shaft 32, axle assembly 33, a pair of left and right front forks 14, and handlebar assembly 34. The steering system 31 is supported on the front seat tube 18 in a manner that enables steering.

[0039] The saddle-type vehicle 10 includes a body cover 40 that covers the vehicle body, including the frame 11. The body cover 40 has: a front cover 41 that covers the upper part of the front riser 18 and the steering system 31 from the front and left / right sides; and an inner cover 42 that is continuous with the rear edge of the front cover 41 and covers the upper part of the front riser 18 and the steering system 31 from the rear. Additionally, the body cover 40 includes: a center cover 43 located in front of and below the seat 17; a bottom cover 44 that covers the body cover 40 from below, below the pedals 28; a rear side cover 45 that covers the rear frame 20 from the side, below the seat 17; and a handle cover 46 that covers the handlebars 21 from the front and rear.

[0040] The front part of the central cover 43 is continuous with the lower part of the inner cover 42. The central cover 43 is located inside the left and right legs of the driver R, which extends from the seat 17 to the footrest 28. When viewing the vehicle from the side, the inner cover 42, the central cover 43, and the front surface of the seat 17 divide a downwardly recessed straddle space 43a. When getting on and off the saddle-type vehicle 10, the driver R can straddle the saddle-type vehicle 10 via the straddle space 43a.

[0041] Seat 17 has a front seat 17a for the driver R and a rear seat 17b located behind the front seat 17a for a passenger (second passenger). The seating surfaces of the front seat 17a and the rear seat 17b are formed as flat surfaces along the horizontal plane.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the main part of the longitudinal section of the front of the saddle-type vehicle 10. That is, Figure 2 This refers to the main front portion of the saddle-type vehicle 10, cut off along the centerline in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 The handle cover 46 is not shown in the image.

[0043] Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions such as forward, backward, left, right, and up / down are used based on a saddle-type vehicle 10 traveling straight on a level road. That is, unless otherwise specified, forward, backward, left, right, and up / down are used relative to the case where the handlebar 21 is not turned.

[0044] A headlight 51 is installed on the lower part of the front surface of the front hood 41. A windshield 52 is installed on the upper part of the front surface of the front hood 41. The windshield 52 is tilted with the front lower than the rear when observing the vehicle from the side. The windshield 52 is made of a light-transmitting material so that the driver R can see ahead through the windshield 52.

[0045] Behind the windshield 52 and above the headlights 51, an instrument panel 53 is provided to display information related to the vehicle speed and other information relevant to the saddle-type vehicle 10. The instrument panel 53 is positioned above the front seat tube 18 and in front of the handlebar assembly 34, in the center of the vehicle width. The instrument panel 53 displays information related to the vehicle speed and other information relevant to the saddle-type vehicle 10.

[0046] The instrument cluster 53 includes a housing 53a, an instrument unit body 53b housed within the housing 53a, and a display surface 53c covering the upper surface of the instrument unit body 53b. The housing 53a is a container-shaped structure with a generally rectangular cross-section. The housing 53a is arranged with its container-shaped sides facing rearward and downward. That is, the side of the housing 53a forms the lower end 53a1 of the housing 53a. The display surface 53c is supported on the upper open surface of the housing 53a. The display surface 53c is formed as a plane. The instrument cluster 53 is configured such that the display surface 53c is tilted at the front and lower at the rear, so that the driver R, positioned above and behind, can easily see the instrument cluster 53. Regarding the display surface 53c, the vertical line L2 of the display surface 53c extends at the front and lower at the rear. In this embodiment, the vertical line L2 of the display surface 53c is tilted in the horizontal direction relative to the steering axis (rotation axis) L1 of the steering shaft 32. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The diagram shows a perpendicular line L2 passing through the lower end of the display surface 53c.

[0047] Instrument panel 53 protrudes forward from the opening 54a of instrument cover 54 provided on the front cover 41. An eave-shaped instrument visor 55 is formed at the front end of the instrument cover 54, extending forward and downward from the front to the rear of the instrument panel 53. The instrument visor 55 covers the instrument panel 53 from the front and above. The instrument visor 55 is a component formed such that the upper part of the front surface of the front cover 41 extends upward beyond the instrument panel 53. The instrument visor 55 is configured to block light reaching the upper surface of the instrument panel 53 from the front and above. The instrument visor 55 is opaque and has lower light transmittance than the windshield 52.

[0048] A lock cylinder 56 is located below and behind the instrument panel 53, across the handle component 34. The lock cylinder 56 is located at the center of the vehicle width direction below the handle 21. A keyhole 56a is provided in the lock cylinder 56 for inserting a key (not shown). The keyhole 56a is formed on the upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56. The keyhole 56a extends forward and downward from the upper surface 56b. The upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56 slopes downward from the front.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the handle component 34 and the airbag unit 70 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a left-side view showing the handle component 34 and the airbag unit 70 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The handle assembly 34 has a steering tube 61 fixed to the steering shaft 32. The steering tube 61 is cylindrical, extending along the steering axis L1 with a lower front and higher rear. The central axis of the steering tube 61 coincides with the steering axis L1. The steering shaft 32 (see reference) is inserted into the steering tube 61. Figure 2 The upper end of the steering tube 61 is connected to the steering shaft 32 by bolts (not shown). A handle 21 extending in the left-right direction is fixed to the upper end of the steering tube 61. In this embodiment, the handle 21 is a curved tube. In this embodiment, the handle 21 is formed to be symmetrical from left to right.

[0051] The handle 21 has a left portion (left side) 62 extending to the left from the steering tube 61 and a right portion (right side) 63 extending to the right from the steering tube 61. The left portion 62 has a curved portion 62a that bends upward as it moves to the left from the steering tube 61. The curved portion 62a bends in a vertical direction as it moves to the left. A straight portion 62b extending in a straight line to the left is formed at the upper end of the curved portion 62a.

[0052] The right side of the handle 63 has a curved portion 63a that bends upward as it moves to the right from the steering tube 61. The curved portion 63a bends in a vertical direction as it moves to the right. At the upper end of the curved portion 63a, there is a straight portion 63b that extends in a straight line to the right.

[0053] In the left handlebar 62 and the right handlebar 63, the curved portions 62a and 63a extend rearward and upward with an inclination approximately the same as the steering axis L1 of the steering tube 61 when the vehicle is viewed from the side. In contrast, the straight portions 62b and 63b extend forward and backward when the vehicle is viewed from the side.

[0054] In the left part 62 and the right part 63 of the handle, reinforcing members (reinforcing parts) 64 and 65 are fixed to the front and rear surfaces of the curved parts 62a and 63a. The reinforcing members 64 and 65 are curved plates.

[0055] In this embodiment, the front reinforcement 64 is formed in a generally Y-shape. The front reinforcement 64 is welded and fixed to the steering tube 61, the bent portion 62a of the left handle 62, and the bent portion 63a of the right handle 63 in such a way that it covers the steering tube 61, the bent portion 62a of the left handle 62, and the bent portion 63a of the right handle 63 from the front.

[0056] In this embodiment, the rear reinforcing member 65 is provided with a pair of left and right sides.

[0057] The left rear side reinforcement 65 is shaped to extend from the steering tube 61 toward the bend 62a of the left handle 62. The left rear side reinforcement 65 is configured to cover the steering tube 61 and the bend 62a of the left handle 62 from the rear outside in the vehicle width direction, and is welded to the steering tube 61 and the bend 62a of the left handle 62.

[0058] The right rear reinforcement 65 is shaped to extend from the steering tube 61 toward the curved portion 63a of the right handlebar 63. The right rear reinforcement 65 is configured to cover the steering tube 61 and the curved portion 63a of the right handlebar 63 from the rear outer side in the vehicle width direction, and is welded and fixed to the steering tube 61 and the curved portion 63a of the right handlebar 63.

[0059] The bent portion 62a of the left handle 62, the bent portion 63a of the right handle 63, and the upper part of the steering tube 61 are reinforced by the reinforcing members 64 and 65. That is, the lower part of the handle component 34 is reinforced.

[0060] The front and rear reinforcing members 64 and 65 are respectively provided with front and rear supports 66 and 67. The supports 66 and 67 are in the shape of bent plates.

[0061] A pair of front support brackets 66 are provided corresponding to the positions of the left and right handle portions 62 and 63. The front support brackets 66 are fixed to the front reinforcement member 64 by welding. The front support brackets 66 protrude forward relative to the handle 21. A planar mounting surface 66a with thickness in the vertical direction is formed at the front end of the support bracket 66. A mounting hole extending through the thickness direction is formed in the mounting surface 66a. A nut portion 66b is provided on the lower side of the mounting surface 66a.

[0062] A pair of left and right support brackets 67 are provided corresponding to the positions of the left part 62 and the right part 63 of the handle. The left and right pairs of rear support brackets 67 are fixed to the left and right pairs of reinforcing members 65 by welding. The rear support brackets 67 protrude rearward relative to the handle 21. The rear support brackets 67 are positioned closer to the steering tube 61 than the front support brackets 66. A planar mounting surface 67a with thickness in the vertical direction is formed at the rear end of the rear support brackets 67. A mounting hole extending in the thickness direction is formed in the mounting surface 67a. A nut part 67b is provided on the lower side of the mounting surface 67a. The mounting surface 67a is formed parallel to the front mounting surface 66a. The mounting surfaces 66a and 67a of the front and rear support brackets 66 and 67 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0063] Airbag units 70 are mounted on support frames 66 and 67. Therefore, in this embodiment, airbag units 70 are supported on the handle 21 at the left and right center portions. In other words, airbag units 70 are supported on the handle 21 on the steering axis L1.

[0064] When viewing the vehicle body from the side, the airbag unit 70 is located at the front end 61a of the steering pipe 61 (see reference). Figure 4 It is located towards the rear. Additionally, when viewing the vehicle from the side, the airbag unit 70 is located at the rear end 21b of the handlebar 21 (see reference). Figure 4 The airbag unit 70 is positioned further forward than the steering tube front end line L11, which passes through the front end 61a of the steering tube 61 in the vertical direction, when viewed from the side. Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the airbag unit 70 is positioned further forward than the handlebar rear end line L12, which passes through the rear end 21b of the handlebar 21 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the airbag unit 70 can be made smaller than the handlebar component 34, resulting in a compact size that prevents it from protruding from the handlebar component 34.

[0065] The airbag unit 70 includes: a container-shaped retainer 72; and an inflator 73 (see reference). Figure 2 ), which is supported by retainer 72 and releases gas; airbag 74 (see reference) Figure 2 The retainer 72 is connected to an inflator 73 and expands by gas released from the inflator 73; and a cover 75 that seals the upper surface of the retainer 72. An airbag receiving portion 70a (see reference 70a) is formed by the space enclosed by the retainer 72 and the cover 75. Figure 2 ).

[0066] The retainer 72 has a planar support surface 72a (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The support surface 72a is formed into a rectangular plate shape. A pair of front and rear legs 72b and 72c extending outwards in the vehicle width direction are formed at both ends of the support surface 72a (please refer to the section on leg 72c). Figure 2 , Figure 4The front and rear legs 72b and 72c are respectively disposed at the front and rear of the curved portions 62a and 63a of the handle 21. That is, the retainer 72 is configured to clamp the curved portions 62a and 63a of the handle 21 from the front and rear by means of the front leg 72b and the rear leg 72c.

[0067] Bolt 100 is inserted from above into the front leg 72b. Bolt 100 is fastened to the nut portion 66b of the front support 66. Similarly, bolt 100 is inserted from above into the rear leg 72c. Bolt 100 is fastened to the nut portion 67b of the rear support 67. Thus, the airbag unit 70 is mounted to the handle 21. The mounting axis L100, which is the axis of bolt 100, extends along the steering axis L1. In this embodiment, the mounting axis L100 of bolt 100 is parallel to the steering axis L1. However, in this embodiment, "parallel" includes installation tolerances, and is used to mean "approximately parallel."

[0068] Therefore, the retainer 72 is tilted such that the support surface 72a points in the same direction as the display surface 53c of the instrument 53. That is, as Figure 2 As shown, the support surface 72a is arranged parallel to the display surface 53c. In other words, the perpendicular line L3 of the support surface 72a is parallel to the perpendicular line L2 of the display surface 53c.

[0069] The inflator 73 is fixed to the support surface 72a of the retainer 72. The inflator 73 is disposed at the center of the retainer 72 in the vehicle width direction. The inflator 73 has a cylindrical housing. A gas generating agent and an initiator are disposed inside the housing, the initiator causing the gas generating agent to start a gas-generating reaction. The initiator is equipped with an ignition device. The inflator 73 is formed from an opening 72d (see reference) formed at the center of the retainer 72 in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 The airbag 74 protrudes downward and is fixed to the retainer 72. The inflator 73 causes the airbag 74 to unfold in the direction of the perpendicular line L3 of the support surface 72a.

[0070] The airbag 74 is connected to the inflator 73. The airbag 74 is formed into a bag shape by sewing the base fabric together. Figure 2 As shown, the airbag 74 of this embodiment has: a cylindrical connecting portion 80 that covers the periphery of the inflator 73; and a bag-shaped main body portion 81 that extends from the connecting portion 80 and expands and unfolds in front of the driver R. The connecting portion 80 is connected to and fixed to the retainer 72 in such a way that it covers the inflator 73 from the outside. The airbag 74 is housed in the airbag housing portion 70a in a suitably folded state.

[0071] The cover 75 is a container-shaped structure that opens downwards and is recessed upwards. The cover 75 has an unfolded surface 75a forming a container-shaped bottom surface and an outer peripheral surface 75b extending downwards from the outer periphery of the unfolded surface 75a. The outer peripheral surface 75b is fitted and fixed to the periphery of the retainer 72, thereby mounting the cover 75 to the retainer 72. A slit portion 75a1 is formed on the unfolded surface 75a, which cracks when the airbag 74 deploys. The unfolded surface 75a intersects the perpendicular line L3 of the retainer 72. In this embodiment, the unfolded surface 75a is substantially orthogonal to the perpendicular line L3 of the retainer 72. Furthermore, a fixing portion 75b1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 75b, which is also fixed to the opening of the retainer 72 after the airbag 74 deploys.

[0072] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned rearward of the lower end 53a1 of the instrument cluster 53 when observing the vehicle from the side. Specifically, the airbag unit 70 is positioned below the vertical line L2, which passes through the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument cluster 53. Therefore, the deployment surface 75a of the airbag unit 70 can be positioned rearward and lower relative to the vertical line L2 at the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument cluster 53. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in... Figure 2 The front surface of the handle cover 46 (not shown) runs along the airbag unit 70, and the handle cover 46 is also located below the vertical line L2. That is, if the deployment surface is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground due to the enlargement of the airbag 74, it may impair the visual visibility of the instrument panel 53. However, by tilting the airbag unit 70, the deployment surface 75a can be efficiently directed toward the driver R without compromising the visual visibility of the instrument panel 53.

[0073] Furthermore, since the airbag unit 70 is positioned at the center left and right of the handle 21, the lock cylinder 56 is located below the airbag unit 70. In this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned above the upper end 56a1 of the opening of the keyhole 56a of the lock cylinder 56. That is, when viewing the vehicle body from the side, the airbag unit 70 is located above the upper end line L4 of the opening (refer to...). Figure 2 The upper part of the opening L4 passes horizontally through the upper end 56a1 of the keyhole 56a. Specifically, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned above the vertical line L5 of the upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56 passing through the upper end 56a1 of the keyhole 56a. Therefore, in this embodiment, even with the airbag unit 70 positioned at the center left and right of the handle 21, it is difficult to obstruct the insertion of the key into the lock cylinder 56.

[0074] like Figure 3As shown, the airbag unit 70 is arranged in a left-right direction, sandwiched between the curved portion 62a of the left handle 62 and the curved portion 63a of the right handle 63. Handle switches 35 and 36 are arranged on the left and right sides of the airbag unit 70.

[0075] That is, a left-side handle switch 35 is supported on the straight portion 62b of the left side of the handle 62. A left-side grip 37 is supported on the left side of the left-side handle switch 35.

[0076] Additionally, a right-side handle switch 36 is supported on the straight portion 63b of the right side of the handle 63. A right-side grip 37 is supported to the right of the right-side handle switch 36.

[0077] Left and right handle bars 38 are provided around the left and right grips 37 (see reference). Figure 1 Additionally, left and right rearview mirrors 39 are supported around the left and right handle switches 35 and 36 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0078] The handle switches 35 and 36 on the left and right sides and the airbag unit 70 are surrounded by a handle cover 46. In this embodiment, openings are formed on the handle cover 46 corresponding to the handle switches 35 and 36 to expose them. Additionally, in this embodiment, an opening 46a is formed on the handle cover 46 corresponding to the airbag unit 70 to expose it (see reference). Figure 1 When the handlebar 21 is covered by the handlebar cover 46, the handlebar switches 35 and 36 and the airbag unit 70 are exposed towards the driver's R side. The cover 75 of the airbag unit 70 protrudes towards the driver's R side through the opening 46a. The grip 37 and handlebar 38 protrude from the left and right sides of the handlebar cover 46.

[0079] The saddle-type vehicle 10 includes an acceleration sensor (not shown) that detects impacts acting on it. This acceleration sensor is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) of the saddle-type vehicle 10, which is in turn electrically connected to an inflator 73. The control unit is hardware including a processor and memory. Based on the detected acceleration, the control unit determines whether the airbag unit 70 is operational or not. When the airbag unit 70 is operational, the control unit activates the inflator 73 to release gas into the airbag 74. The airbag 74 inflates and deploys under 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 ECU (Electronic Control Unit) for the airbag 74, and a separate ECU from the vehicle control ECU.

[0080] When the airbag unit 70 is activated, the control unit activates the inflator 73 to release gas into the airbag 74. The airbag 74 inflates under the pressure of the gas and expands outward from the retainer 72.

[0081] Figure 5 This is a left-side view showing the main parts of the saddle-type vehicle 10, indicating the deployed airbag 74.

[0082] In this embodiment, "deployed" refers to the state where the inflator 73 has finished operating and the airbag 74 has inflated sufficiently. Conversely, in this embodiment, "deployed at" refers to the state where the inflator 73 is operating and the airbag 74 is inflating, indicating a state close to "deployed." Furthermore, relative to the airbag 74, the front surface 82 of the airbag refers to the portion of the airbag 74 visible when viewed from the front in a straight-moving, saddle-type vehicle 10 after deployment. And, relative to the airbag 74, the rear surface 83 of the airbag refers to the portion of the airbag 74 visible when viewed from the rear in a straight-moving, saddle-type vehicle 10 after deployment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the airbag 74 is configured to deploy rearward and vertically towards the handlebar 21. That is, the airbag 74 is configured to deploy vertically relative to the upper edge line L21 of the handlebar when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, where the upper edge line L21 is a horizontal line passing through the upper end 21a of the handlebar 21. More specifically, the upper edge line L21 is a line passing through the upper end 21a of the inner ends of the straight portions 62b and 63b of the handlebar 21, and a horizontal line passing through the upper end 21a of the connection portion with the curved portions 62a and 63a.

[0084] The main body 81 of the airbag 74 includes an upper deployment portion 84 that bulges upwards from the handle 21 and a lower deployment portion 85 that bulges downwards from the handle 21 after deployment. A connecting portion 80, which connects to the inflator 73, is provided between the upper deployment portion 84 and the lower deployment portion 85. The connecting portion 80 is located at the center in the vehicle width direction. Gas flows from the inflator 73 into the main body 81 through the connecting portion 80. When the inflator 73 is operating, gas tends to flow into the upper deployment portion 84 and the lower deployment portion 85 approximately simultaneously.

[0085] In this embodiment, the airbag 74 is sized to extend to the vicinity of the driver R's head R1 in the vertical direction, and also to extend to the vicinity of the driver R's thigh R2 and abut against the inner cover 42. Specifically, in the vertical direction, relative to the length H0 from the upper end 17a1 of the flat seating surface of the front seat 17a where the driver R sits to the upper end line L21 of the handlebar, the airbag 74 is sized to extend downwards by a length H1 shorter than the length H0. On the other hand, at a position above the handlebar 21, the airbag 74 is sized to extend from the upper end line L21 of the handlebar by a length H2 longer than the length H0. Figure 5 The upper seat line L22 shown is a horizontal line passing through the upper end 17a1 of the front seat 17a when the vehicle is viewed from the side.

[0086] Figure 6 This is a rear view showing the main parts of the saddle-type vehicle 10, indicating the deployed airbag 74.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the airbag 74 is configured to expand to a size smaller than the distance between the driver's elbow R4 and the driver's arm R3 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the airbag 74 is configured to be larger than the handle cover 46 and smaller than the distance between the outer ends of the grip 37 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the airbag 74 is configured to expand to a size near the inner end of the grip 37 in the left-right direction.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the main parts of the saddle-type vehicle 10, indicating the deployed airbag 74.

[0089] Furthermore, in the airbag 74 of this embodiment, the front surface 82 of the airbag is formed to unfold in a non-circular arc shape. The front surface 82 of the airbag is formed along the shape of the handle 21. That is, it is configured such that a valley line portion 82a is formed on the front surface 82 of the airbag, which extends in the vertical direction corresponding to the connection position of the curved portions 62a, 63a and the straight portions 62b, 63b of the handle 21.

[0090] The rear surface 83 of the airbag unfolds in an arc shape. Preferably, the rear surface 83 of the airbag is formed in an arc shape centered on the steering axis L1.

[0091] Here, the airbag 74 typically inflates with gas, thus extending from the inside out and easily becoming a curved surface that bulges outward. In contrast, the valley portion 82a of the front surface 82 of the airbag is configured to be less prone to convexity compared to its left and right sides. The valley portion 82a is formed, for example, by being pulled from the inner surface by a connector (not shown) disposed inside the airbag 74. The connector is, for example, fixed to the retainer 72. Thus, the expansion of a portion of the front surface 82 of the airbag is restricted, allowing the valley portion 82a to be formed.

[0092] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the saddle-type vehicle 10, when a collision is detected, the inflator 73 operates, releasing gas from the inflator 73. As gas is released from the inflator 73, the airbag 74 inflates with the gas and deploys outwards towards the retainer 72. At this time, the airbag 74 presses against the cover 75, causing it to rupture, and pushes open the remaining cover 75 to deploy.

[0093] When gas flows into the main body 81 of the airbag 74, the upper deployment portion 84 and the lower deployment portion 85 bulge out. At this time, when observing the vehicle from the side, the upper deployment portion 84 bulges upward relative to the connecting portion 80. In addition, the lower deployment portion 85 bulges downward relative to the connecting portion 80.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, when the driver R comes into contact with the airbag 74, the front surface 82 of the airbag 74 is blocked by the inner cover 42, the left and right handle switches 35 and 36, the handle cover 46, and the retainer 72, instrument panel 53, instrument panel sun visor 55, or windshield 52. Therefore, a moderate reaction force is applied to the airbag 74 from front to rear. Thus, it is easy to use the airbag 74 to block the driver R while maintaining the airbag 74 in an appropriate position on the handle 21.

[0095] In particular, in this embodiment, the front surface 82 of the airbag is a non-circular shape that follows the shape of the handle 21. Conversely, the rear surface 83 of the airbag is a circular shape. Here, when the airbag 74 deploys, for example, as... Figure 7 As indicated by the middle arrow C0, there is a situation where the steering system 31 is being turned. In this embodiment, the front surface 82 of the airbag has a valley line portion 82a, and the front surface 82 of the airbag easily unfolds along the concave-convex shape of the handlebar 21. Therefore, the airbag 74 is easily positioned on the handlebar 21, and the reaction force of the airbag 74 is easily absorbed by the handlebar 21. Furthermore, the rear surface 83 of the airbag unfolds in an arc shape centered on the steering axis L1. Therefore, the positional relationship between the rear surface 83 of the airbag and the driver R is difficult to change before and after turning. Therefore, the driver R can be properly caught by the airbag 74.

[0096] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the first invention, the saddle-type vehicle 10 includes: an instrument panel 53; a steering shaft 32 supported on the front riser 18 in a steerable manner; a steering tube 61 supported on the steering shaft 32; and a handlebar 21 mounted on the upper end of the steering tube 61. In this saddle-type vehicle 10, the handlebar 21 is shaped to extend left and right above the steering tube 61, and an airbag unit 70 is disposed at the left and right center of the handlebar 21. When observing the vehicle from the side, the airbag unit 70 is positioned behind the lower end 53a1 of the instrument panel 53.

[0097] According to this structure, by positioning the airbag unit 70 further rearward than the lower end 53a1 of the instrument cluster 53, the deployment surface 75a of the airbag unit 70 can be positioned rearward relative to the vertical line L2 of the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument cluster 53. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle 10 where the airbag unit 70 is positioned at the left and right center of the handlebar 21, a saddle-type vehicle 10 can be provided that ensures the visual legibility of the instrument cluster 53 and allows the deployment surface 75a of the airbag 74 to efficiently face the driver R.

[0098] In this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned below the vertical line L2 passing through the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument 53.

[0099] According to this structure, the deployment surface 75a of the airbag unit 70 can be positioned below the vertical line L2 of the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument panel 53. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle 10 where the airbag unit 70 is located at the left and right center of the handlebar 21, the visual legibility of the instrument panel 53 can be ensured, and the deployment surface 75a of the airbag 74 can be efficiently directed towards the driver R.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, a lock cylinder 56 is provided below the handle 21, and the airbag unit 70 is located above the upper end 56a1 of the keyhole 56a of the lock cylinder 56.

[0101] According to this structure, even if the airbag unit 70 is positioned on the handle 21 in a manner that ensures the visual confirmation of the instrument 53, the airbag unit 70 is unlikely to become an obstacle when operating the key.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned above the vertical line L5 of the upper end 56a1 of the opening through the keyhole 56a on the upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56.

[0103] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 is positioned above the vertical line L5 of the upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56, thus allowing the airbag unit 70 to be retracted from the working space when inserting or removing the key relative to the lock cylinder 56. Therefore, the airbag unit 70 is unlikely to become an obstacle when inserting or removing the key relative to the lock cylinder 56.

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 has: a retainer 72 fixed to the handle 21; and an inflator 73 supported on the retainer 72. The retainer 72 has a planar support surface 72a supporting the inflator 73, and the support surface 72a is arranged parallel to the display surface 53c of the instrument 53.

[0105] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 is positioned behind the vertical line L2 of the display surface 53c of the instrument 53, and the deployment direction of the airbag 74 by the inflator 73 can be easily set along the vertical line L2 of the display surface 53c, so that the deployment surface 75a of the airbag 74 can be efficiently directed toward the driver R without reducing the visual legibility of the instrument 53.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, the deployment surface 75a of the airbag unit 70 is arranged parallel to the display surface 53c of the instrument 53.

[0107] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 can easily be configured to extend in the direction of the vertical line L2 along the display surface 53c of the instrument panel 53, which allows the airbag unit 70 to be shaped to be recessed between the driver R and the display surface 53c of the instrument panel 53, thus easily ensuring the visual recognizability of the instrument panel 53.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of supports 66 and 67 are provided on the handle 21. The plurality of supports 66 and 67 are configured to clamp the left part 62 and the right part 63 of the handle from the front and back, respectively. The airbag unit 70 is installed on the plurality of supports 66 and 67.

[0109] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 is installed using the supports 66 and 67 sandwiched between the left and right sides respectively, thereby enabling the airbag unit 70 to be securely supported by the handle 21.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, there are reinforcing members 64 and 65 provided at the lower part of the handle 21, and multiple supports 66 and 67 provided on the reinforcing members 64 and 65.

[0111] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 can be installed on the handle 21 without compromising the rigidity of the handle 21.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the plurality of supports 66, 67 have their own mounting surfaces 66a, 67a arranged in parallel with each other, and the airbag unit 70 is mounted on each mounting surface 66a, 67a from the same direction.

[0113] According to this structure, by installing the airbag unit 70 from the same direction relative to different supports 66, 67, the installation rigidity of the airbag unit 70 can be improved without compromising its assemblability.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the mounting axis L100 of each of the multiple supports 66 and 67 is parallel to the steering axis L1 of the steering tube 61.

[0115] According to this structure, the handle 21 supported on the steering shaft 32 can efficiently withstand the reaction force from the airbag 74.

[0116] In addition, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned rearward of the front end 61a of the steering tube 61 and forward of the rear end 21b of the handle 21.

[0117] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 can be compactly arranged in the handle component 34, which makes it easy to handle the handle component 34 on which the airbag unit 70 is installed.

[0118] As described above, according to the first embodiment applying the second invention, the saddle-type vehicle 10 includes: a steering shaft 32 supported on a front riser 18 in a steerable manner; a handlebar assembly 34 having a steering tube 61 supported on the steering shaft 32 and a handlebar 21 mounted on the upper end of the steering tube 61; a handlebar cover 46 covering the handlebar assembly 34; and a seat 17 disposed behind the handlebar assembly 34 for the driver to sit on. In the saddle-type vehicle 10, the handlebar 21 is located on the upper end of the steering tube 61. The handle 21 has a shape that expands to the left and right. An airbag unit 70 is arranged in the center of the left and right sides of the handle 21. The airbag unit 70 has an airbag 74. When the airbag 74 is deployed, it expands in the vehicle width direction to a size that is outside the handle cover 46 and inside the outermost end of the handle 21. In the vertical direction, it expands downward towards the handle 21 and expands upward relative to the upper end 21a of the handle 21 to a height H2. This height H2 is longer than the length H0 from the upper end 17a1 of the seat surface of the seat 17 to the upper end 21a of the handle 21.

[0119] According to this structure, the airbag 74 enables the driver R, including the head R1, to decelerate sufficiently.

[0120] In this embodiment, the airbag 74 has: a rear surface 83 that, when deployed, bulges out toward the driver's R side and forms an arc shape when viewed from above; and a front surface 82 that, when deployed, connects to both ends of the rear surface 83 in the vehicle width direction and bulges toward the handle 21 side and forms a non-arc shape when viewed from above. The front surface 82, when deployed, unfolds in a shape that follows the shape of the handle 21 when viewed from above.

[0121] According to this structure, even when the handlebar 21 is turned, the airbag 74 can be easily received in the left and right directions of the handlebar 21 as a whole, and the rear surface 83 of the airbag, which is the same as before the turn, can easily receive the driver R by utilizing the positional relationship with the driver R, and the airbag 74 can fully catch the driver R.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an inner cover 42 is provided behind the front riser 18, and the airbag unit 70 has a retainer 72 fixed to the handle 21 and an inflator 73 supported on the retainer 72 and used to deploy the airbag 74. When the airbag 74 is deployed, the reaction force of the airbag 74 is borne by at least three components: the handle 21, the inner cover 42 and the retainer 72.

[0123] According to this structure, the reaction force of the airbag 74 can be borne by four points consisting of three parts, thus making it easy to maintain the posture of the airbag 74 when it is deployed. Even when the handle 21 is turned, the airbag 74 can fully catch the driver R.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, the instrument panel 53 is provided, and the airbag unit 70 is positioned behind the lower end 53a1 of the instrument panel 53 when observing the vehicle from the side.

[0125] According to this structure, by placing the airbag unit 70 at a position further back than the lower end 53a1 of the instrument 53, the vertical line L2 of the deployment surface 75a of the airbag unit 70 relative to the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument 53 can be located behind it.

[0126] In addition, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned below the vertical line L2 passing through the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument 53.

[0127] According to this structure, the deployment surface 75a of the airbag unit 70 can be positioned below the vertical line L2 of the lower end of the display surface 53c of the instrument panel 53. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle 10 where the airbag unit 70 is located at the left and right center of the handlebar 21, the visual legibility of the instrument panel 53 can be ensured, and the deployment surface 75a of the airbag 74 can be efficiently directed towards the driver R.

[0128] In addition, in this embodiment, a lock cylinder 56 is provided below the handle 21, and the airbag unit 70 is located above the upper end 56a1 of the keyhole 56a of the lock cylinder 56.

[0129] According to this structure, even if the airbag unit 70 is positioned on the handle 21 in a manner that ensures the visual legibility of the instrument 53, the airbag unit 70 is unlikely to become an obstacle when operating the key.

[0130] In addition, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 is positioned above the vertical line L5 of the upper end 56a1 of the opening through the keyhole 56a on the upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56.

[0131] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 is positioned above the vertical line L5 of the upper surface 56b of the lock cylinder 56, thus allowing the airbag unit 70 to be retracted from the working space when inserting or removing the key relative to the lock cylinder 56. Therefore, the airbag unit 70 is unlikely to become an obstacle when inserting or removing the key relative to the lock cylinder 56.

[0132] In addition, in this embodiment, the airbag unit 70 has: a retainer 72 fixed to the handle 21; and an inflator 73 supported on the retainer 72. The retainer 72 has a planar support surface 72a supporting the inflator 73, and the support surface 72a is arranged parallel to the display surface 53c of the instrument 53.

[0133] According to this structure, the airbag unit 70 is positioned behind the vertical line L2 of the display surface 53c of the instrument 53, and the deployment direction of the airbag 74 by the inflator 73 can be easily set along the vertical line L2 of the display surface 53c, so that the deployment surface 75a of the airbag 74 can be efficiently directed toward the driver R without reducing the visual legibility of the instrument 53.

[0134] [Second Implementation]

[0135] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, parts that are constructed in the same manner as in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted.

[0136] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the handle component 234 and the airbag unit 270 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] In the second embodiment, the method of fixing the airbag unit 270 relative to the handle component 234 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0138] Specifically, in the handle component 234 of the second embodiment, a front support (first support) 266 and a rear support (second support) 267 are provided instead of the front support 66 and the rear support 67 of the first embodiment. The supports 266 and 267 are in the shape of bent plates.

[0139] A pair of front support brackets 266 are provided corresponding to the positions of the left and right handle portions 62 and 63. The front support brackets 266 are fixed to the front reinforcement member 64 by welding. The front support brackets 266 protrude forward relative to the handle 21. A planar mounting surface 266a with thickness in the left-right direction is formed at the front end of the support bracket 266. A mounting hole extending through the thickness direction is formed in the mounting surface 266a.

[0140] The rear support 267 protrudes rearward relative to the handle 21. The rear support 267 is positioned closer to the steering tube 61 than the front support 266. In this embodiment, the rear support 267 is located at the left-right center of the lower end of the handle 21. Therefore, the rear support 267 is welded and fixed to the handle 21 between the left and right rear reinforcement members 65. A planar mounting surface 267a with thickness in the vertical direction is formed at the rear end of the rear support 267. A mounting hole extending through the thickness direction is formed in the mounting surface 267a.

[0141] The airbag unit 270 of the second embodiment differs from the airbag unit 70 of the first embodiment in that it has a retainer 272 instead of the retainer 72 of the first embodiment.

[0142] In the retainer 272 of the second embodiment, a pair of left and right legs 272b extending forward and downward are formed on the left and right sides of the support surface 72a. In addition, a leg 272c extending forward and downward is formed behind the support surface 72a.

[0143] Bolt 100 is inserted from the outside in the vehicle width direction into the mounting surface 266a of a pair of front supports 266 on the left and right sides. Bolt 100 is inserted into a pair of legs 272b on the left and right sides and is fastened to nuts 101 disposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the pair of legs 272b on the left and right sides.

[0144] Additionally, bolt 100 is inserted from below into the mounting surface 267a of the rear support 267. Bolt 100 is inserted into the rear leg 272c and fastened to a nut 101 disposed above the rear leg 272c.

[0145] Therefore, the airbag unit 270 of the second embodiment is fixed to the handle 21. Thus, in the second embodiment, the airbag unit 270 is also supported on the handle 21 at its left and right center portions. In other words, the airbag unit 270 is supported on the handle 21 along the steering axis L1. At this time, apart from the fixing method, the position and tilt of the airbag unit 270 are configured similarly to those of the airbag unit 70 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the airbag unit 270, apart from the fixing method, also performs the same function as the airbag unit 70 of the first embodiment.

[0146] As explained above, in the second embodiment applying the first invention, airbag units 270 are also disposed at the left and right center portions of the handlebar 21, and the airbag units 270 are positioned rearward than the lower end 53a1 of the instrument panel 53 when observing the vehicle from the side. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a saddle-riding vehicle 10 can also be provided in which the visual legibility of the instrument panel 53 is ensured, and the deployment surface 75a of the airbag 74 is efficiently directed towards the driver R.

[0147] In this embodiment, a front support 266 is provided on the front side of the vehicle body of the left handle 62 and the right handle 63 respectively, and a rear support 267 is provided on the rear surface of the upper end of the steering tube 61. The airbag unit 270 is mounted on the front support 266 and the rear support 267.

[0148] According to this structure, the airbag unit 270 can be installed on the handle 21 while improving the rigidity of the handle 21.

[0149] As explained above, in the second embodiment applying the second invention, the airbag unit 270 also includes an airbag 74. When deployed, the airbag 74 expands in the vehicle width direction to a size that is further outward than the handlebar cover 46 and further inward than the outermost end of the handlebar 21. In the vertical direction, it expands downward toward the handlebar 21 and upward relative to the upper end 21a of the handlebar 21 to a height H2, which is longer than the length H0 from the upper end 17a1 of the seat surface of the seat 17 to the upper end 21a of the handlebar 21. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the airbag 74 can also sufficiently decelerate the driver R, including the head R1.

[0150] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0151] The above-described embodiments are merely one aspect of the present invention, and can be modified and applied arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0152] In the first and second embodiments described above, the airbag units 70 and 270 are described as protruding from the opening 46a of the handlebar cover 46 toward the driver's R side. However, it is also possible to omit the opening 46a and have the airbag units 70 and 270 covered by the handlebar cover 46. Furthermore, in this case, a slit is formed in the handlebar cover 46 that cracks when the airbag 74 deploys.

[0153] In the first and second embodiments described above, the saddle-type vehicle 10 is exemplified as having a power unit 12 that functions as an internal combustion engine, but it is not limited to this. For example, the saddle-type vehicle 10 could also be a vehicle without a power unit 12 that functions as an internal combustion engine, i.e., an electric vehicle. Therefore, in the above embodiments, the power unit 12 is exemplified as the power unit driving the vehicle body, but the power unit could also be a power unit equipped with an electric motor for driving. In this case, in the saddle-type vehicle that functions as an electric vehicle, a battery for driving the power unit is provided instead of a fuel tank 29.

[0154] In the above embodiments, the saddle-riding vehicle 10 is described as an example of an automatic two-wheeled vehicle with front wheels 13 and rear wheels 15, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to three-wheeled saddle-riding vehicles with two front wheels or two rear wheels, or saddle-riding vehicles with four or more wheels.

[0155] [Structures supported by the above embodiments]

[0156] The above implementation supports the following structures.

[0157] (Structure 1) A saddle-type vehicle comprising: an instrument panel; a steering shaft supported on a front riser tube in a steerable manner; a steering tube supported on the steering shaft; and a handle mounted on the upper end of the steering tube, characterized in that the handle is in a shape that extends left and right above the steering tube, and an airbag unit is disposed at the left and right center of the handle, wherein, when the vehicle is viewed from the side, the airbag unit is positioned rearward than the lower end of the instrument panel.

[0158] According to this structure, by positioning the airbag unit further rearward than the lower end of the instrument panel, the deployment surface of the airbag unit can be positioned rearward relative to the vertical line from the lower end of the instrument panel's display surface. Therefore, in a saddle-mounted vehicle where the airbag unit is positioned at the center left or right of the handlebars, a saddle-mounted vehicle can be provided that ensures both the visual legibility of the instrument panel and the efficient orientation of the airbag's deployment surface towards the occupant.

[0159] (Structure 2) According to Structure 1, the saddle-type vehicle is characterized in that the airbag unit is located below the vertical line passing through the lower end of the display surface of the instrument.

[0160] According to this structure, the deployment surface of the airbag unit can be positioned below the vertical line of the lower end of the instrument display surface. Therefore, in saddle-type vehicles where the airbag unit is located in the center left and right of the handlebars, the visual legibility of the instrument panel can be ensured, and the deployment surface of the airbag can be efficiently oriented towards the occupant.

[0161] (Structure 3) The saddle-type vehicle according to Structure 1 or 2 is characterized in that a lock cylinder is provided below the handle, and the airbag unit is located above the opening of the keyhole of the lock cylinder.

[0162] According to this structure, even if the airbag unit is placed on the handle in a way that ensures the visual legibility of the instrument, the airbag unit is unlikely to become an obstacle when operating the key.

[0163] (Structure 4) The saddle-type vehicle according to Structure 3 is characterized in that the airbag unit is positioned above the vertical line from the upper end of the opening through the keyhole on the upper surface of the lock cylinder.

[0164] According to this structure, the airbag unit is positioned above the vertical line of the upper surface of the lock cylinder, thus allowing the airbag unit to be retracted from the working space when inserting or removing the key relative to the lock cylinder. Therefore, the airbag unit is unlikely to become an obstacle when inserting or removing the key relative to the lock cylinder.

[0165] (Structure 5) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, characterized in that the airbag unit has: a retainer fixed to the handle; and an inflator supported on the retainer, the retainer having a planar support surface supporting the inflator, the support surface being arranged parallel to the display surface of the instrument.

[0166] According to this structure, the airbag unit is positioned further back than the vertical line of the instrument display surface, and it is easy to set the deployment direction of the airbag by the inflator to be along the vertical line of the display surface, so that the deployment surface of the airbag can be efficiently oriented towards the occupant without reducing the visual legibility of the instrument.

[0167] (Structure 6) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, characterized in that the deployment surface of the airbag unit is arranged parallel to the display surface of the instrument.

[0168] According to this structure, the airbag unit can easily be configured to extend in the direction perpendicular to the instrument display surface, and the airbag unit can be made into a shape that is recessed between the occupant and the instrument display surface, which can easily ensure the visual recognizability of the instrument.

[0169] (Structure 7) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, characterized in that a plurality of supports are provided on the handle, the plurality of supports being configured to clamp the left and right portions of the handle from the front and rear respectively, and the airbag unit is mounted on the plurality of supports.

[0170] According to this structure, the airbag unit is installed using supports that are clamped to the left and right sides respectively, thereby allowing the airbag unit to be securely supported by a handle.

[0171] (Structure 8) The saddle-type vehicle according to Structure 7 is characterized in that the saddle-type vehicle has a reinforcing part disposed at the lower part of the handle, and a plurality of the supports are disposed at the reinforcing part.

[0172] According to this structure, the airbag unit can be installed on the handle without compromising the rigidity of the handle.

[0173] (Structure 9) The saddle-type vehicle according to Structure 7 or 8 is characterized in that the plurality of said supports have respective mounting surfaces arranged parallel to each other, and the airbag units are mounted on each of the said mounting surfaces from the same direction.

[0174] According to this structure, by installing the airbag unit from the same direction relative to different supports, the installation rigidity of the airbag unit can be improved without compromising its assemblability.

[0175] (Structure 10) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Structures 7 to 9 is characterized in that the mounting axis of each of the plurality of said supports is parallel to the rotation axis of the steering tube.

[0176] According to this structure, the handle supported on the steering shaft can efficiently withstand the reaction force from the airbag.

[0177] (Structure 11) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, characterized in that the saddle-type vehicle has: a first support frame disposed on the left and right sides of the handle on the front side of the vehicle body respectively; and a second support frame disposed on the rear surface of the upper end of the steering tube, wherein the airbag unit is mounted on the first support frame and the second support frame.

[0178] This structure allows for the installation of an airbag unit on the handle while increasing its rigidity.

[0179] (Structure 12) The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 11, characterized in that the airbag unit is disposed at a position further rear than the front end of the steering tube and is arranged further forward than the rear end of the handle.

[0180] According to this structure, the airbag unit can be compactly arranged in the handle component, which makes the handling of the handle component with the airbag unit installed easy.

[0181] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0182] 10: Saddle-type vehicles; 18: Front riser; 21: Handle; 21b: Backend; 32: Steering shaft; 53: Instruments; 53a1: Lower end; 53c: Display surface; 56: Lock cylinder; 56a: Keyhole; 56a1: Upper end of the opening; 56b: Upper surface; 61: Steering pipe; 61a: Front end; 62: Handle the left side (left side); 63: Right side of the handle (right side); 64: Reinforcing component (reinforcing part); 65: Reinforcing component (reinforcing part); 66: Support frame; 66a: Mounting surface; 67: Support frame; 67a: Mounting surface; 70: Airbag unit; 72: Holder; 72a: Support surface; 73: Air inflator; 75a: Unfolded surface; 266: Front support (first support); 267: Rear support (second support); 270: Airbag unit; H0: Length; L1: Steering axis (rotation axis); L2: Perpendicular line; L5: Perpendicular line; L100: Mounting axis.

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle comprising: an instrument panel (53); a steering shaft (32) supported on a front riser (18) in a steerable manner; a steering tube (61) supported on the steering shaft (32); and a handle (21) mounted on the upper end of the steering tube (61), characterized in that, The handle (21) is shaped to extend left and right above the steering tube (61). Airbag units (70, 270) are arranged in the left and right central parts of the handle (21). When observing the vehicle from the side, the airbag units (70, 270) are positioned behind the lower end (53a1) of the instrument (53).

2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag units (70, 270) are positioned below the vertical line (L2) passing through the lower end of the display surface (53c) of the instrument (53).

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, A lock cylinder (56) is provided below the handle (21). The airbag unit (70, 270) is positioned above the upper end (56a1) of the opening of the keyhole (56a) of the lock cylinder (56).

4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The airbag unit (70, 270) is positioned above the vertical line (L5) of the upper surface (56b) of the lock cylinder (56) through the upper end (56a1) of the opening of the keyhole (56a).

5. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag unit (70, 270) has: a retainer (72) fixed to the handle (21); and an inflator (73) supported on the retainer (72). The retainer (72) has a planar support surface (72a) that supports the inflator (73). The support surface (72a) is arranged parallel to the display surface (53c) of the instrument (53).

6. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deployment surface (75a) of the airbag unit (70, 270) is arranged parallel to the display surface (53c) of the instrument (53).

7. The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The handle (21) is provided with a plurality of supports (66, 67), which are configured to clamp the left (62) and the right (63) of the handle (21) from the front and back, respectively. The airbag units (70, 270) are mounted on the plurality of the supports (66, 67).

8. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The saddle-type vehicle has a reinforcing part (64, 65) located at the lower part of the handle (21). Multiple of the aforementioned supports (66, 67) are disposed on the reinforcing parts (64, 65).

9. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of said supports (66, 67) have their own mounting surfaces (66a, 67a) arranged parallel to each other. The airbag units (70, 270) are mounted on the respective mounting surfaces (66a, 67a) from the same direction.

10. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting axis (L100) of each of the plurality of supports (66, 67) is parallel to the rotation axis (L1) of the steering tube (61).

11. The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The saddle-type vehicle has the following features: A first support frame (266) is disposed on the front side of the vehicle body of the left (62) and right (63) portions of the handle (21); and The second support (267) is disposed on the rear surface of the upper end of the steering tube (61). The airbag units (70, 270) are mounted on the first support (266) and the second support (267).

12. The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The airbag units (70, 270) are positioned rearward from the front end (61a) of the steering tube (61) and forward from the rear end (21b) of the handle (21).

Images