Vehicle airbag system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicle airbag device which, with a simple configuration, is capable of reducing an injury value for an occupant. [Solution] A vehicle airbag device 100 is provided in a vehicle 102 that has a bar handle 104 in front of a driver's seat, and comprises an airbag cushion 112 that is installed at a position below the bar handle 104. The present invention is characterized in that the airbag cushion 112 has: a main inflation part 120 that is inflated and deployed below the head 132 of an occupant 106 who grips, in a normal posture, the bar handle 104 and between a central portion of the bar handle 104 and the trunk of the occupant 106; and a front inflation part 122 that is inflated and deployed so as to be extended frontward from an upper front portion of the main inflation part 120 to a degree such that the front inflation part 122 reaches at least above the bar handle 104.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device provided in a vehicle having a steering wheel in front of the driver's seat.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, airbag devices are almost standard equipment in vehicles. The airbag device is a safety device that operates in an emergency such as a vehicle collision, and uses an airbag cushion that expands and deploys by gas pressure to receive and protect an occupant.

[0003] Airbag devices are being implemented not only in vehicles having an annular steering wheel such as ordinary automobiles, but also in vehicles having a bar handle or a separate handle such as a motorcycle. For example, FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 discloses an airbag device 111 applied to a motorcycle 100. The airbag device 111 is installed below the bar handle, and can widely restrain an occupant 101 who tries to move in the moving direction 191 at the time of a frontal collision with an airbag 121.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Currently, in addition to reducing the injury value of an occupant, a simpler configuration is required for an airbag device in terms of securing an installation location and cost. However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the front side of the airbag 121 is not supported, it is difficult to take measures such as reducing the injury value for an occupant who has invaded from the rear. Further, the airbag 121 has a relatively large capacity that expands above the head of the occupant, leaving room for simplification.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle airbag system that can reduce occupant injury rates with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a typical configuration of the vehicle airbag device according to the present invention is a vehicle airbag device provided in a vehicle having a steering wheel in front of the driver's seat, wherein the vehicle airbag device has an airbag cushion installed in the vehicle below the steering wheel, and the airbag cushion is characterized by having a main inflation part that inflates and deploys between the central part of the steering wheel and the torso of the occupant below the head of the occupant who is holding the steering wheel in a normal posture, and a front inflation part that inflates and deploys to an extent that extends forward from the front upper part of the main inflation part to reach at least above the steering wheel.

[0008] The airbag cushion described above has an increased contact area with the steering wheel and surrounding instrument panel due to its forward-inflating section. With this configuration, when an occupant enters the main inflating section, the forward-inflating section can efficiently obtain reaction force from the steering wheel and surrounding instrument panel, stabilizing the posture of the main inflating section and efficiently absorbing energy from the occupant. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount and speed of occupant movement when an occupant comes into contact with the steering wheel, moves forward over the steering wheel, and attempts to move over the steering wheel. Thus, with this configuration, the injury rate to occupants in vehicles with a steering wheel can be suitably reduced.

[0009] The forward-inflating section described above may extend beyond the handle when inflated and deployed. This configuration increases the contact area of ​​the forward-inflating section with the instrument panel, etc., thereby improving the occupant restraint performance of the main inflating section.

[0010] The forward inflatable section described above may bend upward at its front end when inflated and deployed. With this configuration, if the vehicle comes into contact with another structure, the front end of the forward inflatable section will fit between the other structure and the occupant, reducing the chance of the occupant coming into contact with the other structure. In addition, when the occupant attempts to move forward, the front end of the forward inflatable section is more likely to interfere with the occupant, thus effectively reducing the risk of injury to the occupant.

[0011] The main inflatable section described above may inflate and deploy on the inside of the occupant's left and right thighs. When the main inflatable section inflates and deploys on the inside of the occupant's thighs, it contacts the thighs by pushing outwards from the inside. Therefore, compared to contacting the thighs from above, it reduces the burden on the thighs and can lower the risk of injury to the thighs. In addition, by restraining the thighs from the inside, it prevents the occupant's body from moving unevenly to the left or right, allowing the occupant to be restrained in a stable posture. Furthermore, by absorbing the energy from the lower body as the occupant enters the airbag cushion, it becomes possible to further reduce the risk of injury when restraining the occupant.

[0012] The main inflatable section described above may inflate and deploy inward beyond the occupant's left and right arms. This configuration prevents the main inflatable section from interfering with the occupant's steering, allowing for safer restraint of the occupant. Furthermore, this main inflatable section prevents the occupant's body from moving unevenly to the left or right, restraining the occupant in a stable posture and further reducing the risk of injury to the occupant.

[0013] The main inflatable section described above may gradually widen in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle. With this configuration, the restraining surface at the rear of the main inflatable section widens in the vehicle width direction, making it possible to suitably support the occupant's body. In particular, by setting the width of the front of the main inflatable section to a size that fits within the inside of the occupant's left and right thighs and left and right arms, while widening the width at the rear, it becomes possible to restrain the occupant more suitably.

[0014] The main inflatable section described above may have a portion lower than the front inflatable section that contacts the underside of the steering wheel. With an airbag cushion having this main inflatable section, the main inflatable section and the front inflatable section can interlock with the steering wheel from above and below, allowing for more stable support of the occupant.

[0015] The above-described airbag cushion may further have vent holes provided on the vehicle-width-direction side of the inflated main inflation section to discharge gas. With vent holes of this configuration, the discharged gas can be exhausted without hitting the occupants, and it is also possible to prevent the occupants from coming into contact with and blocking the vent holes.

[0016] The vent holes described above may be located above the handle. With this configuration, the vent holes are positioned above the arms of the occupant gripping the handle, allowing the gas to be exhausted without hitting the occupant, and also reducing the possibility of the vent holes being blocked by the occupant.

[0017] The handle described above may be a bar handle. The airbag cushion described above can also be suitably implemented in vehicles having a bar handle.

[0018] The above-mentioned steering wheel may be a separate steering wheel. The above-mentioned airbag cushion can also be suitably implemented in vehicles having a separate steering wheel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle airbag system that can reduce occupant injury values ​​with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an overview of a vehicle airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1(b) shows the airbag cushion and occupant from various angles. [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating the process in which the airbag cushion in Fig. 2(b) restrains an occupant. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the airbag cushion in Fig. 2(a). [Figure 5] It is a diagram illustrating the test results regarding the performance of the airbag device in Fig. 2(b). [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating the first modification example of the airbag cushion in Fig. 2(b). [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating the second modification example of the airbag cushion in Fig. 2(b). [Figure 8] It is a diagram illustrating the third modification example of the airbag cushion in Fig. 2(b). [Figure 9] It is a diagram illustrating the airbag cushion in Fig. 8(a) as viewed from above. [Figure 10] It is an example in which an airbag device is implemented in a vehicle different from the vehicle in Fig. 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an airbag device for a vehicle (hereinafter, airbag device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(a) is a diagram illustrating the state of the airbag device 100 before activation.

[0023] The airbag system 100 is implemented in a vehicle 102 that has a handlebar 104 in front of the driver's seat (see seat 116 in Figure 2(a)). The handlebar 104 has grips 134a and 134b at both ends, which are held by the occupant, extending from the center to the left and right. Examples of vehicles with a handlebar 104 include motorcycles, three-wheeled buggies, electric bicycles, and electric kick scooters. In this embodiment, the implementation in a motorcycle is assumed.

[0024] In this embodiment, when the occupant 106 (see Figure 2(a), etc.) is seated in the seat 116 in a normal posture and gripping the steering wheel (normal seating posture), the direction the occupant 106 is facing is forward, the direction of their back is backward, the right side of the occupant 106 is to the right, and the left side of the occupant 106 is to the left. Furthermore, with respect to the occupant 106 in the normal seating posture, the direction of the occupant 106's head is upward, and the direction of the occupant 106's feet is downward. In the drawings used in the following description, the forward, backward, left, right, up, and down directions relative to the occupant 106 in the normal seating position described above are indicated by arrows F (Forward), B (Back), L (Left), R (Right), U (up), and D (down), as needed.

[0025] The airbag module 108 of the airbag system 100 is installed inside the panel section 110 below the handlebar 104 of the vehicle 102. The panel section 110 is a non-steerable area, unlike the handlebar 104 and the area above it.

[0026] The airbag module 108 comprises an airbag cushion 112 (see Figure 1(b)) that restrains the occupant 106 (see Figure 2(a), etc.) and an inflator 114 (see Figure 2(b)) that supplies gas to the airbag cushion 112.

[0027] The airbag cushion 112 is a gas-inflatable bag-shaped component that inflates and deploys in emergencies, such as when the vehicle 102 is subjected to an impact, to restrain the occupant 106 seated in the seat 116 (see Figure 2(a), etc.). Before deployment, the airbag cushion 112 is stored in the panel section 110 in a rolled-up or folded state.

[0028] The inflator 114 (see Figure 2(b)) is a gas generator that is electrically connected to the vehicle and activates when it receives a signal from the vehicle indicating an impact, supplying gas to the airbag cushion 112. The inflator 114 is equipped with a number of stud bolts (not shown). The stud bolts penetrate the base fabric from the inside of the airbag cushion 112 and are exposed to the outside, fastened to the structure inside the panel section 110. The stud bolts penetrate the airbag cushion 112 and are fastened to the vehicle, thereby attaching the airbag cushion 112 to the vehicle.

[0029] Inflators currently in use include types that are filled with a gas generating agent and burned to produce gas, types that are filled with compressed gas and supply gas without generating heat, and hybrid types that utilize both combustion gas and compressed gas. Any of these types can be used for inflator 114.

[0030] Figure 1(b) illustrates the state of the airbag cushion 112 after it has been inflated and deployed, as shown in Figure 1(a). When the airbag device 100 detects a collision via various sensors and a predetermined electronic control unit (ECU), it activates the airbag module 108.

[0031] The airbag cushion 112 expands and deploys to the outside by using gas from the inflator 114 (see Figure 2(b)) to rupture a portion of the panel 110. The airbag cushion 112 is a bag-shaped component formed by overlapping and sewing or bonding multiple base fabrics that make up its surface, or by weaving using OPW (One-Piece Woven).

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates the airbag cushion 112 and occupant 106 from various angles as shown in Figure 1(b). Figure 2(a) illustrates the airbag cushion 112 from above as shown in Figure 1(b). The occupant 106 illustrated in Figure 2(a) is seated in the seat 116 in a normal posture and gripping the steering wheel, in what is known as a normal seated position.

[0033] The occupant 106 shown in Figure 2(a) conforms to the frontal crash test dummy (a human body dummy for frontal crash tests as defined in the Hybrid III AM50 / NHTSA [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] standard [49CFR Part 572 Subpart E and O]). This dummy is modeled after a person with the physique of an average American male, with approximate dimensions of 175 cm in height, 88 cm in sitting height, and 78 kg in weight.

[0034] The airbag cushion 112 inflates and deploys between the center of the handlebar 104 and the upper body of the occupant 106, restraining the occupant 106. This prevents the occupant 106's body from colliding with the instrument panel 118 of the vehicle 102 or from moving forward beyond the instrument panel 118.

[0035] Figure 2(b) is a schematic AA cross-sectional view of the airbag device 100 shown in Figure 2(a). The inflatable portion of the airbag cushion 112 is broadly divided into a main inflatable portion 120 and a forward inflatable portion 122. The shape of the airbag cushion 112 described below with reference to Figure 2(b) is assumed to be immediately after the airbag cushion 112 has inflated and deployed, and before the occupant 106 makes contact.

[0036] The main inflatable section 120 primarily consists of the airbag cushion 112 and inflates and deploys in the space between the vehicle 102, including the handlebars 104 and instrument panel 118, and the occupant 106. Of the main inflatable section 120, the restraint surface 124 on the rear side of the vehicle is a surface that restrains the area from the abdomen 126 to the chest 128 of the occupant 106 and is inclined slightly forward and upward.

[0037] The upper surface 130 of the main inflatable section 120 is configured to deploy at a position approximately H1 below the head 132 of the occupant 106 in a normal seated position. It is known that impacts to the jaw area of ​​the head 132, in particular, tend to increase the injury value. The main inflatable section 120 of this embodiment aims to reduce the injury value by avoiding contact with the jaw area of ​​the occupant 106.

[0038] The forward inflatable section 122 expands and deploys from the front upper part of the main inflatable section 120 to an extent that it reaches at least above the handlebars 104. With this configuration, the forward inflatable section 122 protects the occupant 106 from contact with the center of the handlebars 104, the instrument panel 118, etc. Furthermore, if the center of the handlebars 104 is recessed, the forward inflatable section 122 can fit into the center of the handlebars 104, stabilizing the posture of the main inflatable section 120 and improving the restraint performance of the main inflatable section 120 on the occupant 106.

[0039] Refer again to Figure 2(a). The width W1 of the forward inflatable section 122 is set to a dimension that fits within the range W2 in the vehicle width direction of the grips 134a and 134b of the handlebar 104 that the occupant 106 holds. As a result, the forward inflatable section 122 covers the central part of the handlebar 104 and the instrument panel 118, and is configured not to interfere with the grips or move much from side to side even when the handlebar 104 is turned. Therefore, the airbag cushion 112 is able to catch the occupant 106 without the point of impact shifting when the occupant 106 enters the vehicle.

[0040] In Figure 2(b), the portion of the main inflatable section 120 of the airbag cushion 112 that is lower than the front inflatable section 122 (front lower section 137) protrudes forward to the vehicle to the extent that it contacts the underside of the handlebar 104. As a result, a recess 136 is formed between the front inflatable section 122 and the front lower section 137 of the main inflatable section 120.

[0041] The recess 136 is a recessed area at the rear, which can engage with the handlebar 104 by clamping it from the rear and above and below. In the airbag cushion 112, the recess 136 engages with the handlebar 104 and the area around the meters in the center of the handlebar 104, thereby stabilizing the position of the airbag cushion 112 and improving its restraint performance.

[0042] Figure 3 illustrates the process by which the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 2(b) restrains the occupant 106. Figure 3(a) illustrates the state in which the occupant 106 is in contact with the airbag cushion 112. As described above, the airbag cushion 112 uses the restraint surface 124 of the main inflatable portion 120 to restrain the occupant 106 mainly in the area from the abdomen 126 to the chest 128.

[0043] Figure 3(b) illustrates the situation where the occupant 106 in Figure 3(a) has further entered the airbag cushion 112. When a load is applied to the main inflatable section 120 by the occupant 106, the forward inflatable section 122 and the recess 136 deform to enclose the central part of the handlebar 104 and the vicinity of the instrument panel 118. This increases the contact area between the airbag cushion 112 and the vicinity of the handlebar 104, stabilizing the posture of the airbag cushion 112 and enabling the occupant 106 to be fully restrained.

[0044] With the airbag cushion 112, when an occupant 106 enters the main inflatable section 120, the forward inflatable section 122 can efficiently obtain reaction force from the handlebars 104 and the surrounding instrument panel 118, etc., thereby stabilizing the posture of the main inflatable section 120. For example, it can prevent the main inflatable section 120 from rotating upwards when an occupant 106 enters. In this way, the airbag cushion 112 is capable of efficiently absorbing energy from the occupant 106.

[0045] Furthermore, the forward expansion section 122 deforms to extend further forward when a load from the occupant 106 is applied to the main expansion section 120. As a result, the forward expansion section 122 covers the handlebars 104, instrument panel 118, instruments, etc., completely preventing the occupant 106's body from coming into contact with these structures.

[0046] The airbag cushion 112 prevents the occupant 106 from coming into contact with the handlebar 104 or moving forward beyond the handlebar 104. Furthermore, the airbag cushion 112 interferes when the occupant 106 attempts to move beyond the handlebar 104, reducing the amount and speed of the occupant 106's movement. This reduces the speed at which the occupant 106 might come into contact with other structures, for example. Therefore, the airbag device 100 of this embodiment can suitably reduce the injury risk to the occupant 106 in a vehicle 102 having a handlebar 104.

[0047] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the BB of the airbag cushion 112 shown in Figure 2(a). The main inflatable section 120 is set to inflate and deploy inwards on the inside of the left and right thighs 138a and 138b of an occupant 106 in a normal seated position. With this configuration, when the main inflatable section 120 inflates and deploys inwards on the inside of the occupant 106's thighs 138a and 138b, the main inflatable section 120 contacts the thighs 138a and 138b by pushing them outwards from the inside. Therefore, compared to when the main inflatable section 120 inflates and deploys upward on the thighs 138a and 138b, the opportunities to press against the thighs 138a and 138b are reduced, and the risk of injury to the thighs 138a and 138b can be reduced.

[0048] The main inflatable section 120 restrains the thighs 138a and 138b from the inside, preventing the occupant's body from shifting to the left or right, and thus restraining the occupant 106 in a stable posture. Furthermore, by absorbing the energy from the lower body as the occupant 106 enters the airbag cushion 112, it becomes possible to further reduce the injury value when restraining the occupant 106.

[0049] Furthermore, the main inflatable section 120 is set to expand and unfold inside the left and right arms 140a and 140b that are gripping the handlebars 104 when the occupant 106 is in a normal seated position. With this configuration, the main inflatable section 120 does not interfere with the occupant 106's steering, making it possible to restrain the occupant 106 more safely. In addition, the main inflatable section 120 prevents the occupant 106's body from moving unevenly to the left or right, restraining the occupant 106 in a stable posture and further reducing the risk of injury to the occupant 106.

[0050] Now, let's refer to Figure 2(a) again. The main inflatable section 120 has a shape in which its width in the vehicle width direction gradually widens towards the rear of the vehicle. For example, the width W3 of the main inflatable section 120 is set to be wider at the rear of the vehicle than the width W1 near the front inflatable section 122 (W1 > W3). Therefore, the restraining surface 124 at the rear of the main inflatable section 120 is formed to be wide in the vehicle width direction, making it possible to suitably support the body of the occupant 106. In this way, the main inflatable section 120 is made possible to more suitably restrain the occupant 106 by setting the front width W1 to a size that fits inside the left and right thighs 138a, 138b and arms 140a, 140b of the occupant, while widening the rear width W3.

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates the test results regarding the performance of the airbag system 100 shown in Figure 2(b). In this test, a collision test was conducted between a vehicle 102 equipped with the airbag system 100 and a vehicle without the airbag system 100, and the movement speed of the occupant's head 132 was measured. The vertical axis represents speed (m / s), and the horizontal axis represents time (ms). The analysis showed that at 100 ms, when the head 132 collided with the instrument panel 118 (see Figure 2(b)) of each vehicle, the vehicle 102 equipped with the airbag system 100 reduced the movement speed of the head 132 by 17% compared to the vehicle without the airbag system.

[0052] As described above, the airbag device 100 of this embodiment can efficiently restrain the occupant 106 in a vehicle 102 having a handlebar 104, and in particular can reduce the movement speed of the occupant 106's head 132, thereby suitably reducing the injury value of the occupant 106.

[0053] (modified version) Figure 6 illustrates a first modified example (airbag cushion 200) of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 2(b). In Figures 6 and beyond, components that have already been described are given the same reference numerals, and thus the explanation of previously described components is omitted. Furthermore, in the following explanation, components with the same name as those already described are assumed to have the same function unless otherwise specified, even if they are given different reference numerals.

[0054] Figure 6(a) is an example of the airbag cushion 200, corresponding to Figure 2(b). The forward inflatable portion 202 of the airbag cushion 200 has been extended in dimensions so that it extends further forward than the handlebar 104 when inflated and deployed. The forward inflatable portion 202 has an increased contact area with the central part of the handlebar 104 of the vehicle 102 and the instrument panel 118, which makes it possible to stabilize the posture of the main inflatable portion 120 and improve the restraint performance of the occupant 106 by the main inflatable portion 120.

[0055] Figure 6(b) illustrates the situation where the occupant 106 in Figure 6(a) has further entered the airbag cushion 200. When a load is applied to the main inflatable section 120 by the occupant 106, the forward inflatable section 202 deforms to extend further forward. As a result, the forward inflatable section 202 broadly covers the handlebars 104, instrument panel 118, instruments, etc., and can completely prevent the occupant 106's body from coming into contact with these structures. Therefore, the airbag cushion 200 makes it possible to more effectively reduce the injury value of the occupant 106.

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates a second modified example (airbag cushion 220) of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 2(b). Figure 7(a) illustrates the airbag cushion 220 in correspondence with Figure 2(b). The forward inflatable portion 222 of the airbag cushion 220 extends further forward than the bar handle 104 when inflated and deployed, and the front end portion 224 on the front end side is further bent upward.

[0057] Figure 7(b) illustrates the situation where the occupant 106 in Figure 7(a) has further entered the airbag cushion 220. When a load is applied to the main inflatable section 120 by the occupant 106, the forward inflatable section 222 deforms to extend further forward. At this time, the forward inflatable section 222 broadly covers the handlebars 104 and other structures, completely preventing the occupant 106's body from coming into contact with these structures, while the front end 224 is configured to interfere with the occupant 106 as it attempts to move forward.

[0058] The airbag cushion 220, with its forward inflatable section 222, has a front end portion 224 that interferes when the occupant 106 attempts to cross the handlebar 104, thereby reducing the amount and speed of the occupant 106's movement. Furthermore, if the vehicle 102 comes into contact with another structure, the front end portion 224 can be positioned between the other structure and the occupant 106, reducing the chance of the occupant 106 coming into contact with the other structure. Therefore, the airbag cushion 220 can also effectively reduce the injury level of the occupant 106.

[0059] The forward inflatable sections 122, 202, and 222 in each of the above-described configurations do not necessarily have to be configured to inflate from the initial stage of inflation and deployment of each airbag cushion. For example, the forward inflatable sections 122, 202, and 222 may be folded inside the main inflatable section 120 or kept in a reduced state by a detachable temporary stitching. Even in this configuration, when an occupant 106 enters the main inflatable section 120 and the internal pressure of the airbag cushion increases, the forward inflatable sections 122, 202, and 222 can be released from their folds or temporary stitching and inflate and deploy. It is also possible to provide inflatable sections similar to the forward inflatable sections 122, 202, and 222 that extend from the main inflatable section 120 in the left and right directions or upward and inflate and deploy.

[0060] Figure 8 illustrates a third modified example (airbag cushion 240) of the airbag cushion 112 in Figure 2(b). Figure 7(a) illustrates the airbag cushion 240 corresponding to Figure 2(b). The airbag cushion 240 has vent holes 244 for discharging gas on the side surface 242 in the vehicle width direction of the main inflation section 120.

[0061] The vent hole 244 is located on the side 242 of the main inflatable section 120, approximately H2 above the handle bar 104 when inflated and deployed. With this configuration, the vent hole 244 is located above the arm 140a of the occupant 106 in a normal seated position gripping the handle bar 104.

[0062] Figure 8(b) illustrates the situation where the occupant 106 in Figure 8(a) has further entered the airbag cushion 240. Since the vent hole 244 is located above the handlebar 104 and arm 140a, it is possible to exhaust the gas without directing it towards the occupant 106. In addition, the position of the vent hole 244 reduces the possibility of it being blocked by the occupant 106.

[0063] Figure 9 is an example of the airbag cushion 240 shown in Figure 8(a) viewed from above. The airbag cushion 240 inflates and unfolds into a shape that widens slightly towards the rear of the vehicle. For example, as explained with reference to Figure 2(a), the main inflatable section 120 has a wider width W3 at the rear of the vehicle (W1 > W3) compared to the width W1 near the front inflatable section 122, allowing it to support the body of the occupant 106 with a wider restraining surface 124. At this time, slightly forward-facing inclined regions 248 and 250 are formed on the front side of the side surface 240 of the main inflatable section 120.

[0064] The vent holes 244 and 246 are located in the inclined regions 248 and 250 of the side 242. The placement of the vent holes 244 and 246 in the inclined regions 248 and 250 allows exhaust to be directed towards the front of the vehicle, opposite to the seating position of the occupant 106.

[0065] With the above configuration, the airbag cushion 240 prevents the exhaust gas from the vent holes 244 and 246 from hitting the occupant 106, thereby achieving a safer configuration.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an example of the airbag system 100 being implemented in a vehicle 260, which is different from the vehicle 102 in Figure 1. Figure 10(a) is a diagram illustrating vehicle 260, corresponding to Figure 1(a). The airbag system 100 can also be implemented in vehicles that have a separate steering wheel 262.

[0067] Unlike the bar handle 104 in Figure 1(a), where the left and right grips 134a and 134b are connected in the center, the separate handle 262 has an independent configuration with the left and right grips 262a and 262b. Examples of vehicles 260 include motorcycles, three-wheeled buggies, and electric bicycles.

[0068] Figure 10(b) illustrates the state of the airbag cushion 112 after inflation and deployment as shown in Figure 10(a). When installed in the vehicle 260, the airbag cushion 112 inflates and deploys between the central area of ​​the grips 262a and 262b of the separate handle 262 and the upper body of the occupant 106, thereby restraining the occupant 106.

[0069] The main inflatable section 120 expands and deploys into the space between the vehicle 260, including the separate handle 262 and the instrument panel 118, and the occupant 106. The forward inflatable section 122 expands and deploys from the front upper part of the main inflatable section 120, extending forward to at least reach above the separate handle 262.

[0070] The width W1 of the forward expansion portion 122 (see Figure 2(a)) can be set to a dimension that falls within the range inward in the vehicle width direction from the grips 262a and 262b. In addition, the recess 136 in Figure 2(b) can be configured to interlock with the separate handle 262 by clamping it from the rear and from above and below.

[0071] When the airbag device 100 is installed in vehicle 260, just as it is installed in vehicle 102 in Figure 3(b), when a load is applied to the inflatable portion 120 of the airbag cushion 112 by the occupant 106, the forward inflatable portion 122 and the recess 136 deform to wrap around the central part of the separate handle 262 and the vicinity of the instrument panel 118, thereby increasing the contact area with the vicinity of the separate handle 262.

[0072] As described above, even when the airbag system 100 is implemented in a vehicle 260 having a separate handle 262, it is possible to fully restrain the occupant 106 by stabilizing the posture of the airbag cushion 112 and suitably reduce the injury value of the occupant 106.

[0073] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments described above are preferred examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can be implemented or carried out in various ways. Unless otherwise stated in this specification, the present invention is not limited to the detailed shapes, sizes, and configurations of the parts shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, the expressions and terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited thereto unless otherwise stated.

[0074] Therefore, it is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] The present invention can be used in a vehicle airbag system installed in a vehicle having a handlebar in front of the driver's seat. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 100...Airbag device, 102...Vehicle, 104...Handlebar, 106...Occupant, 108...Airbag module, 110...Panel section, 112...Airbag cushion, 114...Inflator, 116...Seat, 118...Instrument panel, 120...Main inflation section, 122...Forward inflation section, 124...Restraint surface, 126...Abdomen, 128...Chest, 130...Top surface, 132...Head, 134a, 134b...Grip, 136...Recess, 13 7…Front lower part, 138a, 138b…Thigh, 140a, 140b…Arm, 200…Airbag cushion, 202…Front inflatable section, 220…Airbag cushion, 222…Front inflatable section, 224…Front end, 240…Airbag cushion, 242…Side, 244, 246…Vent holes, 248, 250…Inclined area, W1, W3…Width, W2…Range, 260…Vehicle, 262…Separate handle, 262a, 262b…Grip

Claims

1. A vehicle airbag system installed in a vehicle having a steering wheel in front of the driver's seat, The vehicle airbag system has an airbag cushion installed in the vehicle below the steering wheel, The aforementioned airbag cushion is A main inflatable section that expands and deploys between the central part of the handle and the torso of the occupant, below the head of the occupant who is holding the handle in a normal posture, A forward expansion section expands and unfolds from the front upper part of the main expansion section to an extent that it reaches at least above the handle, It has, The upper surface of the main inflatable section is deployed at a position lower and spaced apart from the head of the occupant in the normal position. The aforementioned forward expansion portion extends forward to such an extent that it reaches above the handle from the front upper part of the main expansion portion when expanded and deployed. The main expansion portion is, A front lower portion is provided below the aforementioned forward expansion portion and protrudes forward of the vehicle to the extent that it contacts the lower side of the handle, A recessed area formed between the forward-expanding portion and the front lower portion, It has, The recess engages with the handle by clamping it from the rear and from above and below. The vehicle airbag device is characterized in that the main inflation section gradually widens in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front inflatable portion bends upward at its front end when inflated and deployed.

3. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main inflation section inflates and deploys to the inside of the left and right thighs of the occupant.

4. The vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main inflation section inflates and deploys to the inside of the left and right arms of the occupant.

5. The vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in that the airbag cushion has vent holes provided on the side surface in the vehicle width direction of the inflated and deployed main inflation portion for discharging gas.

6. The vehicle airbag device according to claim 5, characterized in that the vent hole is provided above the handle.

7. The vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handle is a bar handle.

8. The vehicle airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handle is a separate handle.

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