Saddled vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a saddled vehicle with which it is possible to obtain a handlebar-mounted airbag that makes it easier to ensure a space for an airbag unit, and handlebar rigidity is easily ensured. The saddled vehicle has a head pipe (18), a handlebar (21) attached to the head pipe (18), and an airbag unit (61) capable of deploying an airbag (65). The handlebar (21) is provided with left and right handle pipe parts (21b) that extend outward in the vehicle width direction above the head pipe (18), and a cross pipe (21c) that spans between the left and right handle pipe parts (21b). At least a portion of the airbag unit (61) is disposed in a space between the left and right handle pipe parts (21b) and the cross pipe (21c).

Description

Saddle-type vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0002] A saddle-ride type vehicle having a head pipe, a handlebar attached to the head pipe, and an airbag unit capable of deploying an airbag is known. For this type of vehicle, a body frame-supported airbag has been proposed in which an airbag support post oriented diagonally upward and rearward is supported on the head pipe, which is part of the body frame, and the airbag unit is supported on the airbag support post, so that the airbag unit is supported above the center of the handlebar and facing rearward, toward the occupant (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 416264

[0004] The above-described conventional technology uses a dedicated airbag mounting stay, but using such a stay may not be suitable for some vehicle models. Therefore, mounting an airbag unit on a steering wheel, which is not a dedicated airbag component, is considered. However, when attempting to realize a steering wheel-mounted airbag in which the airbag unit is supported on the steering wheel, simply supporting the airbag unit on the steering wheel may reduce steering wheel rigidity due to the weight of the airbag unit. Furthermore, if the steering wheel is made thicker or a structure similar to an airbag support post is used on the steering wheel to ensure steering wheel rigidity, problems such as limited space for the airbag unit arise. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a steering wheel-mounted airbag that makes it easier to ensure space for the airbag unit and also makes it easier to ensure steering wheel rigidity.

[0005] In a saddle-ride type vehicle having a head pipe, a handlebar attached to the head pipe, and an airbag unit capable of deploying an airbag, the handlebar has left and right handlebar pipe sections extending outward in the vehicle width direction above the head pipe, and a cross pipe bridging the left and right handlebar pipe sections, and at least a part of the airbag unit is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipe sections and the cross pipe.

[0006] A steering wheel-mounted airbag can be obtained that makes it easier to ensure a space for arranging the airbag unit, and also makes it easier to ensure steering wheel rigidity.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a handle of the saddle-ride type vehicle together with the surrounding configuration. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the handle and the airbag unit are separated. FIG. 4 is a view showing the airbag unit together with the surrounding configuration from the rear. FIG. 5 is a view showing the airbag unit together with the surrounding configuration from the side. FIG. 6 is a view showing the airbag unit together with the surrounding configuration from above. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the handle at the center of the vehicle width together with the surrounding configuration. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of an airbag unit according to a first modified example. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the arrangement of an airbag unit according to the first modified example. FIG. 10 is a view showing an airbag unit according to a second modified example together with the surrounding configuration from the rear. FIG. 11 is a view showing the airbag unit according to the second modified example together with the surrounding configuration from the side.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, up and down are the same as directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In addition, the symbol FR in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle including a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports a front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a rider. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a rider sits astride on the seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear of the body frame 11.

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the body frame 11, a front frame 19 located rearward of the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located rearward of the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 20.

[0011] The front forks 14 are supported by a head pipe 18 so as to be steerable to the left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front forks 14. A steering handle 21 that is gripped by the rider and used for steering is attached to the upper end of the front forks 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down around the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15a that is provided at the rear end of the swing arm 16.

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported by the body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine that uses fuel such as gasoline as its energy source. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder section 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to an exhaust port of the cylinder section 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15. Note that the power unit 12 is not limited to an internal combustion engine and may be an electric motor. In other words, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle that drives the power unit 12 using electricity from an energy storage unit such as a battery or a fuel cell.

[0014] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 also 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, steps 28 on which a rider places their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and steps 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the body frame 11.

[0015] The saddle-ride vehicle 10 of this embodiment is a scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle equipped with a seat 17 on which a rider or other occupant sits astride. The power unit 12 of the saddle-ride vehicle 10 is a unit swing engine that is integrally formed with an internal combustion engine (also referred to as an engine) as a drive source for the rear wheel 15 and a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 15. Steps 28, on which the rider places their left and right feet, are a pair of step floors provided on the left and right below the front of the seat 17.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the handlebars 21 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 together with the surrounding configuration. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 includes a body cover 30 that covers the body frame 11 and other parts of the vehicle body. The body cover 30 includes a front cover 31 that covers the head pipe 18 and other front body components from the front, a pair of left and right front side covers 32 that cover the head pipe 18 and other front body components from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and a bottom cover 33 that is disposed below the front cover 31 and between the left and right front side covers 32. The body cover 30 also includes an inner cover 34 that covers the head pipe 18 and other front body components from the rear, and a handlebar cover 35 that covers a predetermined area of ​​the handlebars 21. Note that the handlebar cover 35 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2.

[0017] A windscreen 41 is provided on the upper part of the front portion of the front cover 31. A headlight 42 that illuminates the area ahead of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is provided on the lower part of the front portion of the front cover 31. A main switch 45 located behind the handle cover 35 is provided on the upper part of the inner cover 34. The main switch 45 is a switch that turns on and off the electrical circuits provided in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, locks and unlocks the steering of the handlebars 21, unlocks the seat 17, and unlocks the lid that covers the fuel filler cap provided on the fuel tank 29.

[0018] A meter 51 is provided behind the front cover 31 and in front of the handlebars 21. The meter 51 functions as an information display unit that displays information about the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, such as vehicle speed. The meter 51 is located in the center of the vehicle width, lower than the cross pipe 21c of the handlebars 21. The meter 51 is located so that the display surface 51a on the top surface is tilted downward and rearward so that the driver at the rear and upper part can easily see the meter 51. Because the meter 51 is fixed to the vehicle body, it does not move left or right even when the handlebars 21 are steered left or right. Alternatively, the meter 51 may be fixed to the handlebars 21 and move left or right in response to steering of the handlebars 21.

[0019] The front cover 31 is provided with a visor 53 that covers the meter 51 from above and in front. The visor 53 is a canopy-like member that extends upward and rearward in front of the meter 51. The windscreen 41 is made of a light-transmitting material so that the occupant can see ahead through the windscreen 41. The visor 53 is provided so as to block light that reaches the top surface of the meter 51 from above and in front. The visor 53 is opaque and has lower light-transmittance than the windscreen 41.

[0020] The handle cover 35 covers the lateral center of the handle 21. The body cover 30 including the handle cover 35 is made of a resin material, but may be made of a material other than resin. As shown in FIG. 2 , an airbag unit 61 that protects the occupant from impact is supported in the lateral center of the handle 21, in the area covered by the handle cover 35. The portion of the handle cover 35 that covers at least the rear of the airbag unit 61 is formed to be removable and does not prevent the airbag from deploying rearward toward the occupant. The handle cover 35 is opaque, and the airbag unit 61 is hidden from view.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the handlebar 21 and the airbag unit 61 separated from each other. The reference symbol LC in FIG. 3 denotes a plane extending in the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle body at the vehicle width center, and will hereinafter be referred to as the vehicle width center LC as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 3, the handlebar 21 includes a steering shaft 21a journaled by the head pipe 18, left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b supported on the upper portion of the steering shaft 21a, and a cross pipe 21c bridging the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b. When the handlebar 21 is in a neutral position (corresponding to the handlebar position when traveling straight), the handlebar 21 is symmetrical with respect to the vehicle width center LC. However, the shape of each section of the handlebar 21 may be changed as appropriate.

[0022] The head pipe 18 and the steering shaft 21a extend rearward and upward. The left and right handle pipe sections 21b extend rearward and upward from the upper part of the steering shaft 21a and have a shape that widens outward in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 2, the left and right handle pipe sections 21b are provided with grip sections 21d at their outer ends in the vehicle width direction to be gripped by the rider, with an operating lever 21e that functions as a brake lever being provided in front of the grip sections 21d, and handle switches 21f being provided on the inner sides of the left and right grip sections 21d in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 , a reinforcing portion 21g is provided at the bottom of the handlebar 21 to reinforce the handlebar 21. The reinforcing portion 21g is attached to the rear of the vehicle so as to cover the portion where the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the steering shaft 21a are connected, reinforcing this portion. The reinforcing portion 21g is, for example, a metal plate, also known as a gusset plate. Left and right first fixing portions 71a, to which fastening members 71 can be fastened from the rear, are fixed to the areas of the reinforcing portion 21g that are attached to the left and right handlebar pipes 21b. These first fixing portions 71a are provided at the same height and overlap the handlebar pipes 21b in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and do not protrude up, down, left, or right from the handlebar pipes 21b.

[0024] The left and right first fixing portions 71a are made of a rigid plate material with both longitudinal ends bent into an L-shape and with female threads provided in the longitudinal center region, and both ends are joined to the handle pipe portion 21b by welding, etc. The shape and structure of the first fixing portions 71a may be changed as appropriate.

[0025] Both ends of the cross pipe 21c of the handlebars 21 are joined by welding or the like to the front faces of the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b at positions higher than the left and right first fixing parts 71a. The cross pipe 21c extends along the vehicle width direction and connects to the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b at the same height. The cross pipe 21c is made of a rigid pipe material, reinforces the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b, and suppresses deformation of the handlebars 21. The left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b become increasingly spaced apart as they go upward, and the relatively spaced upper sections are connected via the cross pipe 21c, which effectively suppresses deformation of the handlebars 21 and contributes to improving the rigidity of the handlebars 21.

[0026] A second fixing portion 71b, to which a fastening member 71 can be fastened from the rear, is fixed to the lateral center of the cross pipe 21c. Therefore, the second fixing portion 71b is located at the vehicle width center LC, facing rearward, and higher than the first fixing portion 71a. The shape and structure of the second fixing portion 71b are similar to those of the first fixing portion 71a. The second fixing portion 71b is arranged to overlap the cross pipe 21c in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body, and does not protrude up, down, left, or right from the cross pipe 21c, or the amount of protrusion in the up, down, or other directions is limited. The shape and structure of the second fixing portion 71b may also be modified as appropriate.

[0027] The airbag unit 61 includes a hollow case 62. The case 62 houses a folded airbag 65 (FIG. 4) and an inflator 66 (FIG. 4) that generates gas to inflate the airbag 65. The case 62 has an outer shape that fits into the opening between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c. The left and right side surfaces 62a of the case 62 are inclined to fit the left and right handlebar pipes 21b. In other words, the upper surface 62a of the case 62 is formed as a surface that extends in the vehicle width direction and is aligned with the cross pipe 21c, i.e., a horizontal surface that extends in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the case 62 of the present configuration is formed as a triangular box with rounded corners when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. However, the shape of the case 62 is not limited to this, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0028] First stays 63a, each consisting of left and right lateral protrusions, are fixed to the left and right side surfaces 62a. Second stays 63b, each consisting of an upward protrusion, are fixed to the top surface 62b of the case 62. Each stay 63a, 63b is formed of a rigid plate material and has insertion holes through which fastening members 71 can be inserted. The fastening members 71 are passed through the first stay 63a and the second stay 63b, respectively, and fastened to the first fixing portion 71a and the second fixing portion 71b of the steering wheel 21, respectively, thereby removably fastening the airbag unit 61 to the steering wheel. All fastening members 71 are fastened from the same direction (rear), facilitating installation and removal of the airbag unit 61. The fastening members 71 are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, widely available bolts.

[0029] 4, 5, and 6 are rear, side, and top views of the airbag unit 61 fixed to the handlebar 21, along with the surrounding configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, the airbag unit 61 is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4, an airbag 65 and an inflator 66 are housed in a case 62 of the airbag unit 61. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing points K1 of the airbag unit 61 to the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the fixing point K2 of the airbag unit 61 to the cross pipe 21c are disposed at equal angular intervals (120 degrees in this configuration) and at equal distances relative to the inflator 66. This allows the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c to equally bear the inflator reaction force when the airbag deploys, which is advantageous for ensuring the support strength of the airbag unit 61.

[0030] Furthermore, because the left and right side surfaces 62a of the case 62 are surfaces that conform to the left and right handlebar pipes 21b, and the top surface 62b of the case 62 is a surface that conforms to the cross pipe 21c, it is easy to increase the volume of the case 62 while utilizing the space surrounded by the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c. This makes it easy to ensure storage space for the airbag 65 and the inflator 66. The case 62 of the airbag unit 61 has a tearing portion that tears when the airbag 65 deploys. The tearing portion tears when the airbag 65 expands with gas from the inflator 66, allowing the airbag 65 to smoothly deploy toward the rear, toward the occupant. The positions and number of the fixing points K1 and K2 shown in FIG. 4 may be changed as appropriate, and the fixing points K1 and K2 may be fixed by a structure other than a fastening structure.

[0031] 5 and 6, the airbag unit 61 is disposed in a position that overlaps the left and right handlebar pipes 21b in the vehicle width direction and also overlaps the cross pipe 21c in the vertical direction. This allows the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c to be effectively used as a placement space for the airbag unit 61, allowing the airbag unit 61 to be laid out compactly on the handlebar 21. This also makes it easier to reduce the amount by which the airbag unit 61 protrudes from the handlebar 21. Furthermore, the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c can also be used as guard members for the airbag unit 61.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5 , the head pipe 18 extends rearward and upward in a side view of the vehicle body. The steering shaft 21a and the left and right handle pipe sections 21b extend rearward and upward along the central axis L1 of the head pipe 18. The cross pipe 21c extends across the vehicle width direction, forward of the central axis L1 of the head pipe 18. Because the cross pipe 21c is located forward of the central axis L1 of the head pipe 18 and the handle pipe sections 21b, the airbag unit 61 attached to the cross pipe 21c can be mounted facing the rear passenger. This allows the airbag 65 to deploy in a direction appropriate for absorbing the passenger's impact. As shown in FIG. 5 , a switch unit 81 including a main switch 45 is located below the airbag unit 61.

[0033] 5, a common plane M1 passing through the fixing points K1 of the airbag unit 61 to the left and right handlebar pipe portions 21b and the fixing point K2 of the airbag unit 61 to the cross pipe 21c is perpendicular to the ground surface on which the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 travels. This makes it easier to position the airbag unit 61 so that the airbag 65 can be deployed in an appropriate direction to absorb the impact of a rear passenger. Note that the plane M1 does not have to be perpendicular to the ground surface, and may be at an angle within a predetermined range (for example, a range of +30 degrees to -30 degrees) from the perpendicular to the ground surface.

[0034] 5 illustrates an example in which the steering wheel 21 is in a neutral position (corresponding to the position of the steering wheel when traveling straight ahead), but even when the steering wheel 21 is not in a neutral position, the plane M1 may be perpendicular to the ground or at an angle within a predetermined range from the angle perpendicular to the ground. Note that the angle of the plane M1 may be changed to an appropriate angle as long as the airbag unit 61 can be positioned facing the rear passenger. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the front portion of the airbag unit 61 is indicated by the reference numeral 62c.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the airbag unit 61 is located rearward of the foremost parts of the left and right handlebar pipes 21b in a top view of the vehicle body. The airbag unit 61 is also covered from above across the vehicle width by the cross pipe 21c. Because the airbag unit 61 is located rearward of the foremost parts of the left and right handlebar pipes 21b in a top view of the vehicle body, the airbag unit 61 is less likely to come into contact with other components (e.g., brake piping) arranged in front of the left and right handlebar pipes 21b, and does not interfere with the arrangement of other components. If the airbag unit 61 were located forward of the foremost parts of the handlebar pipes 21b, the handlebar cover 35 would need to be enlarged forward. However, this configuration has the advantage of avoiding such an increase in the size of the handlebar cover 35 in the forward direction.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel 21 and its surrounding components at the vehicle width center LC. As shown in FIG. 7, the meter 51 is located forward of the steering wheel 21 and airbag unit 61 and below the cross pipe 21c. The meter 51 includes a substrate 51k that is integrally equipped with at least one of instruments and a liquid crystal panel. The substrate 51k is covered from above by a transparent lens cover 52r, allowing the occupant to view the substrate 51k through the lens cover 52r. The lens cover 52r constitutes the display surface 51a shown in FIG. 2. The substrate 51k is attached to the front cover 31, including the visor 53, in a position tilted downward toward the rear, and the surface facing upward toward the rear corresponds to an information display area that displays information.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7 , a perpendicular line L2 extending from the lower end of the substrate 51k (corresponding to the lower end of the information display area) in the vertical direction of the substrate 51k is located forward and above the left and right handlebar pipes 21b, the cross pipe 21c, and the handlebar cover 35 that constitute the handlebar 21. Therefore, the handlebar 21 and the handlebar cover 35 do not obstruct the visibility of the meter 51. Furthermore, because the perpendicular line L2 is located forward and above the airbag unit 61, the airbag unit 61 does not obstruct the visibility of the meter 51. Note that FIG. 7 shows the state in which the handlebar 21 is in a neutral position (when driving straight), even when the handlebar 21 is steered left or right, the perpendicular line L2 is located forward and above the handlebar 21, the handlebar cover 35, and the airbag unit 61. Therefore, the visibility of the meter 51 is not obstructed even when the handlebar 21 is steered left or right.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the handlebar 21 includes left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b that extend outward in the vehicle width direction above the head pipe 18, and a cross pipe 21c that bridges the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b, and the airbag unit 61 is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b and the cross pipe 21c. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a handlebar-mounted airbag that makes it easy to ensure a space for disposing the airbag unit 61 by utilizing the space between the left and right handlebar pipe sections 21b and the cross pipe 21c, and also makes it easy to ensure the rigidity of the handlebar.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, the cross pipe 21c extends across the vehicle width direction on the front side of the vehicle body relative to the central axis L1 of the head pipe 18, which makes it easier to install the airbag unit 61 attached to the cross pipe 21c facing the rear occupant, making it easier to deploy the airbag 65 in an orientation appropriate for absorbing impact on the occupant. As shown in Fig. 7, the meter 51 is located in front of the handlebars 21, and the cross pipe 21c is located behind the perpendicular line L2 that extends from the bottom end of the information display area of ​​the meter 51 in the vertical direction of the information display area, making it easier to position the airbag unit 61 without obstructing the visibility of the meter 51.

[0040] 4, the airbag unit 61 fits into the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c, allowing the airbag unit 61 to be compactly arranged by utilizing the dead space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c. Moreover, since the airbag unit 61 is located below the cross pipe 21c and overlaps with the cross pipe 21c in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, the cross pipe 21c can also be used as a guard member that protects the airbag unit 61 from directly above.

[0041] Furthermore, since the airbag unit 61 overlaps the left and right handle pipes 21b in a side view of the vehicle body, the handle pipes 21b can also be used as guard members that protect the airbag unit 61 from the sides.

[0042] 3, the left and right handlebar pipes 21b each have reinforcing portions 21g that reinforce the lower portions thereof, and the reinforcing portions 21g each have left and right first fixing portions 71a to which first stays 63a formed by lateral protrusions protruding to the left and right from the airbag unit 61 are respectively fixed, and the cross pipe 21c has second fixing portions 71b to which second stays 63b formed by upward protrusions protruding upward from the airbag unit 61 are fixed. With this configuration, the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c can be used to secure a placement space for the airbag unit 61, while also making it easier to ensure the support strength of the airbag unit 61 to the handlebars 21.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the common plane M1 passing through the fixing points of the airbag unit 61 to each of the left and right handle pipe sections 21b and the cross pipe 21c is perpendicular to the ground or at an angle within a predetermined range from the angle perpendicular to the ground, so that the airbag unit 61 can be easily positioned so that the airbag 65 can be deployed in an appropriate direction to absorb the impact of the rear passenger.

[0044] The above embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the details of the configuration may be changed as appropriate.

[0045] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the arrangement of an airbag unit 61 according to a first modified example. The first modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the cross pipe 21c is located in front of the airbag unit 61, and a front portion 62c of the airbag unit 61 is fixed to the cross pipe 21c using the same fixing structure as the fixing location K2. The front portion 62c of the airbag unit 61 is fixed to the cross pipe 21c, and the first fixing portions 71a provided on the left and right sides of the airbag unit 61 are fixed to the left and right handlebar pipe portions 21b. This makes it easier for the cross pipe 21c to withstand the reaction force of the inflator when the airbag is deployed. Therefore, by increasing the rigidity of the cross pipe 21c, the inflator reaction force can be adequately handled when the airbag is deployed.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, the airbag unit 61 is located behind the cross pipe 21c and overlaps with the cross pipe 21c in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. This also has the effect of allowing the cross pipe 21c to double as a guard member that protects the airbag unit 61 from the front. As shown in Fig. 9, in the first modified example, as in the above embodiment, the cross pipe 21c also traverses the vehicle width direction on the front side of the vehicle body from the central axis L1 of the head pipe 18. This makes it easier to attach the airbag unit 61 facing the rear occupant, and makes it easier to deploy the airbag 65 in a direction appropriate for absorbing impact on the occupant.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a rear view of an airbag unit 61 according to a second modified example, along with its surrounding configuration. FIG. 11 is a side view of the airbag unit 61 according to the second modified example, along with its surrounding configuration. The second modified example illustrates an example of a configuration in which a portion of the airbag unit 61 is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c. Note that components similar to those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 10 , the airbag unit 61 according to the second modified example is larger than the airbag unit 61 of the above embodiment. The large-sized airbag unit 61 has a case 62 disposed behind the cross pipe 21c, overlapping with the cross pipe 21c in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body. As shown in FIG. 11 , the airbag unit 61 has an inflator 66 protruding rearward from the case 62, with a portion of the inflator 66 disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c.

[0048] In this way, the space surrounded by the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c is used as part of the space for the airbag unit 61, thereby making it possible to obtain a handlebar-mounted airbag that makes it easier to ensure space for arranging the airbag unit 61 and also makes it easier to ensure handlebar rigidity. Moreover, the space surrounded by the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c is used as space for the inflator 66 that protrudes from the airbag unit 61, making it easy to ensure space for arranging the inflator 66. In this case, the degree of freedom in the shape and placement of the inflator 66 is also increased. Furthermore, because the case 62 is positioned outside the space surrounded by the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c, the degree of freedom in the shape of the case 62 is also increased.

[0049] In the second modified example, at least a portion of the airbag unit 61 overlaps with the left and right handlebar pipes 21b in a side view of the vehicle body, so the handlebar pipes 21b can also be used as guard members that protect the airbag unit 61 from the sides. Furthermore, the remaining portions of the airbag unit 61 (e.g., the case 62) are located behind the cross pipe 21c and overlap with the cross pipe 21c in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body, making it easier to position the airbag unit 61 on the handlebars 21. Another advantage is that the cross pipe 21c can also be used as a guard member that protects the airbag unit 61 from the front.

[0050] The fixing structure of the airbag unit 61 to the handlebar 21 can be the fixing structure of the above embodiment or a known fixing structure. In the second modified example, the left and right side surfaces 62a of the case 62 of the airbag unit 61 are formed in a shape that overlaps with the surfaces along the left and right outer sides of the left and right handlebar pipes 21b in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body, as viewed in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body shown in Fig. 10. This prevents the case 62 from protruding laterally from the left and right handlebar pipes 21b, making it easier to arrange the airbag unit 61 compactly on the handlebar 21.

[0051] In the second modified example, the inflator 66 of the airbag unit 61 is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any part of the airbag unit 61 may be disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c. In addition, when at least a part of the airbag unit 61 is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipes 21b and the cross pipe 21c, the position and shape of each part of the airbag unit 61, including the case 62, may be changed as appropriate.

[0052] In this embodiment, the handlebar 21 is configured as an integrated handlebar type with the left and right handlebar pipe portions 21b, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the shape of the handlebar 21 may be changed as appropriate. The shape and position of the cross pipe 21c may also be changed as appropriate. While the present invention has been described as being applied to the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be applied to any saddle-ride type vehicle. The saddle-ride type vehicle is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle, but may be a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or the like.

[0053] [Configurations Supported by the Above-described Embodiments] The above-described embodiments support the following configurations.

[0054] (Configuration 1) A saddle-ride type vehicle having a head pipe, a handlebar attached to the head pipe, and an airbag unit capable of deploying an airbag, wherein the handlebar includes left and right handlebar pipe sections extending outward in the vehicle width direction above the head pipe, and a cross pipe bridging the left and right handlebar pipe sections, and at least a portion of the airbag unit is disposed in the space between the left and right handlebar pipe sections and the cross pipe. This configuration makes it easy to ensure a space for disposing the airbag unit and to ensure the rigidity of the handlebar.

[0055] (Configuration 2) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to Configuration 1, wherein the cross pipe crosses the vehicle width direction on the front side of the vehicle body from the center axis of the head pipe. With this configuration, when an airbag unit is attached to the cross pipe, the airbag unit can be easily attached facing a rear occupant, and the airbag can be easily deployed in an orientation appropriate for absorbing impact to the occupant.

[0056] (Configuration 3) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to Configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a meter in front of the handlebars, and the cross pipe is positioned rearward of a perpendicular line extending from a lower end of an information display area of ​​the meter in a vertical direction of the information display area. This configuration makes it easier to arrange an airbag unit without obstructing the visibility of the meter.

[0057] (Configuration 4) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the airbag unit is fitted in a space between the left and right handlebar pipes and the cross pipe when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. With this configuration, the airbag unit can be arranged compactly by utilizing the dead space between the left and right handlebar pipes and the cross pipe.

[0058] (Configuration 5) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the airbag unit is located below the cross pipe and overlaps with the cross pipe in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. With this configuration, the cross pipe can also be used as a guard member that protects the airbag unit from directly above.

[0059] (Configuration 6) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the airbag unit is located rearward of the cross pipe and overlaps with the cross pipe in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body. This configuration makes it easier to arrange a large airbag unit on the handlebars, and also allows the cross pipe to double as a guard member that protects the airbag unit from the front.

[0060] (Configuration 7) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the airbag unit overlaps with the left and right handlebar pipes in a side view of the vehicle body. With this configuration, the handlebar pipes can also be used as guard members that protect the airbag unit from the sides.

[0061] (Configuration 8) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising reinforcing portions that reinforce lower portions of the left and right handlebar pipe portions, the reinforcing portions having left and right first fixing portions to which lateral protrusions that protrude to the left and right from the airbag unit are respectively fixed, and the cross pipe having a second fixing portion to which an upward protrusion that protrudes upward from the airbag unit is fixed. With this configuration, it is possible to utilize the space between the left and right handlebar pipe portions and the cross pipe to ensure a placement space for the airbag unit, while also making it easier to ensure the support strength of the airbag unit to the handlebars.

[0062] (Configuration 9) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, wherein a common plane passing through the fixing points of the airbag unit to the left and right handlebar pipe portions and the cross pipe is perpendicular to the ground or at an angle within a predetermined range from the angle perpendicular to the ground. This configuration makes it easier to position the airbag unit so that the airbag can be deployed in an orientation appropriate for absorbing the impact of a rear passenger.

[0063] (Configuration 10) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein a front portion of the airbag unit is fixed to the cross pipe, and first fixing portions provided on the left and right sides of the airbag unit are fixed to the left and right handlebar pipe portions. With this configuration, the cross pipe can more easily absorb the reaction force of the inflator when the airbag is deployed. As a result, by increasing the rigidity of the cross pipe, it is possible to adequately handle the reaction force of the inflator when the airbag is deployed.

[0064] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 saddle-ride type vehicle 11 vehicle body frame 18 head pipe 21 handle 21a steering shaft 21b handle pipe section 21c cross pipe 21d grip section 21e operating lever 21f handle switch 21g reinforcement section 30 vehicle body cover 31 handle cover 51 meter 51a display surface 51k base plate 52r lens cover 53 visor 61 airbag unit 62 case 62a side surface of case 62b top surface of case 62c front portion of case 63a first stay (lateral protrusion) 63b second stay (upward protrusion) 65 airbag 66 inflator 71 fastening member 71a first fixing portion 71b second fixing portion LC vehicle width center L1 central axis of head pipe L2 perpendicular line to base plate 51k LC Vehicle width center K1, K2 Fixing point M1 Plane passing through fixing points K1 and K2

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle having a head pipe (18), a steering shaft (21a) pivotally supported by the head pipe (18), a handle (21) mounted so as to extend upward and rearward from the head pipe (18) substantially parallel to the central axis (L1) of the head pipe (18), and an airbag unit (61) capable of deploying an airbag (65), The handle (21) comprises left and right handle pipe sections (21b) that extend outward in the vehicle width direction above the head pipe (18), and a cross pipe (21c) that bridges the left and right handle pipe sections (21b) and crosses the vehicle width direction on the vehicle front side of the central axis (L1), The first stay (63a) is provided on the left and right sides (62a) of the airbag unit, A second stay (63b) is provided on the upper surface (62b) of the airbag unit, The first fixing portion (71a) is provided on the left and right handle pipe portions (21b), The cross pipe (21c) is provided with a second fixing part (71b), At least a portion of the airbag unit (61) is positioned in the space between the left and right handle pipe sections (21b) and the cross pipe (21c). When a plane (M1) is set that is substantially perpendicular to the ground, passing through the fixing points (K1, K2) of the airbag unit (61) for the left and right handle pipe sections (21b) and the cross pipe (21c), the airbag unit (61) is such that, in a side view of the vehicle body, the first stay (63a) is fixed to the first fixing part (71a) and the second stay (63b) is fixed to the second fixing part (71b) so that it overlaps with the left and right handle pipe sections (21b) on the plane (M1). A saddle-type vehicle.

2. The steering wheel (21) has a meter (51) in front of it. The cross pipe (21c) is located behind a perpendicular line (L2) extending vertically from the lower end of the information display area of ​​the meter (51) to the information display area. A saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1.

3. The airbag unit (61) is housed in the space between the left and right steering pipe sections (21b) and the cross pipe (21c) when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. A saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1.

4. The airbag unit (61) is located below the cross pipe (21c) and overlaps with the cross pipe (21c) in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The portion of the airbag unit (61) excluding the aforementioned part is located behind the cross pipe (21c) and overlaps with the cross pipe (21c) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The airbag unit (61) overlaps with the left and right steering pipe sections (21b) when viewed from the side of the vehicle body. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The left and right handle pipe sections (21b) have reinforcing sections (21g) that reinforce the lower part, The first fixing portion (71a) is provided on the reinforcing portion (21g), The first stay (63a) fixed to the first fixing part (71a) consists of lateral protrusions that protrude to the left and right from the airbag unit (61), The second stay (63b) fixed to the second fixing portion (71b) consists of an upward projection that protrudes upward from the airbag unit (61). A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The front part (62c) of the airbag unit (61) is fixed to the cross pipe (21c), The first fixing parts (71a) provided on the left and right sides of the airbag unit (61) are fixed to the left and right handle pipe parts (21b). A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.