Airbag device and vehicle

Abstract

This airbag device (1) mounted on a front part of a vehicle such as a motorcycle (100) comprises an airbag (11) that is provided between a handlebar (2a) and the front end of the motorcycle (100) when viewed from, for example, above the motorcycle (100) and that inflates and deploys in the entire length direction of the motorcycle (100) so as to surround the handlebar (2a) via the upper side of the handlebar (2a).

Description

Airbag device and vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag device and a vehicle.

[0002] In order to protect the occupant in the event of an accident, an airbag is installed in the vehicle. The installation of such an airbag is not only widespread in four-wheeled vehicles, but also in three-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, in a two-wheeled vehicle, a retainer housing an airbag is attached to the handle post of the meter unit, and an inflater for supplying gas to the airbag is provided at a position separated from the retainer, thereby effectively utilizing the space between the components of the vehicle to achieve space saving and compactness. An airbag device is disclosed.

[0004] International Publication No. WO2019 / 207780

[0005] However, when mounting the airbag housing (retainer) on the handle post of the meter unit of the vehicle as in Patent Document 1, due to space limitations, in the meter unit of the two-wheeled vehicle, additional measures are required to secure space for mounting the airbag housing, such as changing the layout of the speedometer, tachometer, etc. There is a problem.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an airbag device and a vehicle that can be mounted more easily without requiring additional measures for securing space.

[0007] The airbag device according to the present invention includes a handle at the front of the vehicle, and an airbag that expands and deploys so as to surround via above the handle in the longitudinal direction of the entire length of the vehicle when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0008] In the present invention, when the airbag expands and deploys, it surrounds and expands and deploys via above the handle in the longitudinal direction of the entire length of the vehicle, so that the occupant can be protected more safely.

[0009] The vehicle according to the present invention is equipped with the above-mentioned airbag system.

[0010] In the present invention, when the airbag inflates and deploys during a vehicle collision, it inflates and deploys in the overall direction of the vehicle, surrounding the steering wheel, thereby providing safer protection for the occupants of such a vehicle.

[0011] According to the present invention, an airbag system can be installed more easily without requiring additional measures to secure mounting space.

[0012] This figure shows the exterior of the motorcycle according to this embodiment. This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main components of the front body of the motorcycle according to this embodiment. This is an unfolded view of the airbag showing the rolled-up shape in an unfolded state. This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the airbag has been inflated and deployed in the motorcycle according to this embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing the initial state of airbag inflation and deployment in the motorcycle according to this embodiment.

[0013] An airbag device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the overall length direction of the vehicle, i.e., the forward and rear directions relative to the occupants. For example, the direction in which the vehicle moves forward during normal driving is the front, and the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which it moves backward, is the rear. The left-right direction refers to the width direction of the vehicle, i.e., the left and right directions relative to the occupants. In other words, right and left refer to the right-hand and left-hand sides relative to the direction in which the occupants face while driving.

[0014] In the following explanation, we will use a so-called moped (motorized bicycle) as an example of a vehicle, but the explanation is not limited to this.

[0015] Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, for the sake of explanation, the rider P is shown by a dashed line.

[0016] The motorcycle 100 comprises a front body 14 (front body) having a front wheel 3 which is the steering wheel, a rear body 15 having a rear wheel 4 which is the drive wheel, a floor step 6 provided between the front body 14 and the rear body 15 where the rider P places their feet, a handle 2 for steering the front wheel 3, and a power unit 8 for driving the rear wheel 4. The front body 14 is provided between the handle 2 of the motorcycle 100 and the front end of the motorcycle 100.

[0017] Below the front body 14, the front wheels 3 are rotatably mounted and supported by a pair of left and right front forks 3a. Above the front body 14, the handlebars 2 are provided. In other words, the handlebars 2 are located at the front of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, headlights 12 are provided on the front side of the front body 14.

[0018] Furthermore, the front body 14 has multiple components on its interior, including an axle 141 (see Figure 2), a steering shaft (not shown), a drive unit 121 for the headlights 12 (see Figure 2), and an airbag device 1, which will be described later. These multiple components are covered by a body cover 9. The body cover 9 includes a front cover 9a that covers the above-mentioned multiple components from the front, and an inner cover 9b that covers the above-mentioned multiple components from the rear.

[0019] In the motorcycle 100, the steering shaft and front fork 3a allow the front wheel 3 to be steered by the handlebars 2. The upper part of the front wheel 3 is covered by the front fender 3b, and the rear upper part of the front fender 3b is connected to the front body 14.

[0020] The handle section 2 includes a handlebar 2a (handle) having grip sections such as brake levers, clutch levers, and throttle sleeves at both ends in the left-right direction, and the handlebar 2a and the meter unit (not shown) including a speedometer, tachometer, etc. are partially covered by a handle cover 2b.

[0021] As described above, the floor step 6 is provided between the front body 14 and the rear body 15. Specifically, the floor step 6 has a flat upper surface extending in the left-right direction, the front wheels 3 are provided in front of the floor step 6, and the rear wheels 4 are provided behind the floor step 6.

[0022] The rear wheels 4 are supported by and driven by the power unit 8. The power unit 8 includes, for example, an engine which is an internal combustion engine, and a transmission that transmits the driving force generated by the engine to the rear wheels 4. The power unit 8 and the rear wheels 4 are partially covered from above by a rear body cover 7, and the rear body cover 7 forms the exterior of the rear body 15. Above the rear body cover 7 (rear body 15), a seat 5 on which the occupant P sits is supported.

[0023] The motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with an airbag device 1 for protecting the occupant P in the event of a collision, and the airbag device 1 is provided between the handlebar portion 2 of the motorcycle 100 and the front end of the motorcycle 100.

[0024] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main components of the front body 14 of the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment. For the sake of explanation, Figure 2 shows only the handlebars 2 and body cover 9 of the motorcycle 100. Also, in Figure 2, the diagram within the solid circle is an enlarged view showing the portion enclosed by the dashed line.

[0025] The airbag device 1 includes an airbag 11 that inflates and deploys when the motorcycle 100 is involved in a collision, an inflator 120 that supplies gas to the airbag 11, a retaining hook 130 that holds the airbag 11 and the inflator 120, and a cover member 10 that covers the opening 91 of the body cover 9, which will be described later.

[0026] The retaining hook 130 has a fixing portion 131 and a hook portion 132, the fixing portion 131 and the hook portion 132 being integrally formed. The retaining hook 130 is installed inside the front body 14 by the fixing portion 131 being screwed to the axle 141. The hook portion 132 has a hook shape with the upper side open, and a part of the airbag 11, including the inflator 120, is held inside the hook portion 132. The other part of the airbag 11 is supported by the inner surface of the lid member 10.

[0027] In other words, the airbag device 1 is installed in the internal space of the front body 14, which is formed by the front cover 9a and the inner cover 9b. For example, the airbag device 1 is located in the internal space of the front body 14, above the drive unit 121 of the headlight 12. As shown in Figure 2, the airbag device 1 is installed in the overall length direction of the motorcycle 100, forward of the handlebars 2a.

[0028] In the body cover 9 (front cover 9a), an opening 91 is formed near the airbag device 1, opening towards the front or upward of the motorcycle 100. In other words, the airbag device 1 is installed in a position corresponding to the opening 91 along the entire length of the motorcycle 100. The opening 91 is, for example, approximately rectangular.

[0029] The opening 91 is covered by a lid member 10. The lid member 10 is rectangular, corresponding to the opening 91, with its central portion curved outward in a convex shape, forming a roughly hemispherical shell or a roughly spherical crown. Before the airbag 11 inflates and deploys, the edge of the lid member 10 engages with the edge relating to the opening 91.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower end portion 101 of the lid member 10 is connected to the lower edge 911 relating to the opening 91 via a separation prevention member 92. The separation prevention member 92 is a so-called pillar garnish clip.

[0031] A hollow projection 102 is provided at least at one location on the inner surface of the lower end portion 101 of the lid member 10, and the body of the separation prevention member 92 is housed inside the projection 102 via a through hole 103 provided in the projection 102. In this case, the reduced diameter portion of the separation prevention member 92 is fitted inside the through hole 103. That is, the body of the separation prevention member 92 is press-fitted into the projection 102 via the through hole 103. The head of the separation prevention member 92 is embedded in the lower end edge 911 related to the opening 91.

[0032] As a result, the lid member 10 is attached to the front cover 9a while covering the opening 91 and forming part of the body cover 9. Furthermore, in the event of a collision, although the engagement between the lid member 10 and the opening 91 is released, the lid member 10 is not separated from the opening 91, and the lower end portion 101 of the lid member 10 is restrained to the lower edge 911 via the separation prevention member 92, so that it rotates downward with the lower end portion 101 as the pivot point.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, before inflation and deployment, when the airbag 11 is housed within the front body 14, it is in the state of a molded body 110 that has been wound multiple times.

[0034] Figure 3 is an unfolded view of the airbag 11, showing the rolled-up molded body 110 in its unfolded state. For ease of explanation, Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the airbag 11.

[0035] The airbag 11 has a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The first chamber 111 inflates and deploys in front of the handlebars 2 in the overall direction of the motorcycle 100. The second chamber 112 inflates and deploys behind the handlebars 2 in the overall direction of the motorcycle 100, that is, between the handlebars 2 and the occupant P.

[0036] As shown in the unfolded view of Figure 3, the first chamber 111 extends in one direction and is constructed by sewing together the ends of a cylindrical material. The first chamber 111 also extends vertically when expanded. The first chamber 111 is divided into two parts 111a and 111b in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction after expansion). Of the two parts 111a and 111b, one part 111a, which corresponds to the upper part after expansion, is larger than the other part 111b, which corresponds to the lower part after expansion.

[0037] The first chamber 111 has an inflator 120 inside the other portion 111b. The inflator 120 is located at the end of the first chamber 111 that is farther away from one portion 111a (downward after inflation and deployment) in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber 111. The inflator 120 may be cylindrical, circular disc, or for example.

[0038] One portion 111a and the other portion 111b are separated by a baffle (partition member) B1, allowing for ventilation. That is, although one portion 111a and the other portion 111b are separated by the baffle B1, they are able to ventilate each other.

[0039] Baffle B1 is a rectangle with multiple through holes. Both ends of baffle B1 are sewn to the inner surface of the first chamber 111 so as to intersect with the longitudinal direction of the first chamber 111. After the first chamber 111 is inflated and deployed, baffle B1 extends in the overall direction or width direction (direction intersecting the vertical direction) of the motorcycle 100. Also, when the first chamber 111 is inflated and deployed, gas from the inflator 120 flows from the other part 111b to the one part 111a through the through holes in baffle B1 and the gap between baffle B1 and the inner surface of the first chamber 111.

[0040] Furthermore, the first chamber 111 has a communication port 111c formed in one portion 111a, which is the upper part after expansion and deployment, and communicates with the second chamber 112. The communication port 111c is formed in one portion 111a at a position facing the second chamber 112.

[0041] The second chamber 112 is connected to the first chamber 111 such that their longitudinal directions are parallel. At this time, the positions of one ends in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 are aligned.

[0042] Similar to the first chamber 111, the second chamber 112 extends in one direction and is formed by sewing the respective ends of a cylindrical member. Also, when inflated and deployed, the second chamber 112 extends in the vertical direction. The second chamber 112 is longer than the first chamber 111 in the longitudinal direction.

[0043] When inflated and deployed, the second chamber 112 has a first panel S1 disposed on the side of the handle portion 2 and a second panel S2 disposed on the side of the occupant. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cross section at the center in the vehicle width direction of the second chamber 112 is viewed from the side of the motorcycle 100, the length of the first panel S1 extending in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the second panel S2 extending in the vertical direction. That is, when the airbag 11 is inflated and deployed, the volume of the first chamber 111 is smaller than the volume of the second chamber 112.

[0044] The second chamber 112 is partitioned into three parts 112a, 112b, and 112c in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction after inflation and deployment), and they are arranged in this order from above. Among the three parts 112a, 112b, and 112c, the upper part 112a corresponding to the uppermost part after inflation and deployment and the lower part 112c corresponding to the lowermost part after inflation and deployment are larger than the middle part 112b. That is, the middle part 112b is the smallest part and is interposed between the upper part 112a and the lower part 112c.

[0045] Further, a communication port 112d communicating with the first chamber 111 is formed in the upper part 112a of the second chamber 112. The communication port 112d is formed at a position corresponding to the communication port 111c of the first chamber 111 (one part 111a) in the upper part 112a.

[0046] That is, the edge portion related to the communication port 111c of the first chamber 111 and the edge portion related to the communication port 112d of the second chamber 112 are stitched together, whereby the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 are communicated. More specifically, the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 communicate with each other in the vicinity of the upper part during inflation and deployment, that is, one part 111a of the first chamber 111 and the upper part 112a of the second chamber 112 communicate with each other.

[0047] In the second chamber 112, the upper part 112a and the middle part 112b are partitioned so as to be ventilable by the baffle B2, and the middle part 112b and the lower part 112c are partitioned so as to be ventilable by the baffle B3. That is, the upper part 112a and the middle part 112b are separated by the baffle B2 but are ventilable with each other, and the middle part 112b and the lower part 112c are separated by the baffle B3 but are ventilable with each other.

[0048] The baffles B2 and B3 are rectangular having a plurality of through-holes, similar to the baffle B1. The baffles B2 and B3 are sewn to the inner surface of the second chamber 112 at both ends thereof so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the second chamber 112. The baffle B2 and the baffle B3 are provided at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction (the vertical direction after inflation and deployment) of the second chamber 112. After the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed, the baffles B2 and B3 extend in the entire length direction or the vehicle width direction (a direction intersecting the vertical direction) of the motorcycle 100.

[0049] Also, when the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed, the gas of the inflater 120 flows from the first chamber 111 through the communication ports 111c and 112d to the upper part 112a, the middle part 112b, and the lower part 112c in this order through the through-holes of the baffles B2 and B3 and the gaps between the inner surfaces of the baffles B2 and B3 and the second chamber 112. Therefore, the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed after the inside of the first chamber 111 is filled with gas, that is, after the first chamber 111 is inflated and deployed.

[0050] As described above, the second chamber 112 is configured such that the dimensions of the second panel S2 are larger than the dimensions of the first panel S1 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction during expansion and unfolding). This configuration can be achieved, for example, as shown in Figure 3, by making the dimensions of the panel portion S2b relating to the intermediate portion 112b of the second panel S2 larger than the dimensions of the panel portion S1b relating to the intermediate portion 112b of the first panel S1 in the longitudinal direction of the second chamber 112, only in the portion enclosed by the dashed circle.

[0051] In other words, in the intermediate portion 112b, as shown in Figure 3, when the second chamber 112 is expanded and unfolded, the configuration may be such that, when the cross section in the center in the vehicle width direction is viewed from the side of the motorcycle 100, the vertical length of the panel portion S1b located on the handle portion 2 side is shorter than the vertical length of the panel portion S2b located on the occupant side.

[0052] Thus, in the vertical direction, the dimensions of the second chamber 112 on the occupant P (second panel S2) side are larger than the dimensions on the handle section 2 (first panel S1) side. Therefore, after inflation and deployment, the second chamber 112 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first chamber 111. That is, after inflation and deployment, the second chamber 112 curves, and the upper portion 112a and lower portion 112c are positioned on the handle section 2 side more than the intermediate portion 112b.

[0053] In the motorcycle 100 having the above configuration, the airbag 11 is housed inside the front body 14 (body cover 9) in the form of a molded body 110 that has been wound multiple times as described above. At this time, the inflator 120 portion of the airbag 11 (first chamber 111) is held inside the hook portion 132.

[0054] More specifically, in the airbag 11, the portion other than the part covering the inflator 120 is wound around the winding shaft 110c to form a molded body 110, and the molded body 110 is positioned on the lid member 10 side of the inflator 120, that is, between the retaining hook 130 and the lid member 10.

[0055] When the molded body 110 is housed inside the body cover 9, the winding shaft 110c is housed so that it is parallel to the vehicle width direction of the motorcycle 100 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the molded body 110 is housed inside the body cover 9 in a state where it is in contact with the lid member 10 and supported by the inner surface of the lid member 10. In addition, the molded body 110 is wound counterclockwise from the outer circumference 110a to the inner circumference 110b.

[0056] In the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, which has the above configuration, when the motorcycle 100 is involved in a collision, the airbag 11 inflates and deploys from the front body 14 (airbag device 1) to protect the occupant P.

[0057] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the airbag 11 has inflated and deployed in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment. In Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, the occupant P is shown by a dashed line.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, in the airbag system 1 of the motorcycle 100, when the airbag 11 inflates and deploys, the airbag 11 deploys from the front of the motorcycle 100 so as to surround the motorcycle 100 in the overall direction of the motorcycle 100, passing above the handlebar 2 (handlebar 2a).

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in the airbag 11, the first chamber 111 inflates and deploys in front of the steering wheel 2, and then the second chamber 112 inflates and deploys behind the steering wheel 2, between the steering wheel 2 and the occupant P.

[0060] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the initial state of airbag 11 inflation and deployment in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment. For ease of explanation, Figure 5 shows only the handlebars 2 and body cover 9 of the motorcycle 100. Also, in Figure 5, the diagram within the solid circle is an enlarged view showing the portion enclosed by the dashed line.

[0061] For example, if a motorcycle 100 collides with the lid, the impact of the collision will release the engagement between the edge of the lid member 10 and the edge relating to the opening 91, and the lid member 10 will be removed from the opening 91. However, as described above, the lower end portion 101 of the lid member 10 is connected to the lower edge 911 of the opening 91 via the separation prevention member 92, so the lower end portion 101 of the lid member 10 is restrained by the lower edge 911 of the opening 91, and the lid member 10 is not separated from the opening 91, but rotates downward with respect to the lower end portion 101 (see the white arrow in Figure 5). As a result, the opening 91 is opened.

[0062] Furthermore, as described above, the lid member 10 has the shape of a spherical cap with its central part curved outward in a convex manner. Therefore, after opening, the lid member 10 maintains a state in which the open side faces diagonally upward, as shown in Figure 5.

[0063] When the opening 91 is opened, the inflator 120 begins supplying gas to the airbag 11. As described above, since the inflator 120 is located inside the first chamber 111, the gas from the inflator 120 is supplied to the first chamber 111 first. When the gas supply from the inflator 120 begins, the first chamber 111 begins to inflate, and the airbag 11 is ejected through the opening 91 and forward of the motorcycle 100.

[0064] As described above, after release, the lid member 10 maintains a state in which the open side faces diagonally upward, so the molded body 110 that protrudes forward from the opening 91 of the motorcycle 100 is guided upward by the inner surface of the lid member 10 and moves toward the handle section 2 (see the dotted arrow in Figure 5).

[0065] As described above, while the molded body 110 is ejected from the opening 91 and moves upward toward the handle section 2, the gas supply from the inflator 120 continues, and the first chamber 111 expands and unfolds first in front of the motorcycle 100.

[0066] In this way, when the first chamber 111 inflates and unfolds, gas from the inflator 120 flows into the second chamber 112 through the communication port 111c of the first chamber 111 and the communication port 112d of the second chamber 112. The gas from the inflator 120 flows in the order of the upper part 112a, the middle part 112b, and the lower part 112c, causing the second chamber 112 to inflat and unfold. That is, supported by the first chamber 111 which has already inflated and unfolded, the second chamber 112 can extend beyond the handle part 2 towards the occupant P.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, in the second chamber 112, the length of the second panel S2 is longer than the length of the first panel S1 (see Figure 3). Therefore, during inflation and deployment, in the second chamber 112, the upper portion 112a and the lower portion 112c are positioned closer to the handle portion 2 than the intermediate portion 112b. That is, when the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed, it unfolds to cover the handle portion 2 from the rear. In other words, after inflation and deployment, the upper portion 112a, the intermediate portion 112b, and the lower portion 112c are arranged along an arc shape with its center on the handle portion 2 side.

[0068] As a result, when the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed, it expands vertically while surrounding the handle 2 between the handle 2 and the occupant P. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, after the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed, it expands vertically to an area corresponding to the upper body of the occupant P.

[0069] In the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, when the motorcycle 100 is involved in a collision, the airbag 11 inflates and deploys to surround the motorcycle 100 in the overall direction of the motorcycle 100, passing above the handlebar 2 (handlebar 2a) when viewed from above, thus adequately protecting the occupant P. For example, even in so-called OOP (Out Of Position) situations, such as when the occupant P is driving with their face close to the meter unit (handlebar 2) to protect themselves from the wind, or when the occupant P is driving with a child or luggage on their lap, the motorcycle 100 can effectively respond.

[0070] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the airbag device 1 is provided inside the front body 14 (body cover 9), so it is possible to easily secure space for housing the airbag device 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the first chamber 111 expands and unfolds in front of the handlebars 2, and the second chamber 112 expands and unfolds between the handlebars 2 and the rider P. Therefore, since the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 are interposed in overlapping positions between the rider P and the object of impact, a collision between the rider P and the object of impact can be reliably prevented.

[0072] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the first chamber 111 expands and unfolds before the second chamber 112, and then the second chamber 112 expands and unfolds. That is, when the second chamber 112 expands and unfolds, it is supported by the first chamber 111, so that the second chamber 112 can unfold beyond the handlebar portion 2 on the rider P side.

[0073] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, in the second chamber 112, the dimensions (length) of the second panel S2 are larger than those of the first panel S1. Therefore, when the second chamber 112 is inflated and deployed, the upper portion 112a and the lower portion 112c are positioned closer to the handle portion 2 than the intermediate portion 112b, and the second chamber 112 deploys to cover the handle portion 2 from the rear. Consequently, when inflated and deployed, the second chamber 112 is more likely to be positioned between the handle portion 2 and the rider P, thereby increasing the protection of the rider P.

[0074] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, after inflation and deployment, one portion 111a of the first chamber 111 and the upper portion 112a of the second chamber 112, which are located at the top and are relatively large, are in communication with each other. Therefore, the communication openings 111c and 112d can be made large, and the time from the inflation and deployment of the first chamber 111 to the inflation and deployment of the second chamber 112 is shortened, thereby improving the protection of the occupant P.

[0075] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the second chamber 112 is larger than the first chamber 111. Therefore, the time until the second chamber 112 begins to inflate and deploy can be shortened, and the entire upper body of the rider P, not just the head, can be protected.

[0076] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the edge of the lid member 10 engages with the edge relating to the opening 91. Therefore, when the motorcycle 100 collides, the impact of the collision quickly releases the engagement between the lid member 10 and the opening 91. Consequently, the lid member 10 does not obstruct the inflation and deployment of the airbag 11.

[0077] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the lid member 10 has the shape of a spherical cap with its central part curved outward in a convex shape, and after release, the separation prevention member 92 maintains a state in which the open side faces diagonally upward. Therefore, when the airbag 11 inflates and deploys, the movement of the first chamber 111 is guided by the inner surface of the lid member 10, and the first chamber 111 can be quickly deployed in the vertical direction.

[0078] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the molded body 110 (airbag 11) is housed in the body cover 9 such that the winding axis 110c of the molded body 110 is parallel to the vehicle width direction of the motorcycle 100, and in this case the molded body 110 is wound counterclockwise from the outer circumference 110a to the inner circumference 110b. Therefore, when the airbag 11 inflates and deploys, the first chamber 111 that pops out from the opening 91 is easily deployed in the vertical direction.

[0079] Furthermore, in the motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment, as described above, the airbag 11 is positioned forward of the handlebar 2a, that is, closer to the lid member 10. In this way, since the molded body 110 is positioned near the lid member 10, the molded body 110 can quickly pop out from the opening 91, and the airbag 11 can inflate and deploy without any problems.

[0080] The above explanation uses the example of a case where the airbag device 1 (airbag 11) is located in front of the handlebars 2a, but the explanation is not limited to this, and the airbag device 1 may also be located in a configuration where it is located behind the handlebars 2a of the motorcycle 100.

[0081] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described above using the application of the present invention to two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and saddle-type vehicles as examples, it is not limited to these. For example, the present invention can also be applied to three-wheeled vehicles such as trikes, and to small four-wheeled vehicles such as single-seater vehicles. In this way, even in small mobility vehicles that do not have a so-called instrument panel that can accommodate front airbags (driver airbags, passenger-side airbags, etc.) or only have a small steering wheel, the present invention can be applied to enable the installation of front airbags.

[0082] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications within the sense and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0083] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. In addition, the claims use a form in which claims referencing two or more other claims (multi-claim form), but are not limited to this. A form in which multi-claims referencing at least one multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) may also be used.

[0084] 1 Airbag device 2 Steering wheel section 2a Handlebar 3 Front wheel 9 Body cover (vehicle cover) 10 Lid member 11 Airbag 14 Front body 91 Opening 92 Separation prevention member 100 Motorcycle 110 Molded body 110a Outer circumference 110b Inner circumference 110c Winding shaft 111 First chamber 111c Communication port 112 Second chamber 112a Upper part 112b Middle part 112c Lower part 112d Communication port 120 Inflator B1-B3 Baffle (partition member) P Occupant S1 First panel S2 Second panel

Claims

1. An airbag system (1) for a vehicle (100) having a handle (2a) at the front of the vehicle, comprising an airbag (11) that, when viewed from above the vehicle (100), inflates and deploys to surround the vehicle (100) in the overall length direction, passing above the handle (2a).

2. The airbag device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the airbag (11) is provided between the steering wheel (2a) and the front end of the vehicle (100).

3. The airbag device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the airbag (11) comprises a first chamber (111) that inflates and deploys in the overall length direction ahead of the steering wheel (2a) of the vehicle (100), and a second chamber (112) that communicates with the first chamber (111) and inflates and deploys between the steering wheel (2a) and the occupant.

4. The airbag device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first chamber (111) has an inflator (120) and extends vertically when inflated and deployed, and the second chamber (112) extends vertically when inflated and deployed and inflates and deploys later than the first chamber (111).

5. The airbag device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second chamber (112), when inflated and deployed, has a first panel (S1) disposed on the handle (2a) side and a second panel (S2) disposed on the occupant side, and when the central cross section of the second chamber (112) in the vehicle width direction is viewed from the side of the vehicle (100), the length of the first panel (S1) extending in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the second panel (S2) extending in the vertical direction.

6. The airbag device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second chamber (112) has a plurality of parts (112a to 112c) divided in the vertical direction, and in the intermediate part (112b) of the plurality of parts (112a to 112c), when the central cross section of the second chamber (112) in the vehicle width direction is viewed from the side of the vehicle (100), the length of the first panel (S1) extending in the vertical direction is shorter than the length of the second panel (S2) extending in the vertical direction.

7. The airbag device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112) are in communication near their upper parts when inflated and deployed.

8. The airbag device (1) according to claim 4, wherein when the airbag (11) is inflated and deployed, the volume of the first chamber (111) is smaller than the volume of the second chamber (112).

9. The airbag device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second chamber (112) has a plurality of parts (112a to 112c) divided in the vertical direction, the plurality of parts (112a to 112c) are partitioned by partition members (B1 to B3) in a breathable manner, and the partition members (B1 to B3) are configured to extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction when the second chamber (112) is inflated and deployed.

10. The airbag device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the airbag (11) is installed in a front vehicle body (14) provided between the steering wheel (2a) of the vehicle (100) and the front end of the vehicle (100).

11. The airbag device (1) according to claim 10, comprising a cover member (10) that covers an opening (91) formed in the body cover (9) of the front body (14) and opening toward the front or upward, and whose edge engages with the edge relating to the opening (91).

12. The airbag device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the lid member (10) is curved outward in a convex shape in the central part, and the lower end of the lid member (10) is connected to the edge relating to the opening (91) via a separation prevention member (92).

13. The airbag device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the airbag (11) is a molded body (110) that is wound multiple times when housed in the front vehicle body (14), the molded body (110) is housed in the front vehicle body (14) with its winding axis in the direction of the vehicle width of the vehicle (100), and when viewed from the side of the vehicle (100) and from the right side of the occupant, it is wound counterclockwise from the outer circumference to the inner circumference.

14. A vehicle (100) equipped with the airbag device (1) described in claim 1.

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