JP2007269048A - Airbag apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an airbag apparatus which can reduce its mounting space, and also can be mounted on a wide variety of kinds of vehicles by improving a degree of freedom for a mounting position. <P>SOLUTION: In the airbag apparatus for a motor bicycle having a stem shaft 13 rotatably supported by a head pipe 3 of a body frame 2, an airbag module 30 is mounted on the upper portion of a top bridge 5 serving as an airbag mounting table connected to the stem shaft 13 above the head pipe 3. Because the airbag module 30 is configured such that an airbag 33 and an inflator 32 are integratedly stored in a casing 31, the airbag apparatus can be stably mounted while reducing the mounting space. In a bicycle originally equipped with a top bridge, dedicated mounting fittings are unnecessary. The airbag module 30 can be arranged also inside a meter cover of a business type bicycle and inside a handle cover of a scooter type bicycle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an airbag apparatus, and more particularly to an airbag apparatus that can be installed in a wide range of vehicle types by reducing the installation space and increasing the degree of freedom of the mounting position.

  Conventionally, regarding the application of an airbag that effectively restrains an occupant when an impact of a predetermined value or more is applied to a vehicle body to a motorcycle, the optimal airbag, such as a folded airbag or an inflator that inflates and deploys the airbag. Installation locations are being considered.

Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an airbag module in which an airbag and an inflator are integrally housed in a box-shaped casing is attached to an upper portion of an attachment member that straddles the top bridge and is connected to the vehicle body frame. Yes. According to this configuration, the airbag module can be easily attached by retrofitting even in a vehicle in which it is difficult to secure an installation space for the airbag module.
JP 2003-285787 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an installation space for the attachment member is required above the top bridge, and an airbag module is attached to the upper portion of the attachment member, so that the installation space for the airbag module is on the vehicle body upper side. As a result, the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the airbag module is reduced. In addition, since the mounting member is connected to the vehicle body frame and needs to be formed so as to straddle the upper bridge without interfering with the top bridge that swings as the front wheels are steered, the mounting member becomes larger. Furthermore, there is a problem that the entire installation space for the airbag module tends to be large.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, to provide an airbag device that can be installed in a wide range of vehicle types by reducing the installation space and increasing the degree of freedom of the attachment position.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention is configured as an airbag module in which a folded airbag and an inflator for inflating and deploying the airbag are integrally stored, and is pivotally mounted on a head pipe. In an airbag apparatus provided in a motorcycle having a stem shaft that is supported, the airbag module is attached to an upper portion of an airbag installation table that is coupled to the stem shaft above the head pipe. There is one feature.

  The airbag installation table has a second feature in that it also serves as a top bridge that supports the front fork.

  A third feature is that an airbag module is disposed inside the meter cover together with the airbag installation table.

  A fourth feature is that an airbag module is disposed inside the handle cover together with the airbag installation table.

  According to the first invention, since the airbag module is directly attached to the upper portion of the airbag installation table coupled to the stem shaft above the head pipe, an attachment member or the like connected to the vehicle body is not required, and the airbag device It is possible to reduce the installation space and increase the degree of freedom of the installation position. Further, since the airbag installation table does not require a foot for connecting to the vehicle body frame, the airbag installation table can be downsized to reduce the installation space for the airbag apparatus.

  According to the second invention, since the airbag module is directly attached using the top bridge structure without using a dedicated part, the airbag device can be attached with a simple configuration without increasing the number of parts. It becomes possible.

  According to the third invention, since the airbag module is disposed inside the meter cover, even in a business type motorcycle having a meter cover, the airbag device can be stably utilized by effectively utilizing the space near the handle. It becomes possible to attach it.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the airbag module is disposed inside the handle cover, even in a scooter type motorcycle having a handle cover, the airbag device can be stabilized by effectively utilizing the space near the handle. It becomes possible to attach it.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle 1 to which an airbag apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The motorcycle 1 has a front wheel 7 rotatably supported at the lower ends of a pair of left and right front forks 6 and 6, and a rear wheel 8 as a drive wheel. A cylindrical head pipe 3 is joined to the front of the vehicle body frame 2, and a stem shaft (see FIG. 3) is pivotally supported by the head pipe 3. A bottom bridge 4 that supports the front forks 6 and 6 is coupled to the lower end portion of the stem shaft. Further, the upper end portion of the stem shaft is coupled with a pair of left and right handles 9 and 9 and a top bridge 5 that supports the upper end portions of the front forks 6 and 6 so that the occupant rotates the handle 9. Therefore, the front wheel 7 is configured to be steered.

  The motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an airbag device that inflates and deploys the airbag 33 between the fuel tank 10 and the wind screen 11 when an impact of a predetermined value or more is applied to the vehicle body. Yes. This airbag device is configured as an airbag module 30 in which an airbag 33 and an inflator (see FIG. 3) that generates gas for inflating and deploying the airbag 33 are integrally stored in a box-shaped casing. The present embodiment is characterized in that the top bridge 5 is used as an airbag installation table, and the airbag module 30 is attached to the upper surface portion of the top bridge 5.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the motorcycle 1, and the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or equivalent parts. The airbag module 30 is attached to the front side of the vehicle body with respect to the stem nut 3 a that connects the stem shaft and the top bridge 5 on the upper surface of the top bridge 5. Since the airbag module 30 is configured in a small size by integrally storing the airbag 33 and the inflator, there is a margin in the space above the top bridge 5 disposed between the meter panel 12 and the fuel tank 10. Can be stored. Thereby, even in a motorcycle in which it is difficult to secure a space for attaching the airbag device, the airbag device can be attached without hindering the arrangement of the fuel tank or the like. Further, since the box-shaped airbag module 30 is attached to the top bridge 5 that the motorcycle 1 originally has, the airbag apparatus can be attached with a simple configuration without increasing the number of parts. Furthermore, since it is attached to the top bridge 5 that is coupled to the stem shaft and supports the front forks 6 and 6, the attachment stability of the airbag module 30 can be enhanced.

  The attachment position and angle of the airbag module 30 are not limited to the state shown in FIG. 2, and can be arbitrarily selected in consideration of the shape of the fuel tank 10 and the top bridge 5, the direction in which the airbag 33 is inflated and deployed, and the like. In the present embodiment, the handles 9 and 9 and the top bridge 5 are engaged with each other by an uneven structure (not shown) for preventing rotation, and the handles 9 and 9 are supported on the upper ends of the front forks 6 and 6. As a result, the handles 9 and 9 and the top bridge 5 are integrally rotated. However, the handle 9 and 9 may be directly coupled to the top bridge 5. Further, the shape of the top bridge 5 is not limited to the plate shape shown in FIG. 2, and may be formed in a box shape, a rod shape, or a holder for attaching a left and right integrated bar handle.

  3 and 4 are a side view and a top view of the top bridge 5 showing the installation state of the airbag module 30, respectively. The airbag module 30 is configured such that a folded airbag 33 and an inflator are integrally stored in a box-shaped casing 31 formed of a thin plate member. When an impact greater than a predetermined value is applied to the motorcycle 1, the gas generated from the inflator 32 is instantaneously sent to the airbag 33, and is provided in a part of the casing 31 by the inflation pressure of the airbag 33. The fragile portion formed is broken, and the airbag 33 is configured to inflate and deploy upward. In the airbag device according to the present embodiment, since the airbag module 30 that is downsized by integrally storing the airbag 33 and the inflator 32 is used, the airbag and the inflator are arranged at different locations. Compared to the configuration, the installation space for the airbag device can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the airbag module 30 and the top bridge 5 are coupled to each other by forming an attachment stay 31 a at the lower portion of the casing 31 and extending portions and attachment holes provided in the top bridge 5 ( (Not shown) and a screw or the like. If a screw hole is provided on the bottom surface side of the casing 31 and fastened with a screw or the like from the back surface side of the top bridge 5, the screw or the like can be hidden from the outside. In addition, it is good also as a structure which improves coupling rigidity by providing the engaging groove or positioning protrusion for positioning in the bottom face part of the casing 31. FIG. Further, the mounting position of the airbag module 30 can be set at the upper part of the stem shaft 3 or can be set on the vehicle body rear side of the stem shaft 3 by forming an extension portion on the vehicle body rear side of the top bridge 5.

  FIG. 5 is a side view of a motorcycle 40 to which the airbag apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. The motorcycle 40 is a so-called business-type vehicle in which a vehicle body frame is arranged at a low position so that a wide space is provided between a seat and a handle so that an occupant can easily straddle, and a space for installing an airbag device is secured. It is one of the models that are difficult to do. The motorcycle 40 has a front wheel 41 rotatably supported at the lower ends of a pair of left and right front forks 45, and a rear wheel 42 as a drive wheel. A cylindrical head pipe 44 is coupled to the front of the vehicle body frame 43, and a stem shaft 46 is rotatably supported on the head pipe 44. A bottom bridge 54 that supports the front forks 45, 45 is coupled to the lower end portion of the stem shaft 46. Further, an airbag installation table 47 and a handle support member 48 that supports a pair of left and right handles 49, 49 are coupled to the upper portion of the stem shaft 46, and the front wheel 41 is moved by rotating the handles 49, 49. It is configured to be steered.

  In the motorcycle 40 according to the present embodiment, an airbag module 60 containing an airbag 53 is attached to the upper surface portion of the airbag installation table 47. Unlike the first embodiment, the airbag installation table 47 is configured not to support the front forks 45, 45. The airbag module 60 attached to the airbag installation table 47 is housed inside a meter cover 50 that rotates integrally with the handles 49 and 49.

  FIG. 6 is a side view showing an installation state of the airbag module 60. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 denote the same or equivalent parts. As in the first embodiment, the airbag module 60 is configured such that an airbag 63 and an inflator 62 are housed in a box-shaped casing 61. When an impact greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to the motorcycle 40, the weakened portion provided in a part of the casing 61 is broken by the pressure generated in the airbag 63 and provided on the top surface of the meter cover 50. The airbag 63 is configured to be inflated and deployed from the opened opening. According to the airbag module 60 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to attach the airbag module 60 by effectively utilizing the space inside the meter cover 50, and the portion stored in the meter cover 50 It will be possible to protect against moisture and dust. Moreover, since the airbag module 60 is attached to the airbag installation table 47 coupled to the stem shaft 46, the attachment stability of the airbag module 60 is improved. In addition, since there are no adjacent components or the like on the upper side of the meter cover 50, it is possible to give a high degree of freedom to the design and layout of the meter cover 50.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view of the main part of the motorcycle 40. The same reference numerals as above denote the same or equivalent parts. A meter cover 50 that rotates integrally with the left and right handles 49, 49 is attached with a headlight 52, left and right blinkers 53, 53, and a meter unit 51 that integrally houses a speedometer and a fuel gauge. The airbag module 60 is attached to the upper surface portion of the airbag installation table 47 using an attachment stay 61 a formed at the lower part of the casing 61. Since the airbag module 60 according to the present embodiment is attached to the position on the front side of the vehicle with respect to the stem shaft 46, the airbag module 60 can be effectively used in a vehicle having a space on the front side of the vehicle body of the stem shaft 46. An airbag module 60 can be attached. Further, in the present embodiment, the ceiling portion of the airbag module 60 is viewed from the top surface of the meter cover 50, but the ceiling portion may be partially or entirely covered by the meter cover 50. Good.

  The airbag installation table 47 can be used as a stay that supports the meter cover 50, the winker 53, and the like. In addition, various methods can be applied to the method of joining the airbag module 60 and the airbag installation table 47, as in the airbag module 30 and the top bridge 5 shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration as described above is not limited to a business type vehicle, but can be applied to various types of vehicles having a meter cover.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are a top view and a perspective view, respectively, of a top bridge 70 according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those described above denote the same or equivalent parts. The airbag installation table 70 that can be attached to the motorcycle 40 or the like with the left side in the figure as the front side of the vehicle body is installed on the rear side of the vehicle body of the stem shaft 46 that is pivotally supported by the head pipe 44. Has a space. According to such a configuration, even in a vehicle having a space on the rear side of the vehicle body of the stem shaft 46, the airbag module 60 can be attached by utilizing this effectively.

  FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part of a motorcycle 80 according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. The motorcycle 80 is a so-called motorcycle in which a body frame is disposed at a low position to provide a wide space between a seat and a handle, and a wide front cowl 85 and a floor panel 83 having a large accessory case are attached. This is a scooter type vehicle. The motorcycle 80 is a vehicle that supports the front fork only by a bottom bridge (not shown) as in the motorcycle 40 shown in FIG. 5, but a meter unit 84 is attached to the floor panel 83, and is attached to both ends. The left and right handle bar 88 to which the handle grips 81 and 81 are attached is different from the motorcycle 40 in that the handle bar 88 is covered with the handle cover 82.

  In this modification, an airbag installation table 91 coupled to a stem shaft 86 that is rotatably supported by the head pipe 87 is housed in a handle cover 82 that swings integrally with the handle bar 88. The air bag module 90 is attached to the air bag installation table 91. As in the first embodiment, the airbag module 90 in which the airbag and the inflator are integrally stored in a box-shaped casing is disposed so that the ceiling surface 92 thereof is viewed from the opening provided in the handle cover 82. At the same time, it is coupled to the upper surface portion of the airbag installation table 91 using a stay 90a. According to the configuration as described above, even in a scooter type motorcycle in which it is difficult to secure a space for attaching the airbag device, it is possible to attach the airbag device while effectively utilizing the space near the handle. The airbag module 90 may be configured to cover a part or the whole with the handle cover 82 provided with a fragile portion, an openable / closable portion, etc. without the ceiling surface 91 being looked over from the handle cover 82. The configuration as shown in FIG. 9 is not limited to a scooter type vehicle, but can be applied to various types of vehicles having a handle cover. Moreover, the airbag installation table is not limited to the plate shape shown in the above embodiment, and can be formed in a box shape, a rod shape, or the like.

1 is a side view of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the attachment position of the airbag module which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the top bridge concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the attachment position of the airbag module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part enlarged top view which shows the attachment position of the airbag module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the top bridge which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the top bridge which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main part of a motorcycle according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  2 ... Body frame, 3 ... Head pipe, 3a ... Stem nut, 4 ... Bottom bridge, 5 ... Top bridge (airbag installation table), 6 ... Front fork, 13 ... Stem shaft, 30, 60, 90 ... Airbag module 31 ... Casing, 32 ... Inflator, 33, 53 ... Airbag, 70, 91 ... Airbag installation table

Claims (4)

An airbag module is configured as an airbag module in which a folded airbag and an inflator for inflating and deploying the airbag are integrally stored, and is provided in a motorcycle having a stem shaft that is pivotally supported by a head pipe. In the bag device,
The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag module is attached to an upper portion of an airbag installation table coupled to the stem shaft above the head pipe.   The airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag installation table also serves as a top bridge that supports a front fork.   The airbag apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an airbag module is disposed inside the meter cover together with the airbag installation table.   The airbag apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an airbag module is disposed inside the handle cover together with the airbag installation table.

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