Title of Invention

SEAT STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE

Abstract To provide the seat structure of a motorcycle which can realize the reduction of a weight and a material cost and, at the same time, can increase a capacity of a storing box, and can improve sitting feeling. [Means for Resolution] The present invention provides a seat structure of a motorcycle 10 in which a main frame 11 extends rearwardly from a head pipe 12, an engine 17 is mounted on the main frame 11, a seat frame 21 extends rearwardly from the main frame 11, and a seat 22 which is mounted above the seat frame 21 is supported on a frame portion of a storing box which is fixed to the seat frame 21, wherein the seat 22 is configured such that a concave-and-convex portion is formed on a bottom surface of the seat 22 in a state that the concave-and-convex portion extends over the frame portion of the storing boxes, and ribs which are arranged orthogonal to concaves and convexes of the concave-and-convex portion are formed on an upper surface of the concave-and-convex portion. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 1
Full Text

[Designation of Document] Specification [Title of the Invention] SEAT STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE [Teclinical Field] [0001]
The present invention relates to the seat structure of a motorcycle/ and more particularly to the seat structure of a motorcycle which arranges a seat thereof above a storing box. [Background Art] [0002]
As an example of the seat structure of a conventional motorcycle, there has been known the seat structure in which front upper-surface vertical ribs and front upper-surface lateral ribs are formed in a grid array on a front upper-surface of a bottom plate of a tandem seat which is mounted on a storing box (for example, see patent document 1).
[0003] [Patent Literature 1] JP-A-2004-237936 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the Invention is to Solve] [0004]
However, in the seat structure of the above-mentioned conventional motorcycle, it is necessary to decrease thicknesses of a bottom plate and ribs for reducing a weight and a material cost and hence, there has been a drawback that

a strength of the seat is lowered whereby it is difficult to

provide a good sitting feeling to a rider. Here, to enhance the sitting feeling, there exists a method in which vibrations of an engine is absorbed by rubber mounting a storing box on which the seat is arranged. However, when the storing box is mounted on the motorcycle by merely rubber mounting, there exists a possibility that a rubber mount is collapsed depending on a sitting posture of the rider.
[0005]
Further, there exists a drawback that a tool such as a hand tool is stored in a tool storing space such as a storing box which is provided as a separate body from the seat and hence, it is necessary to ensure a larger storing space as a whole,
[0006]
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide the seat structure of a motorcycle which can reduce a weight and a material cost and, at the same time, can increase a capacity of the storing box and can enhance a sitting comfortable, and can abolish a tool box case, [Means for Solving the Problem]
[0007]
To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that, in a seat structure of a motorcycle in which a main frame extends rearwardly from a head pipe, an engine is mounted on the main

frame, a seat frame extends rearwardly from the main frame, and a seat which is mounted above the seat frame is supported on a frame portion of a storing box which is fixed to the seat frame, the seat is configured such that a concave-and-convex portion is formed on a bottom surface of the seat in a state that the concave-and-convex portion extends over the frame portion of the storing boxes, and ribs which are orthogonal to concaves and convexes of the concave-and-convex portion are formed on an upper surface of the concave-and-convex portion.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is, in addition to the constitution of the invention described in claim 1, characterized in that the concave-and-convex portion is arranged in the lateral direction of a vehicle, and the ribs are arranged at intervals smaller than intervals of the concave-and-convex portion.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 3 is, in addition to the constitution of the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the seat forms a tool mounting portion on a bottom surface thereof.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 4 is, in addition to the constitution of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storing box forms a rubber

mount storing portion which stores a rubber mount while restricting the deformation of the rubber mount on a bottom portion thereof, and the storing box is fixed to the seat frame by way of the rubber mount storing portion. [Advantage of the Invention] [0011]
According to the seat structure of the motorcycle described in claim 1, the concave-and-convex portion is formed on a bottom surface of the seat in a state that the concave-and-convex portion extends over the frame portion of the storing boxes, and ribs which are arranged orthogonal to concaves and convexes of the concave-and-convex portion are formed on an upper surface of the concave-and-convex portion and hence, it is possible to obtain the same strength and sitting feeling as the conventional seat structure in which front upper-surface vertical ribs and front upper-surface lateral ribs are formed in a grid array, it is also possible to decrease thicknesses of the bottom plate and the ribs. Additionally, since only one kind of ribs is used, in forming a mold for forming the ribs, it is possible to simplify concave portions of the mold for forming the ribs and hence, a cost necessary for forming the mold can be reduced. [0012]
According to the seat structure of the motorcycle described in claim 2, the ribs are arranged at intervals smaller

than intervals of the concave-and-convex portion which is arranged in the lateral direction of a vehicle and hence, it is possible to make the intrusion of a skin made of polyurethane or the like which is arranged on the seat into the concave portions of the concave-and-convex portion difficult thus maintaining good sitting feeling for a long time. [0013]
According to the seat structure of the motorcycle described in claim 3, a tool mounting portion is formed on a bottom surface of the seat and hence, it is possible to hold the tool such as the hand tool on the bottom surface of the seat. Accordingly, it becomes unnecessary to store the tool into a tool storing space such as a storing box which is provided as a separate body from the seat compared to the conventional seat structure and hence, it is possible to increase a capacity of the storing box. [0014]
According to the seat structure of the motorcycle described in claim 4, the storing box is fixed on the vehicle body in a state that the rubber mount is stored in the rubber mount storing portion which is formed on the bottom portion of the storing box and hence, the deformation of the rubber mount which is deformed depending on a sitting posture of the rider is restricted whereby the rubber mount is not collapsed thus ensuring good sitting feeling by effectively absorbing

vibrations of the engine and the like. [Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention]
[0015]
Hereinafter, a preferable embodiment of a seat structure I of a motorcycle according to the present invention is explained in detail in conjunction with the drawings.
Fig. 1 to Fig. 11 show one embodiment of the present invention, wherein Fig. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle which mounts the seat structure of a motorcycle according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a main stand bracket module of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a perspective view with a part broken away showing an appearance of a periphery of a fuel lid of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1 when the fuel lid is closed. Fig. 5 is a perspective view with a part broken away showing an appearance of the fuel lid shown in Fig. 4 when the fuel lid is opened, Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of an essential part of a surrounding of the seat of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a storing box of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I in Fig. 6, Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the seat of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1 as viewed from an oblique upper portion. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the seat shown in

Fig. 9 as viewed from an oblique lower portion, and Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II in Fig. 9. Here, in the explanation made hereinafter, 'fronf, 'rear", 'right' and "left" are determined in accordance with directions as viewed from a rider who rides the motorcycle.
[0016]
As shown in Fig. 1, a motorcycle 10 is mainly constituted of a main frame 11, a front fork 13 which is mounted on a head pipe 12 formed on a front end portion of the main frame 11, a handle 14 which is joined to an upper portion of the front fork 13, a front wheel 15 which is rotatably mounted on a lower portion of the front fork 13, a power unit 15 which is formed of an engine 17 and a transmission 18 which are mounted on a lower portion of the main frame 11, a swing arm 19 which is rockably mounted on a rear lower portion of the main frame 11, a rear wheel 20 which is rotatably mounted on a rear end of the swing arm 19, a seat frame 21 which is connected to a rear portion of the main frame 11 and extends obliquely in the rearward and upward direction, and a tandem seat 22 which is mounted above the seat frame 21, The motorcycle 10 is a chain-drive-type vehicle which drives the rear wheel 20 with power transmitted from the power unit 16 by way of a chain not shown in the drawing.
[0017]
Further, the motorcycle 10 arranges an air cleaner 23

below a front portion of the main frame 11 and above the engine 17. The motorcycle 10 includes a handle cover 24 which covers a surrounding of the handle 14, a front fender 25 which covers a rear portion of the front wheel 15 from above, a leg shield 2 6 which covers a front portion of the main frame 11, a surrounding of the head pipe 12 and a front side of a rider's leg portion, an under cover 27 which covers the leg shield 26 from below, a side cover 28 which covers a rear portion of the main frame 11 and both side portions of the seat frame 21, and a rear fender 29 which covers a rear portion of the rear wheel 2 0 from above. On a front portion of the handle cover 24, a head lamp 30 which incorporates a front turn signal lamp therein is mounted. On a rear portion of the side cover 28, a stop lamp 31 which incorporates a rear side turn signal lamp therein is mounted. The handle cover 24, the front fender 25, the leg shield 26, the under cover 27, the side cover 28, and the rear fender 29 are formed by molding using a synthetic resin and have a small wall thickness. On a lower portion of the side cover 28 below the tandem seat 22, a fuel lid 32 having a lock which is opened and closed at the time of fuel supply is mounted.
[0018]
The main frame 11 is formed into a hollow I-shape by casting using aluminum alloy, iron or the like, for example as a material. The main frame 11 extends in the rearward and downward direction from the head pipe 12 and a front end portion

of the seat frame 21 is fixed to a rear lower portion of the main frame 11.
[0019]
On the front fork 13, a front shock absorber not shown in the drawing which is constituted of a coil spring and a damper is mounted. On the front wheel 15, a disc rotor 33 of a front disc brake unit not shown in the drawing which imparts a braking force is coaxially mounted.
[0020]
On a right side of the handle 14, a front brake lever not shown in the drawing is mounted and, at the same time, a pair of back mirrors 34 is mounted on both sides of the handle 14.
[0021]
In the power unit 16, the engine 17 is of a water-cooled 4-stroke 2-valve single-cylinder electronic fuel injection type. The transmission 18 is of a forward three-speed V-automatic continuously variable transmission type. The power unit 16 is suspended from and fixed to the main frame 11 by way of brackets 35, 36 which are formed on a center portion and a rear portion of the main frame 11. An exhaust gas from the engine 17 is discharged through the muffler 37 from a right side of the engine 17.
[0022]
In the engine 17, a throttle valve which includes an

injector also not shown in the drawing is mounted on an intake manifold not shown in the drawing of the cylinder head 38. In response to an electric signal (current signal or voltage signal) applied from an engine control unit not shown in the drawing, the injector injects a high pressure fuel into the inside of the intake manifold in response to the degree of opening of a throttle (accelerator). On a rear lower portion of the transmission 18, a main stand bracket module 41 which integrally incorporates a rear brake pedal 39 and a main stand 40 therein is mounted.
[0023]
The swing arm 19 is buffered by a rear shock absorber not shown in the drawing which is constituted of a coil spring and a damper and is arranged between the swing arm 19 and the seat frame 21. A drum-type brake unit not shown in the drawing is incorporated into a rear wheel 20.
[0024]
As shown in Fig. 2, the seat frame 21 is bifurcated from a rear end portion of the main frame 11 and extends in the rearward direction. On both side portions of the tandem seat 22, steps 42 which project in the sideward direction from the transmission 18 are respectively formed.
[0025]
As shown in Fig. 3, the main stand bracket module 41 includes a main stand bracket 42, a rear brake pedal 39, a main

stand 40, and a return spring 43.
[0026]
The main stand bracket 42 is configured such that a pivot pin 45 is fixed to a pair of base plates 44 having a substantially triangular shape. A distance between the pair of base plates 44 is set slightly larger than a width of a lower portion of the transmission 18.
[0027]
The rear brake pedal 39 is rockably assembled to the pivot pin 45 on a right side of the main stand bracket 42, and is biased in the clockwise direction in the drawing by a return spring not shown in the drawing. The rear brake pedal 39 has a preset rotational stroke. When a rider steps in a distal end portion of the rear brake pedal 39 with his/her leg, the rear brake pedal 39 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing against the return spring. Due to such a rotation, a rear brake master cylinder not shown in the drawing is pushed thus operating a drum-type brake unit of the rear wheel 20. When the stepping force of the rider is released form the rear brake pedal 39, the rear brake pedal 39 returns to a predetermined rotational position due to a resilient restoring force which is accumulated in the return spring.
[0028]
The main stand 40 has a U shape, and is configured such that a cylindrical portion 46 which forms an upper portion of

the main stand 40 is rotatably assembled to the pivot pin 45 and the return spring 43 is engaged with a distal end portion of the main stand 40 and the main stand bracket 42. The main stand 40 is arranged substantially vertically with respect to the main stand bracket 42 in an illustrated use state. In a non-use state, also with advancing of the vehicle, the main stand 40 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the main stand bracket 42 against a biasing force of the return spring 43 and is stored on a vehicle body side.
[0029]
The main stand bracket module 41 integrally includes the main stand bracket 42, the rear brake pedal 39, the main stand 40 and the return spring 43 and hence, the main stand bracket module 41 is handled in a sub assembling state and hence, the main stand bracket module 41 is fixed by merely threadedly engaging two pair of bolts 47 which pass through the main stand bracket 42 into the transmission 18. Accordingly, it is possible to largely reduce assembling man-hours and man-hours for parts control or the like compared to a main stand bracket module in which respective parts are separately assembled to each other. Further, the rear brake pedal 39 and the main stand 40 are supported on only one pivot pin 45 and hence, it is possible to simplify the structure of the main stand bracket module 41 compared to the structure of a main stand bracket module in which a rear brake pedal and a main stand are

respectively supported on separate shafts.
[0030]
As shown in Fig. 4, the fuel lid 32 has an L-shaped longitudinal cross-section, and is assembled to an opening portion 48 formed in a lower portion of the side cover 28 below the tandem seat 22. In a state that the rider faces the opening portion 48^ the fuel lid 32 is opened from a left side thereof. The fuel lid 32 includes a lock 49 at a left side thereof in a state that the rider faces the fuel lid 32. The lock 49 is a key cylinder or a knob. When the lock 49 is the key, for example, the lock 49 is released by rotating the key cylinder in the clockwise direction after inserting an engine key into the cylinder, and the lock 49 is locked by rotating the cylinder in the counterclockwise direction after closing the fuel lid 32.
[0031]
As shown in Fig. 5, when the lock 49 is released, the fuel lid 32 is opened by way of a hinge member 50 which is arranged on a back surface of the fuel lid 32 and on a back side of the opening portion 48 on a right side of the opening portion 48 in a state that the rider faces the opening portion 48, Here, as shown in also Fig. 1, a hinge pin 51 of the hinge member 50 is arranged in a state that a lower end portion of the hinge pin 51 is frontwardly displaced with respect to an upper end portion of the hinge pin 51. Accordingly, once the

fuel lid 32 is opened, the fuel lid 32 is always pushed in the rearward direction that the fuel lid 32 is opened due to a dead weight thereof and hence, there exists no possibility that the fuel lid 32 is automatically closed during a fuel supplying operation.
[0032] As shown in Fig. 6, the tandem seat 22 is mounted on an upper side of the storing box 52. The storing box 52 includes front rubber mount storing portions 53 which are formed on a front side of a bottom portion of the storing box 52, center rubber mount storing portions 54 which are formed on a center of the bottom portion of the storing box 52 and rear rubber mount storing portions 55 which are formed on the bottom portion of the storing box 52 close to a rear side of the storing box 52.
[0033]
The pair of front rubber mount storing portions 53 is mounted on the storing box 52 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, and the front rubber mount storing portions 53 are fixed to front seat brackets 59 which are arranged on an upper surface of the fuel tank 58 which is mounted on an inner side of the front end portion of the seat frame 21 by threadedly engaging the bolts 57 into the front rubber mount storing portions 53 by way of rubber mounts 56.
[0034]
The pair of center rubber mount storing portions 54 are

mounted on the storing box 52 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, and is fixed to center brackets 60 which are formed on a center portion of the seat frame 21 by threadedly engaging bolts 57 into the center rubber mount storing portions 54 by way of rubber mounts 56. [0035]
The pair of rear rubber mount storing portions 55 is mounted on the storing box 52 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, and is fixed to rear brackets 61 which are formed on the seat frame 21 close to the rear portion of the seat frame 21 by threadedly engaging the bolts 57 into the rear rubber mount storing portions 55 by way of rubber mounts 56. [0036]
As shown in Fig. 1, the storing box 52 is made of a resin and is formed into a bathtub shape. The storing box 52 supports the tandem seat 22 by an upper end portion 63 of a frame portion 62 which forms an outer periphery of the storing box 52. The tandem seat 22 is opened from either one of left and right sides using a hinge member not shown in the drawing which is mounted on the frame portion 62, and is locked by a locking mechanism also not shown in the drawing after the tandem seat 22 is closed. The storing box 52 has a rear end portion thereof fastened to a rear end portion of the seat frame 21 by bolts 57. [0037]
Next, the detailed structures of the respective rubber

mount storing portions 53, 54, 55 are explained in conjunction with Fig. 8. Here, the center rubber mount storing portions 54 and the rear rubber mount storing portions 55 have the same structure as the front rubber mount storing portions 53 and hence, in this specif ication, the explanation is made only with respect to the front rubber mount storing portions 53.
[0038]
As shown in Fig. 8, the front rubber mount storing portions 53 are formed into a cylindrical shape and project downwardly from a box bottom plate 64 of the storing box 52, and the front rubber mount storing portions 53 have respective center portions thereof connected to each other using a rib 65. The rubber mounts 56 are formed into a cylindrical shape and form slits not shown in the drawing in outer peripheries thereof in the inserting direction of the bolts 57, The rubber mount 56 is stored in the front rubber mount storing portion 53 and has a height which allows a lower portion thereof to slightly project from the front rubber mount storing portion 53.
[0039]
The storing box 52 is fixed to the vehicle body side by allowing the bolts 57 to pass through the inside of the rubber mounts 56 which are stored in the front rubber mount storing portions 53 from the box bottom plate 64 of the storing box 52 and to be threadedly engaged with the front seat brackets

59 which are brought into contact with lower end portions of the rubber mounts 56.
[0040]
Here, when the storing box 52 is inclined in either one of the left and right directions depending on a sitting posture of the rider and the rubber mounts 56 are resiliently deformed, the resilient deformation of the rubber mounts 56 is allowable until the front rubber mount storing portion 53 is brought into contact with the front seat bracket 59. However, after the front rubber mount storing portion 53 is brought into contact with the front seat bracket 59, the resilient deformation of the rubber mounts 56 is restricted and hence, the rubber mounts 56 are resiliently deformed to such a degree that the rubber mount 56 is not excessively collapsed.
[0041]
As shown in Fig. 9, the tandem seat 22 forms a front seat portion 66 on a front side thereof and, at the same time, forms a rear seat portion 67 on a rear side thereof, and the seat bottom plate 68 is covered with a skin 69 from above. The seat bottom plate 68 is made of a relatively hard resin, and the skin 69 is a molded body made of polyurethane or the like having a predetermined thickness.
[0042]
The tandem seat 22 is configured such that, on a surface of the seat bottom plate 68 which corresponds to the front seat

portion 66, a front concave-and-convex portion 7 0 is formed in the longitudinal direction in a state that the front concave-and-convex portion 70 extends over the frame portion 62 of the storing box 52 and;- at the same time, a plurality of ribs 72 is formed in the lateral direction of respective concave portions 71 of the concave-and-convex portion 70 perpendicular to the front concave-and-convex portion 70. An interval LI of the plurality of ribs 72 is set smaller than an interval L2 of the front concave-and-convex portion 70.
[0043]
Further, the tandem seat 22 is configured such that, on a surface of the seat bottom plate 68 which corresponds to the rear seat portion 67, a rear concave-and-convex portion 73 is formed in the lateral direction in a state that the rear concave-and-convex portion 7 3 extends over the frame portion 62 of the storing box 52 and, at the same time, a plurality of ribs 75 are formed in the longitudinal direction of respective concave portions 74 of the concave-and-convex portion 73 perpendicular to the rear concave-and-convex portion 73. An interval L3 of the plurality of ribs 75 is set smaller than an interval L4 of the rear concave-and-convex portion 73. The rear concave-and-convex portion 73 is arranged perpendicular to the concave-and-convex structure of the front concave-and-convex portion 7 0, and the concave-and-convex structure of the rear concave-and-convex

portion 73 is densely formed compared to the concave-and-convex structure of the front concave-and-convex portion 70.
[0044]
As shown in Fig. 10, the tandem seat 22 is configured such that, on a back surface of the seat bottom plate 68 which corresponds to a front seat portion 66, a front concave-and-convex portion 7 6 is formed in the longitudinal direction in a state that the concave-and-convex portion 76 extends over the frame portion 62 of the storing box 52 and, at the same time, a plurality of ribs 78 is formed in the lateral direction of respective concave portions 77 perpendicular to the front concave-and-convex portion 76. An interval L5 of the plurality of ribs 78 is set smaller than an interval L6 of the front concave-and-convex portion 76.
[0045]
Further, the tandem seat 22 is configured such that, on the back surface of the seat bottom plate 68 which corresponds to the rear seat portion 67, a rear concave-and-convex portion 7 9 is formed in the lateral direction in a state that the concave-and-convex portion 7 9 extends over the frame portion 62 of the storing box 52 and, at the same time, a plurality of ribs 81 is formed in the longitudinal direction of respective concave portions 80 perpendicular to the rear concave-and-convex portion 79. An interval L7 of the

plurality of ribs 81 is set smaller than an interval L8 of the rear concave-and-convex portion 79. The rear concave-and-convex portion 79 is arranged perpendicular to the concave-and-convex structure of the front concave-and-convex portion 7 6, and the concave-and-convex structure of the rear concave-and-convex portion 79 is densely formed compared to the concave-and-convex structure of the front concave-and-convex portion 76,
[0046]
Further, the tandem seat 22 is configured such that, between the concave portions 77 of the front concave-and-convex portion 7 6 arranged on the back surface of the seat bottom plate 68 which corresponds to the front seat portion 66, a spanner mounting portion 82 and a driver mounting portion 83 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, and a document mounting portion 84 is arranged on a rear side of the front concave-and-convex portion 76. The spanner mounting portion 82 is formed of a bifurcated hook, and a spanner 85 is detachably mounted on the spanner mounting portion 82, The driver mounting portion 83 is formed of a bifurcated hook similar to the spanner mounting portion 82, and a driver 8 6 is detachably mounted on the driver mounting portion 83. The document mounting portion 84 is formed of hooks which are arranged at end portions of a quadrangular space, and a vehicle-related document 87 such as a vehicle inspection

certificate is detachably mounted on the document mounting
portion 84.
[0047]
AS shown in Fig. n, assume that a load directed downwardly is applied to the front seat portion 66 of the tande. seat 22 along with sitting of a rider not shown in the drawing on the front seat portion 66 of the skin 69 of the tandem seat 22. In the seat bottom plate 68, a stress is generated in the direction which narrows the interval between the concave portions 71 of the front concave-and-convex portion 70 on a front surface of the tandem seat 22 and in the direction which widens the interval between the concave portions 77 of the front concave-and-convex portion 76 on a back surface of the tandem seat 22. However, the concave portions 71 of the front concave-and-convex portion 70 on the front surface of the tandem seat 22 are connected to each other by the ribs 72 and, at the same time, the concave portions 77 of the front concave-and-convex portion 7 6 on the back surface of the tandem seat 22 are connected to each other by the ribs 78 and hence, the stress is dispersed whereby there is no possibility that the seat bottom plate 68 is largely deflected.
[0048]
further, when a load directed downwardly is applied to

67 of the skin 69 of the tandem seat 22, in the seat bottom plate 58, a stress is generated in the direction which narrows intervals between the concave portions 74 of the rear concave-and"Convex portion 73 on the front surface of the tandem seat 22 and in the direction which widens intervals between the concave portions 80 of the rear concave-and-convex portion 79 on the back surface of the tandem seat 22. However, the concave portions 74 of the rear concave-and-convex portion 73 on the front surface of the tandem seat 22 are connected to each other by the ribs 75 and, at the same time, the concave portions 80 of the rear concave-and-convex portion 79 on the back surface of the tandem seat 22 are connected to each other by the ribs 81 and hence, the stress is dispersed whereby there is no possibility that the seat bottom plate 68 is largely deflected.
[0049]
Further, on the front surface of the seat bottom plate 68, the concave-and-convex structure of the front concave-and-convex portion 70 is arranged perpendicular to the rear concave-and-convex portion 73 and, at the same time, on the back surface of the seat bottom plate 68, the concave-and-convex structure of the front concave-and-convex portion 7 6 is arranged perpendicular to the rear concave-and-convex portion 79 and hence, when the rider and a pillion simultaneously sit on the front and rear sides of

the tandem seat 22, that is, when a full load is applied to the tandem seat 22, the deflecting directions of the front concave-and-convex portion 70 and the rear concave-and-convex portion 73 become orthogonal to each other. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the seat bottom plate 68 is easily deflected.
[0050]
In the seat structure of the motorcycle 10 explained heretofore, on the seat bottom plate 68 of the tandem seat 22, the front concave-and-convex portions 70, 7 6 and the rear concave-and-convex portions 73, 79 are formed in a state that the concave-and-convex portions 70, 76, 73, 79 extend over the frame portion 62 of the storing box 52, and on the upper surfaces of the front concave-and-convex portions 70, 76 and the rear concave-and-convex portions 73, 79, the ribs 72, 78, 75, 81 which are orthogonal to concaves and convexes of the front concave-and-convex portions 70, 76 and the rear concave-and-convex portions 73, 79 are formed. Accordingly, while it is possible to obtain the same strength and sitting feeling as the conventional seat structure in which front upper-surface vertical ribs and front upper-surface lateral ribs are formed in a grid array, it is also possible to decrease thicknesses of the seat bottom plate 68 and the ribs 72, 78, 75, 81. Additionally, since only one kind of ribs 72, 78, 75, 81 is used, in forming a mold, it is possible to simplify concave

portions of the mold for forming the ribs and hence, a cost necessary for forming the mold can be reduced.
[0051]
Further, in the above-mentioned seat structure of the motorcycle 10, the ribs 72, 78 are arranged at intervals smaller than the intervals of the front concave-and-convex portion 70 and the rear concave-and-convex portion 73 which are arranged in the lateral direction of the vehicle and hence, it is possible to make the intrusion of the skin 69 which is arranged on the upper portion the tandem seat 22 into the concave portions 71, 74 of the front concave-and-convex portion 70 and the rear concave-and-convex portion 73 difficult thus maintaining good sitting feeling for a long time.
[0052]
Further, in the above-mentioned seat structure of the motorcycle 10, the spanner mounting portion 82 and the driver mounting portion 83 are mounted on the back surface of the seat bottom plate 68 of the tandem seat 22 and hence, it is possible to hold the tool such as the hand tool on the bottom surface of the tandem seat 22. Accordingly, it becomes unnecessary to store the tool into a tool storing space such as a storing box which is provided as a separate body from the seat compared to the conventional seat structure and hence, it is possible to increase a capacity of the storing box 52.
[0053]

Further, in the above-mentioned seat structure of the motorcycle 10, the storing box 52 is fixed to the vehicle body in a state that the rubber mounts 56 are respectively stored in the front rubber mount storing portion 53, the center rubber mount storing portion 54 and the rear rubber mount storing portion 55 which are arranged on the box bottom plate 64 of the storing box 52 . Accordingly, the deformation of the rubber mounts 56 which are deformed depending on the sitting posture of the rider is restricted and hence, the rubber mounts 56 are not collapsed whereby it is possible to ensure good sitting feeling by effectively absorbing vibrations of the engine and the like. [Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0054]
[Fig. 1] A side view of a motorcycle which mounts the seat structure of a motorcycle according to the present invention thereon.
[Fig. 2] A plan view of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3] A perspective view showing an appearance of a main stand bracket module of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 4] A perspective view with a part brolcen away showing an appearance of a periphery of a fuel lid of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1 when the fuel lid is closed.
[Fig. 5] A perspective view with a part brolcen away showing an appearance of the fuel lid shown in Fig. 4 when the

fuel lid is opened.
[Fig. 6] An enlarged view of an essential part of a surrounding of the seat of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 7] A perspective view showing an appearance of a storing box of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1,
[Fig. 8] A cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I in Fig. 6.
[Fig. 9] A perspective view showing an appearance of the seat of the motorcycle shown in Fig. 1 as viewed from an oblique upper portion.
[Fig. 10] A perspective view showing an appearance of the seat shown in Fig. 9 as viewed from an oblique lower portion.
[Fig. 11] A cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II in Fig. 9. [Description of Reference Numerals and Signs]
[0055] 10: motorcycle (vehicle) 11: main frame 12; head pipe 17: engine 21: seat frame 22: tandem seat (seat) 52: storing box
53: front rubber mount storing portion (rubber mount storing 5 portion)

54: center rubber mount storing portion (rubber mount storing
portion)
55: rear rubber mount storing portion (rubber mount storing
portion)
56: rubber mount
62: frame portion
64: box bottom plate (bottom portion)
68: seat bottom plate (bottom surface)
70: front concave-and-convex portion (concaves and convexes)
72: rib
73: rear concave-and-convex portion (concaves and convexes)
75: rib
76: front concave-and-convex portion (concaves and convexes)
78: rib
79: rear concave-and-convex portion (concaves and convexes)
81: rib
82: spanner mounting portion (tool mounting portion)
83: driver mounting portion (tool mounting portion)
84: document mounting portion (tool mounting portion)










[Designation of Document] Claims
[Claim 1]
A seat structure of a motorcycle (10) in which a main frame (11) extends rearwardly from a head pipe (12) , an engine
(17) is mounted on the main frame (11), a seat frame (21) extends rearwardly from the main frame (11), and a seat (22) which is mounted above the seat frame (21) is supported on a frame portion (62) of a storing box (52) which is fixed to the seat frame (21), characterized in that
the seat (22) is configured such that a concave-and-convex portion (70, 73, 76, 79) is formed on a bottom surface (68) of the seat (22) in a state that the concave-and-convex portion (70, 73, 76, 79) extends over the frame portion (62) of the storing box (52), and ribs (72, 75, 78, 81) which are orthogonal to concaves and convexes of the concave-and-convex portion (70, 73, 76, 79) are formed on an upper surface of the concave-and-convex portion (70, 73, 76, 79) .
[Claim 2]
A seat structure of a motorcycle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the concave-and-convex portion (70, 73, 76, 79) is arranged in the lateral direction of a vehicle, and the ribs (72, 75, 78, 81) are arranged at intervals smaller than intervals of the concave-and-convex portion (70, 73, 76, 79) .

[Claim 3]
A seat structure of a motorcycle (10) according to claim
1 or claim 2, characterized in that the seat (22) forms a tool mounting portion (82, 83, 84) on a bottom surface thereof.
[Claim 4]
A seat structure of a motorcycle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storing box
(52) forms a rubber mount storing portion (53, 54, 55) which stores a rubber mount (56) while restricting the deformation of the rubber mount (56) on a bottom portion (64) thereof, and the storing box (52) is fixed to the seat frame (21) by way of the rubber mount storing portion (53, 54, 55).


Documents:

1898-che-2007 amended claims 27-12-2010.pdf

1898-che-2007 other patent document 27-12-2010.pdf

1898-che-2007 examination report reply received 27-12-2010.pdf

1898-che-2007 form-3 27-12-2010.pdf

1898-che-2007-abstract.pdf

1898-che-2007-claims.pdf

1898-che-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf

1898-che-2007-description(complete).pdf

1898-che-2007-drawings.pdf

1898-che-2007-form 1.pdf

1898-che-2007-form 18.pdf

1898-che-2007-form 26.pdf

1898-che-2007-form 3.pdf

1898-che-2007-form 5.pdf

1898-che-2007-other documents.pdf

abs-1898-che-2007.jpg


Patent Number 246731
Indian Patent Application Number 1898/CHE/2007
PG Journal Number 11/2011
Publication Date 18-Mar-2011
Grant Date 14-Mar-2011
Date of Filing 24-Aug-2007
Name of Patentee HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Applicant Address 1-1, MINAMI-AOYAMA 2-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO 107-8556, JAPAN.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 NAKANISHI, TAKAFUMI C/O HONDA R&D CO, LTD., 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193, JAPAN.
2 YAMAGUCHI, MASAAKI C/O HONDA R&D CO, LTD., 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193, JAPAN.
PCT International Classification Number B62J 1/12
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2006-233632 2006-08-30 Japan