Storage box structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a storage box structure for a motorcycle, wherein the inner box (26) comprises: a box body (27) having an opening (27a) that opens upward; and a cover (28) that can be opened and closed to cover the opening (27a). The cover (28) comprises: a cover body (31) that is configured to close the opening (27a) from above; and a hinge (32) that supports the cover body (31) as rotatable about a hinge axis (33) in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle. The hinge (32) comprises a hinge arm (34) between the cover body (31) and the hinge axis (33). The hinge arm (34) is configured as a whole in the forward and backward direction of the box along the axial direction of the hinge axis (33) at a position further forward than the opening (27a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to storage box structures. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been increasingly active to provide access to sustainable transportation systems that also take into account vulnerable members of the transportation population. To achieve this goal, research and development is focused on further improving the safety and convenience of transportation through developments related to the organization of belongings.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 4537945 discloses a structure in which the cover of the storage compartment of a motorcycle-type vehicle opens outward in the width direction of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the aforementioned existing technology, the hinge supporting the cover is adjacent to the outer side of the housing in the vehicle width direction, leaving room for improvement in terms of expanding the actual storage space.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to expand the substantial storage space in the storage compartment structure of a motorcycle-type vehicle. Furthermore, this invention contributes to the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention is a storage box structure for a motorcycle, wherein a leg guard is provided in front of the footrest for the driver, and an item storage section for taking out / putting in items is provided on at least one side of the leg guard in the vehicle width direction, wherein the item storage section comprises: a box body having a box opening that opens upwards; and a cover that can be opened and closed to cover the box opening, the cover comprising: a cover body disposed above the box opening to close the box opening; and a hinge that supports the cover body for rotation about a hinge axis in the vehicle front-rear direction, the hinge comprising a hinge arm between the cover body and the hinge axis, the hinge arm being disposed overall in the box front-rear direction along the axial direction of the hinge axis at a position further forward than the box opening.

[0007] According to this structure, the hinge arm supporting the lid body that opens and closes the case opening is positioned forward, avoiding the case opening along the hinge axis (front-to-back direction). This prevents the hinge arm from extending into the case opening, maximizing the use of the opening for storing items. For example, with the lid open, it can accommodate items such as PET bottles whose height exceeds the depth of the case body. By offsetting the hinge arm towards the front of the shin guards, the case opening and storage space on the occupant side behind the shin guards are ensured, improving convenience.

[0008] The second aspect of the present invention, based on the first aspect described above, may also include a recessed portion formed on the rear surface side of the leg guard and above the box opening, facing the front of the vehicle. The recessed portion includes: an upper surface portion on which the box opening is disposed; and an extension portion extending rearward and upward above the upper surface portion.

[0009] Based on this structure, the box opening can be easily reached from the upper rear of the recess (on the passenger side), and the protrusion can be used as the eaves of the box opening, which can prevent water and foreign objects from seeping into the storage area.

[0010] The third embodiment of the present invention, based on the first or second embodiment described above, may also involve the hinge shaft being disposed outside the vehicle width direction of the box opening, and the cover body opening outward in the vehicle width direction of the box opening.

[0011] According to this structure, compared with a structure in which the cover body opens to the front or rear of the vehicle in the forward or backward direction, the open cover body does not obstruct access to the box opening through the recess, thus ensuring the convenience of the item storage section.

[0012] The fourth embodiment of the present invention can be based on any of the first to third embodiments described above, wherein the outer side of the cover body in the vehicle width direction is wider than the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the front-rear direction, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction extends further forward in the front-rear direction than the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The hinge arm is installed at the front part of the outer side of the cover body in the vehicle width direction (at a position further forward than the front-rear center position).

[0013] According to this structure, by installing a hinge arm at the front part (outer and front corner in the vehicle width direction) of the outer side extending towards the front of the cover body, the hinge arm can be separated from the passenger side and configured to ensure the occupant side's storage space.

[0014] The fifth aspect of the present invention can be based on any of the first to fourth aspects described above, wherein the main body of the box is in the shape of a container with depth in the vertical direction, and the box opening is formed on the upper end face, wherein the normal direction of the upper end face points to the rear and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0015] According to this structure, since the upper surface (box opening) of the box body, which has depth in the vertical direction, points to the rear and outward in the width direction, it is easy to reach the box opening with the hand on the same side as the item storage section, which can improve convenience.

[0016] The sixth embodiment of the present invention, based on any of the first to fifth embodiments described above, may also be that the edge of the box opening and the edge 34e of the hinge arm are adjacent to each other and substantially parallel.

[0017] According to this structure, by bringing the edge of the case opening close to the edge of the hinge arm, the opening area of ​​the case opening can be ensured while simultaneously achieving miniaturization of the entire storage section, including the hinge. This structure is suitable for motorcycles with limited space for mounting components. The term "adjacent" as used above indicates, for example, that the structures of the objects are close to each other without being separated by other components (or they may not be touching). The term "substantially parallel" as used above indicates, for example, that the imaginary extensions of adjacent structures do not intersect each other throughout the entire width of the storage section.

[0018] The seventh embodiment of the present invention can also be based on any of the first to sixth embodiments described above, wherein the hinge arm is made of metal.

[0019] According to this structure, even in a structure where the hinge arm is offset towards the front of the leg guard, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the hinge arm and stably support the cover.

[0020] According to the solution of the present invention, the actual storage space can be expanded in the storage box structure of the motorcycle-type vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a right-side view of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the upper part of the shin guards of the aforementioned motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a left-side view of the inner perimeter of the upper left side of the aforementioned shin guard.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the perimeter of the aforementioned inner box.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the area around the opening of the inner box mentioned above.

[0026] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the perimeter of the box opening when viewed from the depth direction of the inner box.

[0027] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the closed state of the lid when viewed from the depth direction of the inner box.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the cross-section of the aforementioned cover, including the area around the hinge. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the orientations (front, back, left, right, etc.) in the following description are the same as those in the vehicle described below. Furthermore, arrows indicating the front of the vehicle (FR), the left side of the vehicle (LH), the top of the vehicle (UP), and the center lines on the left and right sides of the vehicle (CL) are shown in appropriate locations in the figures used in the following description.

[0030] <Vehicle as a whole>

[0031] exist Figure 1 The image shows a small motorcycle-type motorized two-wheeler 1 as an example of a straddle-type vehicle. The motorized two-wheeler 1 has a front wheel 3 as a steering wheel and a rear wheel 4 as a drive wheel. The front wheel 3 is supported by a front fork 3a and can be turned (steering) by the handlebars 2.

[0032] The rear wheel 4 is supported by a swing-type power unit 8 and can be driven by the power unit 8. In the figure, symbol 2a represents the handlebars on the left and right sides of the handlebar 2, symbol 2b represents the handlebar cover covering the area around the handlebar 2 except for the left and right handlebars 2a, and symbol 4a represents the rear shock absorber.

[0033] The steering system components, including the handlebars 2, front fork 3a, and front wheel 3, are steerably supported on the head tube 21a at the front end of the frame 21. The front part of the power unit 8 is sway-mounted and supported on the lower part of the frame 21.

[0034] The frame 21 includes a head tube 21a, a lower frame 21b extending rearward and downward from the head tube 21a, a lower frame 21c extending rearward from the lower part of the lower frame 21b, and a rear frame 21d extending rearward and upward from the rear part of the lower frame 21c.

[0035] A footrest 6 (footrest section) is provided between the front wheel 3 and the rear wheel 4 for the driver to place their feet. A front body 14 is located in front of the footrest 6. A rear body 15 is located behind the footrest 6. The space K1 above the footrest 6 between the front body 14 and the rear body 15 serves as the straddle space K1 for the driver when straddling the vehicle. A handlebar 2 is positioned above the front body 14. A seat 5 for the passenger is supported above the rear body 15. A foldable side rack (not shown) is located on the lower left side of the footrest 6, which supports the vehicle in an upright position tilted to the left.

[0036] The power unit 8 includes, for example, an engine 8a that is an internal combustion engine and a transmission device (e.g., a belt-driven continuously variable transmission, not shown) that transmits the driving force generated by the engine 8a to the rear wheels 4. The transmission device is, for example, located on the left side of the vehicle body. The structure of the power unit 8 varies; for example, it may include an electric motor in the drive source.

[0037] The frame 21 of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is surrounded by a body cover 11. The body cover 11 includes a front cover 11a covering the front of the frame 21 from the front, an inner cover 11b covering the front of the frame 21 from the rear, a bottom cover 11c covering the lower part of the frame 21 from above, and a rear body cover 11d covering the rear of the frame 21 from the front and sides. The front cover 11a and the inner cover 11b constitute a front body cover 16 forming the outer surface of the front body 14. The front body cover 16 constitutes a leg guard 16A covering the front of the driver's legs. The upper surface of the bottom cover 11c constitutes a footrest 6. The footrest 6, for example, forms a flat upper surface (footrest) across the entire width in the vehicle width direction. The footrest 6 may also have an upwardly bulging central channel on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The rear body cover 11d forms the outer surface of the rear body 15. The body cover 11, except for the handlebar cover 2b, is directly or indirectly fixed to the frame 21.

[0038] <Shin guard component configuration>

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 On the right side of the rear side (passenger side, inner cover 11b side) of the leg guard 16A, there is a main switch unit 29 including an ignition switch and various lock locks, and a terminal socket 29d having at least one of power supply function and communication function and allowing the connection terminal of external equipment to be inserted / disconnected.

[0040] The shin guards 16A are equipped with left and right inner compartments 26 and 36 on the left and right sides of the rear side of the vehicle, respectively, for storing items. Hooks 16c are provided on the left and right sides of the rear side of the shin guards 16A.

[0041] The inner box 26 (item storage section) on the left side of the vehicle body does not have a protruding shape like the pedestal section 19a described later above the upper opening (hereinafter referred to as the box opening 27a). Therefore, the box opening 27a can be opened and closed by the cover 28. Figure 2 The cover 28 rotates in the width direction (laterally) of the box opening 27a around the hinge axis 33, which extends in the front-rear direction on the outer side of the box opening 27a in the width direction. Figure 2 The cover 28 shows the box with the opening 27a open. Line 33a in the figure represents the central axis of the hinge axis 33.

[0042] The main switch unit 29 and terminal socket 29d are located above the upper opening (hereinafter referred to as the box opening 37a) of the inner box 36 on the right side of the vehicle body, so the pedestal portion 19a extends above the box opening 37a. Therefore, the inner box 36 on the right side of the vehicle body does not have a cover, and is in a form that keeps the box opening 37a always open.

[0043] <Recessed part of shin guard>

[0044] Reference Figures 1-3 On the left and right sides of the rear surface side (rear side of the vehicle, passenger side) of the leg guard 16A, there are V-shaped recesses 17 that bulge forward when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The recesses 17 have a flat upper surface portion 18 facing upward and an extension portion 19 extending rearward and upward above the upper surface portion 18.

[0045] The upper surface 18 on the left side of the vehicle is flat, including the closed cover 28 in the inner box 26. The upper surface 18 on the right side of the vehicle remains in a frame shape around the always open box opening 27a in the inner box 36.

[0046] The upper surface portion 18 is arranged along a reference plane that is inclined from the front to the rear when viewed from the side, and is inclined from the rear to the outside in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front to the rear.

[0047] The upper surface portion 18 includes: a straight outer edge portion 18a extending obliquely outward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right respective compartment openings 27a and 37a, with the front higher than the rear; a straight rear edge portion 18b extending obliquely downward from the rear of the left and right respective compartment openings 27a and 37a, with the rear edge portion 18b extending obliquely towards the outer side in the vehicle width direction; and an arcuate edge portion 18c extending between the front end of the outer edge portion 18a and the inner end of the rear edge portion 18b in the vehicle width direction from the front of the left and right respective compartment openings 27a and 37a. The arcuate edge portion 18c is curved inward in the vehicle width direction and protrudes forward.

[0048] Each of the left and right extensions 19 extends upward from the arcuate edge 18c of the upper surface portion 18 and curves outward in a concave (spherical) shape in the width direction. When viewed from above, the extensions 19 are arranged to overlap with the upper surface portion 18 (including the box openings 27a and 37a).

[0049] The left-side extension 19 of the vehicle is formed into a concave shape (spherical) that faces forward and is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. The right-side extension 19 of the vehicle is formed based on a concave shape that is symmetrical to the left-side extension 19. Unlike the left-side extension 19, a base portion 19a is formed protruding inward in the vehicle width direction of the right-side extension 19. The operating part of the main switch unit 29 (main switch knob 29a and on operation switch 29b) is arranged at the rear end of the base portion 19a. A terminal connection port 29e of the terminal socket 29d is arranged on the lower side of the base portion 19a.

[0050] <Inner Box Structure>

[0051] The following description pertains to the inner compartment 26 on the left side of the vehicle (the inner compartment 26 with a cover 28). With the inner compartment 36 on the right side of the vehicle having a cover, the following structure can be used as a symmetrical structure on both sides of the vehicle body.

[0052] Reference Figures 2-5 The inner compartment 26 includes: a main body 27 for taking out / placing items through a compartment opening 27a that opens towards the top of the vehicle; and a cover 28 that can be opened and closed to cover the compartment opening 27a. The main body 27 is supported on the inside of the leg guard plate 16A below the upper surface portion 18 of the recess 17. The cover 28 is disposed on the upper surface portion 18 of the recess 17. Figures 2-5 The lid 28 shows the box opening 27a in the open state.

[0053] The main body 27 is separately disposed from the front cover 11a and inner cover 11b that constitute the leg guard 16A. The main body 27 forms a storage space K2 for the inner box 26 below the box opening 27a. The main body 27 is shaped like a bottomed container with an open top, and its depth increases linearly downwards (towards the bottom). Items can be removed from / placed into the storage space K2 through the box opening 27a. Arrow D in the figure indicates the depth direction of the main body 27. The depth direction D is orthogonal to the axis of the hinge axis 33.

[0054] The main body 27 includes: an outer wall portion 27b extending downward from near the outer edge portion 18a; an inner wall portion 27c extending downward from the inner side of the arc-shaped edge portion 18c in the vehicle width direction; a rear wall portion 27d extending downward from near the rear edge portion 18b; and a front wall portion 27e between the front end of the outer wall portion 27b and the front end of the inner wall portion 27c.

[0055] The upper edge of the outer wall portion 27b is formed along the outer edge portion 18a of the upper surface portion 18.

[0056] The upper edge of the inner wall portion 27c is formed along the range inside the arcuate edge portion 18c of the upper surface portion 18 in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] The upper edge of the rear wall portion 27d is formed along the rear edge portion 18b of the upper surface portion 18.

[0058] The upper edge of the anterior wall portion 27e is formed along the rear end edge of the triangular region R1, which will be described later.

[0059] The compartment opening 27a is protected from external interference such as water spray from above by the extension 19, which forms an eave. Because the extension 19 is sloping with a lower front and a higher rear, the compartment opening 27a is easily visible when viewed from the passenger position.

[0060] The recess 17 forms an open space K3 above the inner box 26. The recess 17 forms an open space K3 that opens rearward and outward in the vehicle width direction above the box opening 27a. The open space K3 communicates with the storage space K2 inside the inner box 26 through the box opening 27a. By utilizing the open space K3 as a second storage space connected above the storage space K2, it is possible to accommodate items with a height greater than the depth of the storage space K2 of the box body 27 (e.g., items with a height greater than the depth of the storage space K2 of the box body 27). Figure 4 The PET bottle shown is P, etc.

[0061] In the recess 17 on the right side of the vehicle body, the pedestal portion 19a extends downward from the extension portion 19, thus limiting the size of items that can be stored using the open space K3. In the recess 17 on the left side of the vehicle body, there is no structure that extends downward from the extension portion 19. As long as the cover 28 is open, tall items can be stored in the inner box 26 using the open space K3.

[0062] The cover 28 opens and closes over a range larger than the box opening 27a. The cover 28 is integrally formed including a flat portion 31a and a downward-hanging portion 31b. The flat portion 31a forms most of the upper surface portion 18 except for its peripheral portion, and the downward-hanging portion 31b extends downward from the rear edge portion 18b of the upper surface portion 18 with a fixed width. A displacement portion 18d is formed below the outer periphery of the cover 28, recessed towards the inner cover 11b, so that the outer periphery of the cover 28 is inserted. A flange portion 27f extending towards the box opening 27a in the box body 27 is disposed in the displacement portion 18d. An arm clearance portion 18e is formed in the displacement portion 18d at a position outside and in front of the box opening 27a in the vehicle width direction, for the hinge arm 34 (described later) to enter and exit. The arm clearance portion 18e is a recess (recess) formed on the upper surface side of the box body 27, and the hinge arm 34 is located within this arm clearance portion 18e.

[0063] The cover 28 includes: a cover body 31 configured to close the box opening 27a from above; and a hinge 32 supporting the cover body 31 so that it can rotate.

[0064] The box opening 27a opens upward below the protrusion 19 of the recess 17 of the leg guard 16A (inner cover 11b). The recess 17 forms an open space K3 below the protrusion 19 and above the box opening 27a.

[0065] The upper surface of the main body 27 forming the opening 27a is inclined in a manner that points rearward in the normal direction and outward in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface of the main body 27 is substantially parallel to the upper surface portion 18 of the recess 17. By forming the opening 27a on this upper surface, the occupant can easily take out / put in items with the hand on the same side as the inner compartment 26.

[0066] The cover body 31 is opened and closed by a hinge 32 located on the outside and in front of the box opening 27a in the vehicle width direction. The hinge 32 supports the cover body 31 on at least one of the box body 27 and the leg guard plate 16A. The hinge 32 has a rotation axis (hinge axis) 33 extending in the front-rear direction and a hinge arm 34 between the hinge axis 33 and the cover body 31.

[0067] Refer to together Figure 6 When viewing the box body 27 from the depth direction D, the hinge arm 34 is positioned slightly forward from the center position CL2 of the entire width H1 of the box body 27 in the front-rear direction (hinge axis). The imaginary extension of the central axis 33a of the hinge shaft 33 is substantially parallel to the outer edge 27b1 (upper edge of the outer wall portion 27b) of the box opening 27a. The hinge shaft 33 extends rearward from the front edge 27e1 (upper edge of the front wall portion 27e) of the box opening 27a and terminates in front of the rear edge 27d1 (upper edge of the rear wall portion 27d) of the box opening 27a, thereby shortening its axial length. The hinge shaft 33 is positioned below the upper surface of the box (upper surface portion 18 of the recess 17), and the portion where it engages with the hinge arm 34 is located within the arm clearance portion 18e.

[0068] The closed lid 28 (lid body 31) has an overall shape that overlaps with the box opening 27a. The central position CL2 is also the central position along the hinge axis when viewing the closed lid 28 (lid body 31) from the depth direction D. In the lid body 31, the outer side in the vehicle width direction extends forward more than the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction is wider in the front and rear directions than the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is easy to install the hinge arm 34 on the front side of the lid body 31.

[0069] The rear end edge 27d1 of the box opening 27a extends obliquely inward and rearward in the vehicle width direction. The inner edge 27c1 (the upper edge of the inner wall portion 27c) of the box opening 27a extends forward from the inner end of the rear end edge 27d1 in the vehicle width direction and simultaneously bends outward in the vehicle width direction, then extends upward and obliquely outward in the vehicle width direction. The outer edge 27b1 of the box opening 27a extends forward substantially parallel to the hinge axis 33 from the outer end of the rear end edge 27d1 in the vehicle width direction. A bend 27h is provided between the front end edge 27e1 and the inner edge 27c1 of the box opening 27a.

[0070] Reference Figures 2-5 The hinge pin 33 is close to the outer wall portion 27b of the box body 27 in the left-right direction. The hinge pin 33 is positioned at the same vertical height as the box opening 27a (the upper end of the box body 27).

[0071] When the lid 28 (lid body 31) is positioned along the upper surface portion 18, it is in a closed state (fully closed state) that completely closes the box opening 27a. The position of the lid body 31 at this time is taken as the closed position.

[0072] The cover 28 (cover body 31) rotates such that its inner side (front end 28a side) in the vehicle width direction moves upward and its outer side moves outward in the vehicle width direction when it is closed, thereby opening the box opening 27a. The cover body 31 rotates about the hinge axis 33 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (base end 28b side) when it is closed.

[0073] When the box opening 27a is fully open, the cover 28 (cover body 31) stands substantially vertically at a position outside the width direction of the box opening 27a. The position of the cover body 31 at this time is taken as the open position.

[0074] When the lid 28 is in the open position, as viewed from the depth direction D, the lid body 31 is positioned such that it is located further outward in the width direction than the opening 27a. The open lid 28 (lid body 31) does not obstruct the removal / placement of items into the box body 27 along the depth direction. By keeping the lid 28 open, it is possible to store items such as PET bottles that are taller than the depth of the box body 27.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 When viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the open cover 28 (cover body 31) is positioned such that it extends along the outermost edge 16b of the shin guard 16A in the vehicle width direction. When viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the open cover 28 (cover body 31) is positioned such that the outer surface (upper surface) of the upper surface portion 18 forming the recess 17 extends along the outermost edge 16b of the shin guard 16A in the vehicle width direction. When viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the open cover 28 (cover body 31) is positioned such that it overlaps with the outermost edge 16b of the shin guard 16A in the vehicle width direction within the area between its upper and lower ends.

[0076] Reference Figure 6 When the box body 27 is viewed from the depth direction D, a substantially triangular region (triangular region) R1 is formed at the outer and front corner of the displacement portion 18d in the vehicle width direction. This region is sandwiched between two acute-angled outer edges. An arm clearance portion 18e is formed in the triangular region R1 to allow the hinge arm 34 to move in and out with the opening and closing of the cover 28.

[0077] When viewed from the depth direction D, a locking mechanism 28g is provided at the corner of the displacement portion 18d, inside and rearward in the vehicle width direction, at a position sandwiched between two acute-angled outer edges. This locking mechanism 28g is provided by a locking pin 31d (see reference) protruding from the back of the cover body 31. Figure 5The cover 28 can be locked in the closed state by engaging / disengaging.

[0078] Reference Figures 2-5 The hinge 32 has a hinge arm 34 that connects to the rear side (lower surface side in the closed state) of the cover body 31. The hinge arm 34 is located at a central position CL2 in the front-rear direction relative to the cover body 31 and the box body 27 (see reference). Figure 6 The hinge arm 34 is positioned solely on the front side. When viewed along the hinge axis 33 (viewed from the hinge axis), the hinge arm 34 is bent. In the open state of the cover 28, the hinge arm 34 is bent and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, extending from the hinge axis 33 towards the rear side of the cover body 31 to support the upright state of the cover body 31. In the closed state of the cover 28, the hinge arm 34 is retracted into the arm clearance portion 18e of the box body 27.

[0079] Reference Figures 4-6 The hinge arm 34 is made of a strip of steel plate that extends in width along the direction of the hinge axis 33, and is integrated with the hinge axis 33, which is made of a round bar of steel, by welding or the like. The hinge arm 34 can also engage with the hinge axis 33 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the hinge axis.

[0080] Figure 6 In the diagram, symbol 34e represents the lower rear edge on one side of the bandwidth direction of hinge arm 34, and symbol 34f represents the upper front edge on the other side of the bandwidth direction of hinge arm 34. The lower rear edge 34e of hinge arm 34 is substantially parallel to the front front edge 27e1 of box opening 27a and is adjacent to the front front edge 27e1 in the front-rear direction. By bringing the lower rear edge 34e of hinge arm 34 close to the front front edge 27e1 of box opening 27a, the opening area of ​​box opening 27a is expanded, and the overall front-rear length of inner box 26, including hinge 32, is suppressed.

[0081] The hinge arm 34 has a bent portion 34a that is bent when viewed in the hinge axis and a flat portion (front end portion) 34b that extends from the front end of the bent portion 34a along the lower surface of the cover body 31.

[0082] The bent portion 34a forms a downward-protruding V-shape when the cover 28 is closed. In the figure, symbol 34a1 represents the first bend in the middle of the length direction of the bent portion 34a; symbol 34a2 represents the second bend between the bent portion 34a and the flat portion 34b; symbol 34a3 represents the first plate portion between the hinge shaft 33 and the first bend portion 34a1; and symbol 34a4 represents the second plate portion between the first bend portion 34a1 and the second bend portion 34a2. When the cover 28 is open, the first plate portion 34a3 of the hinge arm 34 abuts against the outer edge portion 18a of the upper surface portion 18, thereby positioning the cover 28 in the open state.

[0083] The flat portion 34b is fastened to a fastening boss 31c that protrudes from the back of the cover body 31. The flat portion 34b has a bolt insertion hole 34c through which the fastening bolt B1 passes and an anti-rotation hole 34d for engaging with an anti-rotation protrusion that protrudes from the end face of the fastening boss 31c.

[0084] The front end of the flat portion 34b has an inclined portion 34b1, which is obtained by cutting at an angle according to the shape of the cover body 31 (along the arcuate edge 18c).

[0085] As described above, in the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 in the above embodiment, a leg guard 16A is arranged in front of the footrest 6 for the driver to place his feet. An inner box 26 for taking out / putting in items is provided on at least one side of the leg guard 16A in the vehicle width direction. The inner box 26 includes: a box body 27 having a box opening 27a that opens upward; and a cover 28 that can be opened and closed to cover the box opening 27a. The cover 28 includes: a cover body 31 that is arranged to close the box opening 27a from above and opposite to the box opening 27a; and a hinge 32 that supports the cover body 31 as a rotatable hinge axis 33 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The hinge 32 has a hinge arm 34 between the cover body 31 and the hinge axis 33. The hinge arm 34 is arranged as a whole in the front-rear direction along the axis of the hinge axis 33 at a position further forward than the box opening 27a.

[0086] According to this structure, the hinge arm 34, which supports the lid body 31 of the opening 27a, is positioned forward and away from the opening 27a in the axial direction (front-to-back direction) of the hinge axis 33. This prevents the hinge arm 34 from extending into the opening 27a, maximizing the use of the opening 27a for storing items. For example, with the lid 28 open, it is possible to store a PET bottle P, whose height is greater than the depth of the box body 27. By offsetting the hinge arm 34 towards the front of the leg guard 16A, the opening 27a and storage space K2 on the occupant side behind the leg guard 16A are ensured, improving convenience.

[0087] In the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 described above, a recess 17 is formed on the rear surface side of the leg guard 16A and above the box opening 27a, facing the front side of the vehicle. The recess 17 includes: an upper surface portion 18 on which the box opening 27a is disposed; and an extension portion 19 extending rearward and upward above the upper surface portion 18.

[0088] Based on this structure, the box opening 27a can be easily reached from the upper rear (occupant side) of the recess 17, and the protrusion 19 can be used as the eaves of the box opening 27a, which can suppress the intrusion of water and foreign objects into the inner box 26.

[0089] In the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 described above, the hinge shaft 33 is arranged on the outside of the box opening 27a in the vehicle width direction, and the cover body 31 opens toward the outside of the box opening 27a in the vehicle width direction.

[0090] According to this structure, compared with the structure in which the cover body 31 opens to the front or rear side in the direction of the vehicle, the open cover body 31 does not obstruct access to the box opening 27a through the recess 17, thus ensuring the convenience of the inner box 26.

[0091] In the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 described above, the outer side of the cover body 31 in the vehicle width direction is wider than the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the front-rear direction, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction extends further forward in the front-rear direction than the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The hinge arm 34 is installed at the front part of the outer side of the cover body 31 in the vehicle width direction (at a position further forward than the front-rear center position CL2).

[0092] According to this structure, by installing a hinge arm 34 at the front part (outer and front corner in the vehicle width direction) of the outer side of the cover body 31 extending towards the front of the vehicle, the hinge arm 34 can be separated from the passenger side and configured to ensure the occupant space.

[0093] In the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 described above, the main body 27 of the box is in the shape of a container with depth in the vertical direction, and the box opening 27a is formed on the upper end face. The normal direction of the upper end face points to the rear and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0094] According to this structure, since the upper surface (box opening 27a) of the box body 27, which has depth in the vertical direction, points to the rear and outward in the vehicle width direction, it is easy to reach the box opening 27a with the hand on the same side as the inner box 26, which can improve convenience.

[0095] In the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 described above, the front edge 27e1 of the box opening 27a and the rear lower edge 34e of the hinge arm 34 are adjacent to each other and substantially parallel.

[0096] According to this structure, by bringing the front edge 27e1 of the box opening 27a close to the rear lower edge 34e of the hinge arm 34, the opening area of ​​the box opening 27a can be ensured and the overall miniaturization of the inner box 26 including the hinge 32 can be achieved, making it a structure suitable for motorcycles with limited space for component mounting.

[0097] In the storage box structure of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 described above, the hinge arm 34 is made of metal.

[0098] According to this structure, even in a configuration where the hinge arm 34 is offset towards the front of the leg guard plate 16A, the rigidity of the hinge arm 34 can be easily ensured, and the cover 28 can be stably supported. The hinge arm 34 in this embodiment is made of steel, but it can also be made of a light metal such as aluminum alloy.

[0099] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the present invention can also be applied to straddle-type vehicles other than motorized two-wheeled vehicles. The straddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver straddles the vehicle, including not only motorized two-wheeled vehicles (including bicycles and small motorcycles with a prime mover), but also three-wheeled (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled (such as four-wheeled buggies) vehicles. The present invention can also be applied to vehicles in which an electric motor is included in the prime mover.

[0100] Furthermore, the structure described above is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention by replacing the constituent elements of the embodiment with well-known constituent elements.

Claims

1. A storage box structure for a motorcycle, wherein a shin guard is provided in front of the footrest for the driver, and at least one side of the shin guard in the vehicle width direction has a storage section for retrieving / placing items, wherein... The item storage section includes: a box body with an upward-opening box opening; and a lid that can be opened and closed to cover the box opening. The cover includes: a cover body configured to close the box opening from above; and a hinge that supports the cover body for rotation around a hinge axis oriented in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The hinge has a hinge arm between the cover body and the hinge axis. The hinge arm is positioned forward of the box opening along the axial direction of the hinge axis in the box front-rear direction, and is individually set forward of the central position of the box body in the front-rear direction.

2. The storage box structure for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein, A recessed portion facing forward of the vehicle is formed on the rear surface side of the leg guard and above the box opening. The recess includes: an upper surface portion having the box opening; and an extension portion extending rearward and upward from the upper surface portion.

3. The storage box structure for a motorcycle according to claim 2, wherein, The hinge shaft is located on the outside of the box opening in the vehicle width direction. The cover body opens outward in the width direction of the box opening.

4. The storage box structure for a motorcycle according to claim 3, wherein, The outer side of the cover body in the vehicle width direction is wider than the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the front-to-back direction, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction extends further forward in the front-to-back direction than the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The hinge arm is installed at the front part of the outer side of the cover body in the vehicle width direction.

5. The storage box structure for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the box is shaped like a container with depth in the vertical direction, and an opening is formed on the upper surface. The normal direction of the upper surface points backward and outward in the vehicle width direction.

6. The storage box structure for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein, The front edge of the box opening and the rear lower edge of the hinge arm are adjacent to each other and are substantially parallel.

7. The storage box structure for a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge arm is made of metal.

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