Carrier for a saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

There is described a carrier of a saddle-riding type vehicle configured to be installed on a rear end of said saddle-riding type vehicle. The carrier extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises an attachment portion shaped to be connected to the rear end, and a load portion which extends from the attachment portion and extends from said rear end in an at least partially cantilevered manner. The carrier is divided according to the longitudinal axis L and comprises a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion. The first carrier portion and said second carrier portion are integrally coupled to each other by fastening means.

Description

TITLECARRIER FOR A SADDLE-RIDING TYPE VEHICLEDESCRIPTIONTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of accessories for a saddle-riding type vehicle, such as a motorcycle, and in particular relates to a carrier applicable to a rear end for the installation of a top box, bags or the like.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Motorcycle carriers made of aluminum alloy to balance light weight and load-bearing requirements are known from the prior art.

[0003] Such motorcycle carriers mainly comprise attachment portions shaped to be fastened to corresponding side portions of a rear-end frame. A load portion, substantially arranged in a cantilevered manner with respect to the rear end and shaped to act as a support surface for a top box or the like, extends from the attachment portions.

[0004] Commonly, the carrier is made by means of a die-casting process in a monoblock version, i.e., in a single part, with a top die. The top die results in a greater amount of metal material used which, cast from the top, must reach the distal ends of the die. Therefore, with the thickness of the walls which determines the strength and structural robustness being equal, the carrier has an increased weight.

[0005] The increased weight affects the rideability of the motorcycle to which it is applied. Indeed, it results in an increase in weight on the rear end, in a zone far from the center of gravity of the motorcycle.

[0006] The need is felt to solve the aforesaid drawbacks by means of a carrier which is lighter for the same structural strength, thus promoting maneuverability and riding comfort.SUMMARY

[0007] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a carrier for a saddle-riding type vehicle which, given the same shape and use, is as strong but lighter at the same time.

[0008] The aforesaid objects are achieved by a carrier of a saddle-riding type vehicle, configured to be installed on a rear end of the saddle-riding type vehicle. The carrier extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises an attachment portion shaped to be connected to the rear-end portion, and aload portion which extends from the attachment portion and extends from the rear end in an at least partially cantilevered manner.

[0009] The carrier is split into at least two parts according to the longitudinal axis, and in particular comprises a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion couplable to each other, where said first carrier portion and said second carrier portion are integrally connected to each other through fastening means.

[0010] The division of the carrier into two portions, sections or half-parts according to the longitudinal axis L thus allows manufacturing the carrier by means of a process of molding the individual portions, and then assembling them together through fastening means.

[0011] The term "molding" means a casting manufacturing process, in particular die casting, of a metal material, preferably an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, molding includes a manufacturing process with three-dimensional printing of plastic materials.

[0012] This constructional solution leads to different advantages. Firstly, the longitudinal division allows obtaining a reduction in the overall weight while keeping the structural strength and load capacity of the carrier unchanged. In particular, by manufacturing the individual portions of the carrier, a "hollower" section can be obtained for the same thickness. This results in an unchanged thickness and thus the same strength. At the same time, a smaller amount of material and a significant weight reduction. A weight reduction of the carrier according to the present invention of about 50%, compared to a carrier manufactured according to the prior art, is obtained for the same load, size, and material.

[0013] Advantageously, the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion each comprise a respective attachment portion and a respective load portion which form a monoblock element. In particular, the longitudinal division defines that each of the two carrier portions comprises an attachment portion, which connects on a respective side of the rear end, and a section of the load portion, in particular one half of the load portion.

[0014] In particular, the sections of the load portion each comprise a plate-like or substantially plate-like element, the two plate-like elements having surfaces which mutually abut when the first and second portions of the carrier are coupled together.

[0015] In particular, the fastening means are applied at the respective sections of said load portion. In detail, the fastening means are applied at the plate-like elements.

[0016] Preferably, each plate-like element of the load portion is substantially planar and extends from the respective attachment portion. The two plate-like elements of the load portion, whencoupled together, form a planar, contiguous load surface, defining a load top shaped to support a top box.

[0017] The load portion in the assembled configuration can also have a non-planar surface, e.g., concave, to form a shape coupling with the base of a top box or the like.

[0018] The respective attachment portions which connect to the rear end of the vehicle, on mutually opposite sides of the vehicle, define therebetween the classic "U" shape which embraces the tail of the rear end. The attachment portions then join to the load portion designated for the installation of a top box or the like.

[0019] Preferably, the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion are mirrored, i.e., mirror- symmetrical, with respect to the longitudinal axis. A single die is thus used to manufacture the two half-parts. The symmetrical division results in the load portion being cut according to the longitudinal axis of two respective sections which divide it into at least two parts.

[0020] Preferably, the fastening means comprise fastening bushings integral with the respective sections of the load portion of the single half-parts in which fastening bolts are inserted to obtain an assembled configuration of the entire load portion.

[0021] Advantageously, a pair of fastening bushings mutually spaced apart and a pair of fastening bolts engaging the respective fastening bushing are provided. The fastening of the first and second carrier portions is thus performed at the load portion, assembling together the two respective halves. The fastening bushings are advantageously obtained below the load portion, and preferably at least a pair of bushings mutually spaced apart according to the longitudinal axis L is provided. The fastening bolts pass through the bushings, allowing a precise coupling of the two parts to be obtained. Moreover, the fastening bolts contribute to make the load portion structurally more resistant since they are through pins in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] Advantageously, the attachment portions have a "C"-shaped section shaped to embrace at least partially a respective structural element of the rear-end frame. In detail, the "C" shape allows obtaining weight savings while keeping the same thickness of the carrier walls. Moreover, the "C" shape facilitates the coupling to the rear-end frame in the embodiment in which the latter is of the tubular type. Indeed, the "C" shape ideally mates with the tubular portion of the frame, forming a coupling in which the attachment portions at least partially embrace the tubular portions of the frame. This shape reduces the transverse size of the rear end with the carrier applied.

[0023] Preferably, the carrier comprises passenger grip portions which branch off from the respective attachment portions and connect to the load portion on mutually opposite sides. Inparticular, the grip portions have a "C"-shaped section which, with the strength and structural resistance being equal, also makes the grip easier for the passenger, making the grip more comfortable.

[0024] Advantageously, the load portion is offset in a vertical direction with respect to the attachment portions. The grip portions form a respective opening with the attachment portions and the load portion. The opening below the grip portions thus facilitates the position of the hand in a gap, granting greater comfort.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In the drawings:Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rear end with the carrier according to the present invention mounted;Figure 1A shows a side view of the rear end with the carrier in figure 1 according to the present invention mounted;Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the carrier according to the present invention alone, separated from the rear end;Figures 3 and 3A show a bottom and a top plan view of the carrier according to the present invention, respectively;Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the carrier according to the present invention;Figures 5, 5A and 5B show a side view of the carrier and the front sections thereof in figures 5A and 5B according to the section planes indicated in figure 5, respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings identify identical or similar elements. The subject of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below can be mutually combined in any manner.

[0027] In Figs. 1 and 1A, reference numeral 20 indicates a rear end of a saddle-riding type vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle, which comprises at least one front steering wheel and one rear driving wheel.

[0028] The rear end 20 comprises a rear-end frame 21 which extends along a longitudinal direction L, or "longitudinal axis L". The rear-end frame 21 is of the tubular type, and comprises respective tubular side elements 22,22' which extend according to the longitudinal axis L. The tubular side elements 22,22' are connected to each other by transverse elements 23.

[0029] A carrier 10 according to the present invention is mounted on the rear end 20.

[0030] In particular, the carrier 10 extends along a longitudinal axis L and comprises attachment portions 11,11' shaped to be connected to the rear end 20, and a load portion 12,12' which extends from the attachment portions 11,11' and extends from said rear end 20 in an at least partially cantilevered manner.

[0031] The carrier 10 is divided according to the longitudinal axis L and comprises a first carrier portion Pl and a second carrier portion P2 couplable to each other (Figure 4). The first carrier portion Pl and the second carrier portion P2 are integrally connected to each other through fastening means 30. The first carrier portion Pl and the second carrier portion P2 constructionally are monolithic pieces, made by means of a molding process. The two portions Pl and P2 are then mechanically assembled together, as described in detail. Manufacturing two monolithic pieces separate from each other allows simplifying the manufacturing thereof, making it simpler and less expensive. Moreover, it allows obtaining a carrier that is lighter for the same structural strength, thus maximum applicable load capacity. In addition, mounting the carrier to the motorcycle frame is easier and more precise.

[0032] The carrier 10 is thus manufactured with two carrier portions or half-parts Pl and P2 which divide it according to the longitudinal axis L. The two half-parts Pl and P2 are preferably made by means of a molding process and then assembled together through fastening means 30. In addition to the advantages outlined below, this results in a better construction accuracy in terms of dimensions.

[0033] Advantageously, the first carrier portion Pl and the second carrier portion P2 each comprise a respective attachment portion 11,11' and a respective section of the load portion 12,12'. The reference numerals with and without superscript indicate a respective portion on the left and right sides, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0034] In particular, the longitudinal division defines that the attachment portion 11 connects at the tubular element 22 of the rear end 20 and the attachment portion 11' connects at the tubular element 22'. Moreover, the longitudinal division defines two respective sections 12 and 12' which form the load portion 12,12' when assembled together. The sections of the load portion 12,12' extend over a given stretch d along the longitudinal axis L (figure 2), which defines the length of the load top.

[0035] As shown in figures 3 and 3A, the respective attachment portions 11,11' on mutually opposite sides define the classic "U" shape which embraces the tail of the rear end 21. Theattachment portions 11, 11' then connect to the load portion 12,12' designated for the installation of a top box or the like.

[0036] In particular, the sections of the load portion 12,12' each comprise a plate-like or substantially plate-like element 12a, 12a' (Figure 4). The two plate-like elements 12a, 12a' comprise respective contact surfaces 33 which mutually abut when the first carrier portion Pl and the second carrier portion P2 are coupled together. In otherwords, each plate-like element 12a, 12a' of the load portion 12,12' is substantially planar and extends from the respective attachment portion 11,11'. The two plate-like elements 12a, 12a', when coupled together, form a planar, contiguous load surface, defining a loading top shaped to support a top box. The load portion in the assembled configuration can also have a non-planar surface, e.g., concave or convex, to form a shape coupling with the base of a top box or the like.

[0037] Preferably, as shown in figures 3 and 3A, the first carrier portion Pl and the second carrier portion P2 are monoblock portions and are symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical, with respect to the longitudinal axis L. Constructionally, the assembly of the two half-parts Pl and P2 takes place at the load portion 12,12', in particular, the fastening means 30 are provided at the plate-like elements 12a, 12a', as described in detail below. The first carrier portion Pl and the second carrier portion P2, as mentioned above, are obtained by molding.

[0038] As shown in greater detail in figure 4, the fastening means 30 comprise fastening bushings 31 integral with a lowerface of the plate-like elements 12a and 12a' of the respective sections 12,12' of the load portion. In particular, the fastening bushings 31 are symmetrically obtained on both plate-like elements 12a and 12a' and have a through-hole. Retaining bolts 32,32a are inserted into the fastening bushings 31 to obtain an assembled configuration of the half-halves (i.e., sections) of the load portion 12'12'. In detail, there are provided through bolts 32 blocked at one end by means of a nut 32a. As also shown in figure 3, the fastening bushings 31 are advantageously obtained below the load portion 12,12'. When the fastening bolts 32,32a are tightened, they allow obtaining a precise coupling at the contact surface 33 (figure 4) against which the surfaces of the two sections of the load portion 12 and 12' abut, making them coplanar. The fastening bolts 32,32a also contribute to support the load resting on the load portion 12,12' since they are through pins in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0039] In particular, a pair of fastening bushings 31 mutually spaced apart according to the longitudinal direction L and a pair of fastening bolts 32,32a engaging the respective fastening bushings 31 are provided.

[0040] The assembly of carrier 10 on frame 20 is done by simply mounting the first portion Pl and the second portion P2 on the frame by means of the fastening screws 18,18'. The plate-like elements 12a, 12a' are then connected to each other by means of clamping bolts 32,32a until a contiguous abutting coupling is obtained.

[0041] A cover 25 (figure 4), also mounted by means of fastening screws 26, is advantageously provided on the load portion 12,12', acting as a cover in addition to as an interface with an attachment system for a top box. When the sections of the load portion 12,12' are mounted together through the fastening means 30 as described above, the carrier takes the assembled "U" shape in figure 2.

[0042] Advantageously, the attachment portions 11,11' have a "C"-shaped section, see figure 5A in detail, shaped to embrace at least partially the tubular side elements 22 and 22' of the rear-end frame 21 (Figure 1). The attachment portions 11,11' are connected to the tubular side elements 22,22' (Figure 4) by a pair of holes 17,17' mutually spaced apart along the longitudinal axis L, in which fastening screws 18,18' are inserted. The attachment portions 11,11' also act as a side to which side bags can be connected.

[0043] In other constructional aspects, the carrier 10 comprises passenger grip portions 15,15' which branch off from the respective attachment portions 11,11' and connect to the load portion 12,12' on mutually opposite sides. The grip portions 15,15' also have a "C" section, see figure 5B, which makes the grip easier for the passenger, making the grip more comfortable, with the strength and structural resistance being equal. The grip portions 15,15' further comprise ribs 19 (Figure 2) which are obtained in the void of the "C" section, which allow increasing the structural strength.

[0044] The same ribs 19, with the same purpose, can also be obtained on the inner side even at the attachment portions 11,11' and / or at the load portion 12,12'.

[0045] The load portion 12,12', when mounted to the rear end 20, see figure 1A, for example, is offset in a vertical direction with respect to the attachment portions 11,11'. The grip portions 15,15' form a respective opening 16,16' with the attachment portions 11,11' and the load portion 12,12'. In particular, connection portions 13,13' are provided, which extend from the attachment portions 11,11' in a lower zone to connect to a zone below the load portion 12,12'. The connection portions 13,13' define the closed-loop opening 16,16'.

[0046] The opening 16,16' under the grip portions 15,15' thus facilitates the positioning of a hand in a gap, granting greater comfort.

[0047] Advantageously, the attachment portions 11,11' have windows 14,14' which allow making the overall weight of the carrier 10 itself lighter.

[0048] The above description of one or more specific embodiments is capable of showing the invention from a conceptual point of view so that others, using the prior art, will be able to change and / or adapt the embodiments in various applications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and therefore it is understood that such adaptations and changes will be considerable as equivalents of the specific embodiment. The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described can be of various nature without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terms used have a merely descriptive and thus non-limiting purpose.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A carrier (10) for a saddle-riding type vehicle configured to be installed on a rear end (20) of said saddle-riding type vehicle, wherein said carrier (10) extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and comprises attachment portions (11,11') shaped to be connected to the rear end (20), and a load portion (12,12') which extends from the attachment portions (11,11') and extends at least partially in a cantilevered manner from said rear end (20), wherein said carrier (10) is divided according to said longitudinal axis (L) and comprises a first carrier portion (Pl) and a second carrier portion (P2), and wherein said first carrier portion (Pl) and said second carrier portion (P2) are integrally coupled to each other by fastening means (30), wherein said first carrier portion (Pl) and said second carrier portion (P2) each comprise a respective attachment portion (11,11') and a respective section of said load portion (12,12'), wherein: said fastening means (30) are applied at the respective sections of the load portion (12,12'), and- said first carrier portion (Pl) and said second carrier portion (P2) are obtained by means of a molding process.

2. A carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of said first carrier portion (Pl) and said second carrier portion (P2) are monoblock portions.

3. A carrier (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening means (30) place the sections of the load portion (12,12') in mutual abutment at a respective contact surface (33) making them coplanar.

4. A carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first carrier portion (Pl) and said second carrier portion (P2) are symmetrical with respect to said longitudinal axis (L).

5. A carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sections of the load portion (12,12') each comprise a plate-like or substantially plate-like element (12a, 12a'), the two plate-like elements (12a, 12a') having said contact surfaces (33) which mutually abut when the first carrier portion (Pl) and the second carrier portion (P2) are coupled to each other.

6. A carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening means (30) comprise fastening bushings (31) integral with the respective sections of the load portion(12,12') in which fastening bolts (32,32a) are inserted to obtain an assembled configuration of the load portion (12,12').

7. A carrier (10) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the fastening bushings (31) are obtained on a lower face of the plate-like elements (12a, 12a').

8. A carrier (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a pair of fastening bushings mutually spaced apart and a pair of fastening bolts (32,32a) engaging the respective fastening bushing (31) are provided.

9. A carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment portions (11,11') have a "C"-shaped section shaped to embrace at least partially a respective tubular element (22,22') of a tubular frame (21) of the rear end (20).

10. A carrier (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein passenger grip portions (15,15') are provided, which branch off from the respective attachment portions (11,11') and connect to the load portion (12.12') on opposite sides.

11. A carrier (10) according to claim 10, wherein the load portion (12, 12') is offset in a vertical direction with respect to the attachment portions (12,12'), and wherein the grip portions (11,11') form a respective opening (16,16') with the attachment portions (15,15') and the load portion (11,11').

12. A saddle-riding type vehicle comprising a rear end (20), a carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 being applied to said rear end (20).

13. A saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 12, wherein said rear end (20) comprises a tubular rear end frame (21).

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