Vehicular body cover joint structure on saddle-riding type vehicle

The joint structure for straddle-type vehicle body covers uses alternating and overlapping plate parts with engaging protrusions and holes to achieve high strength and flexibility, addressing the limitations of existing designs.

JP2025012036APending Publication Date: 2025-01-24YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023114564
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-12
Publication Date
2025-01-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Straddle-type vehicles require high bonding strength in various directions due to banking left and right, but existing joint structures, such as those with check pawls and locking holes, lack sufficient strength in multiple directions and compromise flexibility.

Method used

A joint structure for vehicle body covers comprising first and second covers with alternating and overlapping inner and outer plate parts, featuring protrusions and holes that engage in multiple directions to enhance bonding strength while maintaining flexibility.

Benefits of technology

Ensures high joint strength in different directions without the need for rigid fastening, maintaining flexibility and protecting against deformation and harsh environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To ensure, in a vehicular body cover joint structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, the flexibility of the vehicular body cover and to accomplish high joining strengths in different directions from each other.SOLUTION: A plurality of first internal plates and a plurality of first external plates are provided on a first cover. A plurality of second internal plates and a plurality of second external plates are provided on a second cover. The plurality of first external plates overlaps the plurality of second internal plates, respectively, from the external side in the plate thickness direction. The plurality of second external plates overlaps the plurality of first internal plates, respectively, from the external side in the plate thickness direction. A plurality of first protrusions is respectively provided on either one of the plurality of first external plates or the plurality of second internal plates. A plurality of first holes is respectively provided in the other one of the plurality of first external plates or the plurality of second internal plates. A plurality of second protrusions is respectively provided on either one of the plurality of first internal plates or the plurality of second external plates. A plurality of second holes is respectively provided in the other one of the plurality of first internal plates or the plurality of second external plates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joining structure for a body cover in a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Some saddle-ride type vehicles are equipped with a body cover. The body cover is divided into a plurality of covers which are joined together. For example, the motorcycle of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a front cover and an inner cover which are separate from each other. Along the inside of the mating edges of these covers, a plurality of locking holes are provided in one cover, and a plurality of check claws are provided in the other cover. The check claws are engaged with the locking holes, thereby joining the front cover and the inner cover to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 6-15791 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A saddle-type vehicle banks left and right while traveling. When the vehicle banks left and right, the force that deforms the body cover acts in different directions. Therefore, the body cover of a saddle-type vehicle is required to have high joint strength in various directions. However, in a joint structure in which a check claw is engaged with an engagement hole as in the above-mentioned saddle-type vehicle, even if the joint strength in one direction is high, the joint strength in other directions is low.

[0005] In addition, in order to increase the joining strength of the body cover, it is possible to firmly fasten the multiple covers together using fastening members such as rivets or bolts. However, in that case, the fastening parts of the body cover have too high rigidity, making it difficult for the fastening parts to follow the deformation of the body cover. An object of the present invention is to ensure the flexibility of the body cover and obtain high joining strength in different directions in a joining structure of a body cover for a saddle-type vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a joining structure of a vehicle body cover in a saddle-ride type vehicle. The vehicle body cover includes a first cover and a second cover. The joining structure includes a plurality of first inner plate parts, a plurality of second inner plate parts, a plurality of first outer plate parts, a plurality of second outer plate parts, a plurality of first projections, a plurality of first holes, a plurality of second projections, and a plurality of second holes. The plurality of first inner plate parts are arranged along a joint between the first cover and the second cover. The plurality of first inner plate parts are provided on the first cover. The plurality of second inner plate parts are arranged along the joint. The plurality of first outer plate parts are provided on the first cover. The plurality of first outer plate parts overlap with the plurality of second inner plate parts from the outside in the plate thickness direction of the first cover and the second cover. The plurality of second outer plate parts are arranged along the joint. The second cover is provided with a plurality of second outer plate portions. The second outer plate portions overlap the first inner plate portions from the outside in the plate thickness direction. The first protrusions are provided on one of the first outer plate portions and the second inner plate portions. The first holes are provided on the other of the first outer plate portions and the second inner plate portions. The first holes engage with the first protrusions. The second protrusions are provided on one of the first inner plate portions and the second outer plate portions. The second holes are provided on the other of the first inner plate portions and the second outer plate portions. The second holes engage with the second protrusions.

[0007] In the saddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment, when a force is applied to the body cover in a direction in which the first projection is removed from the first hole, i.e., in a direction in which the first outer plate portion moves away from the second inner plate portion, the force with which the first inner plate portion is pressed against the second outer plate portion increases. This increases the force with which the second projection is engaged with the second hole. Conversely, when a force is applied to the body cover in a direction in which the second projection is removed from the second hole, i.e., in a direction in which the second outer plate portion moves away from the first inner plate portion, the force with which the second inner plate portion is pressed against the first outer plate portion increases. This increases the force with which the first projection is engaged with the first hole. Therefore, it is possible to obtain high joint strength in different directions while ensuring the flexibility of the body cover without firmly fastening the body cover with rivets or the like.

[0008] The plurality of first projections may be provided on the plurality of first outer plate portions, respectively. The plurality of first holes may be provided on the plurality of second inner plate portions. The plurality of second projections may be provided on the plurality of second outer plate portions, respectively. The plurality of second holes may be provided on the plurality of first inner plate portions.

[0009] The first projections and the second holes may be arranged alternately along the seam in the first cover. The second projections and the first holes may be arranged alternately along the seam in the second cover. In this case, the first cover and the second cover are unlikely to come off while the flexibility of the vehicle body cover at the seam is ensured.

[0010] The first and second outer plate portions may each have a zigzag shape that meshes with each other in the extension direction of the seam. In this case, high joining strength can be obtained even against deformation of the body cover in the extension direction of the seam.

[0011] The first inner plate portions and the second inner plate portions may each have a zigzag shape that meshes with each other in the extension direction of the seam. In this case, high joining strength can be obtained even against deformation of the body cover in the extension direction of the seam.

[0012] The first and second outer plate portions may be alternately disposed along the seam, whereby high joining strength can be obtained even when the body cover is deformed in the direction of the seam.

[0013] The first and second outer plate portions may be disposed flush with the outer surface of the body cover. In this case, the body cover is prevented from coming into contact with the road surface when the vehicle travels over a road surface having a step, as compared to a case in which a protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the body cover.

[0014] The first inner plate portions and the second inner plate portions may be alternately arranged along the seam, whereby high joining strength can be obtained even when the body cover is deformed in the direction of the seam.

[0015] The plurality of first projections may be provided on the plurality of first outer plate portions, respectively. The plurality of first holes may be provided on the plurality of second inner plate portions. The plurality of second projections may be provided on the plurality of first inner plate portions, respectively. The plurality of second holes may be provided on the plurality of second outer plate portions.

[0016] The body cover may have a curved shape at the joint, in which case high joining strength can be obtained even for a curved body cover.

[0017] The body cover may be divided into a first cover and a second cover in the left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle. In this case, when the vehicle leans left or right, a large force acts on the body cover to deform it, but the joining structure according to this embodiment ensures flexibility and provides high joining strength.

[0018] The saddle-type vehicle may include a front wheel. The joining structure may be disposed adjacent to the front wheel. In this case, the joining structure is in a harsh environment where it is hit by flying stones from the front wheel, but the joining structure according to this embodiment provides high joining strength.

[0019] The first cover and the second cover may be an under-cover disposed behind the front wheels. In this case, the joint structure is in a harsh environment where it is hit by flying stones from the front wheels, and the like, but the joint structure according to this embodiment provides high joint strength.

[0020] The first cover and the second cover may be inner panels disposed above the front wheel. In this case, the joining structure is in a harsh environment where it is hit by flying stones from the front wheel, and the joining structure according to this embodiment provides high joining strength.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle including the above-described joining structure. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, in a joining structure for a body cover of a saddle-ride type vehicle, flexibility of the body cover is ensured, and high joining strength in different directions is obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the saddle-type vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a joining structure between a first cover and a second cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a joining structure between a first cover and a second cover. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a top view showing a joining structure between the first cover and the second cover. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a joining structure between a first cover and a second cover. [Figure 10]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a joining structure between a first cover and a second cover. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing an inner panel according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a perspective view showing a joining structure between a first cover and a second cover according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a perspective view showing a joining structure between a first cover and a second cover according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A saddle-riding vehicle according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-riding vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the saddle-riding vehicle 1. The saddle-riding vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called full-cowl type motorcycle. As shown in FIG. 1, the saddle-riding vehicle 1 includes a steering device 2, a front wheel 3, a fuel tank 4, a seat 5, an engine 6, a rear wheel 7, a rear arm 8, and a body cover 9. In this embodiment, the front-rear and left-right directions refer to the front-rear and left-right directions as seen by a rider seated on the seat 5.

[0025] The steering device 2 is steered by a rider. The steering device 2 includes a front fork 11 and a handle member 12. The front fork 11 rotatably supports the front wheel 3. The handle member 12 is connected to the front fork 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the front fork 11 includes a first suspension 13 and a second suspension 14.

[0026] The fuel tank 4 is disposed behind the handle member 12. The seat 5 is disposed behind the fuel tank 4. The engine 6 is disposed between the front wheel 3 and the rear wheel 7. The engine 6 is disposed below the fuel tank 4. The engine 6 generates a driving force that rotates the rear wheel 7. The rear wheel 7 is disposed behind the engine 6. The rear wheel 7 is rotatably supported by a rear arm 8.

[0027] The body cover 9 includes a front cover 17, a first side cover 18, and a second side cover 19. The front cover 17 is disposed in front of the steering device 2. The first side cover 18 and the second side cover 19 extend rearward from the front cover 17. The first side cover 18 and the second side cover 19 cover the steering device 2 and the engine 6 from the left and right directions.

[0028] The body cover 9 includes an inner panel 16 and an undercover 15. The inner panel 16 is disposed above the front wheel 3. The inner panel 16 is disposed close to the front wheel 3. The inner panel 16 is disposed inside a first side cover 18 and a second side cover 19.

[0029] The undercover 15 is disposed behind the front wheel 3. The undercover 15 is disposed close to the front wheel 3. The undercover 15 is disposed below the first side cover 18 and the second side cover 19. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the undercover 15. Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the undercover 15. Fig. 4 shows the bottom surface of the undercover 15. Fig. 5 shows the top surface of the undercover 15.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the undercover 15 includes a first cover 21 and a second cover 22. The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are separate from each other. The undercover 15 is divided into the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 in the left-right direction. The first cover 21 is disposed below the first side cover 18. The first cover 21 is connected to the first side cover 18. The second cover 22 is disposed below the second side cover 19. The second cover 22 is connected to the second side cover 19. In this embodiment, the first cover 21 is disposed on the left side, and the second cover 22 is disposed on the right side. However, the first cover 21 may be disposed on the right side, and the second cover 22 may be disposed on the left side. The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are joined to each other.

[0031] The joining structure between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 will be described below. Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views showing the joining structure between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Fig. 6 shows the top surfaces of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Fig. 7 shows the bottom surfaces of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Fig. 8 is a top view showing the joining structure between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Figs. 9 and 10 are exploded perspective views showing the joining structure between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Fig. 9 shows the top surfaces of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Fig. 10 shows the bottom surfaces of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22.

[0032] 6 to 10, only the vicinity of the joint structure between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 is shown, and other portions are omitted. In the following description, the direction in which the seam between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 extends is referred to as the extension direction Y1. The direction in which the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 face each other is referred to as the joint direction X1. In this embodiment, the extension direction Y1 corresponds to the front-rear direction of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. The joint direction X1 corresponds to the left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. Furthermore, the plate thickness direction Z1 of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 corresponds to the up-down direction of the saddle riding type vehicle 1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 10, the first cover 21 includes a first main body plate portion 30, a plurality of first outer plate portions 31A-31C, and a plurality of first inner plate portions 32A-32C. The first main body plate portion 30 has a flat shape. Alternatively, the first main body plate portion 30 may have a curved shape. The plurality of first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the plurality of first inner plate portions 32A-32C protrude from the first main body plate portion 30 in the joining direction X1. The plurality of first outer plate portions 31A-31C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The plurality of first inner plate portions 32A-32C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The plurality of first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the plurality of first inner plate portions 32A-32C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1 and alternately arranged side by side. The first outer plate portions 31A-31C are located outboard of the first inner plate portions 32A-32C in the plate thickness direction Z1.

[0034] In detail, as shown in Fig. 7, the first outer plate portions 31A-31C have a shape tapered toward the joining direction X1. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 11, the inner surface 311 of the first outer plate portion 31A is located outside the inner surface 301 of the first main body plate portion 30 in the plate thickness direction Z1. A step portion 303 is provided between the inner surface 311 of the first outer plate portion 31A and the inner surface 301 of the first main body plate portion 30. The outer surface 312 of the first outer plate portion 31A is flush with the outer surface 302 of the first main body plate portion 30. The other first outer plate portions 31B and 31C also have the same shape as the first outer plate portion 31A.

[0035] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 12, the inner surface 321 of the first inner plate portion 32A is located more inward than the inner surface 301 of the first main body plate portion 30 in the plate thickness direction Z1. A step portion 304 is provided between the inner surface 321 of the first inner plate portion 32A and the inner surface 301 of the first main body plate portion 30. The outer surface 322 of the first inner plate portion 32A is located more inward than the outer surface 302 of the first main body plate portion 30 in the plate thickness direction Z1.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 8, the first inner plate portion 32A includes a first wide portion 33A and a first narrow portion 34A. The first narrow portion 34A protrudes from the first wide portion 33A in the joining direction X1. The first narrow portion 34A is smaller than the first wide portion 33A in the extension direction Y1. Therefore, a pair of first corner portions 35A, 36A are provided between the first narrow portion 34A and the first wide portion 33A. The pair of first corner portions 35A, 36A extend from the first narrow portion 34A to one side and the other side in the extension direction Y1, respectively.

[0037] The other first inner plate portions 32B, 32C have the same shape as the first inner plate portion 32A. The first inner plate portion 32B includes a first wide portion 33B and a first narrow portion 34B. A pair of first corner portions 35B, 36B are provided between the first wide portion 33B and the first narrow portion 34B. The first inner plate portion 32C includes a first wide portion 33C and a first narrow portion 34C. A pair of first corner portions 35C, 36C are provided between the first wide portion 33C and the first narrow portion 34C.

[0038] The second cover 22 includes a second main body plate portion 40, a plurality of second outer plate portions 41A-41C, and a plurality of second inner plate portions 42A-42C. The second main body plate portion 40 has a flat shape. Alternatively, the second main body plate portion 40 may have a curved shape. The plurality of second outer plate portions 41A-41C and the plurality of second inner plate portions 42A-42C protrude from the second main body plate portion 40 in the joining direction X1. The plurality of second outer plate portions 41A-41C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The plurality of second inner plate portions 42A-42C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The plurality of second outer plate portions 41A-41C and the plurality of second inner plate portions 42A-42C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1 and alternately arranged side by side. The multiple second outer plate portions 41A-41C are located outboard of the multiple second inner plate portions 42A-42C in the plate thickness direction Z1.

[0039] The second outer plate portions 41A-41C have the same shape as the first outer plate portions 31A-31C. As shown in FIG. 12, the inner surface 411 of the second outer plate portion 41A is located outside the inner surface 401 of the second main body plate portion 40 in the plate thickness direction Z1. A step portion 403 is provided between the inner surface 411 of the second outer plate portion 41A and the inner surface 401 of the second main body plate portion 40. The outer surface 412 of the second outer plate portion 41A is flush with the outer surface 402 of the second main body plate portion 40. The other second outer plate portions 41B, 41C also have the same shape as the second outer plate portion 41A.

[0040] The second inner plate portions 42A-42C have the same shape as the first inner plate portions 32A-32C. As shown in Fig. 11, an inner surface 421 of the second inner plate portion 42A is located more inward than an inner surface 401 of the second main body plate portion 40 in the plate thickness direction Z1. A step portion 404 is provided between the inner surface 421 of the second inner plate portion 42A and the inner surface 401 of the second main body plate portion 40. An outer surface 422 of the second inner plate portion 42A is located more inward than an outer surface 402 of the second main body plate portion 40 in the plate thickness direction Z1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the second inner plate portion 42A includes a second wide portion 43A and a second narrow portion 44A. A pair of second corner portions 45A, 46A are provided between the second narrow portion 44A and the second wide portion 43A. The second wide portion 43A, the second narrow portion 44A, and the pair of second corner portions 45A, 46A have the same shapes as the first wide portion 33A, the first narrow portion 34A, and the pair of first corner portions 35A, 36A, respectively. The other second inner plate portions 42B, 42C also have the same shape as the second inner plate portion 42A. The second inner plate portion 42B includes a second wide portion 43B and a second narrow portion 44B. A pair of second corner portions 45B, 46B are provided between the second wide portion 43B and the second narrow portion 44B. The second inner plate portion 42C includes a second wide portion 43C and a second narrow portion 44C. A pair of second corner portions 45C, 46C are provided between the second wide portion 43C and the second narrow portion 44C.

[0042] The first outer plate portions 31A-31C overlap with the second inner plate portions 42A-42C from the outside in the plate thickness direction Z1. The second outer plate portions 41A-41C overlap with the first inner plate portions 32A-32C from the outside in the plate thickness direction Z1. As shown in FIG. 7, the first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the second outer plate portions 41A-41C are alternately arranged along the joints. The first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the second outer plate portions 41A-41C each have a zigzag shape that meshes with each other in the extension direction Y1 in which the joints extend. The first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the second outer plate portions 41A-41C are arranged flush with each other on the outer surface of the undercover 15.

[0043] 6 and 8, the first inner plate portions 32A-32C and the second inner plate portions 42A-42C are alternately arranged along the seams. The first inner plate portions 32A-32C and the second inner plate portions 42A-42C each have a zigzag shape that meshes with each other in the extension direction Y1 along which the seams extend.

[0044] In detail, as shown in FIG. 8, the first wide portions 33A-33C and the second narrow portions 44A-44C are arranged alternately in the extension direction Y1. The second wide portions 43A-43C and the first narrow portions 34A-34C are arranged alternately in the extension direction Y1. The first corner portions 35A, 36A, 35B, 36B, 35C and the second corner portions 45A, 46B, 45B, 46C, 45C are arranged facing each other in the joining direction X1. The first corner portions 35A, 36A, 35B, 36B, 35C and the second corner portions 45A, 46B, 45B, 46C, 45C are in contact with each other.

[0045] The first outer plate portions 31A-31C are each provided with a plurality of first protrusions 37A-37C. The first protrusions 37A-37C are arranged along the joint between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. The first protrusions 37A-37C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The first protrusions 37A-37C protrude inward in the plate thickness direction Z1 from the inner surfaces of the first outer plate portions 31A.

[0046] 11, the first projection 37A includes a first end surface 371 and a first inclined surface 372. The first end surface 371 extends inward in the plate thickness direction Z1 from the inner surface 311 of the first outer plate portion 31A. The first inclined surface 372 is inclined with respect to the inner surface 311 of the first outer plate portion 31A. The first inclined surface 372 is inclined toward the outside in the plate thickness direction Z1 in the joining direction X1. The other first projections 37B and 37C have the same shape as the first projection 37A.

[0047] The first inner plate portions 32A-32C are provided with a plurality of second holes 38A-38C. The second holes 38A-38C penetrate the first inner plate portions 32A-32C in the plate thickness direction Z1. In detail, the second holes 38A-38C are provided in the first wide portions 33A-33C. The second holes 38A-38C are arranged along the joints. The second holes 38A-38C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The first projections 37A-37C and the second holes 38A-38C are arranged alternately in the extension direction Y1 in the first cover 21. The first projections 37A-37C are arranged closer to the second cover 22 than the second holes 38A-38C in the joining direction X1.

[0048] The second outer plate portions 41A-41C are each provided with a plurality of second protrusions 47A-47C. The second protrusions 47A-47C are arranged along the joint between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. The second protrusions 47A-47C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The second protrusions 47A-47C protrude inward in the plate thickness direction Z1 from the inner surfaces of the second outer plate portions 41A.

[0049] The second projections 47A-47C have the same shape as the first projections 37A-37C. As shown in FIG. 12, the second projection 47A includes a second end face 471 and a second inclined face 472. The second end face 471 extends inward in the plate thickness direction Z1 from the inner face 411 of the second outer plate portion 41A. The second inclined face 472 is inclined with respect to the inner face 411 of the second outer plate portion 41A. The second inclined face 472 is inclined toward the outside in the plate thickness direction Z1 in the joining direction X1. The other second projections 47B, 47C also have the same shape as the second projection 47A.

[0050] The second inner plate portions 42A-42C are provided with a plurality of first holes 48A-48C. The first holes 48A-48C penetrate the second inner plate portions 42A-42C in the plate thickness direction Z1. In detail, the first holes 48A-48C are provided in the second wide portions 43A-43C. The first holes 48A-48C are arranged along the joint. The first holes 48A-48C are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y1. The second projections 47A-47C and the first holes 48A-48C are arranged alternately in the extension direction Y1 in the second cover 22. The second projections 47A-47C are arranged closer to the first cover 21 than the first holes 48A-48C in the joining direction X1.

[0051] The first projections 37A-37C are disposed within the first holes 48A-48C, respectively. The first projections 37A-37C engage with the first holes 48A-48C, respectively. The second projections 47A-47C are disposed within the second holes 38A-38C, respectively. The second projections 47A-47C engage with the second holes 38A-38C, respectively.

[0052] In the saddle-type vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment described above, when a force is applied to the undercover 15 in a direction in which the first projections 37A-37C are disengaged from the first holes 48A-48C, i.e., in a direction in which the first outer plate portion 31A-31C is separated from the second inner plate portion 42A-42C, the force with which the first inner plate portion 32A-32C is pressed against the second outer plate portion 41A-41C is strengthened. This strengthens the force with which the second projections 47A-47C are engaged with the second holes 38A-38C. Conversely, when a force is applied to the undercover 15 in a direction in which the second projections 47A-47C are disengaged from the second holes 38A-38C, i.e., in a direction in which the second outer plate portion 41A-41C is separated from the first inner plate portion 32A-32C, the force with which the second inner plate portion 42A-42C is pressed against the first outer plate portion 31A-31C is strengthened. This increases the force with which first projections 37A-37C are locked into first holes 48A-48C, making it possible to obtain high joining strength in different directions while maintaining the flexibility of undercover 15, without the need for strong fastening with rivets or the like.

[0053] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0054] The saddle-type vehicle 1 is not limited to a full-cowl type motorcycle, but may be a half-cowl type or a naked type motorcycle, or may be another type of vehicle such as a moped or a scooter.

[0055] The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are not limited to the undercover 15, and may be other parts of the body cover 9. For example, the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may be the inner panel 16. As shown in Fig. 13, the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may be joined to each other in the inner panel 16 by the joining structure described above.

[0056] The shapes or arrangements of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are not limited to those in the above embodiment and may be changed. The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are not limited to being flat and may have a curved shape at the joint. The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may be separated from each other not only in the left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 but also in the up-down direction or the front-rear direction.

[0057] The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may be joined by fastening members such as rivets. Even in this case, the joining structure according to this embodiment reduces the number of fastening members, making it possible to obtain high joining strength in different directions while ensuring the flexibility of the undercover 15.

[0058] The shapes or arrangements of the first outer plate portions 31A-31C, the first inner plate portions 32A-32C, the second outer plate portions 41A-41B, and the second inner plate portions 42A-42C are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, the first inner plate portions 32A-32C and the second inner plate portions 42A-42C may have a linear shape similar to the first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the second outer plate portions 41A-41B in the above embodiment. Alternatively, the first outer plate portions 31A-31C and the second outer plate portions 41A-41B may have a curved shape with corners similar to the first inner plate portions 32A-32C and the second inner plate portions 42A-42C in the above embodiment.

[0059] The shapes or arrangements of the first projections 37A-37C, the second projections 47A-47C, the first holes 48A-48C, and the second holes 38A-38C are not limited to those in the above embodiment and may be changed. For example, Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are perspective views showing a joining structure between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 according to a modified example.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the plurality of first projections 37A-37C and the plurality of second projections 47A-47C may be disposed on the first cover 21. That is, the plurality of first projections 37A-37C may be provided on the first outer plate portion 31A-31C, and the plurality of second projections 47A-47C may be provided on the first inner plate portion 32A-32C. The plurality of first holes 48A-48C and the plurality of second holes 38A-38C may be disposed on the second cover 22. That is, the plurality of first holes 48A-48C may be provided on the second inner plate portion 42A-42C, and the plurality of second holes 38A-38C may be provided on the second outer plate portion 41A-41C. [Industrial Applicability]

[0061] According to the present invention, in a joining structure for a body cover of a saddle-ride type vehicle, flexibility of the body cover is ensured, and high joining strength in different directions is obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1: Saddle-type vehicle 3: Front wheel 9: Car body cover 15: Undercover 16: Inner panel 21: First cover 22: 2nd cover 31A-31C: 1st outer panel part 32A-32C 1st inner plate part 37A-37C: 1st protrusion 38A-38C: 2nd hole 41A-41B: 2nd outer panel part 42A-42C: 2nd inner plate part 47A-47C: 2nd protrusion 48A-48C: Hole 1

Claims

1. A joining structure for a vehicle body cover in a saddle-ride type vehicle including a first cover and a second cover, a plurality of first inner plate portions provided on the first cover and disposed along a joint between the first cover and the second cover; A plurality of second inner plate portions disposed along the joint and provided on the second cover; A plurality of first outer plate portions are disposed along the joint, are provided on the first cover, and overlap the plurality of second inner plate portions from the outside in the plate thickness direction of the first cover and the second cover; A plurality of second outer plate portions are arranged along the joint, provided on the second cover, and overlap the plurality of first inner plate portions from the outside in the plate thickness direction; a plurality of first projections provided on one of the plurality of first outer plate portions and the plurality of second inner plate portions; a plurality of first holes provided on the other of the plurality of first outer plate portions and the plurality of second inner plate portions, the plurality of first holes being engaged with the plurality of first projections, a plurality of second projections provided on either one of the plurality of first inner plate portions or the plurality of second outer plate portions; a plurality of second holes provided on the other of the plurality of first inner plate portions and the plurality of second outer plate portions, the plurality of second holes being engaged with the plurality of second projections, A joint structure comprising:

2. The first projections are provided on the first outer plate portions, The first holes are provided in the second inner plate portions, The second projections are provided on the second outer plate portions, respectively, The second holes are provided in the first inner plate portions, respectively. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

3. the first projections and the second holes are arranged alternately with one another along the seam in the first cover; The second projections and the first holes are alternately arranged along the seam in the second cover. The joint structure according to claim 2 .

4. The plurality of first outer plate portions and the plurality of second outer plate portions each have a zigzag shape that meshes with each other in an extension direction in which the joint extends. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

5. The plurality of first inner plate portions and the plurality of second inner plate portions each have a zigzag shape that meshes with each other in an extension direction in which the joint extends. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

6. The plurality of first skin portions and the plurality of second skin portions are alternately arranged along the joint. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

7. The plurality of first outer plate portions and the plurality of second outer plate portions are disposed flush with each other on an outer surface of the body cover. The joint structure according to claim 6.

8. The plurality of first inner plate portions and the plurality of second inner plate portions are alternately arranged along the joint. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

9. The first projections are provided on the first outer plate portions, The first holes are provided in the second inner plate portions, The second projections are provided on the first inner plate portions, The second holes are provided in the second outer plate portions, respectively. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

10. The body cover has a curved shape at the seam. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

11. The vehicle body cover is divided into the first cover and the second cover in the left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle. The joint structure according to claim 1 .

12. The saddle-type vehicle includes a front wheel, The joining structure is disposed adjacent to the front wheel. The joint structure according to claim 11.

13. The first cover and the second cover are under-covers disposed behind the front wheels. The joint structure according to claim 12.

14. The first cover and the second cover are inner panels disposed above the front wheel. The joint structure according to claim 12.

15. A saddle-type vehicle comprising the joining structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Magnetic device for water treatment

    JP1994015791U