Frame structure

Abstract

To provide a frame structure enabling a user to easily lift and carry a vehicle body.SOLUTION: A seat frame 14 has a through hole 25a that pierces in a lateral direction an area within a fore-and-aft width and vertical width of the seat frame 14 in a side view. A grip part 28a lying along an upper edge of the through hole 25a is formed to be flat and extend in a fore-and-aft direction. The grip part 28a is formed with at least one of the seat frame 14 and a cover member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame structure. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a frame structure that includes a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe, and a seat frame that is disposed above the main frame and supports a seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-001653 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the bicycle described above, when a user dismounts and lifts the body to carry it, the frame members may be used as handles by utilizing the spaces formed between the frame members. In addition, for example, in the case of lightweight vehicles such as road bikes, a strap made of leather or the like may be stretched between the down tube and the seat tube to serve as a handle. However, with the above-mentioned measures, in the case of heavy vehicles such as electrically assisted vehicles and downhill bikes, a large load is placed on the frame and bands, and the user's hands are also subject to a large strain.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a frame structure that allows a user to easily lift and transport a vehicle body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a frame structure including a head pipe (11), a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11), and a seat frame (14) arranged above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7), wherein the seat frame (14) has a through hole (25a) that penetrates in the left-right direction through an area within the front-to-rear width and the up-to-down width of the seat frame (14) in a side view, and a grip portion (28a) along the upper edge of the through hole (25a) is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. According to this configuration, a through hole is formed in the seat frame above the main frame, and the gripping portion along the upper edge of the through hole is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction, so that a handle that can be gripped by placing a hand on the gripping portion on the inner wall of the through hole can be formed on the seat frame. This makes it easier to lift and transport equipment such as a vehicle to which the frame structure is applied. By providing an inner wall that surrounds the entire inner space of the through hole, the inner space is separated from the structural components around the seat frame, and the hand passing through the through hole does not come into contact with the peripheral components of the frame and is not hindered from moving, making it easier to grip the seat frame and preventing the hand from getting dirty. The gripping portion may be provided with an uneven surface or a projection or recess that makes it easier to grip. In this case, the seat frame can be made easier to grip.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first aspect, the grip portion (28a) is formed in a plane shape that expands in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, by forming the grip portion into a surface that extends in the vehicle width direction, even when a user places his or her fingers through the through-holes and hooks them on the grip portion to lift the seat frame, strain on the fingers is reduced.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned second aspect, the device further comprises an inner peripheral wall (27) which completely surrounds the inner space (25b) of the through hole (25a), the inner peripheral wall (27) being formed of a peripheral wall rib (27a) which extends in the left-right direction all around the periphery of the through hole (25a), and a portion of the peripheral wall rib (27a) which forms the gripping portion (28a) is formed thicker than other portions of the peripheral wall rib (27a). According to this configuration, the portion of the peripheral rib that forms the gripping portion is made thick, which increases the strength and rigidity of the gripping portion, which receives the most load when the upper portion of the seat frame is gripped to lift the vehicle, while the portion that forms the other portion except for the gripping portion is made thin, which reduces the weight of the seat frame.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, an inner peripheral rib (31) is provided extending from the peripheral wall rib (27a) toward the inside of the through hole (25a) at a portion other than the gripping portion (28a) on the periphery of the through hole (25a). According to this configuration, by providing an inner circumferential rib in an area other than the gripping portion of the through hole, it is possible to increase the strength and rigidity around the through hole while reducing the impact on the hand when placing the hand on the gripping portion and gripping the upper part of the seat frame.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the third or fourth aspect, the peripheral wall rib (27a) and the frame outer peripheral rib (23a, 23b) are provided with connecting ribs (32, 33) connecting the peripheral wall rib (27a) and the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b). According to this configuration, by connecting the frame outer periphery rib along the outer periphery edge of the seat frame and the peripheral wall rib along the periphery of the through hole with a connecting rib, the peripheral wall rib is reinforced and the strength and rigidity around the through hole can be increased.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned fifth aspect, the frame outer periphery ribs (23a, 23b) have a plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) that connect the connection ribs (32, 33), and the connection ribs (32, 33) connect the plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) of the frame outer periphery ribs (23a, 23b) to each other. According to this configuration, by connecting pairs of the multiple rib connection portions of the frame outer periphery rib with a connecting rib, the frame outer periphery rib is reinforced, the strength and rigidity of the outer periphery of the seat frame is increased, and the strength and rigidity around the through hole is also increased.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned fifth or sixth aspect, the peripheral wall rib (27a), the frame outer periphery ribs (23a, 23b) and the connecting ribs (32, 33) extend along the left-right direction. With this configuration, each rib of the seat frame extends along the left-right direction, so that when a seat frame having a left-right through hole is formed by casting or forging, it can be easily formed by splitting the mold in the left-right direction while also increasing strength and rigidity.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the main frame (12) extends with a hollow closed cross-sectional portion (16), and the seat frame (14) extends from the main frame (12) with an open cross-sectional portion (21) that opens outward in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the main frame has a hollow closed cross-sectional portion, and the seat frame has an open cross-sectional portion that is open to the outside in the left and right direction, thereby reducing the weight of the entire vehicle body frame, while the main frame has a closed cross-sectional portion to ensure strength and rigidity, and the seat frame has an open cross-sectional portion to reduce weight and make manufacturing easier, while the arrangement of the ribs ensures moderate strength and rigidity.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to eighth aspects, a cover member (35a) is provided to cover the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, by covering the seat frame from the outside in the left-right direction with the cover member, it is possible to protect the seat frame and improve the appearance.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned ninth aspect, the cover member (35a) is provided with a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) that overlaps with the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view, and the cover through-hole forming portion (38) is provided with an inclined portion (38b) that inclines from the through-hole (25a) side of the seat frame (14) toward the outer surface of the cover member (35a) on the left-right outer side so as to widen toward the through-hole (25a) in a side view as it approaches the outside in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the cover through-hole forming portion has an inclined portion that inclines so that it widens toward the through-hole as it moves outward in the left-right direction, so that when trying to put a hand into the through-hole from the outside in the left-right direction, the hand is guided by the inclined portion, making it easier to pass the hand through the through-hole, and making it easier to grip the upper part of the seat frame.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned ninth or tenth aspect, the cover member (35a) has a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) that overlaps with the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view, and the cover through-hole forming portion (38) has an upper cover portion (38c) that covers the grip portion (28a) of the seat frame (14). According to this configuration, the cover member of the seat frame covers the grip portion of the seat frame, so that when the seat frame is made of metal and the cover member is made of resin, the grip portion side feels softer to the touch, making it easier to place your hand on the grip portion side and grip the upper part of the seat frame.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a frame structure including a head pipe (11), a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11), a seat frame (14) arranged above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7), and a cover member (35a) covering the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left-right direction, wherein the seat frame (14) has a through hole forming portion (25) that forms a through hole (25a) that penetrates in the left-right direction through an area within the front-to-rear width and the up-to-down width of the seat frame (14) in a side view, the through hole forming portion (25) has an inner wall (27) that surrounds the hole space (25b) of the through hole (25a) all around the through hole (25a), and a grip portion (28a) of the inner wall (27) along an upper edge of the through hole (25a) is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-to-rear direction by at least one of the seat frame (14) and the cover member (35a). According to this configuration, a through hole is formed in the seat frame above the main frame, and a gripping portion along the upper edge of the through hole in the inner wall surrounding the hole space of the through hole is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction, so that a handle that can be gripped by placing a hand on the gripping portion of the inner wall of the through hole can be formed in the seat frame. This makes it easier to lift and transport equipment such as a vehicle to which the frame structure is applied. The through hole forming portion has an inner wall surrounding the hole space of the through hole all around, so that the hole space is separated from the structural components around the seat frame, and the hand passing through the through hole does not come into contact with the peripheral components of the frame and is not hindered in movement, making it easier to grip the seat frame and preventing the hand from getting dirty. By forming the gripping portion of the inner wall from at least one of the seat frame and the cover member, it is easier to meet the requirements (strength and rigidity, appearance, touch, ease of manufacture, etc.) required for providing a handle. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a frame structure that allows a user to easily lift and transport the vehicle body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of a bicycle to which a frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the bicycle frame and frame cover. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the body frame. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a seat frame of the vehicle body frame and a seat frame cover portion of a frame cover as viewed from below and rearward. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat frame as viewed from below and rearward. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 8] 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a user holds the seat frame and lifts the bicycle. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6, showing a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions such as front, rear, left and right are the same as the directions in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. In addition, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the left and right of the vehicle body are shown at appropriate positions in the drawings used in the following description. The term "middle" used in the embodiment includes not only the center between both ends of an object, but also the range inside the both ends of the object.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a bicycle 1 as an example of a vehicle to which the frame structure of the embodiment is applied. For example, the bicycle 1 is an electrically assisted bicycle that generates auxiliary power from an electric motor (assist motor) in response to the force applied to the pedals. The bicycle 1 is equipped with a drive unit 2 mounted on the lower part of a body frame 10, and a battery 3 mounted along a main frame 12 that extends rearward and downward from a head pipe 11 in the body frame 10. The drive unit 2 may be used as a prime mover that propels the bicycle 1 using only motor output. In the figure, reference numerals 4, 5 indicate a front wheel, 6, 7 indicate a seat, respectively.

[0022] For example, bicycle 1 is used in races where riders ride on unpaved courses and compete for time. A front wheel 4 of bicycle 1 can absorb shocks from the road surface by operating a front suspension 8. A rear wheel 5 of the bicycle can absorb shocks from the road surface by operating a rear suspension 9. The front suspension 8 includes, for example, a pair of left and right front forks 8a. The rear suspension 9 includes, for example, a single cushion unit 9b and a swing arm 9a. The bicycle includes front and rear disc brakes 4a, 5a on the front wheel 4 and rear wheel 5, respectively.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the body frame 10 and frame cover 35 of the bicycle 1, and FIG. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the body frame 10 of the bicycle 1 has high rigidity to support a heavy load, while being partially flexible to improve maneuverability. The body frame 10 is made of an aluminum alloy, for example, and is covered on both the left and right sides with frame covers 35 made of synthetic resin. The frame covers 35 form part of the frame structure of the embodiment.

[0024] The body frame 10 is formed by joining multiple types of frame members together by welding, fastening, etc. The body frame 10 includes a head pipe 11 located at the front end, a main frame 12 extending diagonally rearward and downward from the rear side of the head pipe 11, a pivot frame 13 connected to the rear lower end of the main frame 12, and a seat frame 14 extending rearward and slightly upward from the upper side of the midsection of the main frame 12 between the front and rear.

[0025] A stem pipe (not shown) is inserted through the head pipe 11 and supported rotatably. The lower end of the stem pipe protrudes below the head pipe 11, and a lower bracket 8b is attached to this lower end so as to be integrally rotatable. The upper ends of the left and right front forks 8a are supported by the lower bracket 8b. The front wheel 4 is supported by the lower ends of the left and right front forks 8a. The upper end of the stem pipe protrudes above the head pipe 11, and a bar handle 6 is attached to this upper end so as to be integrally rotatable.

[0026] 8 and 9, the main frame 12 has a closed cross-sectional portion 16 extending obliquely rearward and downward from the head pipe 11. The closed cross-sectional portion 16 has upper and lower walls and left and right side walls 16c, and has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the lower wall 16b is wider in the left-right direction than the upper wall 16a. The closed cross-sectional portion 16 extends in the front-rear direction, thereby reducing the weight and increasing the rigidity of the main frame 12. In the closed cross-sectional portion 16, the upper wall 16a (front upper wall 16a1) of a portion located forward and upward from the seat frame 14 has a narrower left-right width than the upper wall 16a (rear upper wall 16a2) of a portion located rearward and downward from the seat frame 14.

[0027] The main frame 12 has a pair of left and right lower side walls 17a extending so as to be continuous with the lower left and right side walls 16c. An open cross-sectional portion 17 that opens downward is formed below the closed cross-sectional portion 16 by the bottom wall 16b and the left and right lower side walls 17a. A part (upper portion) of the battery 3 can be detachably attached within the open cross-sectional portion 17. A front cushion support portion 18 that supports the front end portion of the rear cushion 9b is provided at a corner portion sandwiched between the rear upper wall 16a2 of the main frame 12 and the lower portion of the seat frame 14 in a side view.

[0028] The pivot frame 13 includes a pivot portion 13a that supports the front end of the swing arm 9a so that it can swing up and down. A cutout portion 13b that conforms to the outer shape of the drive unit 2 in a side view is formed in the front portion of the pivot frame 13. The pivot frame 13 includes a forward extension portion 13c that extends to the upper front side of the cutout portion 13b. Unit fixing portions 13d that fix the drive unit 2 are provided in a total of three locations, above and below the forward extension portion 13c and the pivot portion 13a.

[0029] The swing arm 9a has an upwardly protruding V-shape in side view. The front end of the swing arm 9a is connected to a pivot portion 13a via a pivot shaft 9c that runs along the left-right direction. The rear end of the swing arm 9a supports the rear wheel 5. A rear cushion support portion 9d that supports the rear end of the rear cushion 9b is provided at the upwardly protruding bent portion of the swing arm 9a.

[0030] The drive unit 2 has an elliptical appearance in a side view, and is disposed so that the long axis of the elliptical shape is aligned with the inclination of the main frame 12. The drive unit 2 is supported by a pivot frame 13 from its upper end to its rear end. Left and right ends of a pedal crankshaft 2a protrude from the left and right sides of the lower part of the drive unit 2. A pair of left and right pedal cranks 2b are attached to the left and right ends of the pedal crankshaft 2a, respectively.

[0031] Although not shown, a drive sprocket is provided on the right pedal crank 2b so as to rotate integrally with it. Driven sprockets for the number of gears are provided on the right side of the hub of the rear wheel 5. A drive chain is wound around the drive sprocket and one of the driven sprockets. A transmission that changes the winding position of the drive chain is provided on the right side of the rear wheel 5.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of a bicycle 1, a user U who has dismounted may lift the body and carry it. In this embodiment, the following frame structure is adopted so that a user U who has dismounted can easily lift and carry the vehicle body. That is, in the frame structure of the embodiment, through holes 25a for the user U to place their hands on are formed in the seat frame 14 above the main frame 12, and part of the metal body frame 10 (seat frame 14) can be used as a handle. This makes it possible to form a handle that is strong and easy to grip on the upper part of the seat frame 14.

[0033] 2 to 7, the seat frame 14 has an open cross-sectional portion 21 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the main frame 12. The open cross-sectional portion 21 has a flat central plate portion 22 arranged in the center in the left-right direction, and upper and lower wall portions 23, 24 provided along the upper and lower edges of the central plate portion 22 with a specified left-right width. The open cross-sectional portions 21 are formed on both the left and right sides of the central plate portion 22, and extend rearward and downward from the upper portion of the main frame 12 with a cross-sectional shape that opens outward in the left-right direction. The open cross-sectional portion 21 extends in the front-rear direction, thereby reducing the weight of the seat frame 14. The seat frame 14 has a through hole 25a formed therein so that the user can hold it, and is reinforced with appropriate ribs to ensure appropriate rigidity.

[0034] The upper wall portion 23 is formed by integrating a pair of left and right upper edge ribs 23a extending outward in the left-right direction from the upper edge of the central plate portion 22. The lower wall portion 24 is formed by integrating a pair of left and right lower edge ribs 24a extending outward in the left-right direction from the lower edge of the central plate portion 22. The upper and lower edge ribs 23a, 23b correspond to frame outer periphery ribs along the outer periphery of the seat frame 14 in a side view. The upper wall portion 23 has a left-right width that is approximately the same as that of the front upper wall 16a1 of the closed cross-sectional portion 16 of the main frame 12, and is connected to the front upper wall 16a1 via the upper arc portion 23b. The lower wall portion 24 has a left-right width that is approximately the same as that of the rear upper wall 16a2 of the closed cross-sectional portion 16 of the main frame 12, and is connected to the rear upper wall 16a2 via the lower arc portion 24b.

[0035] In a side view, a front portion of the upper edge (upper wall portion 23) of the seat frame 14 curves forward and upward to form an upper arc portion 23b, which joins with a front portion of the upper edge of the main frame 12 (front upper wall 16a1) via the upper arc portion 23b. In a side view, a front portion of the lower edge (lower wall portion 24) of the seat frame 14 curves forward and downward to form a lower arc portion 24b, which joins with a rear portion of the upper edge of the main frame 12 (rear upper wall 16a2) via the lower arc portion 24b.

[0036] In a side view, the upper and lower edges (upper and lower wall portions 23, 24) of the seat frame 14 that rise to the rear are formed substantially parallel to each other. The rear portion of the upper wall portion 23 forms a rear upper inclined wall portion 23c that is inclined downward to the rear via a bent portion. The rear ends of the upper and lower wall portions 23, 24 are connected to the top and bottom of the clamp pipe 14a, respectively. The clamp pipe 14a is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction, and the central axis C1 is inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction.

[0037] 1, a cylindrical seat post 7a is inserted into the clamp pipe 14a. The clamp pipe 14a fixes and holds the seat post 7a by tightening a pair of clamp bolts 14b. A seat 7 (saddle) is supported on the upper end of the seat post 7a.

[0038] 3, in a side view, the through hole 25a has an upper edge 26a that is substantially parallel to the upper edge (upper wall portion 23) of the seat frame 14 that rises to the rear, a lower edge 26b that is substantially parallel to the lower edge (lower wall portion 24) of the seat frame 14 that rises to the rear, a front edge 26c that spans between the front ends of the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b, and a rear edge 26d that spans between the rear ends of the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b. The upper edge 26a is longer in the front-rear direction than the lower edge 26b. The front edge 26c is inclined so as to be positioned further rearward as it approaches the lower side, and the rear edge 26d is inclined so as to be positioned further forward as it approaches the lower side. In a side view, the through hole 25a has a trapezoidal shape that is narrower on the lower edge 26b side. At the four corners of the side view shape of the through hole 25a, a circular arc shape is formed that connects adjacent edges.

[0039] In a side view, the vertical width of the seat frame 14 is the width between the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b, and the front-rear width of the seat frame 14 is the width between the rear upper edge of the main frame 12 and the front edge of the clamp pipe 14a. The seat frame 14 has a through hole 25a that passes through an area within the front-rear width and the vertical width of the seat frame 14 in the left-right direction in a side view. The part of the seat frame 14 where the through hole 25a is formed is called a through hole forming part 25. The through hole 25a forms an inner hole space 25b surrounded by the upper and lower edges 26a, 26b and the front and rear edges 26c, 26d in a side view.

[0040] The hole space 25b is a space formed within the left-right width of the seat frame 14. 5 to 7, the through-hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral wall 27 that surrounds the hole space 25b of the through-hole 25a over the entire circumference of the through-hole 25a. The inner peripheral wall 27 is formed by integrating a pair of left and right peripheral wall ribs 27a that extend outward in the left-right direction from the periphery of the through-hole 25a. The inner peripheral wall 27 functions as a partition wall that separates the hole space 25b from various vehicle parts (rear cushion 9b, seat post 7a, etc.) around the seat frame 14. This prevents a user who has dismounted from the vehicle from touching surrounding parts when passing his / her fingers through the through-hole 25a.

[0041] Hereinafter, the portion of inner circumferential wall 27 along the upper edge of through hole 25a in side view will be referred to as upper surface portion (grip portion) 28a, the portion along the lower edge as lower surface portion 28b, the portion along the front edge as front surface portion 28c, and the portion along the rear edge as rear surface portion 28d. Also, the portions of inner circumferential wall 27 along the arc shapes of the four corners of through hole 25a in side view will be referred to as front upper arc portion 29a, rear upper arc portion 29b, front lower arc portion 29c, and rear lower arc portion 29d. The upper surface portion 28a, the lower surface portion 28b, the front surface portion 28c, and the rear surface portion 28d are each formed in a flat shape extending in the left-right direction. In the embodiment, the flat shape may be a planar shape or may have a slight curvature when viewed from the side or in a cross section (see the figure).

[0042] The seat frame 14 is formed so that its left-right width increases from the upper edge side to the lower edge side. Thus, the upper surface portion 28a is formed so that its left-right width is narrower than that of the lower surface portion 28b, and the front surface portion 28c and the rear surface portion 28d are formed so that their left-right widths decrease toward the upper side. The top surface portion 28a is formed in a flat shape having a substantially constant left-right width and extending in the front-rear direction.

[0043] In this way, by forming the upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through hole 25a in the seat frame 14 into a flat shape extending in the left-right and front-rear directions, even when a user places his / her fingers through the through hole 25a on the upper surface portion 28a and uses the upper portion of the seat frame 14 as a handle to lift the body frame 10 and thus the vehicle, the burden on the fingers is reduced and the vehicle can be lifted easily. Since the through hole forming portion 25 has the inner peripheral wall 27 surrounding the hole space 25b all around the through hole 25a, the fingers through the through hole 25a do not come into contact with surrounding parts, and the movement of the fingers is prevented from being hindered and the fingers are prevented from becoming dirty.

[0044] The upper surface portion 28a is formed thicker than other portions of the peripheral wall rib 27a. That is, the upper surface portion 28a is formed thicker in the vertical direction than other portions, and strength and rigidity against the load when lifting the vehicle are ensured. The through-hole forming portion 25 has an inner peripheral rib 31 that protrudes toward the inside of the through-hole 25a from a portion of the inner peripheral wall 27 other than the upper surface portion. By providing the inner peripheral rib 31 at a portion other than the upper surface portion of the through-hole 25a, the strength and rigidity around the through-hole 25a is increased while suppressing the impact on the hand when the vehicle is lifted by placing the hand on the upper surface portion 28a.

[0045] Here, at least the seat frame 14 of the body frame 10 is formed by casting or forging with a mold split in the left-right direction. In the embodiment, the entire body frame 10 is integrally formed of the same material, but for example, the seat frame 14 may be formed separately from other parts and integrally joined to the other parts by welding, fastening, etc. The upper and lower edge ribs, the peripheral wall rib 27a, and a connecting rib described later in the seat frame 14 extend along the left-right direction (mold split direction).

[0046] The seat frame 14 includes a front connecting rib 32 and a rear connecting rib 33. The front connecting rib 32 is a front connecting rib. The rear connecting rib 33 is a rear connecting rib. The front connecting rib 32 extends linearly, inclined so as to be positioned further rearward as it approaches the lower side, between a rib connecting portion 32a in front of the upper arc portion 23b of the upper edge rib 23a and a rib connecting portion 32b in front of the lower arc portion 24b of the lower edge rib 24a. The front connecting rib 32 is disposed so as to be in contact with and integrated with a portion of the peripheral wall rib 27a that forms the front surface portion 28c. The front connecting rib 32 is also a rib that connects the upper edge rib 23a and the lower edge rib 24a to the peripheral wall rib 27a.

[0047] The rear connecting rib 33 extends linearly between the rib connecting portion 33a at the rear end (rear end of the rear upper inclined edge) of the upper edge rib 23a and the rib connecting portion 33b at the front-rear intermediate portion of the lower edge rib 24a, inclining toward the front toward the bottom. The rear connecting rib 33 is disposed so as to contact the rear lower circular arc portion 29d of the peripheral wall rib 27a and is integrated therewith. The rear connecting rib 33 is also a rib that connects the upper edge rib 23a and the lower edge rib 24a to the peripheral wall rib 27a. For example, a second through hole 34 is formed between the rear connecting rib 33 and the lower edge rib 24a. The seat frame 14 has a cross-sectional structure that is open to the outside in the left-right direction, but is reinforced by providing ribs as appropriate. The strength and rigidity of the seat frame 14 can be easily adjusted by changing the number and arrangement of the ribs. The seat frame 14 is covered with a frame cover 35, so that the seat frame 14 is provided with ribs with priority on function while suppressing the impact on the appearance.

[0048] 2, 4 and 6, the frame cover 35 includes a pair of left and right cover members 35a that cover the body frame 10 from the outside in the left and right direction. The cover member 35a integrally includes a main frame cover portion 36 that covers the main frame 12 from the outside in the left-right direction, and a seat frame cover portion 37 that covers the seat frame 14 from the outside in the left-right direction. The seat frame cover portion 37 includes a cover through-hole forming portion 38 that forms a cover through-hole 38a that overlaps with the through-hole 25a of the seat frame 14 in a side view. Since the cover member is integrated, the design can be improved even when the vehicle body frame and the seat frame are formed separately.

[0049] The cover through-hole forming portion 38 includes an inclined portion 38b that is inclined from the through-hole 25a side of the seat frame 14 toward the outer surface of the cover member 35a on the left-right outer side so as to widen relative to the through-hole 25a in a side view as it approaches the outside in the left-right direction. This allows the hand to be guided by the inclined portion 38b when trying to put a hand through the through-hole 25a from the outside in the left-right direction, making it easier to pass the hand through the through-hole 25a. This also results in a similar aspect to chamfering the outside in the left-right direction of the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14, making it easier to fit in the hand when gripping the seat frame 14.

[0050] In the embodiment, the upper surface portion 28a is formed by the seat frame 14, and this upper surface portion 28a is exposed to the hole space 25b, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. 11, the cover through-hole forming portion 38 may include an upper surface cover portion 38c that covers the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14. By covering the metal upper surface portion 28a with the resin upper surface cover portion 38c, the seat frame 14 can be made smooth to the touch when gripped.

[0051] 11, the upper surface portion 28a may be formed only by the frame cover 35 (only the upper surface cover portion 38c). That is, the upper surface portion 28a may be formed by at least one of the seat frame 14 and the frame cover 35. The form of the upper surface portion 28a can be appropriately set according to the requirements for the handle of the frame.

[0052] As described above, the frame structure in the above embodiment comprises a head pipe 11, a main frame 12 extending rearward from the head pipe 11, and a seat frame 14 arranged above the main frame 12 and supporting the seat 7, the seat frame 14 comprising a through hole forming portion 25 which forms a through hole 25a penetrating in the left-right direction within an area within the fore-and-aft width and the up-and-down width of the seat frame 14 in a side view, the through hole forming portion 25 comprising an inner wall 27 which surrounds the inner space 25b of the through hole 25a all around the through hole 25a, and the upper surface portion 28a of the inner wall 27 which follows the upper edge of the through hole 25a is formed flat extending in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0053] According to this configuration, the through hole 25a is formed in the seat frame 14 above the main frame, and the upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through hole 25a in the inner wall 27 surrounding the hole space 25b of the through hole 25a is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction, so that a handle that can be placed on the upper surface portion 28a of the inner wall 27 of the through hole 25a and grasped can be formed in the seat frame 14. This makes it easier to lift and transport equipment such as a vehicle to which the frame structure is applied. The through hole forming portion 25 includes the inner wall 27 surrounding the hole space 25b of the through hole 25a all around, so that the hole space 25b is separated from the structural components around the seat frame, and the hand passing through the through hole 25a does not come into contact with the peripheral components of the frame and is not hindered from moving, making it easier to grasp the seat frame 14 and preventing the hand from getting dirty.

[0054] In the above frame structure, the inner peripheral wall 27 is formed of a peripheral wall rib 27a extending in the left-right direction around the periphery of the through hole 25a. According to this configuration, by forming the inner circumferential wall 27 with the circumferential wall rib 27a extending in the left-right direction around the periphery of the through hole 25a, a structure can be obtained in which the thickness in the left-right direction is reduced on the outer periphery side of the circumferential wall rib 27a, and the weight of the seat frame 14 can be reduced compared to a case in which the entire seat frame 14 has the same thickness as the inner circumferential wall 27.

[0055] In the above frame structure, the portion of the peripheral rib 27a that forms the upper surface portion 28a is formed to be thicker than the portions that form the other portions of the peripheral rib 27a. According to this configuration, by forming the portion of the peripheral rib 27a that forms the upper surface portion 28a thick, it is possible to increase the strength and rigidity of the upper surface portion 28a, which is subjected to the greatest load when the upper portion of the seat frame 14 is gripped and the vehicle is lifted. By forming the portion that forms the other portion except for the upper surface portion 28a thin, it is possible to reduce the weight of the seat frame 14.

[0056] In the above frame structure, the through hole forming portion 25 includes an inner peripheral rib 31 that extends from the peripheral wall rib 27a toward the inside of the through hole 25a at a portion other than the upper surface portion 28a on the periphery of the through hole 25a. According to this configuration, by providing an inner peripheral rib 31 in an area other than the upper surface portion 28a of the through hole 25a, it is possible to increase the strength and rigidity around the through hole 25a while minimizing the impact on the hand when placing the hand on the upper surface portion 28a and gripping the upper part of the seat frame 14.

[0057] In the above frame structure, the seat frame 14 has frame outer periphery ribs (upper and lower edge ribs 23a, 23b) along the outer periphery in a side view, and connecting ribs (front connecting rib 32, rear connecting rib 33) connecting the peripheral wall rib 27a and the frame outer periphery rib. According to this configuration, by connecting the frame outer periphery rib along the outer periphery edge of the seat frame 14 and the peripheral wall rib 27a along the periphery of the through hole 25a with connecting ribs 32, 33, the peripheral wall rib 27a is reinforced and the strength and rigidity around the through hole 25a can be increased.

[0058] In the above frame structure, the frame peripheral rib has a plurality of rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b that connect the connection ribs, and the connection ribs connect the plurality of rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b of the frame peripheral rib to each other. According to this configuration, by connecting a pair of the multiple rib connection portions 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b of the frame outer periphery rib with a connecting rib, the frame outer periphery rib is reinforced, the strength and rigidity of the outer periphery of the seat frame 14 is increased, and the strength and rigidity around the through hole 25a is also increased.

[0059] In the above frame structure, the peripheral wall rib 27a, the frame outer periphery rib, and the connecting rib extend in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, each rib of the seat frame 14 extends along the left-right direction, so that when a seat frame 14 having a left-right through hole 25a is formed by casting or forging, the seat frame 14 can be easily formed by splitting the mold in the left-right direction, while at the same time increasing strength and rigidity.

[0060] In the above frame structure, the main frame 12 extends with a hollow closed cross-sectional portion 16, and the seat frame 14 extends from the main frame 12 with an open cross-sectional portion 21 that opens outward in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the main frame 12 has a hollow closed cross-sectional portion 16, and the seat frame 14 has an open cross-sectional portion 21 that is open to the outside in the left-right direction, thereby reducing the weight of the entire body frame 10, while the main frame 12 has the closed cross-sectional portion 16 to ensure strength and rigidity, and the seat frame 14 has the open cross-sectional portion 21 to achieve weight reduction and ease of manufacture, while the arrangement of the ribs ensures moderate strength and rigidity.

[0061] The above frame structure includes a cover member 35a that covers the seat frame 14 from the outside in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, by covering the seat frame 14 from the outside in the left-right direction with the cover members 35a, it is possible to protect the seat frame 14 and improve the appearance.

[0062] In the above frame structure, the cover member 35a has a cover through hole forming portion 38 that forms a cover through hole 38a that overlaps with the through hole 25a of the seat frame 14 in a side view, and the cover through hole forming portion 38 has an inclined portion 38b that inclines from the through hole 25a side of the seat frame 14 toward the outer surface of the cover member 35a in the left-right direction so as to widen toward the outside in the left-right direction relative to the through hole 25a in a side view. According to this configuration, the cover through-hole forming portion 38 is provided with an inclined portion 38b that is inclined so as to widen toward the through-hole 25a as it moves outward in the left-right direction, so that when an attempt is made to place a hand into the through-hole 25a from the outside in the left-right direction, the hand is guided by the inclined portion 38b, making it easier to pass the hand through the through-hole 25a, and making it easier to grip the upper portion of the seat frame 14.

[0063] As shown in the figure, in the above frame structure, the cover member 35a has a cover through-hole forming portion 38 that forms a cover through-hole 38a that overlaps with the through-hole 25a of the seat frame 14 in a side view, and the cover through-hole forming portion 38 may have an upper surface cover portion 38c that covers the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14. According to this configuration, the cover member 35a of the seat frame 14 covers the upper surface portion 28a of the seat frame 14, so that when the seat frame 14 is made of metal and the cover member 35a is made of resin, the feel of the upper surface side becomes softer, making it easier to grip the upper part of the seat frame 14 by placing a hand on the upper surface portion 28a side.

[0064] In the above frame structure, the upper surface portion 28a along the upper edge of the through hole 25a in the inner circumferential wall 27 may be formed into a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction by at least one of the seat frame 14 and the cover member 35a. According to this configuration, by forming the upper surface 28a of the inner wall 27 from at least one of the seat frame 14 and the cover member 35a, it is possible to more easily meet the requirements (strength and rigidity, appearance, feel, ease of manufacture, etc.) required when providing a handle.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, the seat frame 14 in the embodiment is integrally formed with the main frame 12, but may be configured to be separate from the main frame 12 and connected by bolt fastening or the like. The upper surface portion 28a of the through-hole forming portion 25 may extend in the front-rear direction overall and have no extreme irregularities or corners, and may have a wave shape (uneven portion) less than a specified height that follows the shape of the fingers, for example. In this case, the seat frame 14 can be more easily gripped.

[0066] The frame structure of this embodiment is applied to a bicycle as a vehicle that can be lifted by a user, but it may also be applied to saddle-ride vehicles such as motorcycles. Saddle-ride vehicles include all vehicles on which a driver straddles the body, and include not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (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 vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). It may also be applied to vehicles that include an electric motor as a prime mover. The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Bicycle (vehicle) 7 Sheets 7a seatpost 10 Body frame 11 Head pipe 12. Mainframe 13 Pivot Frame 14 Seat frame 16 Closed section 16a Upper wall 16a1 Front upper wall 16a2 Rear upper wall 16b Lower wall 16c Left and right side walls 17 Open section 17a Lower side wall 21 Open section 22 Center plate part 23 Upper wall 23a Upper edge rib (frame periphery rib) 24 Lower wall part 24a Lower edge rib (frame periphery rib) 25 Through hole forming part 25a through hole 25b Hole space 26a Upper edge 26b lower edge 27 Inner wall 27a Peripheral rib 28a Top part (grip part) 31 Inner rib 32 Front connecting rib (connecting rib) 33 Rear connecting rib (connecting rib) 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b Rib connection 35 Frame cover 35a Cover member 38 Cover through hole forming section 38a Cover through hole 38b Slope 38c Top cover part

Claims

1. A head pipe (11); a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11); a seat frame (14) disposed above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7), the seat frame (14) is provided with a through hole (25a) penetrating in the left-right direction through a region within a front-rear width and a top-bottom width of the seat frame (14) in a side view, A frame structure characterized in that a gripping portion (28a) along the upper edge of the through hole (25a) is formed in a flat shape extending in the front-rear direction.

2. 2. The frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion (28a) is formed in a plane shape extending in the vehicle width direction.

3. An inner peripheral wall (27) surrounding the entire inner space (25b) of the through hole (25a), The inner peripheral wall (27) is formed of a peripheral wall rib (27a) extending in the left-right direction around the entire circumference of the through hole (25a), The frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that a portion of the peripheral rib (27a) that forms the gripping portion (28a) is formed to be thicker than a portion of the peripheral rib (27a) that forms the other portion.

4. The frame structure according to claim 3, characterized in that it is provided with an inner peripheral rib (31) extending from the peripheral wall rib (27a) toward the inside of the through hole (25a) at a portion other than the gripping portion (28a) on the periphery of the through hole (25a).

5. 5. The frame structure according to claim 3, further comprising connecting ribs (32, 33) connecting the peripheral wall rib (27a) and the frame peripheral ribs (23a, 23b).

6. The frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) include a plurality of rib connection portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) that connect the connection ribs (32, 33), 6. The frame structure according to claim 5, wherein the connecting ribs (32, 33) connect a plurality of rib connecting portions (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) of the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) to each other.

7. 7. The frame structure according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral wall rib (27a), the frame outer peripheral ribs (23a, 23b) and the connecting ribs (32, 33) extend in the left-right direction.

8. The main frame (12) extends with a hollow closed cross-sectional portion (16); 2. The frame structure according to claim 1, wherein the seat frame (14) has an open cross-sectional portion (21) that opens outward in the left-right direction and extends from the main frame (12).

9. 2. The frame structure according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member (35a) for covering the seat frame (14) from outside in the left-right direction.

10. the cover member (35a) includes a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) that overlaps with the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view, The frame structure described in claim 9, characterized in that the cover through-hole forming portion (38) has an inclined portion (38b) that inclines from the through-hole (25a) side of the seat frame (14) toward the outer surface of the cover member (35a) on the left-right outer side so as to widen toward the through-hole (25a) in a side view as it approaches the outside in the left-right direction.

11. the cover member (35a) includes a cover through-hole forming portion (38) that forms a cover through-hole (38a) that overlaps with the through-hole (25a) of the seat frame (14) in a side view, 11. The frame structure according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cover through-hole forming portion (38) includes an upper surface cover portion (38c) that covers the grip portion (28a) of the seat frame (14).

12. A head pipe (11); a main frame (12) extending rearward from the head pipe (11); a seat frame (14) disposed above the main frame (12) and supporting a seat (7); a cover member (35a) that covers the seat frame (14) from the outside in the left-right direction, the seat frame (14) includes a through-hole forming portion (25) that forms a through-hole (25a) that passes through a region within a front-rear width and a top-bottom width of the seat frame (14) in a side view in a left-right direction, The through hole forming portion (25) includes an inner peripheral wall (27) that surrounds the hole space (25b) of the through hole (25a) over the entire circumference of the through hole (25a), A frame structure characterized in that a gripping portion (28a) along an upper edge of the through hole (25a) in the inner wall (27) is formed in a flat shape extending in the fore-and-aft direction by at least one of the seat frame (14) and the cover member (35a).

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