Carrier for saddle-type vehicles

Abstract

A carrier for a saddle-type vehicle is described, configured to be installed at the rear end of the saddle-type vehicle. The carrier comprises a mounting portion that extends along the longitudinal axis and is connected to the rear end, and a loading portion that extends from the mounting portion and extends at least partially cantilevered from the rear end. The carrier is divided along the longitudinal axis L and comprises a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion. The first carrier portion and the second carrier portion are integrally joined to each other by fastening means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of accessories for saddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles, and more particularly to a carrier applicable to the rear end for installing a top box, a bag, or the like.

Background Art

[0002] A carrier for a motorcycle made of an aluminum alloy is known from the prior art in order to balance the requirements of light weight and load-bearing capacity.

[0003] Such a carrier for a motorcycle mainly includes a mounting portion shaped to be fastened to a corresponding side portion of a rear frame. It is disposed substantially in a cantilever manner with respect to the rear end, and a loading portion shaped to be a support surface for a top box or the like extends from the mounting portion.

[0004] Generally, the carrier is integrally formed using an upper die, that is, manufactured by die-casting as one part. With this upper die, the amount of metal material used increases, and the metal material introduced from above must reach the distal end of the die. Therefore, when the wall thickness determining strength and structural robustness is equal, the weight of the carrier increases.

[0005] The increased weight affects the riding performance of the motorcycle to which the weight is added. In fact, in a region far from the center of gravity of the motorcycle, the weight of the rear end increases.

[0006] There is a felt need to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks with a carrier that is equally strong considering the same shape and use, and at the same time is lighter.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a carrier for a saddle-type vehicle that is equally strong considering the same shape and use, and at the same time is lighter.

[0008] The above objective is achieved by a carrier for the saddle-type vehicle, configured to be installed at the rear end of the saddle-type vehicle. The carrier comprises a mounting portion that extends along the longitudinal axis and is connected to the rear end, and a loading portion that extends from the mounting portion and extends at least partially cantilevered from the rear end.

[0009] The carrier is divided into at least two parts along its longitudinal axis, specifically comprising a first carrier portion and a second carrier portion that are connectable to each other, the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion being integrally connected to each other via fastening means.

[0010] Therefore, by dividing the carrier into two parts, sections, or semi-parts along the longitudinal axis L, it becomes possible to manufacture the carrier by a process of forming the individual parts and then assembling them together by fastening means.

[0011] The term "molding" refers to the casting manufacturing process of metallic materials, preferably aluminum alloys, particularly die casting. Alternatively, molding includes the manufacturing process of plastic materials by three-dimensional printing.

[0012] This structural solution offers several advantages. First, the longitudinal division results in an overall weight reduction without altering the structural strength and load-bearing capacity of the carrier. In particular, by manufacturing individual parts of the carrier, it is possible to obtain sections with "more cavities" for the same thickness. This ensures that the thickness remains constant and therefore the same strength is achieved. At the same time, the amount of material used is reduced, resulting in a significant weight reduction. Compared to carriers manufactured according to conventional techniques, the weight of a carrier according to this invention is reduced by approximately 50% for the same load, size, and material.

[0013] Advantageously, the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion each comprise mounting portions and loading portions that form integrally molded elements. In particular, the longitudinal division stipulates that each of the two carrier portions comprises mounting portions that connect on each side of the rear end and one section of the loading portion, specifically half of the loading portion.

[0014] In particular, each section of the loading portion comprises a plate-like element or a substantial plate-like element, and two plate-like elements have surfaces that come into contact with each other when the first and second portions of the carrier are joined together.

[0015] In particular, fastening means are applied to each section of the loading portion. More specifically, the fastening means are applied to plate-like elements.

[0016] Preferably, each plate-like element of the loading section is substantially planar and extends from its respective mounting portion. When two plate-like elements of the loading section are joined together, they form a continuous planar loading surface, defining a loading top surface shaped to support the top box.

[0017] The loading portion of the assembled structure may also have non-planar surfaces, such as concave surfaces, to form a shape that connects with a base such as a top box.

[0018] Each mounting section, connecting to the rear end of the vehicle on opposite sides, defines a typical "U" shape between them, enclosing the tail section of the rear end. The mounting sections then join to a designated loading area for mounting a top box or similar.

[0019] Preferably, the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion are mirror images of each other with respect to the longitudinal axis, i.e., mirror symmetry. Thus, two semi-parts are manufactured using one die. The symmetrical division divides the loading portion into at least two parts, and the loading portion is cut along the longitudinal axis of each of the two sections.

[0020] Preferably, the fastening means includes fastening bushings that are integrated with each section of the loading portion of a single semi-part, and fastening bolts are inserted into the fastening bushings to obtain an assembled structure of the entire loading portion.

[0021] Advantageously, a pair of fastening bushings spaced apart from each other and a pair of fastening bolts engaging with each fastening bushing are provided. Thus, the fastening of the first and second carrier sections is performed in the loading section, assembling the two halves together. The fastening bushings are advantageously located beneath the loading section and preferably consist of at least a pair of bushings spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis L. The fastening bolts pass through the bushings, enabling a precise connection of the two parts. Furthermore, since the fastening bolts are through-pins perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, they contribute to increasing the structural strength of the loading section.

[0022] Advantageously, the mounting portion has a "C" shaped cross-section that at least partially surrounds each structural element of the rear end frame. In detail, the "C" shape allows for weight reduction while maintaining the same wall thickness for the carrier. Furthermore, the "C" shape facilitates connection to the rear end frame in embodiments where the rear end frame is of the tubular type. In fact, the "C" shape ideally fits with the tubular portion of the frame, forming a connection where the mounting portion at least partially surrounds the tubular portion of the frame. This shape reduces the lateral size of the rear end to which the carrier is applied.

[0023] Preferably, the carrier includes passenger grip sections that branch off from each mounting section and connect to the loading section on opposite sides. In particular, the grip sections have a "C" shaped cross-section, which makes them easier for passengers to grip and more comfortable to hold, while maintaining equal strength and structural resistance.

[0024] Advantageously, the loading portion is offset in a direction perpendicular to the attachment portion. The grip portion forms respective openings together with the attachment portion and the loading portion. Thus, the opening below the grip portion facilitates the placement of the hand within the gap and provides greater comfort.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the rear end portion with the carrier according to the present invention attached is shown. [Figure 1A] A side view of the rear end portion with the carrier of FIG. 1 according to the present invention attached is shown. [Figure 2] A perspective view of only the carrier according to the present invention, separated from the rear end portion, is shown. [Figure 3] A bottom view of the carrier according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3A] A top view of the carrier according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of the carrier according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A side view of the carrier is shown. [Figure 5A] A front cross-sectional view of the carrier according to the cross-section shown in FIG. 5 is shown. [Figure 5B] A front cross-sectional view of the carrier according to the cross-section shown in FIG. 5 is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Detailed Description The following description of one or more embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings identify the same or similar elements. The gist of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any way.

[0027] In FIGS. 1 and 1A, reference numeral 20 indicates the rear end portion of a saddle-type vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having at least one front steering wheel and one rear driving wheel.

[0028] The rear end 20 includes a rear end frame 21 that extends along the longitudinal direction L, i.e., the "longitudinal axis L". The rear end frame 21 is of a tubular type and includes tubular side elements 22, 22' that extend along the longitudinal axis L. The tubular side elements 22, 22' are connected to each other by lateral elements 23.

[0029] The carrier 10 according to the present invention is attached to the rear end 20.

[0030] In particular, the carrier 10 includes mounting portions 11, 11' that extend along the longitudinal axis L and are connected to the rear end portion 20, and loading portions 12, 12' that extend from the mounting portions 11, 11' and extend at least partially cantilevered from the rear end portion 20.

[0031] The carrier 10 is divided along a longitudinal axis L and comprises a first carrier portion P1 and a second carrier portion P2 that are connectable to each other (Figure 4). The first carrier portion P1 and the second carrier portion P2 are connected integrally via fastening means 30. The first carrier portion P1 and the second carrier portion P2 are each structurally integral parts and are manufactured by a molding process. The two portions P1 and P2 are then mechanically assembled together as will be described in detail. By manufacturing the two integral parts separately from each other, manufacturing can be simplified, resulting in a simpler and less expensive product. Furthermore, a lighter carrier can be obtained with the same structural strength, and therefore, the maximum applicable load capacity can be obtained. In addition, mounting the carrier to the motorcycle frame becomes easier and more precise.

[0032] The carrier 10 is thus manufactured using two carrier parts or semi-parts P1 and P2 that divide the carrier 10 along the longitudinal axis L. The two semi-parts P1 and P2 are preferably manufactured by a molding process and then assembled together via fastening means 30. This results in better structural accuracy with respect to dimensions, in addition to the advantages outlined below.

[0033] Advantageously, the first carrier section P1 and the second carrier section P2 each include their respective mounting sections 11, 11' and their respective loading sections 12, 12'. The superscript and non-superscript symbols indicate the left and right portions, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0034] In particular, the longitudinal division stipulates that the mounting portion 11 is connected by a tubular element 22 at the rear end 20, and the mounting portion 11' is connected by a tubular element 22'. Furthermore, the longitudinal division defines two sections 12 and 12' that, when assembled together, form the loading portions 12 and 12'. Each section of the loading portions 12 and 12' extends over a given extension range d along a longitudinal axis L (Figure 2) that defines the length of the loading top surface.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the mounting portions 11 and 11', which are opposite each other, define a typical "U" shape surrounding the tail end of the rear end 21. The mounting portions 11 and 11' then connect to the loading portions 12 and 12' designated for mounting top boxes or the like.

[0036] In particular, the loading sections 12, 12' each include a plate-like element or substantially plate-like elements 12a, 12a' (Figure 4). The two plate-like elements 12a, 12a' have respective contact surfaces 33 that abut each other when the first carrier section P1 and the second carrier section P2 are joined together. In other words, each plate-like element 12a, 12a' of the loading sections 12, 12' is substantially planar and extends from the respective mounting sections 11, 11'. When joined together, the two plate-like elements 12a, 12a' form a continuous planar loading surface, defining the loading top surface of a shape that supports the top box. The loading sections of the assembled structure may also have non-planar surfaces, such as concave or convex surfaces, to form a shape that connects to a base such as a top box.

[0037] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the first carrier portion P1 and the second carrier portion P2 are integrally molded portions, symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis L, and in particular, mirror-image symmetry. Structurally, the assembly of the two semi-parts P1 and P2 takes place in the loading portions 12, 12', and in particular, fastening means 30 are provided on the plate-like elements 12a, 12a', as will be described in detail below. The first carrier portion P1 and the second carrier portion P2 are obtained by molding as described above.

[0038] As shown in detail in Figure 4, the fastening means 30 includes fastening bushings 31 that are integral with the lower surfaces of the plate elements 12a and 12a' of each section 12, 12' of the loading portion. In particular, the fastening bushings 31 are obtained symmetrically on both the plate elements 12a and 12a' and have through holes. Retaining bolts 32, 32a are inserted into the fastening bushings 31 to obtain the assembled structure of the halves (i.e., sections) of the loading portion 12'12'. In detail, through bolts 32 are provided, one end of which is secured by a nut 32a. As also shown in Figure 3, the fastening bushings 31 are advantageously obtained below the loading portion 12, 12'. When the fastening bolts 32, 32a are tightened, it is possible to obtain a precise connection at the contact surface 33 (Figure 4) where the surfaces of the two sections of the loading portion 12 and 12' abut, and the surfaces become coplanar. The fastening bolts 32 and 32a are also through-pins lateral to the longitudinal axis L, and thus contribute to supporting the load placed on the loading sections 12 and 12'.

[0039] In particular, a pair of fastening bushings 31 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L, and a pair of fastening bolts 32, 32a that engage with each of the fastening bushings 31 are provided.

[0040] The assembly of the carrier 10 onto the frame 20 is performed by simply attaching the first part P1 and the second part P2 to the frame with fastening screws 18, 18'. The plate-like elements 12a, 12a' are then connected to each other by clamp bolts 32, 32a until adjacent abutment connections are obtained.

[0041] Similarly, a cover 25 (Figure 4), attached by fastening screws 26, is advantageously positioned over the loading sections 12, 12' and functions not only as a joint with the mounting system for the top box but also as a cover. As described above, when the sections of loading sections 12, 12' are attached together via the fastening means 30, the carrier takes on the assembled "U" shape shown in Figure 2.

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

[0043] In another structural embodiment, the carrier 10 includes passenger grip sections 15, 15' that branch off from their respective mounting sections 11, 11' and connect to the loading sections 12, 12' on opposite sides. The grip sections 15, 15' also have a "C" cross-section (see Figure 5B), which makes them easier and more comfortable for passengers to grip while maintaining equal strength and structural resistance. The grip sections 15, 15' further include ribs 19 (Figure 2) obtained within the gaps of the "C" cross-section, thereby increasing structural strength.

[0044] The same ribs 19 can also be provided on the inside of the mounting sections 11, 11' and / or loading sections 12, 12' for the same purpose.

[0045] When the loading sections 12, 12' are attached to the rear end 20, they are offset perpendicularly to the mounting sections 11, 11', as shown in Figure 1A, for example. The grip sections 15, 15' together with the mounting sections 11, 11' and the loading sections 12, 12' form their respective openings 16, 16'. Specifically, connecting sections 13, 13' are provided in the lower region, extending from the mounting sections 11, 11' to connect to the lower region of the loading sections 12, 12'. The connecting sections 13, 13' define the closed-loop openings 16, 16'.

[0046] Therefore, the openings 16, 16' below the grip portions 15, 15' facilitate hand placement within the gap, providing greater comfort.

[0047] Advantageously, the mounting portions 11, 11' have windows 14, 14' which allow the overall weight of the carrier 10 itself to be reduced.

[0048] Since the above description of one or more specific embodiments may illustrate the invention from a conceptual standpoint, it is understood that others using the prior art may modify and / or adapt the embodiments for various uses without further study and without departing from the concept of the invention, and that such adaptations and modifications shall be considered equivalents of the particular embodiments. The means and materials for performing the various functions described may be of various natures without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terms used are for descriptive purposes only and therefore non-limiting.

Claims

1. A carrier (10) for a saddle-type vehicle, configured to be installed on the rear end (20) of the saddle-type vehicle, The carrier (10) comprises mounting portions (11, 11') that extend along the longitudinal axis (L) and are connected to the rear end portion (20), and loading portions (12, 12') that extend from the mounting portions (11, 11') and extend at least partially cantilevered from the rear end portion (20), The carrier (10) is divided along the longitudinal axis (L) and comprises a first carrier portion (P1) and a second carrier portion (P2), The first carrier portion (P1) and the second carrier portion (P2) are integrally connected to each other by fastening means (30). The first carrier portion (P1) and the second carrier portion (P2) each include their respective mounting portions (11, 11') and loading portions (12, 12'), The fastening means (30) is applied in each of the sections of the loading portion (12, 12'), - The first carrier portion (P1) and the second carrier portion (P2) are obtained by a molding process. A carrier (10) characterized by the following.

2. The carrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of the first carrier portion (P1) and the second carrier portion (P2) is an integrally molded portion.

3. The carrier (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening means (30) arranges the sections of the loading portions (12, 12') in contact with each other at their respective contact surfaces (33) to make them coplanar.

4. The carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first carrier portion (P1) and the second carrier portion (P2) are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

5. The carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each section of the loading portion (12, 12') comprises a plate-like element or substantially plate-like element (12a, 12a'), and the two plate-like elements (12a, 12a') have contact surfaces (33) that come into contact with each other when the first carrier portion (P1) and the second carrier portion (P2) are coupled together.

6. The carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fastening means (30) comprises a fastening bushing (31) which is integral with each of the sections of the loading portion (12, 12'), and fastening bolts (32, 32a) are inserted into the fastening bushing to obtain an assembled structure of the loading portion (12, 12').

7. The carrier (10) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the fastening bushing (31) is obtained on the lower surface of the plate-like elements (12a, 12a').

8. The carrier (10) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a pair of fastening bushings spaced apart from each other, and a pair of fastening bolts (32, 32a) that engage with each of the fastening bushings (31).

9. The carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mounting portion (11, 11') has a "C" shaped cross-section that at least partially surrounds each of the tubular elements (22, 22') of the tubular frame (21) at the rear end portion (20).

10. A carrier (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein passenger grip portions (15, 15') are provided, branching from each of the aforementioned mounting portions (11, 11') and connecting to the loading portions (12, 12') on the opposite side.

11. The carrier (10) according to claim 10, wherein the loading portion (12, 12') is offset perpendicularly with respect to the mounting portion (12, 12'), and the grip portion (11, 11') together with the mounting portion (15, 15') and the loading portion (11, 11') forms their respective openings (16, 16').

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

13. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the rear end portion (20) is provided with a tubular rear end frame (21).

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