Cushioning material mounting structure

Abstract

This buffer member attachment structure comprises a buffer member (21) provided between a first device component (15) and a second device component (5b) supported by the first device component (15), and a holding part (31) for holding the buffer member (21) on one among the first device component (15) and the second device component (5b), wherein the holding part (31) comprises: a support surface part (32) that abuts the buffer member (21); a claw part (33) which is partially provided around a holding position for holding the buffer member (21) on the support surface part (32), and holds the buffer member (21) at the holding position; and an opening part (35) which is provided on one side of the support surface part (32) in a direction along a support plane (32a) and enabling the buffer member (21) to be inserted into and removed from the holding position along the support plane (32a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for a buffer member.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a rubber member is attached to a resin part such as a fender, and the rubber member serves as a buffer. The rubber member has a groove portion formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical shape, and in a state of being attached to the attachment hole of the mating part, the flange portion around the attachment hole is inserted into the groove portion.

[0003] However, in the above conventional configuration, the axial deflection of the rubber member is divided by the flange portion, and only the upper and lower portions of the rubber member bend above and below the flange portion, making it difficult to utilize the capacity of the entire rubber member to the maximum extent. Also, when attaching the rubber member to the mating part, it is necessary to push the rubber member into the attachment hole while bending it, which has been time-consuming for attaching the rubber member. [[ID=第十七条]] )

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a mounting structure for a buffer member that can improve the buffer performance by utilizing the capacity of the entire buffer member and also improve the attachment work of the buffer member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a cushioning member mounting structure comprising a first equipment component (15) and a second equipment component (5b) supported by the first equipment component (15), wherein a cushioning member (21) is provided between the first equipment component (15) and the second equipment component (5b), and a holding portion (31) for holding the cushioning member (21) is provided on one of the first equipment component (15) and the second equipment component (5b), characterized in that the holding portion (31) comprises a support surface portion (32) that abuts against the cushioning member (21), a claw portion (33) partially provided around the holding position for holding the cushioning member (21) on the support surface portion (32) and for holding the cushioning member (21) in the holding position, and an opening (35) provided on one side of the support surface portion (32) in the direction along the support plane (32a) and allowing the cushioning member (21) to be inserted into and removed from the holding position along the support plane (32a).

[0007] In this configuration, in a configuration in which a cushioning member is provided between a first equipment component and a second equipment component, the holding portion for the cushioning member provided in the first or second equipment component comprises a support surface portion that contacts and supports the cushioning member, claw portions partially provided around the holding position for holding the cushioning member, and an opening for inserting and removing the cushioning member from one side in the plane-along direction of the support plane. This allows the cushioning member to be easily inserted and removed in the plane-along direction (lateral direction) through the gaps (openings) between the multiple claw portions, improving the installation work of the cushioning member compared to the conventional configuration in which the cushioning member is pushed into the mounting hole while being bent. Since the cushioning member is held by the claw portions partially provided around the holding position, it is possible to utilize the entire capacity of the cushioning member and bend it, compared to the conventional configuration in which the flange portion is inserted around the entire circumference of the groove portion of the cushioning member, thereby improving the cushioning performance.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect described above, the second equipment component (5b) is an opening / closing body that opens and closes relative to the first equipment component (15), and the holding portion (31) is provided on the first equipment component (15). With this configuration, by providing the retaining part for the cushioning member on the main body side (first equipment part) rather than the opening / closing body (second equipment part), the possibility of the cushioning member falling off due to the opening and closing movement of the retaining part is eliminated, and the structure of the retaining part can be simplified.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first and second aspects described above, the cushioning member (21) comprises a constricted portion (25) that fits with the claw portion (33), a support surface contact portion (27) having a larger cross-sectional area than the constricted portion (25) and positioned between the support surface portion (32) and the claw portion (33), and an external contact portion (26) located on the opposite side of the support surface portion (32) from the claw portion (33) and contacting the mating part among the first equipment part (15) and the second equipment part (5b). This configuration allows for easy application even when using existing grommet-type cushioning members, by providing a mounting structure for a cushioning member that has a groove (constriction) between the support surface contact portion and the external contact portion.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the claw portions (33) are arranged discontinuously in a plurality so as to surround the buffer member (21) when viewed from the direction normal to the support surface portion (32), and the opening (35) is formed between an adjacent pair of claw portions (33). With this configuration, the cushioning member is held by multiple claws arranged discontinuously around it, making it easier to flex the entire cushioning member. At the same time, the space between adjacent pairs of claws can be used as an opening, thereby rationally improving cushioning performance.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the claw portion (33) overlaps with the support surface portion (32) when viewed from the direction normal to the support surface portion (32), and the portion of the support surface portion (32) that overlaps with the claw portion (33) when viewed from the direction normal is a through portion (32d) that penetrates in the direction normal. With this configuration, the portion of the support surface that overlaps with the claw portion when viewed from the normal direction is made into a through portion that penetrates in the normal direction, allowing the claw portion that overhangs the support surface to be easily molded by the mold splitting in the normal direction.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, the cushioning member (21), when attached to the holding portion (31), has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned with the normal direction of the support surface portion (32), and the holding portion (31) is formed in the region opposite to the opening (35) in the insertion and removal direction of the cushioning member (21) and comprises a semicircular portion (34) that surrounds half the circumference of the cushioning member (21), and a fastening portion (36) that extends from the circumferential end of the semicircular portion (34) along the circumferential direction and surrounds an area exceeding half the circumference of the cushioning member (21). With this configuration, a semicircular portion is formed in the region of the holding part opposite to the opening of the cylindrical cushioning member, which is oriented axially in the direction normal to the support surface, to cover half the circumference of the cushioning member. Additionally, a retaining portion is formed in the extension of the semicircular portion to cover an area exceeding half the circumference of the cushioning member. By inserting the cushioning member into the holding part from the side and abutting it against the semicircular portion, the cushioning member is reliably positioned in the holding position, and the retaining portion prevents the cushioning member from detaching from the holding part.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, the support surface portion (32) is provided with a locking portion (37) that protrudes onto the support plane (32a), the locking portion (37) engages with the opposing portion of the cushioning member (21) when the cushioning member (21) is attached to the holding portion (31), and an inclined portion (37a) is formed on the opening (35) side of the locking portion (37) such that the protrusion height from the support surface portion (32) is lower towards the opening (35) side. In this configuration, in a setup where a cushioning member is inserted and removed along the support plane of the support surface, the movement of the cushioning member along the support plane can be restricted by engaging the locking portion that protrudes on the support plane with the end (opposite portion) of the cushioning member. By forming an inclined portion on the opening side of the locking portion, which has a lower protrusion height towards the opening side, the end of the cushioning member can easily overcome the locking portion when inserting the cushioning member into the holding portion from the opening side, thereby facilitating the installation of the cushioning member, and restricting its movement in the detachment direction after installation.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect described above, the locking portion (37) does not overlap with the claw portion (33) when viewed from the direction normal to the support surface portion (32). With this configuration, the locking portion protruding from the support surface is positioned to avoid the claw portion, allowing the locking portion and the claw portion to be easily molded by the mold splitting in the normal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cushioning member mounting structure that improves cushioning performance by utilizing the total capacity of the cushioning member, and also improves the installation work of the cushioning member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The above is a top view of the rear inner fender of the motorcycle. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the cushioning member mounting structure of the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of Figure 4 with the cushioning material removed. [Figure 6] This is a top view of Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions such as front, rear, left, and right are the same as those in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. Also, at appropriate positions in the drawings used in the following description, 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 vehicle body from left to right are shown.

[0018] <Vehicle as a Whole> FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle (saddle-riding type vehicle) 1 as an example of a device to which the buffer member mounting structure of the present embodiment is applied. The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 3 that is a steering wheel and a rear wheel 4 that is a driving wheel. The front wheel 3 is supported by a pair of left and right front forks 3a and can be steered by a bar handle 2. The rear wheel 4 is supported at the rear end of a swing arm 4a and can be driven by a power unit 8.

[0019] Steering system components including the bar handle 2, the front forks 3a, and the front wheel 3 are supported by a head pipe 10a at the front end of the vehicle body frame 10 so as to be steerable. The front portion of the swing arm 4a is supported by a pivot frame 10c at the front-rear intermediate portion (not limited to the center) of the vehicle body frame 10 so as to be vertically swingable.

[0020] The vehicle body frame 10 includes a head pipe 10a, a main frame 10b extending downward and rearward from the head pipe 10a, a pivot frame 10c provided below the rear end of the main frame 10b, and a rear frame 10d connected to the rear upper side of the main frame 10b and the pivot frame 10c. A power unit PU is disposed below the main frame 10b and in front of the pivot frame 10c. The power unit PU is fixedly supported by the vehicle body frame 10.

[0021] The body frame 10 of the motorcycle 1 is covered by a body cover. The body cover comprises a front body cover 11a that covers the front of the body and a rear body cover 12a that covers the rear of the body. Above the rear body cover 12a is a seat 5 on which the rider sits. Inside the rear body cover 12a are a pair of left and right rear frames 10d, and a rear inner fender 15 that is supported on its left and right sides by the left and right rear frames 10d. Above the rear inner fender 15 is the bottom plate 5b of the seat 5, and a part of this seat bottom plate 5b is supported from below by a seat support part 20 provided on the rear inner fender 15. Reference numeral 15a in the figure indicates an article storage compartment formed in the rear inner fender 15.

[0022] <Cushioning material mounting structure> Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the cushioning member mounting structure of the embodiment is applied to the seat support portion 20. The cushioning member mounting structure comprises a cushion rubber (cushioning member) 21 and a holding portion 31 that holds the cushion rubber 21. The cushion rubber 21 is provided between a rear inner fender (first equipment component) 15 fixed to the vehicle body and a seat base plate (second equipment component) 5b that is detachable from the vehicle body and supported by the rear inner fender 15 when attached to the vehicle body. The holding portion 31 is provided on the rear inner fender 15. "Detachment" of the seat 5 and seat base plate 5b corresponds to "opening and closing" of the space under the seat. The seat 5 and seat base plate 5b can be said to be openable and closable relative to the vehicle body. The seat 5 and seat base plate 5b may also be configured to open and close by rotating around a hinge axis.

[0023] The left and right side portions (left and right fender sides) 16 of the rear inner fender 15 have, for example, a semicircular cross-section and are formed to follow the outer surface of the rear frame 10d, which is made of a circular steel pipe. The left and right fender sides 16 are supported by fitting from above onto the rear frame 10d on the same side. The rear inner fender 15 is integrally attached to the left and right rear frame 10d by the left and right fender sides 16 being supported by the left and right rear frame 10d, etc.

[0024] On the upper surfaces of the left and right fender sides 16, seat support sections 20 are provided to contact and support the left and right sides of the seat base plate 5b from below. The seat support sections 20 enable the left and right rear frames 10d to support the seating load applied to the seat 5 via the cushion rubber 21 and the retaining section 31.

[0025] <Cushion Rubber> Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cushion rubber 21 is cylindrical in shape with its axial direction oriented vertically and is integrally molded using an elastic material such as rubber. The cushion rubber 21 has a through hole 22 with a circular cross-section that penetrates vertically, and a groove 24 with a rectangular cross-section formed around the entire circumference of the outer edge.

[0026] The cushion rubber 21 comprises a cylindrical portion 23 with a through hole 22 inside, and a pair of disc portions 26 and 27 separated above and below the cylindrical portion via a groove 24. The upper disc portion 26 is an external contact portion that contacts the mating part (sheet bottom plate 5b), and the lower disc portion 27 is a support surface contact portion that contacts the upper surface (support plane) of the holding portion 31. In the figure, reference numeral 25 indicates the groove portion (constricted portion) that forms the groove 24 in the cushion rubber 21, reference numerals 28a and 28b indicate the upper and lower end faces of the cushion rubber 21, and line C1 indicates the central axis of the cushion rubber 21. The direction along axis C1 is called the axial direction, and the direction perpendicular to axis C1 is called the radial direction.

[0027] The cushion rubber 21 is rotationally symmetric about axis C1 and vertically symmetric with respect to the transverse plane in the axial center as the plane of symmetry. Multiple radially extending semicircular end grooves 29a are formed on the upper and lower end faces 28a and 28b of the cushion rubber 21 (the axially outer end faces of the upper and lower disc portions 26 and 27). A flat surface 29b is formed on the outer periphery of the upper and lower end faces 28a and 28b.

[0028] <Holding part> Referring to Figures 4 to 7, retaining portions 31 for holding the cushion rubber 21 are formed on the upper surface of the left and right fender side portions 16. The retaining portions 31 are integrally molded from the same resin material as the rear inner fender 15. The retaining portion 31 is a base portion formed on the upper side of the left and right fender side portions 16, which have a semicircular cross-section, in the rear inner fender 15, and forms a substantially horizontal upper surface.

[0029] The retaining portion 31 comprises a substantially circular bottom portion (support surface portion) 32 in plan view, a plurality of (three in the embodiment) claw portions 33 arranged on the outer circumference of the bottom portion 32, a semicircular portion 34 formed over half the circumference of the outer circumference of the bottom portion 32 in the vehicle width direction, an opening 35 formed on the outer circumference of the bottom portion 32 in the vehicle width direction (radially opposite to the semicircular portion 34), fastening portions 36 formed on both sides of the opening 35 in the circumferential direction of the bottom portion 32, and a central protrusion 37 formed in the center of the bottom portion 32.

[0030] The bottom portion 32 forms a flat upper surface (support plane) 32a on the upper side of the left and right fender sides 16. The upper surface 32a formed by the bottom portion 32 is formed in a so-called crescent shape, having a straight section (notch) 32b along the length direction of the rear frame 10d on the inside in the vehicle width direction, which is a perfect circle in plan view. The radius of the perfect circle of the bottom portion 32 is substantially the same as the radius of the upper and lower disc portions 26 and 27 of the cushion rubber 21. The bottom portion 32 contacts and supports the cushion rubber 21 at a predetermined position (holding position) on the upper surface 32a, and the cushion rubber 21 is held in the holding position by a plurality of claw portions 33. With the cushion rubber 21 held by the holding portion 31, the disc portion 27 on the bottom portion 32 side of the cushion rubber 21 slightly protrudes from the bottom portion 32 at the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] Multiple claw portions 33 are positioned at the outer ends in the vehicle width direction and at both ends in the front-rear direction of the bottom surface portion 32. Multiple claw portions 33 are partially provided around the holding positions for holding the cushioning member on the bottom surface portion 32. Multiple claw portions 33 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. When viewed from the direction normal to the bottom surface portion 32, multiple claw portions 33 are arranged separately (discontinuously) from each other in the circumferential direction so as to surround the cushioning member and the holding positions. Between the inner sides in the vehicle width direction of the claw portions 33 at both ends in the front-rear direction of the bottom surface portion 32 is an opening 35 from which the lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 can be inserted and removed from the holding positions of the bottom surface portion 32.

[0032] Each claw portion 33 comprises an upright portion 33a extending upward in the direction normal to the bottom surface portion 32 from the claw installation position on the outer circumference of the bottom surface portion 32, and a claw body 33b extending from the upper end of the upright portion 33a, bending toward the inner circumference of the bottom surface portion 32 in a plan view. The upright portion 33a is plate-shaped with its width direction being tangential to the bottom surface portion 32 at the claw installation position, and extends upward with a constant width. The claw portion 33 is plate-shaped with the same width as the upright portion 33a, and extends toward the inner circumference from the upper end of the upright portion 33a for a length of about one-third of the radius of the bottom surface portion 32.

[0033] In a top view taken from the direction normal to the bottom surface 32, the claw body 33b of each claw portion 33 overlaps with the bottom surface 32. In the portion of the bottom surface 32 that overlaps with each claw body 33b in the top view, a rectangular notch 32d slightly larger than the claw body 33b is formed. The notch 32d is a through portion that penetrates the bottom surface 32 in the direction normal to it. This makes it easy to mold the claw body 33b of the claw portion 33 that overhangs the bottom surface 32 when molding the base-shaped holding portion 31 with a mold split in the direction normal to it. In other words, even without using a sliding mold that extends and retracts radially along the bottom surface 32, the mold for molding the lower surface 33c of the claw body 33b can be constructed with a mold split in the direction normal to it.

[0034] The semicircular portion 34 is formed along the outer circumference shape of the bottom surface portion 32 on the outside in the vehicle width direction (on the radial side opposite to the opening 35). The semicircular portion 34 is formed between the claw portions 33 at both ends of the bottom surface portion 32 in the front-rear direction. The semicircular portion 34 has a height of about half the height of the upright portion 33a of the claw portion 33 in the vertical direction. With the cushion rubber 21 held in place by the holding portion 31, the outer circumference of the disc portion 27 on the lower side (bottom surface portion 32 side) of the cushion rubber 21 is in contact with the inner circumference of the semicircular portion 34 and the inner surface of the upright portion 33a of each claw portion 33 facing inward towards the bottom surface portion 32.

[0035] The opening 35 is formed on the inner side of the bottom surface 32 in the vehicle width direction (one side in the direction along the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface 32). The opening 35 is formed between the claw portions 33 at both ends of the bottom surface 32 in the front-rear direction. The opening 35 does not have any protrusions that extend above the upper surface 32a formed by the bottom surface 32. Therefore, the cushion rubber 21 can be inserted into the holding portion 31 by bringing the lower surface (lower end surface 28b) of the lower disc portion 27 into contact with the inner side of the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface 32 in the vehicle width direction, and moving the lower disc portion 27 radially along the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface 32.

[0036] The fastening portion 36 is formed on both sides of the opening 35 in the front-rear direction on the inner side of the bottom surface portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. The fastening portion 36 extends from the inner side of the claw portions 33 in the vehicle width direction at both ends in the front-rear direction, for example, along the outer circumference shape of the bottom surface portion 32 to a width approximately equal to that of the claw portions 33. As a result, the outer circumference of the lower disc portion 27 held within the holding portion 31 is held by the semicircular portion 34 and the multiple claw portions 33 in the outer half-circumference range in the vehicle width direction, and the portion beyond half a circumference at the front and rear ends of the outer circumference is held so as to be embraced by the fastening portion 36.

[0037] The front-to-back opening width (first opening width) 35a of the opening 35 is approximately the same as the diameter of the bottom surface 32 and the diameter of the lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21, whereas the front-to-back opening width (second opening width) 36a between the front and rear fastening portions 36 is narrower than the front-to-back opening width 35a of the opening 35. As a result, the effective opening width (second opening width) 36a of the opening 35 is narrower than the respective diameters of the bottom surface 32 and the cushion rubber 21, preventing the lower disc portion 27 held within the holding portion 31 from detaching towards the opening 35.

[0038] The fastening portion 36 is formed such that the height of its protrusion from the bottom portion 32 decreases as it moves further inward in the vehicle width direction from the front and rear claw portions 33, but the height of its protrusion from the bottom portion 32 may be kept constant. That is, the fastening portion 36 may be formed so as to extend the front and rear ends of the semicircular portion 34 in the circumferential direction. The protrusion height and circumferential extension length of the fastening portion 36 are appropriately set based on a balance between the ease of attachment and detachment of the cushion rubber 21 and the holding force.

[0039] The central projection 37 is provided protruding from the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface 32. The central projection 37 is fitted into the lower end of the through hole 22 of the cushion rubber 21 held by the holding part 31, and restricts the movement of the cushion rubber 21 toward the opening 35 (detachment from the holding part 31). The central projection 37 has, for example, an annular shape in plan view, and the cross-sectional shape of the protruding tip is semicircular. The central projection 37 is formed in a region that does not overlap with the claw body 33b of each claw part 33 in top view, and can be easily molded by mold splitting in the direction normal to the holding part 31.

[0040] The central protrusion 37 is formed such that the outer half of the circumference in the vehicle width direction has a constant protrusion height from the bottom surface 32, while the inner half of the circumference in the vehicle width direction is formed such that the protrusion height from the bottom surface 32 decreases as it approaches the inner side in the vehicle width direction. By forming an inclined portion 37a on the inner side of the central protrusion 37 in the vehicle width direction (towards the opening 35) that gradually reduces the protrusion height, the lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 can easily overcome the central protrusion 37 when attaching the cushion rubber 21 to the holding portion 31, thereby improving the ease of attaching the cushion rubber 21.

[0041] When the cushion rubber 21 is pushed radially into the holding portion 31 until the lower disc portion 27 abuts against the inner circumference of the semicircular portion 34, the central projection 37 that has overcome the lower end surface 28b of the cushion rubber 21 fits into the lower end of the through hole 22, and the outer portion 37b of the central projection 37 in the vehicle width direction engages with the inner circumference of the through hole 22. This restricts the movement of the cushion rubber 21 in the vehicle width direction, i.e., toward the opening 35.

[0042] When the cushion rubber 21 is pushed radially into the retaining portion 31, the claw bodies 33b of the front and rear claw portions 33 of the retaining portion 31 are inserted into the front and rear portions of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. As the cushion rubber 21 is pushed radially into the retaining portion 31, the claw bodies 33b of the front and rear claw portions 33 move while sliding inward in the vehicle width direction within the groove portion 25. When the cushion rubber 21 is fully inserted into the retaining portion 31 until the lower disc portion 27 abuts against the semicircular portion 34, the claw bodies 33b of the front and rear claw portions 33 reach the front and rear ends of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21 (the specified engagement position).

[0043] At this time, the claw body 33b of the claw portion 33 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the holding portion 31 is inserted radially into the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21. The lower surface 33c of the claw body 33b of each claw portion 33 abuts against the upper surface 27a of the lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 that faces into the groove portion 25. At this time, a gap 33e is formed between the upper surface 33d of the claw body 33b of each claw portion 33 and the lower surface 26a of the upper disc portion 26 of the cushion rubber 21 that faces into the groove portion 25 when there is no load, thereby improving shock absorption. The lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 is held by being sandwiched vertically between the lower surface 33c of the claw body 33b of each claw portion 33 and the upper surface 32a of the bottom portion 32.

[0044] Therefore, the cushion rubber 21 is prevented from moving away from the bottom portion 32, the engagement between the lower end of the through hole 22 and the central projection 37 is maintained, and the engagement between the fastening portions 36 on both sides of the opening 35 and the lower disc portion 27 is maintained. As a result, the cushion rubber 21 is prevented from detaching from the holding portion 31, and the cushion rubber 21 can be securely held in place by the holding portion 31.

[0045] In this embodiment, the holding portion 31 holds the cushion rubber 21 with three claw portions 33, so that, compared to a configuration in which a flange is inserted around the entire circumference of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21, most of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21 is used in an open state. Therefore, the entire cushion rubber 21 can bend more easily in the axial direction, and the sheet load can be flexibly supported (in other words, the cushioning performance can be improved).

[0046] As described above, the cushioning member mounting structure of the embodiment comprises a cushioning member (cushion rubber 21) provided between a first equipment component (rear inner fender 15) and a second equipment component (seat bottom plate 5b) supported by the first equipment component, and a holding portion 31 for holding the cushion rubber 21 is provided on one of the first equipment component and the second equipment component, wherein the holding portion 31 comprises a support surface portion (bottom surface portion 32) that abuts against the cushion rubber 21, a claw portion 33 partially provided around the holding position for holding the cushion rubber 21 on the bottom surface portion 32 and holding the cushion rubber 21 in the holding position, and an opening 35 provided on one side (inward in the vehicle width direction) in the direction along the support plane (upper surface 32a) of the bottom surface portion 32 and allowing the cushion rubber 21 to be inserted into and removed from the holding position along the upper surface 32a.

[0047] In this configuration, a cushion rubber 21 is provided between the rear inner fender 15 and the seat base plate 5b. The retaining portion 31 for the cushion rubber 21 provided on the rear inner fender 15 includes a bottom surface portion 32 that contacts and supports the cushion rubber 21, claw portions 33 partially provided around the retaining position that holds the cushion rubber 21, and an opening 35 that allows the cushion rubber 21 to be inserted and removed from one side in the plane-side direction of the upper surface 32a. This makes it possible to easily insert and remove the cushion rubber 21 in the plane-side direction (lateral direction) through the gap (opening 35) between the multiple claw portions 33, improving the installation work of the cushion rubber 21 compared to the conventional configuration in which the cushion rubber 21 is pushed into the mounting hole while being bent. Since the cushion rubber 21 is held by claw portions 33 that are partially provided around the holding position, compared to the conventional configuration in which the flange portion is inserted around the entire circumference of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21, it is possible to utilize the entire capacity of the cushion rubber 21 to allow it to flex, thereby improving the cushioning performance.

[0048] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the seat bottom plate 5b is an opening / closing body that is detached from or opened / closed to the rear inner fender 15, and the holding portion 31 is provided on the rear inner fender 15. With this configuration, by providing the retaining portion 31 for the cushion rubber 21 on the main body side (rear inner fender 15) rather than on the opening / closing body (seat bottom plate 5b), the possibility of the cushion rubber 21 falling off due to the opening and closing movement of the retaining portion 31 is eliminated, and the structure of the retaining portion 31 can be simplified.

[0049] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the cushion rubber 21 includes a constricted portion (groove portion 25) that fits with the claw portion 33, a support surface contact portion (lower disc portion 27) which has a larger cross-sectional area than the groove portion 25 and is positioned between the bottom surface portion 32 and the claw portion 33 in the direction normal to the bottom surface portion 32, and an external contact portion (upper disc portion 26) which is located on the opposite side of the bottom surface portion 32 from the claw portion 33 in the direction normal to the rear inner fender 15 and the mating part (seat bottom plate 5b) of the seat bottom plate 5b. This configuration allows for easy application of existing grommet-type cushion rubbers 21, as the mounting structure for the cushion rubber 21 has a groove (constriction) 25 between the upper and lower disc portions 26 and 27.

[0050] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the claw portions 33 are arranged discontinuously in multiple locations so as to surround the cushion rubber 21 when viewed from the direction normal to the bottom surface portion 32, and the opening 35 is formed between adjacent pairs of claw portions 33. With this configuration, the cushion rubber 21 is held by multiple claw portions 33 that are discontinuously arranged around the cushion rubber 21, making it easier to flex the entire cushion rubber 21, and allowing the area between adjacent pairs of claw portions 33 to be used as an opening 35, thereby rationally improving cushioning performance.

[0051] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, when viewed from the direction normal to the bottom surface 32, the claw portion 33 overlaps with the bottom surface 32, and the portion of the bottom surface 32 that overlaps with the claw portion 33 when viewed from the direction normal is a through portion (notch portion 32d) that penetrates in the direction normal. With this configuration, the portion of the bottom surface 32 that overlaps with the claw portion 33 when viewed from the normal direction is made into a through portion (notch portion 32d) that penetrates in the normal direction, so that the claw portion 33 that overhangs the bottom surface 32 can be easily molded by the mold splitting in the normal direction.

[0052] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the cushion rubber 21, when attached to the holding portion 31, has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned with the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, and the holding portion 31 is formed in the region opposite to the opening 35 in the insertion and removal direction of the cushion rubber 21 and includes a semicircular portion 34 that surrounds half the circumference of the cushion rubber 21, and a fastening portion 36 that extends from the circumferential end of the semicircular portion 34 along the circumferential direction and surrounds an area exceeding half the circumference of the cushion rubber 21. With this configuration, a semicircular portion 34 is formed in the region of the holding portion 31 opposite to the opening 35, covering half the circumference of the cylindrical cushion rubber 21 which is oriented axially in the direction normal to the bottom portion 32. Additionally, a retaining portion 36 is formed on the extension of the semicircular portion 34, covering an area beyond half the circumference of the cushion rubber 21. By inserting the cushion rubber 21 into the holding portion 31 from the side and abutting it against the semicircular portion 34, the cushion rubber 21 is reliably positioned in the holding position, and the retaining portion 36 prevents the cushion rubber 21 from detaching from the holding portion 31.

[0053] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the bottom surface portion 32 is provided with a locking portion (central projection 37) that protrudes onto the upper surface 32a, and the central projection 37 engages with the opposing portion (lower end of the through hole 22) of the cushion rubber 21 when the cushion rubber 21 is attached to the holding portion 31, and an inclined portion 37a is formed on the opening 35 side of the central projection 37 such that the height of the projection from the bottom surface portion 32 decreases towards the opening 35 side. With this configuration, in a setup in which the cushion rubber 21 is inserted and removed along the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface 32, the movement of the cushion rubber 21 in the direction along the upper surface 32a can be restricted by engaging the central projection 37 protruding on the upper surface 32a with the lower end (opposite part) of the cushion rubber 21. By forming an inclined portion 37a on the opening 35 side of the central projection 37, which has a lower projection height towards the opening 35 side, when inserting the cushion rubber 21 into the holding portion 31 from the opening 35 side, the lower end of the cushion rubber 21 can easily overcome the central projection 37, making it easier to attach the cushion rubber 21, and after the cushion rubber 21 is attached, its movement in the detachment direction can be restricted.

[0054] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the central protrusion 37 does not overlap with the claw portion 33 when viewed from the direction normal to the bottom surface portion 32. With this configuration, the central projection 37 protruding from the bottom portion 32 is positioned to avoid the claw portion 33, allowing the central projection 37 and the claw portion 33 to be easily molded by the mold splitting in the normal direction.

[0055] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, a cylindrical grommet is just one example of a cushioning member, and the invention is applicable to attaching cushioning members of various configurations. Furthermore, the configuration of the retaining portion 31 (such as the number and arrangement of the claw portions 33) can vary. For example, the retaining portion 31 may have a support surface portion that is inclined or upright relative to the horizontal plane, and the cushioning member may be supported in contact with this support surface portion. In this case, it is preferable to place the opening 35 on the upper side of the retaining portion 31 and the claw portions 33 on the lower side of the retaining portion 31 to restrict the downward movement (falling out) of the cushioning member.

[0056] The cushioning member mounting structure of this embodiment may also be applied to saddle-type vehicles other than motorcycles. The saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles on which the driver straddles the vehicle 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 the power source. It may also be applied to vehicles other than saddle-type vehicles (passenger cars, buses, trucks, etc.). Furthermore, although a retaining portion is formed on the rear inner fender in this embodiment, the retaining portion may be formed on other members, such as the vehicle frame.

[0057] Although the cushioning member mounting structure of this embodiment is applied to vehicles, the present invention is not limited to vehicles and may be applied to various transportation equipment such as aircraft and ships, as well as various vehicles and moving objects such as construction machinery and industrial machinery. Furthermore, the present invention can be broadly applied to equipment other than vehicles that requires cushioning members to be attached between parts, such as push lawnmowers and cleaning machines. Furthermore, the configuration in the above embodiment is just one example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle, equipment) 5b Sheet base plate (second equipment component) 15. Rear Inner Fender (Daiichi Kiki Parts) 20 Seat support section 21. Cushion rubber (cushioning material) 25 Groove (constricted part) 26 Upper disc portion (external contact portion) 27 Lower disc portion (support surface contact portion) 31 Holding part 32 Bottom part (support surface part) 32a Top surface (support plane) 32d Notch (through section) 33 Nail area 34 Semicircular section 35 Opening 36 Fastening part 37. Central protrusion (locking part) 37a Slope

Claims

1. The device comprises a first equipment component (15) and a second equipment component (5b) supported by the first equipment component (15), with a buffer member (21) provided between them. In a cushioning member mounting structure in which one of the first equipment component (15) and the second equipment component (5b) is provided with a holding portion (31) for holding the cushioning member (21), The buffer member (21) has a columnar shape and is provided with a constricted portion (25) around its entire outer circumference. The holding portion (31) is A support surface portion (32) that contacts the cushioning member (21), The support surface portion (32) has a claw portion (33) erected around the cushioning member (21), which fits with the constricted portion (25) and holds the cushioning member (21), A cushioning member mounting structure characterized by comprising: an opening (35) provided on one side of the support surface portion (32) in a direction along the support plane (32a), which allows the cushioning member (21) to engage with and disengage from the claw portion (33) along the support plane (32a).

2. The device comprises a first equipment component (15) and a second equipment component (5b) supported by the first equipment component (15), with a buffer member (21) provided between them. In a cushioning member mounting structure in which one of the first equipment component (15) and the second equipment component (5b) is provided with a holding portion (31) for holding the cushioning member (21), The buffer member (21) has a columnar shape and is provided with a constricted portion (25) around its entire outer circumference. The holding portion (31) is A support surface portion (32) that contacts the cushioning member (21), The support surface portion (32) has a claw portion (33) erected around the cushioning member (21), which fits with the constricted portion (25) to hold the cushioning member (21) and restrict its movement in the axial direction, A cushioning member mounting structure characterized by comprising: holding members (36, 37) that extend upward from the support plane (32a) of the support surface portion (32) and hold the cushioning member (21) on the support plane (32a) in a holding position.

3. The second equipment component (5b) is an opening / closing body that opens and closes relative to the first equipment component (15), The cushioning member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining portion (31) is provided on the first equipment component (15).

4. The cushioning member (21) is The support surface contact portion (27) has a larger cross-sectional area than the constricted portion (25) and is positioned between the support surface portion (32) and the claw portion (33), The cushioning member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an external contact portion (26) located on the opposite side of the support surface portion (32) from the claw portion (33) and in contact with the mating part among the first equipment part (15) and the second equipment part (5b).

5. The support surface portion (32) is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) and has an opening (35) that allows the cushioning member (21) to engage with and disengage from the claw portion (33) along the support plane (32a), The cushioning member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the claw portions (33) are arranged discontinuously in a plurality so as to surround the cushioning member (21) when viewed from the direction normal to the support surface portion (32), and the opening (35) is formed between adjacent pairs of claw portions (33).

6. When viewed from the direction normal to the support surface portion (32), the claw portion (33) overlaps with the support surface portion (32). The cushioning member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support surface portion (32), when viewed from the normal direction, has a through portion (32d) that penetrates in the normal direction in the portion that overlaps with the claw portion (33).

7. The support surface portion (32) is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) and has an opening (35) that allows the cushioning member (21) to engage with and disengage from the claw portion (33) along the support plane (32a), The cushioning member (21), when attached to the holding portion (31), has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned with the normal direction of the support surface portion (32), The holding portion (31) is A semicircular portion (34) is formed in the region opposite to the opening (35) in the insertion and removal direction of the buffer member (21), and surrounds half the circumference of the buffer member (21), The cushioning member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fastening portion (36) as a retaining member that extends from the circumferential end of the semicircular portion (34) along the circumferential direction and encloses an area exceeding half the circumference of the cushioning member (21).

8. The support surface portion (32) is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) and has an opening (35) that allows the cushioning member (21) to engage with and disengage from the claw portion (33) along the support plane (32a), The support surface portion (32) is provided with a locking portion (37) that acts as a retaining member protruding from the support plane (32a), The locking portion (37) engages with the opposing portion of the cushioning member (21) when the cushioning member (21) is attached to the holding portion (31). The cushioning member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking portion (37) has an inclined portion (37a) formed on the opening (35) side such that the protrusion height from the support surface portion (32) is lower towards the opening (35) side.

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