Buffer member attachment 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

Shock absorber mounting structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing member mounting structure.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a rubber member is attached to a resin part such as a fender to act as a buffer. The rubber member has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface formed with a groove extending in the circumferential direction, and when attached to a mounting hole in a mating part, a flange around the mounting hole is inserted into the groove.

[0003] However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the axial bending of the rubber member is isolated to the flange portion, and only the upper and lower portions of the rubber member bend above and below the flange portion, respectively, making it difficult to maximize the capacity of the entire rubber member. Furthermore, when attaching the rubber member to a mating part, the rubber member needs to be pushed into the attachment hole while being bent, which makes the attachment of the rubber member time-consuming.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-316066

[0005] The present invention provides a shock-absorbing member mounting structure that utilizes the overall capacity of the shock-absorbing member to improve shock-absorbing performance and also facilitates the work of mounting the shock-absorbing member.

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

[0007] According to this configuration, in a configuration in which a buffer member is provided between a first device component and a second device component, the buffer member holder provided on the first device component or the second device component includes a support surface portion that abuts and supports the buffer member, claw portions partially provided around the holding position that holds the buffer member, and an opening portion through which the buffer member is inserted and removed from one side in the plane direction of the support plane. This makes it possible to easily insert and remove the buffer member in the plane direction (lateral direction) through the gaps (openings) between the multiple claw portions, thereby improving the installation work of the buffer member compared to a conventional configuration in which the buffer member is pushed into the installation hole while being deflected. Because the buffer member is held by the claw portions partially provided around the holding position, it is possible to utilize the entire capacity of the buffer member to deflect it, compared to a conventional configuration in which a flange portion is inserted around the entire circumference of the groove of the buffer member, and this improves buffering performance.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the second device component (5b) is an opening / closing body that is opened and closed relative to the first device component (15), and the holding portion (31) is provided on the first device component (15). According to this configuration, by providing the holding portion for the buffer member on the main body side (first device component) rather than on the opening / closing body (second device component), it is possible to eliminate the possibility of the buffer member falling off due to the opening / closing movement of the holding portion, and to simplify the configuration of the holding portion.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first and second aspects, the buffer member (21) includes a constricted portion (25) that fits with the claw portion (33), a support surface contact portion (27) that has a larger cross-sectional area than the constricted portion (25) and is disposed between the support surface portion (32) and the claw portion (33), and an external contact portion (26) that is located on the opposite side of the support surface portion (32) from the claw portion (33) and abuts against a mating component among the first device component (15) and the second device component (5b). According to this configuration, by using a buffer member mounting structure that has a groove portion (constricted portion) between the support surface contact portion and the external contact portion, it can be easily applied even when using existing grommet-type buffer members.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the claw portions (33) are arranged discontinuously so as to surround the buffer member (21) when viewed from the normal direction of the support surface portion (32), and the opening (35) is formed between adjacent pairs of the claw portions (33). According to this configuration, the buffer member is held by the claw portions arranged discontinuously so as to surround the buffer member, which makes it easier to deflect the entire buffer member and allows the area between adjacent pairs of claw portions to be used as an opening, thereby rationally improving buffer performance.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the claw portions (33) overlap the support surface portion (32) when viewed from the normal direction of the support surface portion (32), and the support surface portion (32) has a portion that overlaps with the claw portion (33) when viewed from the normal direction as a through portion (32d) that penetrates in the normal direction. According to this configuration, by having the portion of the support surface portion that overlaps with the claw portion when viewed from the normal direction as a through portion that penetrates in the normal direction, the claw portions that overhang the support surface portion can be easily molded by parting 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, the buffer member (21) has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned in the normal direction of the support surface portion (32) when attached to the holding portion (31), and the holding portion (31) is formed in an area opposite the opening (35) in the insertion / removal direction of the buffer member (21) and is provided with a semicircular portion (34) that surrounds half the circumference of the buffer member (21), and a fastening portion (36) that extends from a circumferential end of the semicircular portion (34) along the circumferential direction and surrounds an area exceeding half the circumference of the buffer member (21). According to this configuration, a semicircular portion that covers half the circumference of the buffer member is formed in the area opposite the opening in the holding portion for a cylindrical buffer member whose axial direction is aligned in the normal direction of the support surface portion, and a fastening portion that covers an area exceeding half the circumference of the buffer member is formed in the extension of the semicircular portion.By inserting the buffer member into the holding portion from the side and abutting it against the semicircular portion, the buffer member is reliably positioned in the holding position, and the fastening portion can prevent the buffer member from coming off the holding portion.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the support surface portion (32) includes a locking portion (37) protruding above the support plane (32a), the locking portion (37) engages with an opposing portion of the buffer member (21) when the buffer member (21) is attached to the holding portion (31), and the locking portion (37) has an inclined portion (37a) formed on the opening (35) side of the locking portion (37) such that the height of the locking portion protruding from the support surface portion (32) decreases toward the opening (35). According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the buffer member is inserted or removed along the support plane of the support surface portion, by engaging the locking portion protruding above the support plane with the end (opposing portion) of the buffer member, movement of the buffer member in a direction along the support plane can be restricted. By forming a sloped portion on the opening side of the locking portion that reduces the protruding height toward the opening side, when the buffer member is inserted into the holding portion from the opening side, the end of the buffer member can easily overcome the locking portion, making it easier to attach the buffer member and restricting movement in the removal direction after the buffer member is attached.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the locking portion (37) does not overlap the claw portion (33) when viewed from the normal direction of the support surface portion (32). According to this configuration, the locking portion protruding from the support surface portion is positioned to avoid the claw portion, so that the locking portion and the claw portion can be easily molded by parting the mold in the normal direction.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shock-absorbing member mounting structure that can improve shock-absorbing performance by utilizing the overall capacity of the shock-absorbing member and can also improve the work of mounting the shock-absorbing member.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a top view of a rear inner fender of the motorcycle. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a shock absorber member mounting structure according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a state in which the shock absorber member has been removed from Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a top view of Fig. 5. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII in Fig. 6.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of front, rear, left, right, etc. are the same as the directions in the vehicle described below. In addition, 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 top of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the left and right sides of the vehicle body are shown in appropriate positions.

[0018] <Overall Vehicle> Figure 1 shows a motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle) 1 as an example of equipment to which the shock absorber mounting structure of this embodiment can be applied. The motorcycle 1 has a front wheel 3, which is a steerable wheel, and a rear wheel 4, which is a drive wheel. The front wheel 3 is supported by a pair of left and right front forks 3a and can be steered by a handlebar 2. The rear wheel 4 is supported by the rear end of a swing arm 4a and can be driven by a power unit 8.

[0019] Steering system components including the handlebars 2, front forks 3a, and front wheel 3 are steerably supported on a head pipe 10a at the front end of a body frame 10. The front portion of the swing arm 4a is supported on a pivot frame 10c at a midpoint between the front and rear of the body frame 10 (not limited to the center) so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0020] The 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 upper and rear ends of the main frame 10b and 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 body frame 10.

[0021] The periphery of the body frame 10 of the motorcycle 1 is covered with a body cover. The body cover includes a front body cover 11a that covers the front portion of the body, and a rear body cover 12a that covers the rear portion of the body. A seat 5 on which a rider sits is disposed above the rear body cover 12a. A pair of left and right rear frames 10d are disposed inside the rear body cover 12a, and a rear inner fender 15 is disposed with its left and right sides supported by the left and right rear frames 10d. A bottom plate 5b of the seat 5 is disposed above the rear inner fender 15, and a portion of this seat bottom plate 5b is supported from below by a seat support portion 20 provided on the rear inner fender 15. In the drawing, reference numeral 15a denotes an item storage portion formed in the rear inner fender 15.

[0022] <Buffer Member Mounting Structure> Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a buffer member mounting structure according to an embodiment is applied to the seat support portion 20. The buffer member mounting structure includes a cushion rubber (buffer 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 component) 15 that is fixed to the vehicle body and a seat bottom plate (second 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. The "detachment" of the seat 5 and the seat bottom plate 5b corresponds to the "opening and closing" of the under-seat space. The seat 5 and the seat bottom plate 5b can be opened and closed relative to the vehicle body. The seat 5 and the seat bottom plate 5b may be configured to rotate about a hinge shaft to open and close.

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

[0024] Seat support portions 20 that abut and support the left and right side portions of the seat bottom plate 5b from below are formed on the upper surfaces of the left and right fender side portions 16. The seat support portions 20 enable the seating load input to the seat 5 to be supported by the left and right rear frames 10d via cushion rubbers 21 and retaining portions 31.

[0025] 3 and 4, the cushion rubber 21 has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction facing up and down, 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 in the up and down direction, and a groove 24 with a rectangular cross section that is formed around the entire outer periphery.

[0026] The cushion rubber 21 includes a cylindrical portion 23 having a through hole 22 formed therein, and a pair of disk portions 26, 27 spaced apart above and below the cylindrical portion via a groove 24. The upper disk portion 26 is an external contact portion that contacts a mating component (seat bottom plate 5b), and the lower disk portion 27 is a support surface contact portion that contacts the upper surface (support plane) of the retaining portion 31. In the drawing, reference numeral 25 denotes a groove portion (constricted portion) that forms the groove 24 in the cushion rubber 21, reference numerals 28a and 28b denote upper and lower end surfaces of the cushion rubber 21, and line C1 denotes the central axis of the cushion rubber 21. The direction along the axis C1 is referred to as the axial direction, and the direction perpendicular to the axis C1 is referred to as the radial direction.

[0027] The cushion rubber 21 is rotationally symmetrical about the axis C1 and vertically symmetrical with respect to a central transverse plane in the axial direction. A plurality of radially extending semicircular cross-sectional end face grooves 29a are formed radially on the upper and lower end faces 28a, 28b (the axially outer end faces of the upper and lower disk portions 26, 27) of the cushion rubber 21. Chamfers 29b are formed on the outer peripheries of the upper and lower end faces 28a, 28b.

[0028] 4 to 7, holding portions 31 for holding the cushion rubber 21 are formed on the upper surfaces of the left and right fender side portions 16. The holding portions 31 are molded integrally with the rear inner fender 15 using the same resin material. The holding portions 31 are base portions formed on the upper surfaces of the left and right fender side portions 16, which have a semicircular cross section, of the rear inner fender 15, and form a substantially horizontal upper surface.

[0029] The retaining portion 31 comprises a bottom surface portion (support surface portion) 32 that is approximately circular in a plan view, multiple (three in this embodiment) claw portions 33 arranged on the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 32, a semicircular portion 34 formed over half the circumference of the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 32 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, an opening 35 formed on the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 32 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (diametrically opposite the semicircular portion 34), fastening portions 36 formed on both sides of the opening 35 circumferentially of the bottom surface portion 32, and a central convex portion 37 formed in the center of the bottom surface portion 32.

[0030] The bottom surface portion 32 forms a flat upper surface (support plane) 32a on the upper surface side of the left and right fender side portions 16. The upper surface 32a formed by the bottom surface portion 32 is formed in a so-called half-moon shape with a straight portion (cutout portion) 32b along the longitudinal direction of the rear frame 10d on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the circular shape in a plan view. The radius of the circular shape of the bottom surface portion 32 is substantially the same as the radius of the upper and lower circular portions 26, 27 of the cushion rubber 21. The bottom surface portion 32 abuts and supports the cushion rubber 21 at a predetermined position (retaining position) on the upper surface 32a, and the cushion rubber 21 is retained in the retaining position by multiple claw portions 33. When the cushion rubber 21 is retained by the retaining portion 31, the inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the circular portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 on the bottom surface portion 32 side slightly protrudes from the bottom surface portion 32.

[0031] The plurality of claw portions 33 are arranged at the outer end in the vehicle width direction and at both ends in the front-rear direction of the bottom surface portion 32. The plurality of claw portions 33 are provided partially around the holding position on the bottom surface portion 32 that holds the buffer member. The plurality of claw portions 33 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. When viewed from the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, the plurality of claw portions 33 are arranged separated from one another in the circumferential direction (discontinuously) so as to surround the buffer member and the holding position. An opening 35 is formed 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, allowing the lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 to be inserted and removed from the holding position on the bottom surface portion 32.

[0032] Each claw portion 33 includes an upright portion 33a extending upward in the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32 from a claw installation position on the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 32, and a claw body 33b extending from the upper end of the upright portion 33a and bending toward the inner periphery of the bottom surface portion 32 in a plan view. The upright portion 33a is plate-shaped with its width direction being the tangent direction of 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 from the upper end of the upright portion 33a toward the inner periphery by a length approximately one-third the radius of the bottom surface portion 32.

[0033] In a top view seen from the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, the claw body 33b of each claw portion 33 overlaps the bottom surface portion 32. A rectangular cutout portion 32d slightly larger than the claw body 33b is formed in the bottom surface portion 32 at a portion that overlaps with each claw body 33b in the top view. The cutout portion 32d is a through-portion that penetrates the bottom surface portion 32 in the normal direction. This makes it possible to easily mold the claw body 33b of each claw portion 33 that overhangs the bottom surface portion 32 when molding the pedestal-shaped holding portion 31 by splitting in the normal direction. In other words, the mold for molding the underside 33c of the claw body 33b can be configured by splitting in the normal direction without using a slide mold that extends and retracts radially along the bottom surface portion 32.

[0034] The semicircular portion 34 is formed along the outer peripheral shape of the bottom surface portion 32 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (the radially opposite side from the opening 35). The semicircular portion 34 is formed across 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 in the upright direction that is approximately half the height of the upright portions 33a of the claw portions 33. When the cushion rubber 21 is held by the holding portion 31, the inner peripheral surface of the semicircular portion 34 and the inner surfaces of the upright portions 33a of each claw portion 33 facing the inside of the bottom surface portion 32 are in contact with and held by the outer peripheral surface of the disc portion 27 on the lower side (bottom surface portion 32 side).

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

[0036] The fastening portions 36 are formed on both front-rear sides of the opening 35 on the inner side of the bottom surface portion 32 in the vehicle width direction. The fastening portions 36 extend from the inner side of the claw portions 33 at both front-rear direction ends in the vehicle width direction, for example, along the outer peripheral shape of the bottom surface portion 32, by approximately the width of the claw portions 33. As a result, the outer peripheral portion of the lower circular plate portion 27 held in the holding portion 31 is held by the semicircular portions 34 and the multiple claw portions 33 in a range of half the circumference on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and is held so that an area exceeding the half circumference at the front and rear ends of the outer peripheral portion is embraced by the fastening portions 36.

[0037] An opening width (first opening width) 35a in the front-rear direction of the opening 35 is approximately the same as the diameter of the bottom surface portion 32 and the diameter of the lower circular plate portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21, whereas an opening width (second opening width) 36a in the front-rear direction between the front and rear fastening portions 36 is made narrower than the first opening width 35a in the front-rear direction of the opening 35. As a result, the effective opening width (second opening width) 36a of the opening 35 is made narrower than the diameters of the bottom surface portion 32 and the cushion rubber 21, and the lower circular plate portion 27 held in the holding portion 31 is prevented from escaping toward the opening 35.

[0038] The fastening portions 36 are formed so that their protruding height from the bottom surface portion 32 decreases as they move away from the front and rear claw portions 33 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction, but the protruding height from the bottom surface portion 32 may be kept constant. In other words, the fastening portions 36 may be formed so that the front and rear ends of the semicircular portion 34 extend in the circumferential direction. The protruding height and circumferential extension length of the fastening portions 36 are set appropriately depending on the balance between the ease of attaching and detaching the cushion rubber 21 and the holding power.

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

[0040] The central protrusion 37 is formed so that the protruding height from the bottom surface 32 is constant for the outer half circumference in the vehicle width direction, while the protruding height from the bottom surface 32 decreases toward the inner half circumference in the vehicle width direction. By forming the inclined portion 37a that is inclined so that the protruding height gradually decreases on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the central protrusion 37 (toward the opening 35), it becomes easier for the lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 to climb over the central protrusion 37 when attaching the cushion rubber 21 to the holding portion 31, improving the ease of attaching the cushion rubber 21.

[0041] When the cushion rubber 21 is pushed radially into the retaining portion 31 until the lower disc portion 27 abuts against the inner periphery of the semicircular portion 34, the central protrusion 37 climbs over the lower end surface 28b of the cushion rubber 21 and fits into the lower end of the through-hole 22, and the outer portion 37b of the central protrusion 37 in the vehicle width direction engages with the inner periphery of the through-hole 22. This restricts the cushion rubber 21 from moving inward in the vehicle width direction, i.e., toward the opening 35.

[0042] When the cushion rubber 21 is pushed radially into the holding portion 31, the claw bodies 33b of the front and rear claw portions 33 of the holding portion 31 are inserted from the outside in the vehicle width direction into the front and rear portions of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21. As the cushion rubber 21 is pushed radially into the holding portion 31, the claw bodies 33b of the front and rear claw portions 33 move while sliding toward the inside in the vehicle width direction within the groove portion 25. When the cushion rubber 21 is fully inserted into the holding 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 (prescribed engagement positions).

[0043] At this time, the claw bodies 33b of the claw portions 33 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the holding portion 31 are inserted radially into the outer end of the groove portion 25 of the cushion rubber 21 in the vehicle width direction. The lower surfaces 33c of the claw bodies 33b of each claw portion 33 abut against the upper surfaces 27a facing the grooves 25 of the lower disc portions 27 of the cushion rubber 21. At this time, a gap 33e is formed between the upper surfaces 33d of the claw bodies 33b of each claw portion 33 and the lower surfaces 26a facing the grooves 25 of the upper disc portions 26 of the cushion rubber 21 when no load is applied, thereby improving shock absorption. The lower disc portion 27 of the cushion rubber 21 is sandwiched and held between the lower surfaces 33c of the claw bodies 33b of each claw portion 33 and the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface 32 in the vertical direction.

[0044] Therefore, the cushion rubber 21 is prevented from separating above the bottom surface portion 32, the engagement between the lower end of the through hole 22 and the central protrusion 37 is maintained, and the engagement between the fastening portions 36 on both sides of the opening 35 and the lower circular plate portion 27 is maintained. The cushion rubber 21 is prevented from separating from the holding portion 31, and the cushion rubber 21 can be reliably held in the holding portion 31.

[0045] The holding portion 31 of the embodiment holds the cushion rubber 21 with three claws 33, and thus most of the groove 25 of the cushion rubber 21 is used in an open state, compared to a configuration in which a flange is inserted around the entire circumference of the groove 25 of the cushion rubber 21. This makes it easier for the entire cushion rubber 21 to bend in the axial direction, and can flexibly support the seat load (in other words, improve cushioning performance).

[0046] As described above, the shock absorber mounting structure of the embodiment includes a shock absorber (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 on one of the first equipment component and the second equipment component, the holding portion 31 including a support surface portion (bottom surface portion 32) that abuts against the cushion rubber 21, claw portions 33 that are partially provided around a holding position on the bottom surface portion 32 for holding the cushion rubber 21 and that hold the cushion rubber 21 in the holding position, and an opening 35 that is provided on one side (inner in the vehicle width direction) in a direction along the support plane (top surface 32a) of the bottom surface portion 32 and that allows the cushion rubber 21 to be inserted into and removed from the holding position along the top surface 32a.

[0047] According to this configuration, in a configuration in which cushion rubber 21 is provided between the rear inner fender 15 and the seat bottom plate 5b, the holding portion 31 for the cushion rubber 21 provided on the rear inner fender 15 comprises a bottom surface portion 32 that abuts and supports the cushion rubber 21, claw portions 33 that are partially provided around the holding position that holds the cushion rubber 21, and openings 35 that allow the cushion rubber 21 to be inserted and removed from one side in the direction along the surface of the upper surface 32a.This makes it possible to easily insert and remove the cushion rubber 21 in the direction along the surface (lateral direction) through the gaps (openings 35) between the multiple claw portions 33, and improves the installation work of the cushion rubber 21 compared to a conventional configuration in which the cushion rubber 21 is pushed into the installation hole while being bent. The cushion rubber 21 is held by the claw portions 33 partially provided around the holding position, so 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 bend it, thereby improving the cushioning performance.

[0048] In the above shock absorber mounting structure, the seat bottom plate 5b is an opening / closing body that is detached from or opened / closed with respect to the rear inner fender 15, and the retaining portion 31 is provided on the rear inner fender 15. According to 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), it is possible to eliminate the possibility of the cushion rubber 21 falling off due to the opening / closing movement of the retaining portion 31 and to simplify the configuration of the retaining portion 31.

[0049] In the above shock absorber mounting structure, the cushion rubber 21 includes a constricted portion (groove 25) that fits with the claw portion 33, a support surface contact portion (lower disc portion 27) that has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the groove 25 and is positioned between the bottom surface portion 32 and the claw portion 33 in the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, and an outer contact portion (upper disc portion 26) that is positioned on the opposite side of the bottom surface portion 32 from the claw portion 33 in the normal direction and abuts against a mating component (seat bottom plate 5b) between the rear inner fender 15 and the seat bottom plate 5b. According to this configuration, the mounting structure for the cushion rubber 21 that has the groove portion (constricted portion) 25 between the upper and lower disc portions 26, 27 can be easily applied even when an existing grommet-type cushion rubber 21 is used.

[0050] In the above-described shock-absorbing member mounting structure, the claw portions 33 are arranged discontinuously so as to surround the cushion rubber 21 when viewed from the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, and the opening 35 is formed between adjacent pairs of the claw portions 33. According to this configuration, the cushion rubber 21 is held by the claw portions 33 that are arranged discontinuously so as to surround the cushion rubber 21, which makes it easier to flex the entire cushion rubber 21 and also allows the area between adjacent pairs of the claw portions 33 to be used as the opening 35, thereby rationally improving the shock-absorbing performance.

[0051] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, the claw portions 33 overlap the bottom surface portion 32 when viewed from the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, and the portions of the bottom surface portion 32 that overlap with the claw portions 33 when viewed from the normal direction are formed as through-holes (notch portions 32d) that penetrate in the normal direction. According to this configuration, by forming the portions of the bottom surface portion 32 that overlap with the claw portions 33 when viewed from the normal direction as through-holes (notch portions 32d) that penetrate in the normal direction, the claw portions 33 that overhang the bottom surface portion 32 can be easily molded by parting in the normal direction.

[0052] In the above-described cushioning member mounting structure, when attached to the holding portion 31, the cushion rubber 21 has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned in the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, and the holding portion 31 is formed in the area opposite the opening 35 in the insertion / removal direction of the cushion rubber 21, and is equipped with 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. According to this configuration, a semicircular portion 34 that covers half the circumference of the cushion rubber 21 is formed in the area opposite the opening 35 in the holding portion 31 for the cylindrical cushion rubber 21 whose axial direction is aligned in the normal direction of the bottom surface portion 32, and a fastening portion 36 that covers an area exceeding half the circumference of the cushion rubber 21 is formed in the extension of the semicircular portion 34.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 fastening portion 36 can prevent the cushion rubber 21 from coming off the holding portion 31.

[0053] In the above-described shock-absorbing member mounting structure, the bottom surface portion 32 includes an engaging portion (central protrusion 37) that protrudes above the upper surface 32a, and the central protrusion 37 engages with the opposing portion of the cushion rubber 21 (the lower end of the through-hole 22) when the cushion rubber 21 is attached to the holding portion 31. The central protrusion 37 has an inclined portion 37a formed on the opening 35 side such that the protruding height from the bottom surface portion 32 decreases toward the opening 35. According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the cushion rubber 21 is inserted or removed along the upper surface 32a of the bottom surface portion 32, by engaging the central protrusion 37 that protrudes above the upper surface 32a with the lower end (opposing portion) of the cushion rubber 21, movement of the cushion rubber 21 in a direction along the upper surface 32a can be restricted. On the opening 35 side of the central convex portion 37, an inclined portion 37a is formed which reduces the protruding height as it approaches the opening 35 side. This makes it easier for the lower end of the cushion rubber 21 to climb over the central convex portion 37 when inserting the cushion rubber 21 into the holding portion 31 from the opening 35 side, making it easier to attach the cushion rubber 21 and restricting movement in the removal direction after the cushion rubber 21 is attached.

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

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the cylindrical grommet is one example of a buffer member, and can be applied to attach buffer members of various configurations. The configuration of the holding portion 31 (e.g., the number and arrangement of the claws 33) may also be varied. For example, the holding portion 31 may have a support surface that is inclined or erected relative to the horizontal plane, and the buffer member may be supported by contacting this support surface. In this case, it is preferable to position the opening 35 above the holding portion 31 and position the claws 33 below the holding portion 31 to prevent the buffer member from moving downward (falling off).

[0056] The shock absorber mounting structure of this embodiment may be applied to saddle-ride vehicles other than motorcycles. Saddle-ride vehicles include all vehicles on which a driver straddles the vehicle body, including not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooters), 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. It may also be applied to vehicles other than saddle-ride vehicles (such as passenger cars, buses, and trucks). In this embodiment, the retaining portion is formed on the rear inner fender, but the retaining portion may also be formed on other members, such as the vehicle frame.

[0057] Although the shock absorber mounting structure of this embodiment is applied to a vehicle, the present invention is not limited to applications in vehicles and may be applied to various vehicles and moving objects, such as various transportation equipment such as aircraft and ships, as well as construction machinery and industrial machinery. Furthermore, the present invention is widely applicable to equipment other than vehicles that mount shock absorbers between components, such as push lawn mowers and cleaning machines. The configuration of the above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

[0058] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle, equipment) 5b Seat bottom plate (second equipment part) 15 Rear inner fender (first equipment part) 20 Seat support part 21 Cushion rubber (buffer member) 25 Groove part (narrowed part) 26 Upper disc part (external contact part) 27 Lower disc part (support surface contact part) 31 Holding part 32 Bottom surface part (support surface part) 32a Upper surface (support plane) 32d Notch part (penetration part) 33 Claw part 34 Semicircular part 35 Opening 36 Fastening part 37 Central convex part (locking part) 37a Inclined part

Claims

1. A buffer member (21) is provided between a first machine part (15) and a second machine part (5b) supported by the first machine part (15). In a buffer member mounting structure including a holding part (31) for holding the buffer member (21) on one of the first machine part (15) and the second machine part (5b), the buffer member (21) has a columnar shape and is provided with a constricted part (25) over the entire outer periphery. The holding part (31) has a support surface part (32) that abuts against the buffer member (21), has a claw part (33) that stands upright around the buffer member (21) on the support surface part (32), fits with the constricted part (25), and holds the buffer member (21), and is provided with an opening part (35) that is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) of the support surface part (32) and makes the buffer member (21) detachable from and attachable to the claw part (33) along the support plane (32a). The buffer member mounting structure is characterized by this.

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9. A buffer member (21) is provided between a first machine part (15) and a second machine part (5b) supported by the first machine part (15). In a buffer member mounting structure including a holding part (31) for holding the buffer member (21) on one of the first machine part (15) and the second machine part (5b), the buffer member (21) has a columnar shape and is provided with a constricted part (25) over the entire outer periphery. The holding part (31) has a support surface part (32) that abuts against the buffer member (21), has a claw part (33) that stands upright around the buffer member (21) on the support surface part (32), fits with the constricted part (25), and holds the buffer member (21), and is provided with holding members (36, 37) that extend upward from the support plane (32a) of the support surface part (32) and hold the buffer member (21) on the support plane (32a). The buffer member mounting structure is characterized by this.

10. The second machine part (5b) is an opening / closing body that opens and closes with respect to the first machine part (15). The holding part (31) is provided on the first machine part (15). The buffer member mounting structure according to Claim 1 or 9 is characterized by this.

11. The buffer member (21) The support surface contact part (27) has a larger cross-sectional area than the constricted part (25) and is disposed between the support surface part (32) and the claw part (33). The buffer member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 9, further comprising an external contact part (26) that is located on the side opposite to the support surface part (32) with respect to the claw part (33) and contacts a mating part among the first device part (15) and the second device part (5b).

12. An opening (35) is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) of the support surface part (32), and the buffer member (21) can be detachably engaged with the claw part (33) along the support plane (32a). The claw part (33), when viewed from the normal direction of the support surface part (32), The buffer member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 9, wherein a plurality of the claw parts (33) are arranged discontinuously so as to surround the buffer member (21), and the opening (35) is formed between a set of adjacent claw parts (33).

13. When viewed from the normal direction of the support surface part (32), the claw part (33) overlaps with the support surface part (32). The buffer member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the support surface part (32), when viewed from the normal direction, has a portion overlapping with the claw part (33) as a through portion (32d) penetrating in the normal direction.

14. An opening (35) is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) of the support surface part (32), and the buffer member (21) can be detachably engaged with the claw part (33) along the support plane (32a). The buffer member (21) has a cylindrical shape with its axial direction along the normal direction of the support surface part (32) in a state of being attached to the holding part (31). The holding part (31) A semi-circular part (34) is formed in a region opposite to the opening (35) in the insertion / removal direction of the buffer member (21) and surrounds a half circumference of the buffer member (21). The buffer member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 9, further comprising a fastening part (36) as the holding member that extends along the circumferential direction from the circumferential end of the semi-circular part (34) and surrounds a range exceeding a half circumference of the buffer member (21).

15. An opening (35) is provided on one side in the direction along the support plane (32a) of the support surface part (32), and the buffer member (21) can be detachably engaged with the claw part (33) along the support plane (32a). The support face portion (32) includes a locking portion (37) as the holding member protruding on the support plane (32a). The locking portion (37) engages with the opposing portion of the buffer member (21) in a state where the buffer member (21) is attached to the holding portion (31). The buffer member mounting structure according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that an inclined portion (37a) is formed on the opening portion (35) side of the locking portion (37) such that the protruding height from the support face portion (32) becomes lower toward the opening portion (35) side.