(19)
(11)EP 3 299 266 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
17.06.2020 Bulletin 2020/25

(21)Application number: 17192010.1

(22)Date of filing:  20.09.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B62J 11/19(2020.01)
B62J 99/00(2020.01)
B62J 17/00(2020.01)
H01R 13/447(2006.01)

(54)

ACCESSORY SOCKET STRUCTURE OF SADDLED VEHICLE

ZUBEHÖRSTECKDOSENSTRUKTUR EINES SATTELFAHRZEUGS

STRUCTURE DE DOUILLE D'ACCESSOIRE DE VÉHICULE À ENFOURCHER


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 23.09.2016 JP 2016186009

(43)Date of publication of application:
28.03.2018 Bulletin 2018/13

(73)Proprietor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Tokyo 107-8556 (JP)

(72)Inventors:
  • Katahira, Masaya
    Saitama, 351-0193 (JP)
  • Kai, Kunihiro
    Saitama, 351-0193 (JP)
  • Endo, Sakae
    Saitama, 351-0193 (JP)

(74)Representative: Kiwit, Benedikt 
Mitscherlich PartmbB Patent- und Rechtsanwälte Sonnenstraße 33
80331 München
80331 München (DE)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 2 717 389
TW-U- M 330 674
EP-A1- 2 979 963
US-A1- 2014 345 962
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] The present invention relates to an accessory socket structure of a saddled vehicle, in particular, relates to an accessory socket structure of a saddled vehicle disposed on an exterior component of a vehicle body to supply electric power to an electrical device.

    Background Art



    [0002] Conventionally, an accessory socket for obtaining power source for lighting equipment, a mobile terminal, and the like used at the periphery of a vehicle from an on-vehicle battery has been known.

    [0003] JP 2003-095170 A discloses a structure of a saddled four-wheeled buggy. In the structure, an accessory socket is disposed on a side surface of a housing of a meter device. The saddled four-wheeled buggy includes a rod-shaped steering handlebar that extends in a vehicle width direction. At a center of the steering handlebar, the meter device is disposed.

    [0004] JP 2013-155825 A discloses a structure provided with a lid opened or closed by a hinge on an insertion port of an accessory socket, and incorporated with a spring member in a hinge part in order to maintain an open state or a closed state of the lid.

    [0005] US 2014/345962 A1, which shows the features of the preamble of claim 1, discloses a straddle-type electric vehicle which includes a seat, a foot rest portion, a leg shield, and a receptacle configured to receive a gun-type plug and located in a position facing an opening portion. The opening portion located in a position within a width of the leg shield and between the leg shield and a rear wheel, the receptacle is configured so that a connecting port faces upward, the receptacle configured so that when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle, a grip portion of the gun-type plug is positioned farther leftward on the vehicle than a plug portion of the gun-type plug.

    [0006] EP 2 979 963 A1 discloses a power source supply structure of a saddle-type vehicle provided with: a vehicle body frame; a front cover provided to the front of the vehicle body frame, the front cover covering at least a head pipe axially supporting a front wheel in a steerable manner; an accommodating part; and an accessory socket provided to the accommodating part, the accessory socket supplying a power source to external equipment. The accommodating part is provided near a seat of the front cover, and is provided with an opening/closing lid for opening and closing the rear side of the accommodating part and an inner wall disposed in front of and facing the opening/closing lid, the accessory socket is disposed on the inner wall, and the inner wall has a bent part in a position adjacent to the bottom of the accessory socket, the bent part being bent forward relative to surfaces that are orthogonal to an axis line of the accessory socket.

    [0007] TW M 330 674 U discloses a front-mounted multi-protection DC power adapter configuration, which is provided in a receiving space inside a front box. A front cover can be used to close the receiving space. A fixing hole is provided with a first fixing portion and a socket is fixed in the fixing hole. The socket is provided with a second fixing portion and a protective cover, which can have multiple waterproof, dustproof and anti-theft effects.

    [0008] EP 2 717 389 A1 discloses a configuration of a hinge for avoiding likely collection of water provides a connector to prevent difficulty of opening or closing a cover by freezing of the hinge. A connector mounted in an electric vehicle and connected with a connector of a charging cable is provided with a housing, a cover rotatively pivoted about the housing so as to open or close the cover, and a shaft. The cover is provided with a pair of cover side mounting plates including a shaft hole passing the shaft therethrough. The housing is provided with a pair of housing side mounting plates including a shaft hole passing a shaft therethrough and positioning the pair of cover side mounting plates therebetween. The pair of cover side mounting plates is provided with a boss cylindrically upstanding from each of faces opposite to the pair of housing side mounting plates, and passing the shaft therethrough.

    Summary of Invention


    Technical Problem



    [0009] However, the accessory socket described in JP 2003-095170 A has an insertion port whose lid is coupled to a main body side by a sheet-shaped coupling portion. When a plug at an electrical device side is inserted, it is necessary for a user to press the lid by hand so as not to close the lid. This problem can be dealt with through biasing by the spring described in JP 2013-155825 A. However, this causes a problem that this structure is not appropriate for a location exposed to moisture, sand, and the like, such as an exterior component of a saddled vehicle. When the accessory socket is disposed on a vehicle-body front portion, depending on a steering position of a steering handlebar, a lid manipulation by the user possibly becomes difficult.

    [0010] It is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the conventional technology and provide an accessory socket structure of a saddled vehicle that ensures maintenance of an open state of a lid that covers an insertion port with a simple structure, and is arranged at a position with good operability.

    Solution to Problems



    [0011] To achieve the afore-mentioned object, the present invention has a first feature in that an accessory socket structure of a saddled vehicle, the accessory socket structure having a bottomed cylindrical socket (S) and a lid member (40) disposed on an opening (32), the socket (S) having an insertion port (Sa) for inserting a plug at an electrical device side, the lid member (40) being mounted on the socket (S) for covering the insertion port (Sa), and the opening (32) being disposed on an exterior component (30) of a saddled vehicle (1), wherein the socket (S) has an end portion at a side of the insertion port (Sa), the end portion having a predetermined clearance (T) with an inner peripheral portion of the opening (32) to be inserted into the opening (32) from a vehicle-body lower side toward a vehicle-body upper side, the lid member (40) includes a fixed portion (50), a coupling portion (45), and a lid portion (41), the fixed portion (50) being covered at the end portion at the insertion port (Sa) side of the socket (S), the coupling portion (45) being integrally formed with the fixed portion (50), and the lid portion (41) being integrally formed with the coupling portion (45) to cover the insertion port (Sa) of the socket (S), the coupling portion (45) includes a supporting convex portion (45b) having a thickness such that the supporting convex portion (45b) can pass through the clearance (T), and the supporting convex portion (45b) is configured to abut on the fixed portion (50) when the lid portion (41) is opened, to maintain an open state of the lid portion (41).

    [0012] The present invention has a second feature in that the socket (S) has an axis (O) arranged to incline rearward with respect to a vehicle-body vertical direction, and the coupling portion (45) is disposed at a position near a vehicle-body front side.

    [0013] The present invention has a third feature in that the exterior component (30) is a side cowl (30) positioned at an outside in a vehicle width direction of a fuel tank (3), the side cowl (30) includes an upright wall (31) arranged upright at a position at the vehicle-body front side of the opening (32), and the upright wall (31) is formed approximately parallel to the axis (O) of the socket (S).

    [0014] The present invention has a fourth feature in that the side cowl (30) has a top surface portion (30a) having a predetermined width in the vehicle width direction to incline to a vehicle-body rear and lower side, the opening (32) is disposed at the top surface portion (30a) and has a cutout (32a) that extends outside in a radial direction of a circular part, the socket (S) being inserted into the circular part, the lid portion (41) is formed into a diamond whose two sides are oriented in a vehicle-body front and rear direction when the vehicle body is seen in a plan view, and the diamond of the lid portion (41) has an acute angle part having a lower surface, the lower surface including a positioning protrusion (42a) engaged with the cutout (32a).

    [0015] The present invention has a fifth feature in that the lid portion (41) is arranged such that one of the acute angle parts of the diamond is positioned at a front of an outside in the vehicle width direction, the coupling portion (45) is positioned at an obtuse angle part at an inside in the vehicle width direction of the diamond of the lid portion (41), and the positioning protrusion (42a) is positioned at a rear of the inside in the vehicle width direction.

    [0016] The present invention has a sixth feature in that a side kickstand (25) is disposed at a left side in the vehicle width direction of the saddled vehicle (1), and the opening (32) is disposed at the side cowl (30) on the left side in the vehicle width direction.

    [0017] According to a first example an accessory socket structure comprising a bottomed cylindrical socket (S) and a lid member (40), the socket (S) having an insertion port (Sa) of a plug at an electrical device side, and the lid member (40) being mounted on the socket (S) to cover the insertion port (Sa), wherein a side cowl (30) is disposed on a left side in a vehicle width direction of the saddled vehicle (1), the side cowl (30) covering a side kickstand (25) and a side portion of a fuel tank (3), when a steering handlebar (4) of the saddled vehicle (1) is at a neutral position, the socket (S) is disposed on the side cowl (30) at a position rearward of a rear end of the steering handlebar (4), ahead of a front end of a seat (23), below an upper end of the seat (23), and upward of an upper end of a front wheel (WF) when the vehicle body is viewed from the side.

    [0018] According to a second example the side cowl (30) includes a top surface portion (30a) and a side surface portion (30b), the top surface portion (30a) extending in the vehicle width direction, and the side surface portion (30b) extending downward from an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the top surface portion (30a), the socket (S) is disposed on an opening (32) disposed at the top surface portion (30a) to be covered with the side surface portion (30b) at a side portion, and the lid member (40) is configured to simultaneously cover the insertion port (Sa) and the opening (32).

    [0019] According to a third example a second distance (L2) is larger than a first distance (LI), the first distance (L1) being from a rear end of the steering handlebar (4) to a top surface portion (8a) of an exterior component (8) positioned underneath the steering handlebar (4), the first distance (L1) being established when the steering handlebar (4) is at a neutral position, and the second distance (L2) being from the rear end of the steering handlebar (4) to a top surface portion (30a) of an exterior component (30) positioned underneath the steering handlebar (4), the second distance (L2) being established when the steering handlebar (4) is steered to a left limited position.

    Advantageous Effects of Invention



    [0020] According to the first feature, a socket (S) has an end portion at a side of an insertion port (Sa), the end portion having a predetermined clearance (T) with an inner peripheral portion of an opening (32) to be inserted into the opening (32) from a vehicle-body lower side toward a vehicle-body upper side, a lid member (40) includes a fixed portion (50), a coupling portion (45), and a lid portion (41), the fixed portion (50) being covered at the end portion at the insertion port (Sa) side of the socket (S), the coupling portion (45) being integrally formed with the fixed portion (50), and the lid portion (41) being integrally formed with the coupling portion (45) to cover the insertion port (Sa) of the socket (S), the coupling portion (45) includes a supporting convex portion (45b) having a thickness such that the supporting convex portion (45b) can pass through the clearance (T), and the supporting convex portion (45b) is configured to abut on the fixed portion (50) when the lid portion (41) is opened, to maintain an open state of the lid portion (41). This can maintain the open state of the lid portion by the supporting convex portion formed on the coupling portion to eliminate the need for the user to support the lid portion by hand when inserting the plug at the electrical device side into the socket, thus ensuring improvement of usability of the accessory socket with the simple structure without increasing the number of components.

    [0021] According to the second feature, the socket (S) has an axis (O) arranged to incline rearward with respect to a vehicle-body vertical direction, and the coupling portion (45) is disposed at a position near a vehicle-body front side. This facilitates insertion of a plug at the electrical device side into the socket by bringing the plug close to the socket from a vehicle-body rear and upper portion in a state where the lid portion is open. Inserting the plug into the socket causes the lid portion to abut on the plug at the vehicle-body front side, thus ensuring more stable maintenance of the open state of the lid portion.

    [0022] According to the third feature, the exterior component (30) is a side cowl (30) positioned at an outside in a vehicle width direction of a fuel tank (3), the side cowl (30) includes an upright wall (31) arranged upright at a position at the vehicle-body front side of the opening (32), and the upright wall (31) is formed approximately parallel to the axis (O) of the socket (S). This sandwiches the opened lid portion between the plug inserted into the socket and the upright wall of the side cowl, thus ensuring reduction of shaking of the lid portion even when the accessory socket is used in travelling.

    [0023] According to the fourth feature, the side cowl (30) has a top surface portion (30a) having a predetermined width in the vehicle width direction to incline to a vehicle-body rear and lower side, the opening (32) is disposed at the top surface portion (30a) and has a cutout (32a) that extends outside in a radial direction of a circular part, the socket (S) being inserted into the circular part, the lid portion (41) is formed into a diamond whose two sides are oriented in a vehicle-body front and rear direction when the vehicle body is seen in a plan view, and the diamond of the lid portion (41) has an acute angle part having a lower surface, the lower surface including a positioning protrusion (42a) engaged with the cutout (32a). This prevents rotation of the lid portion when the lid portion is closed and ensures maintenance of a clearance between the lid portion and the upright wall with the simple structure.

    [0024] According to the fifth feature, the lid portion (41) is arranged such that one of the acute angle parts of the diamond is positioned at a front of an outside in the vehicle width direction, the coupling portion (45) is positioned at an obtuse angle part at an inside in the vehicle width direction of the diamond of the lid portion (41), and the positioning protrusion (42a) is positioned at a rear of the inside in the vehicle width direction. This facilitates opening of the lid portion by having a hand on the lid portion at the outside in the vehicle width direction to lift the lid portion. Moreover, forming the positioning protrusion in a direction different from an open and close direction of the lid portion causes friction resistance to be less likely to occur in opening or closing of the lid portion to improve the operability.

    [0025] According to the sixth feature, a side kickstand (25) is disposed at a left side in the vehicle width direction of the saddled vehicle (1), and the opening (32) is disposed at the side cowl (30) on the left side in the vehicle width direction. This facilitates an access to the accessory socket from a vehicle-body left side, even when the saddled vehicle is stopped using the side kickstand and the vehicle body inclines to the left side.

    [0026] According to the first example, an accessory socket structure of a saddled vehicle, the accessory socket structure comprising a bottomed cylindrical socket (S) and a lid member (40), the socket (S) having an insertion port (Sa) of a plug at an electrical device side, and the lid member (40) being mounted on the socket (S) to cover the insertion port (Sa), wherein a side cowl (30) is disposed on a left side in a vehicle width direction of the saddled vehicle (1), the side cowl (30) covering a side kickstand (25) and a side portion of a fuel tank (3), when a steering handlebar (4) of the saddled vehicle (1) is at a neutral position, the socket (S) is disposed on the side cowl (30) at a position rearward of a rear end of the steering handlebar (4), ahead of a front end of a seat (23), below an upper end of the seat (23), and upward of an upper end of a front wheel (WF) when the vehicle body is viewed from the side. This ensures the accessory socket having the usability even when the saddled vehicle is stood by itself with the side kickstand on the left side in the vehicle width direction.

    [0027] According to the second example, the side cowl (30) includes a top surface portion (30a) and a side surface portion (30b), the top surface portion (30a) extending in the vehicle width direction, and the side surface portion (30b) extending downward from an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the top surface portion (30a), the socket (S) is disposed on an opening (32) disposed at the top surface portion (30a) to be covered with the side surface portion (30b) at a side portion, and the lid member (40) is configured to simultaneously cover the insertion port (Sa) and the opening (32). This can cover top and side portions of the socket with the side cowl without increasing the number of components. Moreover, covering the insertion port of the socket with the lid member also covers the opening of the side cowl, thus ensuring prevention of intrusion of moisture into the side cowl.

    [0028] According to the third example, a second distance (L2) is larger than a first distance (LI), the first distance (L1) being from a rear end of the steering handlebar (4) to a top surface portion (8a) of an exterior component (8) positioned underneath the steering handlebar (4), the first distance (L1) being established when the steering handlebar (4) is at a neutral position, and the second distance (L2) being from the rear end of the steering handlebar (4) to a top surface portion (30a) of an exterior component (30) positioned underneath the steering handlebar (4), the second distance (L2) being established when the steering handlebar (4) is steered to a left limited position. Therefore, when the vehicle body is supported by the side kickstand disposed on the vehicle-body left side, the steering handlebar is often fully steered to the left side. However, in this case, a distance between the steering handlebar and the accessory socket is largely ensured, thus ensuring satisfactory operability of the accessory socket.

    Brief Description of Drawings



    [0029] 

    FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle to which an accessory socket of a saddled vehicle according to the embodiment is applied.

    FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1.

    FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the motorcycle.

    FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3

    FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an open state of the accessory socket.

    FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the open state of the accessory socket.

    FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member.

    FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member (in an open state).

    FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member (in a closed state).

    FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a plug of an electrical device is inserted into the socket.


    Description of Embodiments



    [0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1 to which an accessory socket of a saddled vehicle according to the embodiment is applied. The motorcycle 1 is a saddled vehicle that transmits a driving power from an engine E to a rear wheel WR to travel. A right and left pair of front forks 13 are supported by a top bridge 5 and a bottom bridge 10. The front forks 13 are steerably journaled by a head tube 9 disposed on a front end of a body frame 2. A front wheel WF is rotatably journaled to lower end portions of the front forks 13. A steering handlebar 4 is mounted on an upper portion of the top bridge 5. The rear wheel WR is rotatably journaled by a swing arm 18. The swing arm 18 has a front end portion swingably journaled by a pivot 16 disposed on a rear end of the engine E. The driving power from the engine E is transmitted to the rear wheel WR via a drive chain 17. A side kickstand 25 is mounted underneath the pivot 16. The side kickstand 25 is for slightly inclining the vehicle body to the left side to stand in itself.

    [0031] A front cowl 8 includes a windbreak screen 7 and a headlight 11. The front cowl 8 is disposed ahead of the steering handlebar 4. A right and left pair of center cowls 14 are coupled to a rear lower portion of the front cowl 8 as an exterior component. A right and left pair of under cowls 15 are coupled to lower end portions of the center cowls 14. A right and left pair of rearview mirrors 6 are mounted on upper portions of the front cowl 8. The rearview mirrors 6 incorporate winker devices.

    [0032] A fuel tank 3 is arranged between a seat 23 and the steering handlebar 4. A seat cowl 24 is arranged on a rear lower portion of the seat 23. A passenger grip 22 and a tail lamp device 20 are disposed on a rear portion of the seat cowl 24. The passenger grip 22 is gripped by an occupant on a rear seat. On a peripheral area of the passenger grip 22 and the tail lamp device 20, a right and left pair of pannier cases 19 and a top-box 21 are mounted.

    [0033] Side cowls 30 are coupled to a position at rear upper portions of the center cowls 14 and below the fuel tank 3. The side cowls 30 are a right and left pair of exterior components continuous with the center cowls 14. An accessory socket constitutes an accessory socket structure according to the present invention. The accessory socket is arranged on a top surface portion of the side cowl 30 on the left side in the vehicle width direction.

    [0034] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the motorcycle 1. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates a state where a lid portion 41 of an accessory socket S (hereinafter simply referred to as a socket S) has been removed for description.

    [0035] The side cowl 30 is formed of, for example, a thin plate made of a synthetic resin. The side cowl 30 has a shape that fits into a large V-shaped slit that is oriented to a vehicle-body front side at an approximately center of the center cowl 14. The side cowl 30 has a top surface portion 30a and a side surface portion 30b. The top surface portion 30a is oriented to a vehicle-body upper side. The side surface portion 30b extends downward from an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction of the top surface portion 30a. A plug (not illustrated) at an electrical device side is inserted into the bottomed cylindrical socket S (see FIG. 5). The socket S is housed in an opening 32 formed at the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30.

    [0036] A lid member 40 is mounted on the socket S. The lid member 40 is for covering an insertion port Sa of the plug. The lid member 40 is integrally made of a synthetic resin such as rubber. The lid member 40 has an open/close part that serves as a lid of the socket S. This open/close part has a diamond shape as seen in a plan view of the vehicle body.

    [0037] An upright wall 31 is arranged upright toward the vehicle-body upper side. The upright wall 31 is disposed on a front end of the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30. The upright wall 31 slightly inclines to a vehicle-body rear side with respect to a vertical direction in side view of the vehicle body. Meanwhile, the cylindrical-shaped socket S has an axis O that also inclines to the vehicle-body rear side in side view of the vehicle body. The upright wall 31 and the axis O are approximately parallel.

    [0038] Footrest steps 26 of a rider are supported to a rear portion of a plate member that presses a shaft of the pivot 16 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. A brake pedal 27 is arranged ahead of the footrest step 26 on the right side in the vehicle width direction. The brake pedal 27 manipulates a brake of the rear wheel. A shift pedal 28 is arranged ahead of the footrest step 26 on the left side.

    [0039] A brake lever 4a is disposed on the right side of the steering handlebar 4. The brake lever 4a manipulates a brake of the front wheel. A clutch lever 4b is disposed on the left side of the steering handlebar 4. A fuel cap 3a is disposed on a top surface of the fuel tank 3. The fuel cap 3a is a hinge mechanism that is openable/closable.

    [0040] As described above, the socket S and the lid member 40 are disposed on the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30 on the left side in the vehicle width direction. This will be an appropriate position for the rider of the motorcycle 1 to extend the left hand while straddling the seat 23 to access the socket S and the lid member 40. Further, with reference to FIG. 2, the socket S is disposed on a position rearward of a rear end of the steering handlebar 4, ahead of a front end of the seat 23, below an upper end of the seat 23, and above an upper end of the front wheel WF, in side view of the vehicle body. This ensures the accessory socket having usability even when the motorcycle 1 is stood in itself by the side kickstand 25 on the left side in the vehicle width direction.

    [0041] With reference to FIG. 4, the upright wall 31 inclines such that an inside in the vehicle width direction of the upright wall 31 is positioned on the vehicle-body rear side, as seen in a plan view of the vehicle body. Meanwhile, the lid portion 41 of the lid member 40 is arranged such that two sides of the diamond shape are oriented in a vehicle-body front and rear direction, and one of acute angle parts of the diamond is positioned ahead of the outside in the vehicle width direction. Thus, two sides of the diamond that are oriented in the vehicle width direction are basically oriented along the upright wall 31. This can enhance merchantability of the accessory socket with unified designability without providing uncomfortable feeling in appearance, such as a circular lid portion.

    [0042] The lid member 40 includes the diamond-shaped lid portion 41 and a fixed portion 50 for supporting the lid portion 41 to a side of the socket S. The insertion port Sa of the socket S is exposed outward from a center of the annular fixed portion 50.

    [0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the steering handlebar 4 is at a neutral position, a distance from the rear end of the steering handlebar 4 to a top surface portion 8a of the front cowl 8 will be a first distance L1. The top surface portion 8a of the front cowl 8 is positioned underneath the steering handlebar 4. Meanwhile, when the steering handlebar 4 is steered to a left limited position, a distance from the rear end of the steering handlebar 4 to the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30 will be a second distance L2. The top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30 is positioned underneath the steering handlebar 4. Accordingly, a distance between the steering handlebar 4 and the lid member 40 increases. As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the vehicle body is supported by the side kickstand 25 disposed on the left side of the vehicle body, the steering handlebar 4 is often fully steered to the left side including in use of steering wheel lock. However, even in this case, the distance between the steering handlebar 4 and the lid member 40 is largely ensured. Thus, the operability on the lid member 40 is ensured without influence from the steering handlebar 4 to the access to the lid member 40. Furthermore, the rear end of the steering handlebar 4 is positioned above the lid member 40, thus ensuring protection of a lid part from a falling object and the like.

    [0044] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an open state of the accessory socket S according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the open state of the accessory socket S. The fixed portion 50 covered with the socket S has an upper end portion that slightly projects upward from the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30. The lid portion 41 of the lid member 40 is coupled to the fixed portion 50 via a coupling portion 45. The lid portion 41 includes a cylinder portion 43, an annular convex portion 42, an annular recess portion 46, and a positioning protrusion 42a. The cylinder portion 43 is inserted into the insertion port Sa of the socket S. The annular convex portion 42 has an outer diameter fitted into an inside of the lid portion 41. The annular recess portion 46 is formed between the cylinder portion 43 and the annular convex portion 42. The positioning protrusion 42a extends to an outside in a radial direction of the annular convex portion 42. Meanwhile, a cutout 32a is formed at the opening 32 disposed on the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30. The cutout 32a extends outside in the radial direction.

    [0045] When the lid portion 41 is closed, the cylinder portion 43 of the lid portion 41 is inserted into the insertion port Sa of the socket S, and a top end surface of the fixed portion 50 is inserted into the annular recess portion 46, and the annular convex portion 42 is inserted into the opening 32 of the side cowl 30. This prevents moisture and the like from intruding into the socket S, and prevents moisture and the like from intruding into an inside of the side cowl 30 from the opening 32 of the side cowl 30.

    [0046] When the lid portion 41 is closed, the positioning protrusion 42a of the lid portion 41 is engaged with the cutout 32a of the opening 32 to restrict rotating movement of the lid portion 41. This prevents the lid portion 41 from rotating when the lid portion 41 is closed, and ensures maintenance of a clearance between the lid portion 41 and the upright wall 31.

    [0047] The lid portion 41 is arranged such that one of the acute angle parts of the diamond shape of the lid portion 41 is positioned at the front of the outside in the vehicle width direction. The coupling portion 45 is positioned at an obtuse angle part at the inside in the vehicle width direction of the diamond of the lid portion 41. The positioning protrusion 42a is positioned at the rear of the inside in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the lid portion 41 will be opened in a direction from a vehicle-body left rear side toward a vehicle-body right front side. Thus, lifting the lid portion 41 by hooking a finger to the outside in the vehicle width direction of the lid portion 41 ensures opening of the lid portion 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a recess portion 44 for hooking a nail or the like is formed at the proximity of the obtuse angle part at the outside in the vehicle width direction, thus further facilitating opening operation of the lid portion 41 by the left hand of the occupant.

    [0048] The positioning protrusion 42a and the cutout 32a are formed in a direction different from an open and close direction of the lid portion 41. Thus, friction resistance is less likely to occur at a part of the positioning protrusion 42a in opening or closing of the lid portion 41 to improve the operability.

    [0049] The lid portion 41 according to the embodiment is configured to stand in itself at an approximately perpendicularly opened position with respect to the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30 by abutting a rear portion of the coupling portion 45 on a front portion of the fixed portion 50. This eliminates the need that the occupant supports the lid portion 41 by hand when the plug at the electrical device side is inserted into the socket S, thus ensuring improvement of the usability of the accessory socket with a simple structure without increasing the number of components. The lid portion 41 in the open state does not approach the upright wall 31 to fall to the vehicle-body front side.

    [0050] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sectional views of the lid member 40. FIG. 7 illustrates a component itself. FIG. 8 illustrates the open state of the socket S when the lid member 40 is mounted on the vehicle body. FIG. 9 illustrates a closed state of the socket S when the lid member 40 is mounted on the vehicle body.

    [0051] A predetermined clearance T is disposed between the opening 32 formed on the top surface portion 30a of the side cowl 30 and the fixed portion 50 covered with the socket S. The coupling portion 45 couples the lid portion 41 to the fixed portion 50. The coupling portion 45 is housed in a back surface side of the side cowl 30 in the closed state of the lid portion 41, and is extracted outward from the clearance T in the open state of the lid portion 41.

    [0052] The fixed portion 50 has an upper side through hole 51 having a dimension adjusted to that of the insertion port Sa of the socket S. Meanwhile, the fixed portion 50 has a lower side through hole 52 configured to be smaller than an outer shape of the socket S, and to be fixedly fixed to the socket S with elastic force of the synthetic resin.

    [0053] The coupling portion 45 of the lid member 40 has a sheet-shaped belt portion 45a and a supporting convex portion 45b that projects from this belt portion 45a in a direction of the fixed portion 50. In the open state of the lid portion 41, the belt portion 45a is extracted outward from the clearance T. In view of this, the supporting convex portion 45b has a thickness dimension having a size that can pass through the clearance T. Meanwhile, the lid member 40 is formed of an elastic body such as the rubber. Thus, even if the lid member 40 has a thickness approximately identical to that of the clearance T, the lid member 40 can pass through the clearance T. The supporting convex portion 45b abuts on an upper end outer periphery portion of the fixed portion 50 in the open state of the lid portion 41. A curved recess portion 47 is formed at the supporting convex portion 45b to stably support the lid portion 41. The curved recess portion 47 is curved to fit the upper end outer periphery portion of the fixed portion 50.

    [0054] Then, as described above, when the lid portion 41 is closed, the cylinder portion 43 of the lid portion 41 is inserted into the insertion port Sa of the socket S, the top end surface of the fixed portion 50 is inserted into the annular recess portion 46, and the annular convex portion 42 is inserted into the opening 32 of the side cowl 30. This can prevent moisture and the like from intruding into the socket S, and can prevent moisture and the like from intruding into the inside of the side cowl 30 from the opening 32 of the side cowl 30.

    [0055] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a plug 60 of an electrical device is inserted into the socket S. When the plug 60 to which a wiring 61 of the electrical device is coupled is inserted in the open state of the lid portion 41, the lid portion 41 will be positioned between the plug 60 and the upright wall 31. This causes the lid portion 41 to less likely to be shaken even if vibration in travelling is applied, thus ensuring a stable use.

    [0056] With the above-described configuration, according to the accessory socket structure of the saddled vehicle according to the embodiment, the socket S has the end portion at the side of the insertion port Sa, the end portion having the predetermined clearance T with an inner peripheral portion of the opening 32 to be inserted into the opening 32 from the vehicle-body lower side toward the vehicle-body upper side, the lid member 40 includes the fixed portion 50, the coupling portion 45, and the lid portion 41, the fixed portion 50 being covered at the end portion at the insertion port Sa side of the socket S, the coupling portion 45 being integrally formed with the fixed portion 50, and the lid portion 41 being integrally formed with the coupling portion 45 to cover the insertion port Sa of the socket S, the coupling portion 45 includes the supporting convex portion 45b having the thickness such that the supporting convex portion 45b can pass through the clearance T, and the supporting convex portion 45b is configured to abut on the fixed portion 50 when the lid portion 41 is opened, to maintain the open state of the lid portion 41. This can maintain the open state of the lid portion 41 by the supporting convex portion 45b formed on the coupling portion 45 to eliminate the need for the user to support the lid portion 41 by hand when inserting the plug at the electrical device side into the socket S, thus ensuring improvement of the usability of the accessory socket with the simple structure without increasing the number of components.

    [0057] Note that, the dimension of the socket, the materials and the shapes of the side cowl and the lid member, the shapes of the lid portion and the coupling portion of the lid member, the size of the clearance between the opening and the fixed portion, and a similar specification are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, the socket may be disposed on the side cowl on the right side of the vehicle body. The accessory socket structure according to the present invention is not limited to a motorcycle but is applicable to various vehicles and similar device such as saddled three/four-wheeled vehicles.

    Reference Signs List



    [0058] 
    1 ...
    motorcycle (saddled vehicle),
    2 ...
    body frame,
    3 ...
    fuel tank,
    8 ...
    front cowl (exterior component),
    8a ...
    top surface portion,
    14 ...
    center cowl,
    30 ...
    side cowl (exterior component),
    30a ...
    top surface portion,
    30b ...
    side surface portion,
    32 ...
    opening,
    32a ...
    cutout,
    40 ...
    lid member,
    41 ...
    lid portion,
    42a ...
    positioning protrusion,
    45 ...
    coupling portion,
    45a ...
    belt portion,
    45b ...
    supporting convex portion,
    S ...
    socket



    Claims

    1. An accessory socket structure of a saddled vehicle, the accessory socket structure having a bottomed cylindrical socket (S) and a lid member (40) disposed on an opening (32), the socket (S) having an insertion port (Sa) for inserting a plug at an electrical device side, the lid member (40) being mounted on the socket (S) for covering the insertion port (Sa), and the opening (32) being disposed on an exterior component (30) of a saddled vehicle (1),
    wherein the socket (S) has an end portion at a side of the insertion port (Sa), the end portion having a predetermined clearance (T) with an inner peripheral portion of the opening (32) to be inserted into the opening (32) from a vehicle-body lower side toward a vehicle-body upper side,
    the lid member (40) includes a fixed portion (50), a coupling portion (45), and a lid portion (41), the fixed portion (50) being covered at the end portion at the insertion port (Sa) side of the socket (S), the coupling portion (45) being integrally formed with the fixed portion (50), and the lid portion (41) being integrally formed with the coupling portion (45) to cover the insertion port (Sa) of the socket (S),
    the coupling portion (45) includes a supporting convex portion (45b) having a thickness such that the supporting convex portion (45b) can pass through the clearance (T), characterised in that
    the supporting convex portion (45b) is configured to abut on the fixed portion (50) when the lid portion (41) is opened, to maintain an open state of the lid portion (41).
     
    2. The accessory socket structure of the saddled vehicle according to claim 1,
    wherein the socket (S) has an axis (O) arranged to incline rearward with respect to a vehicle-body vertical direction, and
    the coupling portion (45) is disposed at a position near a vehicle-body front side.
     
    3. The accessory socket structure of the saddled vehicle according to claim 2,
    wherein the exterior component (30) is a side cowl (30) positioned at an outside in a vehicle width direction of a fuel tank (3),
    the side cowl (30) includes an upright wall (31) arranged upright at a position at the vehicle-body front side of the opening (32), and
    the upright wall (31) is formed approximately parallel to the axis (O) of the socket (S).
     
    4. The accessory socket structure of the saddled vehicle according to claim 3,
    wherein the side cowl (30) has a top surface portion (30a) having a predetermined width in the vehicle width direction to incline to a vehicle-body rear and lower side,
    the opening (32) is disposed at the top surface portion (30a) and has a cutout (32a) that extends outside in a radial direction of a circular part, the socket (S) being inserted into the circular part,
    the lid portion (41) is formed into a diamond whose two sides are oriented in a vehicle-body front and rear direction when the vehicle body is seen in a plan view, and
    the diamond of the lid portion (41) has an acute angle part having a lower surface, the lower surface including a positioning protrusion (42a) engaged with the cutout (32a).
     
    5. The accessory socket structure of the saddled vehicle according to claim 4,
    wherein the lid portion (41) is arranged such that one of the acute angle parts of the diamond is positioned at a front of an outside in the vehicle width direction,
    the coupling portion (45) is positioned at an obtuse angle part at an inside in the vehicle width direction of the diamond of the lid portion (41), and
    the positioning protrusion (42a) is positioned at a rear of the inside in the vehicle width direction.
     
    6. The accessory socket structure of the saddled vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    wherein a side kickstand (25) is disposed at a left side in the vehicle width direction of the saddled vehicle (1), and
    the opening (32) is disposed at the side cowl (30) on the left side in the vehicle width direction.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur eines Sattelfahrzeugs,
    wobei die Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur eine untere zylindrische Steckdose (S) und ein Deckelelement (40) aufweist, das an einer Öffnung (32) angeordnet ist, wobei die Steckdose (S) eine Einsetzöffnung (Sa) zum Einsetzen eines Steckers an einer Seite einer elektrischen Vorrichtung aufweist, wobei das Deckelelement (40) an der Steckdose (S) angebracht ist, um die Einsetzöffnung (Sa) abzudecken, und die Öffnung (32) an einer äußeren Komponente (30) eines Sattelfahrzeugs (1) angeordnet ist,
    wobei die Steckdose (S) einen Endbereich an einer Seite der Einsetzöffnung (Sa) hat, wobei der Endbereich einen vorbestimmten Freiraum (T) zu einem Innenumfangsbereich der Öffnung (32) hat, um in die Öffnung (32) von einer unteren Seite der Fahrzeugkarosserie in Richtung einer oberen Seite der Fahrzeugkarosserie eingesetzt zu werden,
    das Deckelelement (40) einen feststehenden Bereich (50), einen Verbindungsbereich (45) und einen Deckelbereich (41) aufweist, wobei der feststehende Bereich (50) am Endbereich an der Seite der Einsetzöffnung (Sa) der Steckdose (S) abgedeckt ist, der Verbindungsbereich (45) integral mit dem feststehenden Bereich (50) ausgebildet ist, und der Deckelbereich (41) integral mit dem Verbindungsbereich (45) ausgebildet ist, um die Einsetzöffnung (Sa) der Steckdose (S) abzudecken,
    der Verbindungsbereich (45) einen konvexen Halterungsbereich (45b) aufweist, der eine Stärke dergestalt hat, dass der konvexe Halterungsbereich (45b) durch den Freiraum (T) hindurchgehen kann,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    der konvexe Halterungsbereich (45b) ausgestaltet ist, an dem feststehenden Bereich (50) anzuliegen, wenn der Deckelbereich (41) geöffnet ist, um einen geöffneten Zustand des Deckelbereichs (41) beizubehalten.
     
    2. Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur des Sattelfahrzeugs nach Anspruch 1,
    wobei die Steckdose (S) eine Achse (O) hat, die angeordnet ist, um bezüglich einer vertikalen Richtung der Fahrzeugkarosserie nach hinten schräg zu verlaufen, und
    der Verbindungsbereich (45) an einer Position nahe einer Vorderseite der Fahrzeugkarosserie angeordnet ist.
     
    3. Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur des Sattelfahrzeugs nach Anspruch 2,
    wobei die äußere Komponente (30) eine Seitenverkleidung (30) ist, die an einer Außenseite in einer Fahrzeugbreitenrichtung eines Kraftstofftanks (3) angeordnet ist,
    die Seitenverkleidung (30) eine aufrechte Wand (31) aufweist, die aufrecht an einer Position an der Vorderseite der Fahrzeugkarosserie zur Öffnung (32) angeordnet ist, und
    die aufrechte Wand (31) in etwa parallel zur Achse (O) der Steckdose (S) ausgebildet ist.
     
    4. Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur des Sattelfahrzeugs nach Anspruch 3,
    wobei die Seitenverkleidung (30) einen Oberflächenbereich (30a) hat, der eine bestimmte Breite in der Fahrzeugbreitenrichtung hat, um zu einer hinteren und unteren Seite der Fahrzeugkarosserie schräg zu verlaufen,
    die Öffnung (32) am Oberflächenbereich (30a) angeordnet ist und einen Ausschnitt (32a) hat, der nach außen in einer radialen Richtung eines kreisförmigen Teils verläuft, wobei die Steckdose (S) in das kreisförmige Teil eingesetzt ist,
    der Deckelbereich (41) in einem Rhombus ausgebildet ist, dessen beide Seiten in einer Richtung der Fahrzeugkarosserie nach vorne und hinten ausgebildet sind, wenn die Fahrzeugkarosserie in einer Draufsicht betrachtet wird, und
    der Rhombus des Deckelbereichs (41) einen Teil mit spitzem Winkel mit einer Unterseite aufweist, wobei die Unterseite einen Positionierungsvorsprung (42a) aufweist, der in den Ausschnitt (32a) eingreift.
     
    5. Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur des Sattelfahrzeugs nach Anspruch 4,
    wobei der Deckelbereich (41) dergestalt angeordnet ist, dass eines der Teile mit spitzem Winkel des Rhombus an einer Vorderseite einer Außenseite in der Fahrzeugbreitenrichtung angeordnet ist,
    der Verbindungsbereich (45) an einem Teil mit spitzem Winkel an einer Innenseite in der Fahrzeugbreitenrichtung des Rhombus des Deckelbereichs (41) angeordnet ist, und
    der Positionierungsvorsprung (42a) an einer Rückseite der Innenseite in der Fahrzeugbreitenrichtung angeordnet ist.
     
    6. Zubehörsteckdosenstruktur des Sattelfahrzeugs nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
    wobei ein Seitenständer (25) an einer linken Seite in der Fahrzeugbreitenrichtung des Fahrzeugs (1) angeordnet ist, und
    die Öffnung (32) an der Seitenverkleidung (30) an der linken Seite in Richtung der Fahrzeugbreite angeordnet ist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Structure de prise femelle d'accessoire d'un véhicule à selle, la structure de prise femelle d'accessoire ayant une prise femelle (S) cylindrique ayant un fond et un organe de couvercle (40) disposé sur une ouverture (32), la prise femelle (S) ayant un orifice d'insertion (Sa) pour l'insertion d'une fiche au niveau d'un côté dispositif électrique, l'organe de couvercle (40) étant monté sur la prise femelle (S) pour couvrir l'orifice d'insertion (Sa), et l'ouverture (32) étant disposée sur un composant extérieur (30) d'un véhicule à selle (1),
    dans laquelle la prise femelle (S) a une portion d'extrémité au niveau d'un côté de l'orifice d'insertion (Sa), la portion d'extrémité ayant un dégagement (T) prédéterminé avec une portion périphérique interne de l'ouverture (32) à insérer dans l'ouverture (32) depuis un côté inférieur de carrosserie de véhicule vers un côté supérieur de carrosserie de véhicule,
    l'organe de couvercle (40) comporte une portion fixe (50), une portion de couplage (45), et une portion de couvercle (41), la portion fixe (50) étant couverte au niveau de la portion d'extrémité au niveau du côté orifice d'insertion (Sa) de la prise femelle (S), la portion de couplage (45) étant formée d'un seul tenant avec la portion fixe (50), et la portion de couvercle (41) étant formée d'un seul tenant avec la portion de couplage (45) pour couvrir l'orifice d'insertion (Sa) de la prise femelle (S),
    la portion de couplage (45) comporte une portion convexe de support (45b) ayant une épaisseur telle que la portion convexe de support (45b) puisse passer à travers le dégagement (T), caractérisée en ce que
    la portion convexe de support (45b) est configurée pour buter contre la portion fixe (50) lorsque la portion de couvercle (41) est ouverte, pour maintenir un état ouvert de la portion de couvercle (41).
     
    2. Structure de prise femelle d'accessoire du véhicule à selle selon la revendication 1,
    dans laquelle la prise femelle (S) a un axe (O) agencé pour s'incliner vers l'arrière vis-à-vis d'une direction verticale de carrosserie du véhicule, et
    la portion de couplage (45) est disposée à une position proche d'un côté avant de carrosserie du véhicule.
     
    3. Structure de prise femelle d'accessoire du véhicule à selle selon la revendication 2,
    dans laquelle le composant extérieur (30) est un capot latéral (30) positionné au niveau d'un extérieur dans une direction de largeur de véhicule d'un réservoir de carburant (3),
    le capot latéral (30) comporte une paroi verticale (31) agencée verticalement à une position au niveau du côté avant de carrosserie du véhicule de l'ouverture (32), et
    la paroi verticale (31) est formée approximativement parallèlement à l'axe (O) de la prise femelle (S).
     
    4. Structure de prise femelle d'accessoire du véhicule à selle selon la revendication 3,
    dans laquelle le capot latéral (30) a une portion de surface supérieure (30a) ayant une largeur prédéterminée dans la direction de largeur de véhicule pour s'incliner vers un côté arrière et inférieur de carrosserie du véhicule,
    l'ouverture (32) est disposée au niveau de la portion de surface supérieure (30a) et a une découpe (32a) qui s'étend à l'extérieur dans une direction radiale d'une partie circulaire, la prise femelle (S) étant insérée dans la partie circulaire,
    la portion de couvercle (41) est formée en un losange dont deux côtés sont orientés dans une direction avant et arrière de carrosserie du véhicule lorsque la carrosserie de véhicule est vue en plan, et
    le losange de la partie de couvercle (41) a une partie d'angle aigu ayant une surface inférieure, la surface inférieure comportant une saillie de positionnement (42a) engagée avec la découpe (32a).
     
    5. Structure de prise femelle d'accessoire de véhicule à selle selon la revendication 4,
    dans laquelle la portion de couvercle (41) est agencée de sorte que l'une des parties d'angle aigu du losange soit positionnée au niveau d'un avant d'un extérieur dans la direction de largeur de véhicule,
    la portion de couplage (45) est positionnée au niveau d'une partie d'angle obtus au niveau d'un intérieur dans la direction de largeur de véhicule du losange de portion de couvercle (41), et
    la saillie de positionnement (42a) est positionnée au niveau d'un arrière de l'intérieur dans la direction de largeur du véhicule.
     
    6. Structure de prise femelle d'accessoire du véhicule à selle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5,
    dans laquelle une béquille latérale (25) est disposée au niveau d'un côté gauche dans la direction de largeur de véhicule du véhicule à selle (1), et
    l'ouverture (32) est disposée au niveau du capot latéral (30) sur le côté gauche dans la direction de largeur du véhicule.
     




    Drawing



































    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description