Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
  • B62J25/00—Foot-rests; Knee grips; Passenger hand-grips
  • B62J25/02—Knee grips, e.g. on fuel tanks
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
  • B62J35/00—Fuel tanks specially adapted for motorcycles or engine-assisted cycles; Arrangements thereof

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a straddle pad for a straddle-type vehicle and a straddle-type vehicle.
• a pad member called a tank pad is sometimes attached to the rear of the tank (the part that comes into contact with the rider's clothing, etc.).
• a tank pad is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
• a pad member called a knee pad is sometimes attached to the side of the tank to prevent the rider's knees from slipping during knee grip.
• a kneepad is disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example.
• An object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle straddle pad that improves comfort.
• This specification discloses a straddle-type vehicle straddle pad and a straddle-type vehicle described in the following items.
• a straddle-type vehicle straddle pad that is attached to the straddle-type vehicle so that at least a portion of the pad is in contact with a rider, A straddle pad including a first portion having a negative Poisson's ratio.
• the straddle pad according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a portion (first portion) having a negative Poisson's ratio (i.e., having an auxetic structure), so that the portion deforms to wrap around the load point when a load is applied. do. Therefore, the fit to the rider's body is improved, and comfort is improved.
• a straddle pad according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second portion having a Poisson's ratio that is different from the Poisson's ratio of the first portion. That is, the straddle pad according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a distribution in Poisson's ratio. Since the straddle pad has a distribution in Poisson's ratio, it is possible to set the fit according to the part of the rider's body that is in contact with the straddle pad, further improving comfort.
• a pair of knee pads arranged in contact with the rider's knees and/or inner thighs; a middle pad section located between the pair of knee pad sections; has The straddle pad according to item 1 or 2, wherein each of the pair of knee pad portions includes the first portion.
• the first portion having a negative Poisson's ratio in the kneepad section, it is possible to improve the fit in the kneepad section. Therefore, even if the knee grip is weak, the body can be firmly held, making the knee grip easier and improving comfort.
• the straddle pad according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a third portion and a fourth portion having different hardnesses. That is, the straddle pad according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a hardness distribution. Since the straddle pad has a hardness distribution, the hardness can be set according to the body part that comes into contact with the straddle pad, further improving comfort.
• a pair of knee pads arranged in contact with the rider's knees and/or inner thighs; a middle pad section located between the pair of knee pad sections; has The third portion is harder than the fourth portion,
• Each of the pair of kneepad portions includes the third portion,
• the relatively hard third part is included in the knee pad part, and the relatively soft fourth part is included in the middle pad part, thereby making the knee pad part, which is the part where you want to firmly support the body during knee grip, hard. , it is possible to soften the middle pad part, which is the area where you want to disperse body pressure and reduce the feeling of pressure.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad portion may be greater than the minimum thickness of each knee pad portion and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad portion. That is, the straddle pad may have a thickness distribution. Since the straddle pad has a thickness distribution, it is possible to appropriately distribute body pressure according to the part of the rider's body that is in contact with the straddle pad, thereby improving comfort.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section By making the maximum thickness of the middle pad section larger than the minimum thickness of each knee pad section and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad section, the fit and vibration reduction properties of the middle pad section are improved, while the maximum thickness of the knee pad section is increased. It is possible to suitably hold the lower body (knee grip).
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section is preferably larger than the maximum thickness of each knee pad section.
• the straddle pad may have a lattice structure including a plurality of unit structures in a three-dimensional lattice shape.
• the Poisson's ratio of the straddle pad can be adjusted to realize a negative Poisson's ratio.
• the Poisson's ratio can be made to differ from each other, or the hardness can be made to differ from each other (in other words, the straddle pad can have a Poisson's ratio (can have a hardness distribution or a hardness distribution).
• breathability is improved and stuffiness can be suppressed.
• Straddle pads according to embodiments of the invention may be formed from resin or rubber materials using additive manufacturing techniques, for example.
• additive manufacturing technology By using additive manufacturing technology, a straddle pad having a lattice structure can be suitably formed, and a straddle pad having a negative Poisson's ratio can be easily obtained.
• a straddle-type vehicle comprising the straddle pad according to any one of items 1 to 9.
• the straddle pad according to the embodiment of the present invention is suitably used in various saddle type vehicles.
• FIG. 1 is a left side view schematically showing a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a straddle pad 100 included in the motorcycle 1.
• FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 2B-2B' in FIG. 2A.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram showing changes when a compressive load is applied to a member P having a positive Poisson's ratio.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing changes when a compressive load is applied to a member PN having a negative Poisson's ratio.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 4C-4C' in FIG. 4B.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a part of the straddle pad 100 having a lattice structure, as seen from the Z direction.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the straddle pad 100 having a lattice structure, showing a cross section parallel to the YZ plane.
• FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 4C-4C' in FIG. 4B.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a part of the straddle pad 100 having a lattice structure, as seen from the Z direction.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the straddle pad
• FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the strain that occurs in the X direction and the Y direction when a compressive load is applied in parallel to the Z direction to the first portion P1 having the lattice structure illustrated in FIG. 5B. It is a top view which expands and shows a part of 2nd part P2 which has a positive Poisson, and is a figure seen from the Z direction.
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the second portion P2 having a positive Poisson, showing a cross section parallel to the YZ plane.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. It is a graph showing a load displacement curve of a sample in which an improvement in riding feeling was felt in actual running evaluation.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 10B-10B' in FIG. 10A.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 11B-11B' in FIG. 11A.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 12B-12B' in FIG. 12A.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and corresponds to a cross section taken along line 13C-13C' in FIG. 10A.
• a motorcycle will be exemplified as a straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, but a straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a motorcycle.
• FIG. 1 is a left side view schematically showing a motorcycle 1.
• FIG. 1 is an on-road type motorcycle 1.
• the motorcycle according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the on-road type motorcycle 1, but may be other types of motorcycles such as a moped type or an off-road type.
• front, rear, left, and right mean the front, rear, left, and right, respectively, as seen from the rider seated on the motorcycle 1. Further, the terms “up” and “down” respectively refer to the top and bottom when the motorcycle 1 is stopped on a horizontal surface.
• the motorcycle 1 includes a body frame 10, a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, and an internal combustion engine 4.
• the motorcycle 1 also includes a fuel tank 5 supported by a body frame 10 and a seat 6 on which a rider sits.
• the seat 6 is arranged behind the fuel tank 5.
• the vehicle body frame 10 includes a head pipe 11, left and right side frames 12 extending rearward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the head pipe 11, and left and right down frames 13 extending downward from the rear ends of the left and right side frames 12. Contains.
• a steering shaft (not shown) to which a handle 14 is fixed is supported by the head pipe 11 so as to be rotatable left and right. The steering shaft is fixed to the front fork 7.
• the front wheel 2 is supported by a front fork 7.
• the rear wheel 3 is supported by the rear end of the rear arm 8.
• a front end portion of the rear arm 8 is supported by a down frame 13 via a pivot shaft 9 so as to be able to swing up and down.
• the front wheel 2 is a driven wheel.
• the rear wheels 3 are drive wheels driven by the engine 4.
• the engine 4 and the rear wheel 3 are connected by a chain 15.
• the chain 15 is an example of a power transmission member that transmits the power of the engine 4 to the rear wheels 3.
• the power transmission member is not limited to the chain 15, but may be a transmission belt, a drive shaft, or the like.
• straddle section a portion that can come into contact with the lower body of a rider straddling the motorcycle 1 is referred to as a "straddle section.”
• the straddle portion at least partially includes the seat 6, the fuel tank 5, and the like.
• at least a portion of the left and right tank side covers 16 that cover the sides of the fuel tank 5 are also included in the straddle portion.
• a pad member that is attached to the straddle portion so that at least a portion thereof contacts the rider is referred to as a “straddle portion pad”.
• the motorcycle 1 includes a straddle pad 100 attached to the straddle.
• the configuration of the straddle pad 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
• FIG. 2A is a plan view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 2B-2B' in FIG. 2A.
• the straddle pad 100 has a pair of knee pad sections 110 and a middle pad section 120, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
• the straddle pad 100 is made of, for example, a resin material or a rubber material.
• the pair of knee pad parts 110 are arranged at positions in contact with the rider's knees and/or inner thighs.
• One of the pair of kneepad sections 110 (left kneepad section) 110L is located on the left side of the motorcycle 1, and is attached to the rear left side of the fuel tank 5 and the left tank side cover 16.
• the other (right kneepad section) 110R of the pair of kneepad sections 110 is located on the right side of the motorcycle 1, and is attached to the rear right side of the fuel tank 5 and the right tank side cover 16.
• the middle pad section 120 is located between the pair of knee pad sections 110.
• the middle pad portion 120 is attached to the rear center of the fuel tank 5.
• the middle pad section 120 is continuous with the left kneepad section 110L and also continuous with the right kneepad section 110R. That is, the middle pad section 120 and the pair of knee pad sections 110 are integrally formed.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a portion (hereinafter referred to as a "first portion") P1 that has a negative Poisson's ratio (that is, has an auxetic structure).
• first portion P1 that has a negative Poisson's ratio
• the entire straddle pad 100 that is, the entire middle pad section 120 and each knee pad section 110
• the entire straddle pad 100 is the first portion P1.
• Poisson's ratio is the ratio of the strain that occurs in the direction perpendicular to the load direction and the strain that occurs along the load direction when a load is applied to an object within its elastic limit.
• FIG. 3A is a diagram showing changes when a compressive load is applied to a member P P having a positive Poisson's ratio
• FIG. 3B is a diagram showing changes when a compressive load is applied to a member P N having a negative Poisson's ratio.
• FIG. 3A when a compressive load is applied to a member P P having a positive Poisson's ratio, a tensile strain occurs in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the load.
• FIG. 3B when a compressive load is applied to a member PN having a negative Poisson's ratio, compressive strain occurs in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the load. Therefore, the portion PN having a negative Poisson's ratio deforms so as to wrap around the load point.
• the straddle pad 100 provided in the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the portion (first portion) P1 having a negative Poisson's ratio. 100) deforms when a load is applied so as to wrap around the load point. Therefore, the fit to the rider's body is improved, and comfort is improved.
• a negative Poisson's ratio can be realized by the straddle pad 100 having, for example, a lattice structure as described below.
• FIG. 4A shows another configuration of the straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a second portion P2 having a Poisson's ratio different from the Poisson's ratio of the first portion P1.
• each of the pair of knee pad portions 110 includes a first portion P1
• the middle pad portion 120 includes a second portion P2.
• the straddle pad 100 may include the second portion P2 having a Poisson's ratio different from the Poisson's ratio of the first portion P1.
• the straddle pad 100 may have a distribution in Poisson's ratio. Since the straddle pad 100 has a distribution in Poisson's ratio, it is possible to set a fit according to the body part of the rider that is in contact with the straddle pad 100, further improving comfort.
• the fit of the kneepad portion 110 can be improved. Therefore, even if the knee grip is weak, the body can be firmly held, making the knee grip easier and improving comfort.
• the Poisson's ratio of the second portion P2 may be negative or positive. Further, the Poisson's ratio does not need to be constant (that is, it may have a distribution) in the second portion P2.
• each kneepad portion 110 is entirely the first portion P1, but each kneepad portion 110 may include a mixture of the first portion P1 and a portion having a positive Poisson's ratio.
• FIGS. 4B and 4C Other configurations of the straddle pad 100 are shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C.
• FIG. 4B is a plan view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 4C-4C' in FIG. 4B.
• the middle pad section 120 is not continuous with the left kneepad section 110L, nor is it continuous with the right kneepad section 110R. That is, the left kneepad section 110L is separated from the middle pad section 120, and the right kneepad section 110R is also separated from the middle pad section 120. In other words, the middle pad section 120 and the pair of knee pad sections 110 are not integrally formed.
• FIGS. 4B and 4C also have the effect of improving comfort because they include the first portion P1 having a negative Poisson's ratio.
• FIGS. 4B and 4C show an example in which the middle pad section 120 is integrally formed
• the middle pad section 120 may be divided into two or more parts (that is, formed separately). (It may be a combination of two or more members.)
• the left kneepad portion 110L and the right kneepad portion 110R are not limited to being integrally formed, and may be divided into two or more parts (that is, two or more separately formed parts). ) may also be a combination of members.
• planar shapes of the straddle pad 100, knee pad section 110, and middle pad section 120 are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 4B.
• the straddle pad 100 may have a microstructure to achieve desired functionality and mechanical properties.
• the straddle pad 100 may have a lattice structure including a plurality of unit structures in a three-dimensional lattice shape.
• the Poisson's ratio of the straddle pad 100 can be adjusted to realize a negative Poisson's ratio.
• Poisson's ratio can be made to differ from each other (that is, the straddle pad 100 can have a Poisson's ratio distribution).
• the straddle pad 100 has a lattice structure, breathability is improved and stuffiness can be suppressed.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a straddle pad 100 having a lattice structure.
• FIG. 5A is an enlarged plan view of a part of the straddle pad 100, as seen from the Z direction.
• FIG. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the straddle pad 100, showing a cross section parallel to the YZ plane.
• the lattice structure of the straddle pad 100 has a plurality of unit structures U.
• Each unit structure U is constructed by combining a plurality of beams b.
• the portion LP occupied by the plurality of unit structures U in the straddle pad 100 will be referred to as a "lattice portion", and the space SP other than the lattice portion LP (the space partitioned by the lattice portion LP) will be referred to as a "void portion”. .
• the lattice portion LP has a shape in which a plurality of triangular pyramids (more precisely, portions corresponding to the sides of the triangular pyramids) are combined, and the sides extending in the Z direction are omitted.
• the straddle pad 100 has a lattice structure
• the lattice portion LP when a load is applied to the straddle pad 100, the lattice portion LP will be soft until it is sufficiently deformed and the gap SP will collapse. After that, it is possible to achieve a behavior that becomes stiff to some extent.
• the straddle pad 100 can be made hard to improve the grip feeling (to avoid feeling unreliable due to being too soft). In other words, it is possible to both reduce the feeling of pressure and improve the grip feeling.
• the straddle pad 100 since the straddle pad 100 has a lattice structure, breathability is improved and stuffiness can be suppressed.
• the lattice structure illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B can realize a negative Poisson's ratio. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when a compressive load is applied in parallel to the Z direction to the first portion P1 having the lattice structure illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the and compressive strain occurs in the Y direction.
• the structure for realizing a negative Poisson's ratio is not limited to the structures illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and various known auxetic structures can be used.
• a portion of the straddle pad 100 other than the first portion P1 may have a positive Poisson's ratio, and such a portion may have a positive Poisson's ratio. It may have a lattice structure that achieves Poisson's ratio.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B An example of a lattice structure having a positive Poisson's ratio is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
• FIG. 7A is an enlarged plan view of a part of the second portion P2 having a positive Poisson, as seen from the Z direction.
• FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the second portion P2, showing a cross section parallel to the YZ plane.
• the unit structure U of the lattice structure is in the shape of a cube (more precisely, a portion corresponding to the sides of the cube), and the lattice portion LP has a plurality of cubes arranged continuously. It has a shape. Even when a lattice structure having a positive Poisson's ratio as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B is employed, it is possible to reduce the feeling of pressure, improve the grip feeling, and suppress stuffiness.
• lattice structure that realizes positive Poisson is not limited to the structures illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and various known lattice structures (three-dimensional mesh structures) can be used.
• the straddle pad 100 has a lattice structure, there may be a region where only the voids SP exist along the thickness direction, but the thickness of the straddle pad 100 is determined by the lattice portion LP and the void SP. It is defined by the outer edge (outline) of the straddle pad 100 that includes both.
• the size, shape, arrangement, etc. of the unit structure U of the lattice structure do not necessarily have to be strictly regular, and some irregularity may be tolerated as long as the desired function and mechanical properties are achieved. .
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• the straddle pad 100 includes two types of portions P3 and P4 that have different hardnesses.
• the relatively hard part P3 will be referred to as the "third part” and the relatively soft part P4 will be referred to as the "fourth part”.
• the straddle pad 100 includes the third portion P3 and the fourth portion P4 having different hardnesses, in other words, because the straddle pad 100 has a hardness distribution, the straddle pad 100 The firmness can be set according to the part of the body that comes into contact with it, improving comfort.
• the relatively hard third portion P3 is included in the knee pad portion 110
• the relatively soft fourth portion P4 is included in the middle pad portion 120.
• the entire left knee pad portion 110L may have substantially the same hardness (that is, the entire left knee pad portion 110L is the third portion P3), or may not. . That is, the left kneepad portion 110L may have a portion having a different hardness from the third portion P3.
• the entire right knee pad portion 110R may or may not have substantially the same hardness (that is, the entire right knee pad portion 110R is the third portion P3). In other words, the right kneepad portion 110R may have a portion having a different hardness from the third portion P3.
• the hardness may or may not be substantially the same in the entire middle pad portion 120 (that is, the entire middle pad portion 120 is the fourth portion P4). That is, the middle pad portion 120 may have a portion having a different hardness from the fourth portion P4.
• the hardness of a part or the entire straddle pad 100 may change continuously. Further, a portion (intermediate hardness portion) that is softer than the third portion P3 and harder than the fourth portion P4 may be arranged between the third portion P3 and the fourth portion P4.
• the central portion of the knee pad portion 110 may be the third portion P3
• the central portion of the middle pad portion 120 may be the fourth portion P4
• the other portions may be intermediate hardness portions.
• the hardness of the straddle pad 100 (the hardness of the third portion P3 and the fourth portion P4) is determined by the load displacement obtained by conducting a load test in accordance with JASO (Japan Automobile Engineers Society Standard) B408-89, for example. It can be evaluated using a curve. Specifically, in the load displacement curve obtained in this way, the load at a predetermined amount of displacement can be regarded as "hardness".
• the samples forming combination A will be referred to as knee pad part sample #1 and middle pad part sample #3.
• the samples forming combination B are referred to as knee pad part sample #2 and middle pad part sample #4.
• FIGS. 9A and 9B show load displacement curves obtained by the above-described load test for knee pad samples #1 and #2 and middle pad samples #3 and #4.
• the hardness of the third portion P3 included in the knee pad portion 110 is 1.2 times or more than the hardness of the fourth portion P4 included in the middle pad portion 120. It can be said that it is preferable.
• FIG. 10A is a plan view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 10B-10B' in FIG. 10A.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is greater than the minimum thickness of each knee pad section 110 and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110.
• the thickness t3 of the middle pad section 120 is constant (substantially the same) throughout the middle pad section 120.
• the left kneepad portion 110L is divided into two regions 110La and 110Lb (referred to as a "first region” and a “second region”, respectively) when paying attention to its thickness t1.
• Ru In the first region 110La, the thickness t1 of the left kneepad portion 110L is substantially the same.
• the second region 110Lb is located between the first region 110La and the middle pad portion 120. In the second region 110Lb, the thickness t1 of the left knee pad portion 110L decreases from the middle pad portion 120 side toward the first region 110La side.
• the right kneepad portion 110R is divided into two regions 110Ra and 110Rb (referred to as a "third region” and a "fourth region", respectively).
• the third region 110Ra the thickness t2 of the right kneepad portion 110R is substantially the same.
• the fourth region 110Rb is located between the third region 110Ra and the middle pad portion 120.
• the thickness t2 of the right knee pad portion 110L decreases from the middle pad portion 120 side toward the third region 110Ra side.
• the thickness t1 in the first region 110La of the left kneepad portion 110L and the thickness t2 in the third region 110Ra of the right kneepad portion 110R are, for example, substantially the same, but are not limited thereto.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is greater than the minimum thickness of each knee pad section 110 and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110. It is. In other words, the straddle pad 100 has a thickness distribution. Since the straddle pad 100 has a thickness distribution, it is possible to appropriately distribute the body pressure according to the part of the rider's body that is in contact with the straddle pad 100, thereby improving comfort. By making the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 larger than the minimum thickness of each knee pad section 110 and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110, it is possible to improve the fit and vibration reduction properties of the middle pad section 120. , it is possible to suitably hold the lower body (knee grip) in the knee pad portion 110.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is preferably larger than the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110, as will be exemplified later.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad portion 120 is not particularly limited. Similarly, the maximum thickness of each of the pair of kneepad sections 110 is not particularly limited.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is preferably 150% or more, and preferably 200% or more, of the minimum thickness of the knee pad section 110. is more preferable.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is preferably 150% or more, and preferably 200% or more, of the maximum thickness of the knee pad section 110. is more preferable.
• the straddle pad 100 has a lattice structure as described above, for example, when a load is applied to the straddle pad 100, the behavior is soft at first and becomes hard after being crushed to a certain extent. I can do it.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad portion 120 is preferably 10 mm or more, and more preferably 20 mm or more.
• the kneepad portion 110 may have low resilience, that is, the speed at which it returns to its original shape (restoration speed) when the applied load is removed may be relatively slow.
• the knee pad section 110 has low resilience, the knee pad section 110 is less likely to get in the way when the knee grip is released and the leg is lowered, so that the leg can be lowered more easily.
• FIGS. 11A and 11B show other configurations of the straddle pad 100 having a thickness distribution.
• FIG. 11A is a plan view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 11B-11B' in FIG. 11A.
• the thickness t3 of the middle pad section 120 is constant (substantially the same) throughout the middle pad section 120. Further, the thickness t1 of the left kneepad portion 110L is not constant over the entire left kneepad portion 110L, but decreases as the distance from the middle pad portion 120 increases. Similarly, the thickness t2 of the right knee pad portion 110R is not constant over the entire right knee pad portion 110R, but decreases as the distance from the middle pad portion 120 increases.
• FIGS. 12A and 12B show still another configuration of the straddle pad 100 having a thickness distribution.
• FIG. 12A is a plan view schematically showing the straddle pad 100.
• FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and shows a cross section taken along line 12B-12B' in FIG. 12A.
• the middle pad section 120 is not continuous with the left kneepad section 110L, nor is it continuous with the right kneepad section 110R. That is, the left kneepad section 110L is separated from the middle pad section 120, and the right kneepad section 110R is also separated from the middle pad section 120. In other words, the middle pad section 120 and the pair of knee pad sections 110 are not integrally formed.
• the thickness t1 of the left kneepad portion 110L is constant (substantially the same) throughout the left kneepad portion 110L
• the thickness t2 of the right kneepad portion 110R is It is constant (substantially the same) throughout the portion 110R.
• the thickness t3 of the middle pad section 120 is constant (substantially the same) throughout the middle pad section 120.
• the straddle pad 100 has a thickness distribution (more specifically, the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is larger than the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110). This has the effect of improving comfort.
• the thickness distribution of the straddle pad 100 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 10B, 11B, and 12B.
• the configuration shown in FIG. 10B may be modified as shown in FIG. 13A.
• the thickness t3 of the middle pad portion 120 is not constant.
• the middle pad section 120 is located between the fifth region 120a where the thickness t3 is the maximum and the center of the middle pad section 120 in the left-right direction (direction parallel to the Y direction), and the thickness t3 is smaller than the maximum thickness.
• a sixth region 120b is located between the fifth region 120a and the sixth region 120b, and in the seventh region 120c, the thickness t3 is the same as the thickness t3 from the sixth region 120b side. 5 toward the region 120a side.
• the configuration shown in FIG. 10B may be modified as shown in FIG. 13B.
• the thickness t1 of the left kneepad portion 110L is constant (substantially the same) over the entire left kneepad portion 110L
• the thickness t2 of the right kneepad portion 110R is constant over the entire right kneepad portion 110R. (substantially the same).
• the thickness changes stepwise at the boundary between the left kneepad section 110L and the middle pad section 120
• the thickness changes stepwise at the boundary between the right kneepad section 110R and the middle pad section 120.
• the middle pad portion 120 may have a thickness distribution in the vertical direction (the vertical direction when the straddling portion pad 100 is attached to the straddling portion).
• An example of such a middle pad section 120 is shown in FIG. 13C.
• FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the straddle pad 100, and corresponds to a cross section taken along line 13C-13C' in FIG. 10A.
• the middle pad section 120 includes two regions 120u and 120l that are adjacent to each other along the vertical direction.
• One region (upper region) 120u located relatively above of the two regions 120u includes a thinner portion than the other region (lower region) 120l. More specifically, the upper region 120u becomes thinner as it moves away from the lower region 120l. Since the middle pad portion 120 has such a thickness distribution in the vertical direction, the difference in level between the fuel tank 5 and the straddle pad 100 can be reduced and a sense of unity can be improved.
• middle pad portion 120 may be divided into an upper and a lower portion.
• the above-described upper region 120u and lower region 120l may not be integrated but may be separated.
• the straddle pad 100 is The portion where the thickness begins to decrease when considering the change in thickness toward the middle pad portion 120 and each knee pad portion 110 may be defined as the boundary between the middle pad portion 120 and each knee pad portion 110.
• the configuration in which the straddle pad 100 has a thickness distribution as described above can be combined with the configuration in which the straddle pad 100 has a hardness distribution.
• Straddle pad 100 can be suitably formed using, for example, additive manufacturing techniques.
• Additive manufacturing technology is a technology that forms three-dimensional structures (three-dimensional objects) using a 3D printer. According to additive manufacturing technology, even a three-dimensional structure having a complicated shape can be easily manufactured based on 3D CAD data or 3DCG data.
• a resin material including elastomer and gel
• a rubber material can be suitably used as the material of the straddle pad 100.
• the resin material and rubber material various known resin materials and rubber materials can be used.
• a PolyJet 3D printer proposed by Stratasys can be used.
• modeling is performed by alternately repeating jetting of liquid particles containing an ultraviolet curable material from a nozzle of an inkjet head and curing by ultraviolet irradiation.
• a 3D printer other than the PolyJet method may be used.
• the design of the unit structure U can be different for each part.
• Poisson's ratio can be made different for each part, and the hardness can be made different for each part. Therefore, in the straddle pad 100 having a lattice structure, It becomes easy to give the straddle pad 100 a Poisson's ratio distribution or a hardness distribution.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a pair of knee pad portions 110 and the middle pad portion 120 has been exemplified, but the straddle pad 100 is not limited to such a configuration.
• the straddle pad 100 may include only the middle pad section 120, only the pair of knee pad sections 110, or only the left knee pad section 110L or the right knee pad section 110R.
• the straddle pad 100 including the portion (first portion) P1 having a negative Poisson's ratio has the effect of improving comfort.
• the straddle pad 100 may be wrapped in a skin material (hereinafter referred to as a "pad cover") made of cloth, leather, or the like.
• a pad cover a skin material
• the left kneepad section 110L and the right kneepad section 110R are separated from the middle pad section 120, the middle pad section 120, the left kneepad section 110L and the right kneepad section 110R are each wrapped in a separate pad cover. Alternatively, they may be integrally wrapped by one pad cover.
• the straddle pad 100 may be attached to a base material (hereinafter referred to as a "pad base") made of cloth, leather, or the like.
• the left kneepad section 110L and the right kneepad section 110R are separated from the middle pad section 120, the middle pad section 120, the left kneepad section 110L and the right kneepad section 110R are attached to separate pad bases. or may be attached on one pad base.
• a motorcycle has been illustrated as an example of a straddle-type vehicle, but the straddle pad according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be suitably used for a straddle-type vehicle other than a motorcycle, such as a personal watercraft. It can also be used for Further, the straddle pad according to the embodiment of the present invention can also be suitably used for a saddle type vehicle having an electric motor instead of (or in addition to) an internal combustion engine as a driving source.
• the component placed directly in front of the seat may not be the fuel tank (for example, a dummy tank or battery storage case), and in that case, the "straddle part" may be the fuel tank. It may not include.
• a cover may be provided to cover the fuel tank. In that case (ie, if the straddle includes such a cover), the straddle pad is attached to the cover.
• the straddle pad 100 is a straddle pad 100 for a straddle-type vehicle that is attached to the straddle portion of the straddle-type vehicle 1 so that at least a portion thereof is in contact with a rider. It includes a first portion P1 having a negative Poisson's ratio.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a portion (first portion) P1 having a negative Poisson's ratio (that is, having an auxetic structure), so that the portion P1 wraps around the load point when a load is applied. It transforms like this. Therefore, the fit to the rider's body is improved, and comfort is improved.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a second portion P2 having a Poisson's ratio different from the Poisson's ratio of the first portion P1.
• the straddle pad 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a second portion P2 having a Poisson's ratio different from the Poisson's ratio of the first portion P1. That is, the straddle pad 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a distribution in Poisson's ratio. Since the straddle pad 100 has a distribution in Poisson's ratio, it is possible to set a fit according to the body part of the rider that is in contact with the straddle pad 100, further improving comfort.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a pair of knee pad sections 110 arranged in contact with the rider's knees and/or inner thighs, and a middle pad section 120 located between the pair of knee pad sections 110.
• Each of the pair of kneepad portions 110 includes the first portion P1.
• the fit of the kneepad section 110 can be improved. Therefore, even if the knee grip is weak, the body can be firmly held, making the knee grip easier and improving comfort.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a third portion P3 and a fourth portion P4 that have different hardnesses.
• the straddle pad 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a third portion P3 and a fourth portion P4 having different hardnesses. That is, the straddle pad 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a hardness distribution. Since the straddle pad 100 has a hardness distribution, the hardness can be set according to the body part that comes into contact with the straddle pad 100, further improving comfort.
• the straddle pad 100 includes a pair of knee pad sections 110 arranged in contact with the rider's knees and/or inner thighs, and a middle pad section 120 located between the pair of knee pad sections 110.
• the third portion P3 is harder than the fourth portion P4, each of the pair of knee pad portions 110 includes the third portion P3, and the middle pad portion 120 includes the fourth portion P4. included.
• the relatively hard third part P3 is included in the knee pad part 110
• the relatively soft fourth part P4 is included in the middle pad part 120, so that the knee pad part, which is the part where you want to firmly support your body when you grip the knee, 110 can be made hard
• the middle pad part 120 which is the part where it is desired to disperse body pressure and reduce the feeling of pressure, can be made soft.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is greater than the minimum thickness of each of the pair of knee pad sections 110 and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each of the pair of knee pad sections 110.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 may be greater than the minimum thickness of each knee pad section 110 and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110. That is, the straddle pad 100 may have a thickness distribution. Since the straddle pad 100 has a thickness distribution, it is possible to appropriately distribute the body pressure according to the part of the rider's body that is in contact with the straddle pad 100, thereby improving comfort. By making the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 larger than the minimum thickness of each knee pad section 110 and greater than or equal to the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110, it is possible to improve the fit and vibration reduction properties of the middle pad section 120. , it is possible to suitably hold the lower body (knee grip) in the knee pad portion 110.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is greater than the maximum thickness of each of the pair of knee pad sections 110.
• the maximum thickness of the middle pad section 120 is preferably larger than the maximum thickness of each knee pad section 110.
• the straddle pad 100 has a lattice structure including a plurality of unit structures U in a three-dimensional lattice shape.
• the straddle pad 100 may have a lattice structure including a plurality of unit structures U in a three-dimensional lattice shape.
• the Poisson's ratio of the straddle pad 100 can be adjusted to realize a negative Poisson's ratio.
• Poisson's ratios can be made to differ from each other, or the hardness can be made to differ from each other. (Can have a Poisson's ratio distribution or a hardness distribution.)
• breathability is improved and stuffiness can be suppressed.
• the straddle pad 100 is formed from a resin material or a rubber material by additive manufacturing techniques.
• the straddle pad 100 may be formed from a resin material or a rubber material using additive manufacturing techniques, for example.
• additive manufacturing technology the straddle pad 100 having a lattice structure can be suitably formed, and the straddle pad 100 having a negative Poisson's ratio can be easily obtained.
• the straddle-type vehicle 1 includes a straddle pad 100 having any of the configurations described above.
• the straddle pad 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is suitably used in various saddle type vehicles 1.
• straddle-type vehicle straddle pad that improves comfort.
• the straddle pad according to the embodiment of the present invention is suitably used in various saddle type vehicles.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=88023633

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Cited By (1)

Citations (6)

• 2023
  • 2023-03-02 WO PCT/JP2023/007817 patent/WO2023176476A1/ja active Application Filing
  • 2023-03-02 JP JP2024507723A patent/JP7684669B2/ja active Active

Patent Citations (6)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events