Arrangement structure for a motorcycle ignition switch apparatus, and motorcycle incorporating same

• US 20040256204A1
• Filed: 05/19/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Suzuki, Koji, Morita, Kenji, Kanaoka, Yoji
• Granted Patent: US 6,948,472 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/43.03
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/306 Motorcycles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2063 Ignition switch geometry

Abstract

To improve the degree of freedom in attachment of an ignition switch apparatus, and to make the ignition switch apparatus less likely to be influenced by heat from an engine and by electrical noise interference, an ignition switch apparatus is provided including an antenna which performs radio communication for authentication with a transponder built in a key. The ignition switch is operatively attached to a pivot plate of the vehicle frame, on which a rear wheel is supported. In order to assure good communication with the key, the antenna is situated such that it projects from an outer face of a recessed portion of the pivot plate.

Claims

1. An arrangement structure for an ignition switch apparatus provided for switching vehicle power on and off in a motorcycle, wherein said ignition switch apparatus is operatively attached to a pivot plate of a vehicle body frame, on which a driving wheel is supported.

2. An arrangement structure for a motorcycle ignition switch apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said ignition switch apparatus includes an antenna for performing radio communication for authentication with a transponder built in a key to be inserted into said ignition switch apparatus, and said antenna is provided in such a manner as to project outwardly beyond an outer face of said pivot plate.

3. An arrangement structure for a motorcycle ignition switch apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an inner end portion of said antenna is substantially aligned with the outer face of said pivot plate.

4. An arrangement structure for a motorcycle ignition switch apparatus according to claim 2, further wherein said antenna acts as a coil which induces electric power for said transponder.

5. An arrangement structure for a motorcycle ignition switch apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cover for covering a circumference of said ignition switch apparatus, and wherein said cover has an extension portion which covers side faces of said antenna.

6. An arrangement structure for a motorcycle ignition switch apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said cover also covers portions of said pivot plate which are adapted to be situated proximate a driver'"'"'s legs.

7. An arrangement structure for an ignition switch apparatus for switching vehicle power on and off in a motorcycle, wherein said ignition switch apparatus is disposed below a seat on a vehicle body frame, in a region between an engine and a rear wheel axle.

8. A frame structure for a motorcycle, comprising:

a main frame section, a pivot plate attached to the main frame section, a rear swing arm pivotally connected to the pivot plate, and an ignition switch apparatus operatively attached to the pivot plate.

9. The frame structure of claim 8, wherein the pivot plate has a hole formed therein, and wherein a portion of said ignition switch apparatus extends through said hole.

10. The frame structure of claim 9, wherein the ignition switch apparatus comprises a lock cylinder and a cylindrical collar surrounding a portion of said lock cylinder, wherein part of said cylindrical collar extends through the hole in said pivot plate.

11. A motorcycle comprising the frame structure of claim 8.

12. The frame structure of claim 8, further comprising a key for inserting into said ignition switch apparatus, said key comprising a radio transponder, and wherein said ignition switch apparatus comprises an antenna for radio communication with said transponder.

13. The frame structure of claim 12, wherein said antenna acts as a coil which induces electric power for said transponder.

14. The frame structure of claim 8, wherein an inner end portion of said antenna is substantially aligned with the outer face of said pivot plate.

15. The frame structure of claim 8, further comprising a cover for covering a circumference of said ignition switch apparatus, and wherein said cover has an extension portion which covers side faces of said antenna.

16. The frame structure of claim 15, wherein said cover also covers portions of said pivot plate which are adapted to be situated proximate a driver'"'"'s legs.