Motorcycle with acoustic system

To enable a regenerated sound in the high-note range to sufficiently reach an ear of an operator (rider) during travel. A meter display unit is provided for displaying drive information such as a vehicle speed or a travel distance. Left and right speakers are disposed on both sides of the meter display unit for generating regenerated sounds such as English conversation and music. The left speaker includes a left midrange/woofer unit disposed on the left side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and a left tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the left midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sounds. The right speaker includes a right midrange/woofer unit disposed on the right side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and a right tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the right midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-162451 filed on May 31, 2004 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a motorcycle acoustic system which can transmit regenerated sound from the low-range to the high-range even during travel to an operator.

2. Description of Background Art

A motorcycle acoustic system is available that generates regenerated sound, such as English conversation or music, from a position adjacent to meters for displaying drive information.

This type of motorcycle acoustic system is satisfactory by causing the regenerated sound to be generated from a specific part of the vehicle body.

A motorcycle acoustic system as described above is known wherein components such as an amplifier and a tuner and a speaker are arranged in a fairing. See, for example, JP-UM-A-60-27518 Page 2, FIG. 3.

Normally, an all-round full-range speaker which covers the entire range (band range) from a low-note to high-note is used as a speaker. However, from the characteristic of the all-round, performances which are specific for the low-note range or the high-note range are not provided.

In general, an acoustic sense for a human being has such a characteristic that it can hardly hear the low-note and the high-note, especially the sound in the high-note range, when the volume is low. In particular, in the case of a motorcycle, since the operator (rider) puts a helmet on, and hears the regenerated sound in an environment having a lot of external noises, he/she may have a further difficulty to hear the sounds in the high-note range.

Since the motorcycle acoustic system in the related art is simply provided with speakers on the left and right sides of the component, transmission of the regenerated sound in the high-note range to the operator (rider) during travel is not taken into consideration.

It is known that the sounds in the high-note range has high directivity.

In an acoustic system300of the motorcycle as set forth in JP-UM-A-60-27518,there may be a case in which the sounds in the high-note range can hardly reach the operator's ear depending on the physical constitution or the posture of the operator during travel as characteristics of the sound.

In other words, the motorcycle acoustic system which can transient the regenerated sound in the high-note range sufficiently to the operator (rider) during travel is desired.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle acoustic system which can solve the problem wherein sound in a high-note range is hard to hear during travel, and which can allow the regenerated sound in the high-note range to easily reach the ear of the operator (rider) during travel.

The present invention provides a motorcycle acoustic system including a meter display unit for displaying drive information such as a vehicle speed or a travel distance in front of an operator, and left and right speakers on both sides of the meter display unit. The left speaker includes a left midrange/woofer unit disposed on the left side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and a left tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the left midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sound. The right speaker includes a right midrange/woofer unit disposed on the right side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and a right tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the right midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sound.

It is preferable to enable the regenerated sound in the high-note range to reach (be transmitted to) the operator (rider) sufficiently during travel so that the operator can hear the sound with a realistic sensation.

Accordingly, the left speaker is composed of the left midrange/woofer unit disposed on the left side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and the left tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the left midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sound. The right speaker includes the left midrange/woofer unit disposed on the right side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and the right tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the right midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sound.

In other words, by composing the speaker with the midrange/woofer unit and the tweeter unit, the sound in the high-note range can easily be regenerated.

Also, by arranging the tweeter unit between the meter display unit and the midrange/woofer unit, the space around the meter display unit can be used effectively.

The present invention provides the left and right tweeter units that are arranged below extensions, which are drawn so as to extend from an upper ridge line of the outline of the meter display unit.

By arranging the left and right tweeter units below the extensions, which are drawn so as to extend from the upper ridge line of the outline of the meter display unit, the tweeter units can be arranged while preventing the outline of the meter display unit from increasing in size.

The present invention provides the left and right tweeter units that are arranged so as to be directed to the operator.

By arranging the left and right tweeter units so as to be directed to the operator, the sound in the high-note range, which has high directivity, can be reliably transmitted to the operator.

The present invention provides an audio device that is connected to the left and right midrange/woofer units and the left and right tweeter units.

By connecting the audio device to the left and right midrange/woofer units and the left and right tweeter units, the operator can enjoy English conversation or music with realistic sensations.

In the present invention, since the speakers are composed of the midrange/woofer units and the tweeter units, the sound in the high-note range can be easily regenerated. Accordingly, the regenerated sound in the high-note range is sufficiently able to reach (be transmitted to) the operator (rider) during travel. In other words, there is an advantage wherein the operator can hear the sound with realistic sensations.

Also, since the tweeter units are disposed between the meter display units and the midrange/woofer units, the space around the meter display unit can be effectively utilized.

In the present invention, since the left and right tweeter units are arranged below the extensions, which are drawn so as to extend in the lateral directions from an upper ridge line of the outline of the meter display unit, the tweeter units can be arranged while preventing the outline of the meter display unit from increasing in size.

In the present invention, since the left and right tweeter units are arranged so as to be directed to the operator, there is an advantage that the sound in the high-note range, which has high directivity, can be reliably transmitted to the operator.

In the present invention, since the audio device is connected to the left and right midrange/woofer units and the left and right tweeter units, the operator can enjoy English conversation or music with a realistic sensation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, a best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described. The drawings are to be viewed in the orientation in which the reference numerals are oriented.

FIG. 1is a side view of a motorcycle in which an acoustic system and a navigation system according to the present invention are employed, in which a motorcycle10includes a head pipe12mounted to a vehicle body frame (vehicle body)11with a front fork13mounted to the head pipe12so as to be steerable. A steering handle15is mounted to the top bridge14of the front fork13with a fairing17provided forwardly of a top bridge14and a bottom bridge16. Head lights18,18(one of the head lights18is not shown) and left and right mirrors19,19(one of the mirrors19is not shown) are disposed on the front surface of the fearing17. A front wheel21is mounted to the lower portion of the front fork13with a front fender22for covering the front wheel21. A main frame23of the vehicle body frame11extends rearwardly from the head pipe12with an engine24disposed in the lower portion of the main frame23. A fuel tank25is disposed on the upper portion of the main frame23with a seat rail26extending rearwardly from the main frame23. A vehicle seat27is mounted on the seat rail26with a rear swing arm29extending from the lower rear portion of the main frame23via a pivot28. A rear wheel31is rotatably mounted to the rear end of the rear swing arm29with a shock absorber (not shown) extending between the real portion of the rear swing arm29and the vehicle body frame11.

InFIG. 1, an under cover33is provided together with a GPS antenna34(global positioning system antenna), a fog lamp35, a front winker36, a wind screen37and an air opening38opened on the fairing17for supplying air to the engine24. A trunk box39is provided together with a saddle bag41, a rear winker42, a rod antenna43, a tail lamp44, a main stand45, a sub-stand46, an operator's step47, and a passenger's step48.

The vehicle sheet27includes a passenger seat49on which a passenger is seated. The passenger seat49includes a seat back51against which the passenger places his/her back thereon, and grips the grab rails52,52(52on the far side is not shown).

FIG. 2is a plan view of the motorcycle in which an acoustic system and a navigation system according to the present invention is employed. An acoustic system (speaker system)60for the motorcycle according to the present invention includes left midrange/woofer units63,64on the left side of a meter display unit (vehicle meter)58, a left tweeter unit65for regenerating high-notes disposed between the meter display unit58and the left midrange/woofer unit63, a right tweeter unit66for regenerating high-notes disposed between the meter display unit58and the right midrange/woofer unit64, left and right super woofer units (super woofer speakers)67,68which can regenerate a frequency range lower than the left and right midrange/woofer units63,64and a component69as an audio device for causing the units63-68to generate regenerated sound disposed in the trunk box39.

Since the acoustic system (speaker system)60for the motorcycle includes the component (audio device)69connected to the left and right midrange/woofer units and the left and right tweeter units, a listener can enjoy English conversation or music with a realistic sensation.

The component69represents a device having the functions of a tuner, a CD (compact disk) deck, a MD (mini disc) deck, a cassette deck, and an amplifier.

By providing the vehicle seat27on which the operator is seated, then placing the trunk box (trunk space)39rearwardly of the vehicle seat27, and then disposing the super woofer units67,68which can regenerate the frequency range lower than the left and right midrange/woofer units (midrange/woofer speakers)63,64in the trunk box39, a sound having a wide frequency range can be regenerated without loosing the spatial efficiency around the fairing17(or a meter panel57).

A motorcycle navigation system100according to the present invention is a system in which a navigation display unit101is arranged rearwardly of the meter display unit58. An operating element102is divided into sections and is arranged around the steering handle15and an upper panel104. A control unit (controller)103is stored in the trunk box39, which will be described in detail in conjunction withFIG. 12toFIG. 28.

FIG. 3is a front view of the motorcycle employing the acoustic system and the navigation system according to the present invention, showing that the GPS antenna34is arranged at the front of the vehicle body, the left and right fog lamps35,35are arranged on the lower portion of the vehicle body, the head lights18,18are arranged on the fairing17, the left and right mirrors19,19are disposed on the fairing17, the left and right front winkers36,36are integrally built in the mirrors19,19, and the left and right air openings38,38are provided on the fearing17.

The GPS antenna34is preferably a tip antenna, a batch antenna, or a helical antenna, which can be built in the meter panel (instrument panel)57or the fairing17.

FIG. 4is a back view of the motorcycle employing the acoustic system and the navigation system according to the present invention, showing that the trunk box39is disposed at the rear center of the vehicle body with the left and right saddle backs41,41being disposed on both sides of the trunk box39. The left and right rear winkers42,42are disposed on the back surfaces of the left and right saddle bags41,41, the rod antenna43is disposed on the right side of the trunk box39and the left and right tail lamps44,44are disposed on the back surface of the trunk box39. Left and right mufflers53,53are disposed on the lower portion of the vehicle body with a rear wheel31being covered by the rear fender54.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the acoustic system for the motorcycle according to the present invention. The acoustic system60for the motorcycle10(seeFIG. 1) includes the meter display unit58for displaying drive information such as a vehicle speed or a travel distance provided in front of the operator, and left and right speakers (speaker systems)61,62for producing regenerated sound such as English conversation or music provided on both sides of the meter display unit58. The left speaker (speaker system)61includes the left midrange/woofer unit (midrange/woofer speaker)63disposed on the left side of the meter display unit58for regenerating the midrange and bass sound, the left tweeter unit (tweeter speaker)65disposed between the meter display unit58and the left midrange/woofer unit63for regenerating high-notes. The right speaker (speaker system)62includes the right midrange/woofer unit64disposed on the right side of the meter display unit58for regenerating the midrange and bass sound and the right tweeter unit66disposed between the meter display unit58and the right midrange/woofer unit64for regenerating the high-notes. As shown inFIG. 2, the left speaker61includes the left super woofer unit67in the trunk box39, and the right speaker62includes the right super woofer unit68in the trunk box39.

The meter panel (instrument panel)57is a panel in which the left and right midrange/woofer units63,64and the tweeter units65,66can be arranged together with the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101.

The left and right midrange/woofer units63,64are provided with nets (saran nets) for protecting the midrange/woofer units63,64.

For example, it is preferable to enable generated high-note sounds to sufficiently reach (be transmitted to) the operator (rider) during travel as well because the operator can hear the sounds with a realistic sensation.

Therefore, by configuring the speakers61,62of the midrange/woofer units63,64and the tweeter units65,66, the high-note sound can be easily regenerated. Consequently, the regenerated high-note sounds can reach (be transmitted to) the operator (rider) during travel as well. That is, the operator can hear the sound with a realistic sensation.

By arranging the tweeter unit65between the meter display unit58and the midrange/woofer unit63(by arranging the tweeter unit66between the meter display unit58and the midrange/woofer unit64), the space around the meter display unit58can be efficiently used, or the spatial efficiency around the meter display unit58can be improved.

The left and right tweeter units65,66are arranged so as to be oriented toward the operator. By arranging the left and right tweeter units65,66towards the operator, the high-note sounds which have high directivity can be transmitted reliably to the operator.

FIG. 6is a layout drawing of the acoustic system for the motorcycle according to the present invention, showing a front view of the acoustic system60for the motorcycle.

In the acoustic system60for the motorcycle, the left and right tweeter units65,66are arranged below extensions L1, L2, which are drawn so as to extend from an upper ridge line (upper outline)58aof the outline of the meter display unit58in the lateral directions.

By arranging the left and right tweeter units65,66below the extensions L1, L2, which are drawn so as to extend from the upper ridge line58aof the outline of the meter display unit58in the lateral directions, the tweeter units65,66can be arranged so as to maintain the visibility of the meter display unit58. In comparison with the case wherein the left and right tweeter units65,66are on a portion of the meter display unit58, the outline of the meter display unit58can be prevented from increasing in size.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of the acoustic system for the motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the same parts as the acoustic system60for the motorcycle are represented by the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

In an acoustic system70for the motorcycle, the left and right midrange/woofer units (midrange/woofer speakers)63,64are arranged on both sides of the meter display unit58. A dash board78is provided on the upper portion of a meter panel (instrument panel)77, with cover members (speaker boxes)73,73being integrally provided on the left and right of the upper surface of the dash board78. Left and right tweeter units (tweeter speakers)75,76are disposed on the cover members73,73via baffles74,74(seeFIG. 8) described later.

A left tweeter speaker assembly71includes the cover member73, the baffle74, and the tweeter unit75, and a right tweeter speaker assembly72includes the cover member73, the baffle74, and the tweeter unit76.

In the acoustic system70for the motorcycle, the left and right tweeter units75,76are arranged on the meter display unit58so as to protrude upwardly of the vehicle body (from the upper ridge line58aof the outline). As described inFIG. 9, the side surfaces and the bottoms of the left and right tweeter units75,76are covered by the cover members73,73.

By arranging the left and right tweeter units75,76on the meter display unit58so as to project upwardly of the vehicle body from the upper ridge line58aand covering the side surfaces and the bottoms of the left and right tweeter units75,76by the cover members73,73, the existence of the left and right tweeter units75,76can be emphasized, thereby giving a high-quality look to the acoustic system70.

FIG. 8is a front view of the tweeter speaker assembly of the acoustic system for the motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention. The left tweeter speaker assembly71is configured in such a manner that the ring-shaped baffle (speaker supporting member)74is mounted to the cover member73so as to be capable of swinging in the vertical direction. In addition, the tweeter unit75is mounted to the baffle74so as to be capable of swinging in the lateral direction.

The right tweeter speaker assembly72shown inFIG. 9is an assembly having the same structure as the left tweeter speaker assembly71.

The baffle74includes horizontal pins81,81for being rotatably supported by the cover member73.

The tweeter unit75includes vertical pins82,82for being rotatably supported by the baffle74, and screw holes83. . . ( . . . represents that there are a plurality of members, hereinafter) for mounting a duct84as shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view taken along the line9-9inFIG. 8. In addition, the tweeter speaker assembly71is configured to be capable of detachably attaching the duct (horn)84for preventing sound diffusion on the front surface of the tweeter unit75. InFIG. 9, a bottom portion75aof the tweeter unit75is provided together with a side surface75bof the tweeter unit75. Mounting screws85are provided for mounting the duct84to the tweeter unit75.

The tweeter speaker assembly71is covered by the cover members73,73on the side surface75aand the bottom75bof the tweeter unit75.

FIGS. 10(a)-(d) are drawings for explaining the operation of the swinging state of the tweeter unit of the acoustic system for the motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

InFIG. 10(a), by rotating the tweeter speaker75as shown by an arrow a1about vertical shafts82,82(one of the numerals82is not shown), the high-note sound can be directed toward the left.

InFIG. 10(b), by rotating the high tweeter speaker75as shown by an arrow a2about the vertical shafts82,82(one of the numerals82is not shown), the high-note sound can be directed toward the right.

InFIG. 10(c), by rotating the baffle74about the horizontal shafts81,81as indicated by an arrow a3, the high-note sound can be directed upwardly.

InFIG. 10(d), by rotating the baffle74about the horizontal shafts81,81as indicated by an arrow a4, the high-note sound can be directed downwardly.

In other words, since the ring-shaped baffle (speaker supporting member)74which is capable of swinging in the vertical direction is mounted to the cover member73, and the tweeter unit75is mounted to the baffle74so as to be capable of swinging in the lateral direction. Thus, the direction of the tweeter unit75can be changed arbitrary in accordance with the posture of the operator. Consequently, the tweeter unit75can be set to the best direction.

FIGS. 11(a) and11(b) are drawings for explaining the operation of the tweeter unit of the acoustic system for the motorcycle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11(a) shows the tweeter speaker assembly71in a state wherein the duct for preventing sound diffusion is detachably attached to the front surface of the tweeter unit75.

The tweeter speaker assembly71can emphasize the high-note sound by attaching the duct (hone)84detachably for preventing sound diffusion on the front surface of the tweeter unit75. In addition, the tweeter unit75can be moved to the directions as indicated by the arrows b1, b1and the tweeter unit75can be set to a desired direction by the operator by holding the duct84.

In other word, the direction of the tweeter unit75can be changed easily.

InFIG. 11(b), by loosening the mounting screws85. . . , the duct84can be removed as indicated by an arrow b2. In other words, the mode of the tweeter unit75(with the duct84or without the duct84) can be selected. Thus, preference property of the acoustic system70can be increased.

The motorcycle navigation system100will be described below.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention. The motorcycle navigation system100includes the navigation display unit101disposed behind the meter display unit58. The operating element102is divided into sections and is arranged around the steering handle15and the upper panel104. The control unit103(seeFIG. 2) is stored in the trunk box39.

The operating element102includes a main control box105and a sub-control box106, and the main control box105is mounted to the left part of the steering handle15so that the operator can operate during operation, and the sub-control box106is mounted to the upper panel104so that the operator can operate when the motorcycle is stopped.

FIG. 13is a front view showing the meter display unit of the motorcycle navigation system and the navigation display unit according to the present invention. The meter display unit (vehicle meter)58is a portion displaying a speed meter111for displaying the vehicle speed, a tachometer112for displaying the number of engine revolution, a coolant temperature meter113for displaying the temperature of cooling water, a fuel meter114for displaying the residual quantity of fuel, warning marks115for giving a warning or calling the operator's attention and left and right winker marks116,117for showing the state of the winker's illumination. The internal structure thereof will be described in conjunction withFIG. 15.

The navigation display unit101displays not only navigation information such as the destination or the current vehicle position, but also warning information for giving a warning or calling the operator's attention, or displays audio information of the component69(seeFIG. 12). The internal structure will be described in conjunction withFIG. 15.

FIG. 14is a side view of the meter display unit of the motorcycle navigation system and the navigation display unit according to the present invention, showing the arrangement relation of the meter display unit and the navigation display unit.

The motorcycle navigation system100in the motorcycle10(seeFIG. 1) includes the meter display unit58for displaying drive information such as a vehicle speed or a travel distance and the navigation display unit101for displaying the destination or the current vehicle position. A transparent panel121is provided for covering both the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101so as to be capable of seeing therethrough. The navigation display unit101is disposed behind the meter display unit58so as to project with respect to the meter display unit58.

In other words, by disposing the navigation display unit101behind the meter display unit58and being disposed so as to project with respect to the meter display unit58, for example, the operator can easily hear the sound of the speakers61,62(seeFIG. 5) and can easily view the meter display unit.

By covering the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101together with the transparent panel (panel)121so as to be capable of seeing therethrough, the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101can both be protected from water drops. Consequently, the sealing property of the meter display unit58or the navigation display unit101can be improved.

FIG. 15is a cross-sectional side view of the meter display unit and the navigation display unit of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention, showing the internal structure of the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101.

A display unit107includes the meter display unit (vehicle meter)58, the navigation display unit101described above, a housing118for integrally accommodating the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101and a frame body119for distinguishing the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101in appearance. A transparent panel121is provided for covering the housing118so that the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101and the frame body119are capable of being seen through the transparent panel121.

The meter display unit (vehicle meter)58includes a meter control substrate122to be mounted to the housing118, the speed meter111to be mounted on the meter control substrate122, the tachometer112(seeFIG. 13), the coolant temperature meter113, the fuel meter114, LEDs (Light Emitting Diode)123. . . (only one is shown) mounted on the meter control substrate122for illuminating the warning marks115(seeFIG. 13) and the left and right winker marks116,117. A partitioning holder124is provided to be mounted on the meter control substrate122for partitioning the speed meter111, the tachometer112, the coolant temperature meter113, the fuel meter114, and the LED123. . . . A character display plate125is provided which indicates the characters and the warning marks115of the speed meter111mounted on the partitioning holder124.

The speed meter111includes a step motor127mounted on the meter control substrate122, and an indicating needle129to be mounted to a shaft128of the step motor127and placed on the character display plate125so as to be capable of rotating.

The tachometer112, the coolant temperature meter113, and fuel meter114shown inFIG. 13are components which are substantially the same as those of the speed meter111.

The navigation display unit101includes a navigation control substrate132to be mounted to the housing118and connected to the meter control substrate122via a first harness131, a liquid crystal holder133supported on the housing118via the navigation control substrate132, a liquid crystal substrate135connected to the navigation control substrate132via a second harness134and supported by the liquid crystal holder133, and a liquid crystal panel136connected to the liquid crystal substrate135and placed on the liquid crystal holder133.

The frame body119includes a meter opening137for exposing the meter display unit58, and a liquid crystal opening138for exposing the navigation display unit101.

InFIG. 15, a mounting screw141is provided for mounting the meter control substrate122to the housing118. A mounting screw142is provided for tightening the navigation control substrate132and the liquid crystal holder133together to the housing118. A mounting screw143is provided for mounting the liquid crystal substrate135to the liquid crystal holder133. In addition, a mounting screw144is provided for mounting the transparent panel121to the housing118.

In other words, the motorcycle navigation system100includes the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101integrally mounted in the transparent panel (panel)121. The frame body119is provided for displaying the navigation display unit101independently from the meter display unit58in the transparent panel (panel)121.

By providing the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101integrally in the transparent panel121, and providing the frame body119for displaying the navigation display unit101independently from the meter display unit58in the appearance on the meter panel57, for example, the internal structure of the electrical circuits of the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101can be gathered up. Consequently, the cost of the meter display unit58and the navigation display unit101can be achieved.

FIG. 16is a front view of the main control box of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention. The main control box105is an operating element having control buttons or control levers to be operated during operation of the vehicle that are arranged thereon. The main control box105includes a light control button145for illuminating the head lights18,18(seeFIG. 3) or the tail lamps44,44(seeFIG. 4), a winker sliding tab146for operating the left and right front winkers36,36(seeFIG. 3), and the left and right rear winkers42,42(seeFIG. 4), a horn switch button147for sounding the horn (not shown), a volume lever148for adjusting the volume level of the component69(seeFIG. 12) or the navigation system100, a mute button149for temporarily reducing the volume level of the component69or the navigation system100downwardly, a map guide button151used when using a voice guide function of the navigation system100, a tuning/disk button152for selecting the broadcasting station or the track number of the disk such as a CD on the component69, and an amateur radio lever153for operating the amateur radio (not shown) arranged therein.

The voice guide function is, for example, a function for audibly announcing that the motorcycle is approaching a railroad crossing or approaching the destination.

InFIG. 16, a main control box body156is provided together with a main control cable157extending from the control box body156and a print display unit158of the map guide button151.

FIG. 17is a front view of the sub-control box of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention.FIG. 18is a plan view of the sub-control box of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention.

The sub-control box106is an operating part in which buttons are arranged when the motorcycle is stopped.FIG. 18illustrates a menu button161for displaying a route guide or various setting details, a cancel button162for canceling the selected item, a map button163for displaying a highway map or a town map, a selecting and deciding button164for selecting and deciding a menu or map displayed by the menu button161or the map button163, a sub-control box body165for arranging these buttons161-164, and a sub-control cable166shown inFIG. 17extending from the sub-control box body165.

The selecting and deciding button164includes selecting buttons171-174for selecting the menu or the map, and a deciding button175for deciding the selected menu or map.

FIG. 19is a perspective view showing a mounting state of the control unit of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention wherein a front wall177as a wall surface of the trunk box39is provided together with a bottom plate178of the trunk box39. In the motorcycle navigation system100including the navigation display unit101(seeFIG. 12) for displaying navigational information such as the destination or the current vehicle position, the control unit (controller)103for driving the navigation display unit101, and the operating element102(seeFIG. 12), to be connected to the control unit103, is disposed in the trunk box39provided in the rear of the vehicle body.

By arranging the control unit103in the trunk box39provided in the rear of the vehicle body, a sufficient space for arranging the meter display unit58(seeFIG. 12) and the navigation display unit101is provided. Consequently, the navigation system100can be easily mounted to the motorcycle10(seeFIG. 1).

It can also be said that the motorcycle navigation system100is a system in which the control unit103is mounted along the front wall (wall surface)177of the trunk box39. By mounting the control unit103along the front wall177of the trunk box39, the control unit103can be stored in the trunk box39without impairing the usability of the trunk box39. Consequently, the control unit103can be stored while securing convenience of the trunk box39.

FIG. 20is an exploded perspective view of the control unit of the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention. The control unit103includes a base member181to be abutted against the front wall (wall surface)177, a unit body182for positioning the control unit103on the base member181, and a cover member183for covering the unit body182.

The control unit103is fixed by sandwiching the unit body182between the base member181and the cover member183by securing the base member181and the cover member183to the front wall177together.

By constituting the control unit103of the base member181to be abutted against the front wall (wall surface)177, the unit body182for positioning the control unit103on the base member181, and the cover member183for covering the unit body182, the control unit103can be stored while maintaining the article storing function of the trunk box39.

By securing the base member181and the cover member183together to the front wall (wall surface)177, for example, when it is necessary to provide vibration control means on the unit body182, it is achieved simply by placing a cushion between the base member181and the unit body182, and placing a cushion between the unit body182and the cover member183. Thus, countermeasures in case of an emergency such as a vibration control means may easily be achieved.

The base member181, the unit body182, and the cover member183will be described below.

FIG. 21is a plan view of the base member of the control unit in the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention, andFIG. 22is a cross-sectional view taken along the line22-22inFIG. 21.

The base member181is a member including a placing portion184for placing the unit body182(seeFIG. 20), positioning bosses185. . . being formed on the placing portion184for positioning the unit body182, and mounting portions186. . . to be secured with the cover member183(seeFIG. 20) to the front wall177.

FIG. 23is a plan view of the unit body of the control unit in the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention.FIG. 24is a front view of the unit body of the control unit in the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention.FIG. 25is a side view of the unit body of the control unit in the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention.

The unit body182is a portion accommodating a control function, and includes fitting, portions191. . . to be fitted into the positioning bosses185. . . of the base member181(seeFIG. 21), a connector192for connecting part of the main control cable157(seeFIG. 16), a connector193for connecting the sub-control cable166(seeFIG. 17) as shown inFIG. 25, and a connector194for connecting a cable (not shown) for connecting to the navigation display unit101(seeFIG. 12).

FIG. 26is a plan view of the cover member of the control unit for the motorcycle navigation system according to the present invention.FIG. 27is a cross-sectional view taken along the line27-27inFIG. 26.FIG. 28is a drawing viewed in the direction of an arrow28inFIG. 26.

The cover member183is a cover including mounting portions196. . . for mounting the cover member183together with the base member181to the front wall177, an opening197for exposing the connector194(seeFIG. 25) of the unit body182as shown inFIG. 27, and a notched portion198as shown inFIG. 28for exposing the connectors192,193of the unit body182(seeFIG. 24).

In the acoustic system60for the motorcycle according to the present invention, the two super woofer units (super woofer speakers)67,68are arranged in the trunk box as shown inFIG. 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to arrange one single super woofer unit (super woofer speaker) at the center of the vehicle body. The super woofer unit may also be embedded in the seat back of the vehicle seat.

As shown inFIG. 2, in the acoustic system60for the motorcycle according to the present invention, the left and right tweeter units65,66and the left and right midrange/woofer units63,64are disposed in the meter panel (instrument panel)57, and the left and right super woofer units67,68are arranged in the trunk box39. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to arrange a tweeter unit (tweeter) and a midrange unit (squaker) in the meter panel (instrument panel), arrange the woofer unit (woofer) in the trunk box.

As shown inFIG. 5, in the acoustic system60for the motorcycle according to the present invention, the tweeter units65,66are fixed to the meter panel (instrument panel)57so as to be directed to the operator, it is not limited thereto. As shown inFIG. 8, the tweeter units65,66may be mounted so as to be capable of swinging in the lateral and vertical directions.

As shown inFIG. 8, in the motorcycle acoustic system70(seeFIG. 7) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the ring-shaped baffle (speaker supporting member)74is mounted to the cover member73so as to be capable of swinging in the vertical direction, and the tweeter unit75is mounted to the baffle74so as to be capable of swinging in the lateral direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the tweeter unit75may be configured in such a manner that the ring-shaped baffle (speaker supporting member) is attached to the cover member so as to be capable of swinging in the lateral direction, and the tweeter unit75is mounted to the baffle so as to be capable of swinging in the vertical direction.

As shown inFIG. 19, the motorcycle navigation system100according to the present invention is mounted to the front wall177of the trunk box39. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be mounted to a wall surface other than the front wall (left and right wall or the rear wall).

The motorcycle acoustic system according to the present invention is preferably employed in a large-sized motorcycle.