Drainage structure for saddle-type vehicles

The drainage structure in straddle-type vehicles addresses the issue of water exposure to components by using a cover with a drainage hole and guide, significantly improving the waterproofness of these vehicles.

JP7670596B2Active Publication Date: 2025-04-30KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021170250
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-10-18
Publication Date
2025-04-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drainage structures in straddle-type vehicles, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, allow water to travel down the surface of the upper fender and potentially expose various components located below the drain hole to water.

Method used

A drainage structure that includes a cover with an outer surface and an inner surface, a drainage hole penetrating between the outer and inner surfaces, and a drainage guide that directs water from the drainage hole to a position different from the hole in plan view, thereby improving water resistance for various components.

Benefits of technology

The proposed drainage structure enhances the waterproofness of various parts of the straddle-type vehicle by effectively guiding water away from critical components, preventing water from accumulating and causing damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To improve waterproofness against various components of a saddle-riding type vehicle more than before.SOLUTION: A draining structure 31 for a saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a cover 30 including an external surface 40f1 exposed to the outside of a saddle-riding type vehicle, an internal surface 40f2 on an opposite side to the external surface, and a draining hole 46 penetrating between the external surface and the internal surface; and a draining guide 70 for guiding water passing through the draining hole from the external surface, toward a draining position different from the draining hole in plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drainage structure in a saddle-type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of elongated drainage holes are formed in the bottom wall of an upper fender, which is attached at a position above and away from the front wheels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-179784 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, according to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, water runs down the surface of the upper fender and falls through the drainage hole, which means that various components located below the drainage hole may become wet.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further improve the waterproofing of various parts of a saddle-type vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a cover having an outer surface exposed to the outside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and a drainage hole penetrating between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a drainage guide that guides water that has passed through the drainage hole from the outer surface toward a drainage position different from the drainage hole in a planar view. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The waterproofing of various parts of the saddle-type vehicle can be further improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a motorcycle to which a drainage structure is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the motorcycle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing the motorcycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the drainage guide. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the drainage guide, the side cover, and the lower side cowl. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] {Embodiment} The drainage structure in a saddle-type vehicle according to the embodiment will be described below. An example of a vehicle to which the drainage structure is applicable is a motorcycle. A motorcycle is a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with a power engine. In the following embodiment, an example in which the vehicle is a motorcycle will be described. The vehicle may be another ground-traveling vehicle, for example, a saddle-type vehicle (a three-wheeled motor vehicle, an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), etc.) that is driven by a user, i.e., a driver, straddling a seat.

[0010] <About motorcycles> For the sake of convenience, the motorcycle 10 will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the motorcycle 10 to which the drainage structure 31 is applied. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the motorcycle 10. FIG. 1 shows the front part of the motorcycle 10. FIG. 2 mainly shows the front cover and the fuel tank 22 of the motorcycle 10. In the following description, when referring to up / down, front / rear, and left / right, each direction is defined as follows. First, the side where the front wheel 14 of the motorcycle 10 contacts the road surface is the bottom, and the opposite side of the bottom is the top. In addition, the traveling direction when the motorcycle 10 travels is the front, and the opposite side of the front is the rear. Furthermore, when a user rides on the motorcycle 10 as a rider, the left and right based on the user are the left and right of the motorcycle 10. The width direction is the vehicle width direction from left to right.

[0011] In the motorcycle 10, a front wheel 14 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 12. When the motorcycle 10 is traveling, the front wheel 14 rotates on the lower end of the front fork 12. A pair of upper and lower brackets 16 are attached to the upper end of the front fork 12. The upper bracket 16 is shown in FIG. 1. A steering shaft 18 is supported by the pair of brackets 16. The steering shaft 18 is inserted into a head pipe located at the front of the body frame and supported rotatably. A handlebar 24 is supported by the upper bracket 16. When the handlebar 24 is operated, the steering shaft 18, bracket 16, and front fork 12 rotate around the axis of the head pipe. This rotation causes the front wheel 14 to rotate around the axis of the head pipe, allowing the motorcycle 10 to change its traveling direction.

[0012] A fuel tank 22, a rider's seat 23, etc. are located behind the handlebars 24. An engine is located below the fuel tank 22 and the rider's seat 23 as a power plant. The power plant of the motorcycle 10 may be an electric motor. A rear wheel provided at the rear of the body frame is rotated by the power plant.

[0013] A cover 30 is provided on the motorcycle 10. The cover 30 covers at least a portion of the components of the motorcycle 10. The cover 30 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is exposed to the outside of the motorcycle 10. The inner surface is located on the opposite side to the outer surface in the thickness direction of the cover 30. The inner surface faces the components of the motorcycle 10. The cover 30 may cover any portion of the components of the motorcycle 10.

[0014] In this embodiment, the cover 30 is provided so as to surround the front and both sides of the handlebar 24. The cover 30 is directly or indirectly supported by the body frame and does not move in accordance with the rotation of the handlebar 24. The cover 30 is formed of resin or the like. In this embodiment, the cover 30 includes a front cowl 26, a side cover 40, an upper side cowl 50, and a lower side cowl 60. The side cover 40, the upper side cowl 50, and the lower side cowl 60 are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the motorcycle 10. The front cowl 26 is directly or indirectly attached to the body frame so as to cover the front outer side of the handlebar 24. The windshield 25 is supported at the rear part at the center in the width direction of the front cowl 26. The side cover 40 covers the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the motorcycle 10 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the side cover 40 covers an area that is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the handlebar 24 and extends in the front-rear direction. The side cover 40 is attached directly or indirectly to the body frame. The upper side cowl 50 and the lower side cowl 60 are attached directly or indirectly to the body frame at positions rearward of the front cowl 26 and below the side cover 40 so as to cover the motorcycle 10 from the outer sides in the vehicle width direction. The upper side cowl 50 covers an area above the lower side cowl 60.

[0015] It is arbitrary which regions of the cover 30 are integrated and which parts are divided. For example, the entire cover 30 may be molded integrally from the same resin. Also, a plurality of parts of the front cowl 26, the side cover 40, the upper side cowl 50, and the lower side cowl 60 may be molded integrally from the same resin. Also, any part of the front cowl 26, the side cover 40, the upper side cowl 50, and the lower side cowl 60 may be divided into smaller parts. Each part of the cover 30 is directly or indirectly fixed to the vehicle frame by, for example, a screw S, a fitting structure, or the like.

[0016] An instrument 27 is located behind the front cowl 26 and inside the windshield 25. The instrument 27 is a display unit that displays vehicle information such as speed, engine RPM, etc. The instrument 27 may display the vehicle information in an analog format, a digital format, or a combined analog and digital format.

[0017] <Drainage structure> The drainage structure 31 in the motorcycle 10 will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the side cover 40 has drainage holes 46 will be described. Fig. 3 is a partial plan view showing the motorcycle 10. Fig. 3 mainly shows the side cover 40, the upper side cowl 50, and the lower side cowl 60. Below, focusing on the left side portion of the motorcycle 10, the left side cover 40, the upper side cowl 50, and the lower side cowl 60 will be described. The drainage structure may be incorporated into either the left or right side of the motorcycle 10, or may be incorporated into both the left and right sides.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the side cover 40 includes a first upper cover part 42, a second upper cover part 44, and a valley part 43. The side cover 40 may be a member integrally molded from the same resin. The rear edge of the first upper cover part 42 is lower than the front edge. The second upper cover part 44 is located rearward of the first upper cover part 42. The rear edge of the second upper cover part 44 is higher than the front edge. The valley part 43 connects the rear edge of the first upper cover part 42 and the front edge of the second upper cover part 44. Therefore, the valley part 43 forms a valley extending along the boundary between the first upper cover part 42 and the second upper cover part 44.

[0019] More specifically, the first upper cover part 42 is located rearward of the vehicle width direction outer portion of the rear edge of the front cowl 26. In the front-rear direction, the first upper cover part 42 is located at the same position as the gauge 27 or rearward of the gauge 27. The first upper cover part 42 is located forward of the passenger seat 23. The first upper cover part 42 may be located forward of the fuel tank 22 or may be located forward of the handlebars 24. The first upper cover part 42 may be located below the handlebars 24. The first upper cover part 42 may be located at the same height as the passenger seat 23 or may be located at a higher position than the passenger seat 23. The first upper cover part 42 is formed in a flat shape. The front edge of the first upper cover part 42 is in contact with the vehicle width direction outer portion of the rear edge of the front cowl 26. The vehicle width direction outer edge of the first upper cover part 42 is in contact with the upper edge of the upper side cowl 50. An inner edge in the vehicle width direction of the first upper cover part 42 forms part of an edge surrounding an opening in which the front fork 12 is disposed. A rear edge of the first upper cover part 42 has a downwardly convex V-shape.

[0020] An interface device is supported on the first upper cover part 42. The interface device is a connection device for transmitting information, signals, or power between the motorcycle 10 and an external device or a rider. The interface device may be, for example, a switch, a charging connector, or a display device. In FIG. 3, switches 48a and 48b are illustrated as examples of the interface device. The switch 48a is a round switch, and the switch 48b is a square switch. The switches 48a and 48b are directly or indirectly supported on the body frame at the front side of the first upper cover part 42. The first upper cover part 42 is formed with holes 42h1 and 42h2 for arranging the switches 48a and 48b. By arranging the switches 48a and 48b in the holes 42h1 and 42h2, the switches 48a and 48b are supported at fixed positions in the direction in which the first upper cover part 42 extends. A charging connector 48c is supported as an interface device on the second upper cover part 44 on the right side in FIG. 1. The charging connector 48c may be covered by a cover 48d.

[0021] The first upper cover part 42 is located in front of and below the face of the rider sitting on the rider's seat 23, and faces diagonally upward. By supporting the interface devices on the first upper cover part 42, the rider can easily operate and see the interface devices. In the highly information-rich motorcycle 10, the number and mounting area of ​​the interface devices mounted are increasing. For this reason, the installation space for the gauges 27 located in the center front of the handlebars 24 and the installation space for the switches around the handlebar grips may not be enough to mount the interface devices. The first upper cover part 42 can be used as a space to mount the increasing number of interface devices.

[0022] The second upper cover part 44 is located rearward relative to the first upper cover part 42. The first upper cover part 42 passes outside the handlebar 24 in the vehicle width direction and extends toward the side of the center in the front-rear direction of the fuel tank 22. The front edge of the second upper cover part 44 is V-shaped with a downward convexity and is integrally connected to the rear edge of the first upper cover part 42. The second upper cover part 44 includes a V-shaped groove part 44a extending rearward from the front edge. The V-shaped groove part 44a gradually becomes shallower from the front edge of the second upper cover part 44 toward the rear. The front end of the deepest part of the V-shaped groove part 44a is lower than the rear end. The second upper cover part 44 includes a mountain-shaped part 44b connected to the rear part of the V-shaped groove part 44a. The mountain-shaped part 44b is in an inverted V shape with the highest point at the center in the width direction. The mountain-shaped portion 44b curves rearward from the rear of the V-groove portion 44a toward the center in the vehicle width direction, and reaches the fuel tank 22. The outer edge in the vehicle width direction of the second upper cover portion 44 contacts the upper edge of the upper side cowl 50. The inner edge in the vehicle width direction of the second upper cover portion 44 forms part of the edge surrounding the opening in which the front fork 12 is disposed.

[0023] It may be considered that the first upper cover part 42 is a part for installing an interface device facing the rider, and the second upper cover part 44 is a part that extends rearward from the lower edge of the first upper cover part 42 and forms a surface for smoothly flowing the wind backward. In this way, it is considered that a valley part 43 that is V-shaped in a side view of the motorcycle 10 is formed between the cover part for forming the surface facing the rider and the cover part for forming the surface for smoothly flowing the wind backward.

[0024] The valley portion 43 extends along the boundary between the rear edge of the first upper cover portion 42 and the front edge of the second upper cover portion 44. Therefore, the valley portion 43 forms a V-shaped groove formed by a portion near the rear edge of the first upper cover portion 42 and a portion near the front edge of the second upper cover portion 44. The valley portion 43 gradually descends from the inner portion of the rear edge of the first upper cover portion 42 toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction, reaches the deepest portion 43D located at the lowest position, and extends gradually upward from the deepest portion toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the inner edge of the valley portion 43 in the vehicle width direction is lower than the outer edge in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] Suppose that the motorcycle 10 is exposed to rainwater or the like. In this case, water that falls onto the first upper cover part 42 heads toward the valley parts 43, and water that falls into the V-groove parts 44a of the second upper cover part 44 also heads toward the valley parts 43. When water accumulates in the valley parts 43, it is considered that the water will run down the valley parts 43 and overflow from the inner edge of the valley parts 43 in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] Here, it is assumed that various parts of the motorcycle 10 are located at a position lower than the side cover 40. For example, it is assumed that the air cleaner 49c is located at a position lower than the side cover 40 and closer to the center in the vehicle width direction. It is assumed that the air intake 49d of the air cleaner 49c faces forward so as to easily take in air while traveling. It is assumed that the air intake 49d is located at the same position as the valley portion 43 or behind the valley portion 43 in the front-rear direction. For this reason, it is assumed that water dripping from the valley portion 43 enters the air intake 49d due to the influence of the traveling wind, etc. Also, for example, it is assumed that the charcoal canister 49a and the purge valve 49b are located directly below the side cover 40. In this case, it is assumed that the water overflowing from the valley portion 43 will splash on the charcoal canister 49a and the purge valve 49b.

[0027] In this embodiment, in order to form a drainage path different from the drainage path of water by the outer surface 40f1 of the side cover 40, in this embodiment, a drainage hole 46 is formed in the side cover 40, and a drainage guide 70 is positioned below the drainage hole 46. The drainage hole 46 penetrates between the outer surface 40f1 and the inner surface 40f2 of the side cover 40. Therefore, water running down the outer surface 40f1 of the side cover 40 penetrates the side cover 40 and is guided to the inner surface 40f2 side. The drainage guide 70 guides the water that has passed through the drainage hole 46 toward a drainage position P different from the drainage hole 46 in a plan view.

[0028] In this embodiment, the drain hole 46 is formed in the valley portion 43. More specifically, the drain hole 46 is formed in the deepest portion 43D of the valley portion 43. The drain hole 46 may be formed in a portion of the valley portion 43 other than the deepest portion 43D. A funnel-shaped guide surface 46a that gradually narrows toward the drain hole 46 may be formed around the upper opening of the drain hole 46 in the side cover 40. The guide surface 46a can more reliably guide water toward the drain hole 46. An annular protrusion 46b that protrudes downward may be formed around the lower opening of the drain hole 46 in the side cover 40. The annular protrusion 46b is shown in FIG. 6. The annular protrusion 46b makes it easier for water that has passed through the drain hole 46 to drip downward from the lowest end of the annular protrusion 46b, and is less likely to flow along the inner surface 40f2 of the side cover 40.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the side cover 40 may be understood to be a cover having the drainage holes 46. Alternatively, a combination of the side cover 40 and the upper side cowl 50 may be understood to be a cover having the drainage holes 46.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the drainage guide 70. The side cover 40 and the lower side cowl 60 are omitted in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the drainage guide 70, the side cover 40 and the lower side cowl 60.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, the drainage guide 70 is located at a position to receive water discharged from the drainage hole 46. For example, in a plan view, at least a part of the drainage guide 70 is located directly below the drainage hole 46. In a plan view, at least a part of the drainage guide 70 may overlap at least one of the electrical components and the wiring. The drainage guide 70 enhances the waterproofing effect for at least one of the electrical components and the wiring. For example, in a plan view, a part of the drainage guide 70 located directly below the drainage hole 46 may overlap at least one of the electrical components and the wiring. This prevents water that has passed through the drainage hole 46 from falling directly onto at least one of the electrical components and the wiring, enhancing the waterproofing effect for at least one of the electrical components and the wiring.

[0032] The drain guide 70 may be located between the drain hole 46 and the air intake port 49d in the vertical direction. This makes it difficult for water that has passed through the drain hole 46 to reach the air intake port 49d. It is preferable that the drain guide 70 is located between the drain hole 46 and the air intake port 49d on a straight line connecting the drain hole 46 and the air intake port 49d, but this is not essential. As described above, it is sufficient that the drain guide 70 is located between the drain hole 46 and the air intake port 49d in the vertical positional relationship.

[0033] The drainage guide 70 has a bottom portion 71 and a peripheral wall portion 72. The bottom portion 71 is located below the drainage hole 46, and a part of the bottom portion 71 is located directly below the drainage hole 46. The peripheral wall portion 72 extends around the bottom portion 71, and in this embodiment, extends along the front edge, rear edge, and inner edge in the vehicle width direction of the bottom portion 71.

[0034] More specifically, the bottom 71 includes a first bottom 71a and a second bottom 71b. The first bottom 71a includes a rectangular portion extending below the drainage hole 46 and an extension portion extending from a rear portion of the rectangular portion to the outside in the vehicle width direction. The second bottom 71b is located outside the rectangular portion of the first bottom 71a in the vehicle width direction and in front of the extension portion. The second bottom 71b is located at a lower position than the first bottom 71a. The first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b are connected via a step wall 73.

[0035] The peripheral wall portion 72 surrounds the front edge, the inner edge in the vehicle width direction, and the rear edge of the first bottom portion 71a. A part of the inner edge in the vehicle width direction of the first bottom portion 71a of the peripheral wall portion 72 is recessed. The recess corresponds to the shape of the valley portion 43. The drainage hole 46 is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the recess in a plan view. Therefore, water that passes through the drainage hole 46 falls onto the first bottom portion 71a.

[0036] The outer edge of the first bottom 71a in the vehicle width direction may be lower than the inner edge in the vehicle width direction, and the outer edge of the second bottom 71b in the vehicle width direction may be lower than the inner edge in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b may be inclined downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In this case, water that has fallen onto the first bottom 71a flows outward in the vehicle width direction along the first bottom 71a, or flows outward in the vehicle width direction via the first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b.

[0037] The drainage extension 74 is located along the outer edges of the first bottom 71a, the step wall, and the second bottom 71b in the vehicle width direction. The drainage extension 74 is a long and thin plate-like portion that protrudes toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. The drainage extension 74 also inclines downward toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. Water running down the first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b is guided to the outside of the first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b by the extension dimension of the drainage extension 74. In this embodiment, the position of the outer edge in the vehicle width direction of the drainage extension 74 is the drainage position P. The drainage position P is located outside the drainage hole 46 in the vehicle width direction. The drainage extension 74 may be omitted. In this case, water may be drained with the outer edges of the first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b in the vehicle width direction as the drainage position.

[0038] It is preferable that the first bottom portion 71a and the second bottom portion 71b are inclined downward toward the rear, so that water does not flow forward but tends to flow outward along the step wall or the rear peripheral wall portion 72.

[0039] A wiring insertion recess is formed in the front edge of the first bottom 71a of the peripheral wall 72. A wiring insertion hole 71bh is formed in the front part of the second bottom 71b. The wiring member 75 passes through the wiring insertion recess, passes above the first bottom 71a and the second bottom 71b, and is routed so as to pass through the wiring insertion hole 71bh. The wiring insertion hole 71bh is located higher in the gravitational direction than the drainage position P. This makes it difficult for water to enter the wiring insertion hole 71bh. By routing the wiring member 75 as described above, the space above the drainage guide 70 can be used as a space for arranging the wiring member 75. It is not essential that the wiring member 75 passes through the route.

[0040] A description will now be given of the relationship between the drainage structure 31, the upper side cowl 50, and the lower side cowl 60. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 2.

[0041] 2 to 6, the lower side cowl 60 has a lower cover main body 62. The lower cover main body 62 has a lower surface 62f that extends below the outer surface 40f1 of the side cover 40. The lower surface 62f faces outward in the vehicle width direction at a position outer and lower than the side cover 40 in the vehicle width direction. The drainage guide 70 is integrally formed with the lower cover main body 62.

[0042] In this embodiment, the lower cover body 62 extends from the rear edge of the front cowl 26 to a position below the fuel tank 22. A drainage guide 70 extends from a front portion of the upper edge of the lower cover body 62 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The lower cover body 62 and the drainage guide 70 may be molded integrally from the same resin, for example. The drainage extension portion 74 extends from the lower surface of the lower cover body 62 outward in the vehicle width direction beyond 62f.

[0043] A ridge portion 62a extending along the front-rear direction extends in the vertical middle portion of the lower cover body 62. The ridge portion 62a of the lower cover body 62 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the upper and lower regions of the ridge portion 62a.

[0044] The upper side cowl 50 extends downward from an upper portion of the rear edge of the front cowl 26, passing under the fuel tank 22, toward the passenger seat 23. The upper side cowl 50 extends downward from an edge of the side cover 40 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and covers an upper region of the lower cover main body 62 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the upper side cowl 50 covers the space between the side cover 40 and the drainage guide 70 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The upper side cowl 50 also covers the drainage guide 70 and a portion where the drainage guide 70 and the lower cover main body 62 are connected, from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] The drainage extension 74 is covered by the upper side cowl 50. A gap large enough for water to pass through is formed between the tip edge of the drainage extension 74 and the inner surface of the upper side cowl 50. The drainage extension 74 closes the gap between the upper side cowl 50 and the lower cover main body 62. As a result, when the upper side cowl 50 and the lower cover main body 62 are observed from below, the drainage extension 74 hides the depth of the gap.

[0046] The lower edge of the upper side cowl 50 may extend to a position along or near the ridge line portion 62a of the lower cover body 62. For example, the lower edge of the upper side cowl 50 may be located within 3 cm, preferably 2 cm, and more preferably 1 cm of the ridge line portion 62a of the lower cover body 62.

[0047] The upper side cowl 50 may have a knee-grip portion 58 that is recessed inward and where the rider's knees K are placed. In this embodiment, a recess 22g that is recessed inward is formed in a portion of the side of the fuel tank 22 that is closer to the rear and lower. A knee-grip portion 58 is formed in a portion of the upper side cowl 50 that is closer to the rear and continues diagonally downward and forward from the recess 22g. The rider can place his / her knees K in the recess 22g and the knee-grip portion 58 and stably hold the fuel tank 22 and the left and right upper side cowls 50 together.

[0048] The water drainage position P is located forward of the knee-grip portion 58. The water drainage position P may be located outboard of the bottom of the knee-grip portion 58 in the vehicle width direction. A step on which the feet are placed is located below the knee-grip portion. Therefore, the driver's feet are positioned downward from the knee-grip portion 58. The water drainage position P is located at a position forward and away from the driver's feet.

[0049] In this embodiment, the side cover 40 and the upper side cowl 50 are separate bodies. The side cover 40 and the upper side cowl 50 may be integrally molded parts made of the same resin. In other words, the water drain position P is located in a forward position away from the rider.

[0050] The drainage operation will now be described.

[0051] Suppose that rainwater falls on the side cover 40 in a rainy environment. The rainwater flows down according to gravity along the outer surfaces of the first upper cover part 42 and the second upper cover part 44 as shown by the arrow F1. The flow of the rainwater may be affected by the wind during driving. The rainwater flows toward the valley part 43, and when it reaches the deepest part 43D, it passes through the drainage hole 46 as shown by the arrow F2 and falls below the side cover 40. The falling water reaches the bottom part 71 of the drainage guide 70, and flows outward in the vehicle width direction according to the inclination of the bottom part 71 as shown by the arrow F3. When the water reaches the outer edge of the bottom part 71 in the vehicle width direction, it further flows outward in the vehicle width direction along the drainage extension part 74 as shown by the arrow F4, and falls from the tip part of the drainage extension part 74 as shown by the arrow F5. Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow F6, the water passes between the upper side cowl 50 and the lower cover body 62 of the lower side cowl 60, and is discharged to the outside from the motorcycle 10 between the lower edge of the upper side cowl 50 and the ridge portion 62a. For example, when the water falls naturally, it is considered that the water falls downward from the ridge portion 62a. When the motorcycle 10 is traveling, it is considered that the water is blown away by the traveling wind between the lower edge of the upper side cowl 50 and the ridge portion 62a. In either case, the water is discharged to the outside of the outer surface of the lower side cowl 60, and is unlikely to flow into the charcoal canister 49a, the purge valve 49b, or the intake port 49d of the air cleaner 49c.

[0052] According to the drainage structure 31 configured as described above, water running down the outer surface 40f1 of the side cover 40 flows through the drainage holes 46 toward the inner surface 40f2 of the side cover 40, and is drained from the drainage position P via the drainage guide 70. Therefore, the water is drained from the drainage position P, avoiding a position where it would fall onto various components inside the side cover 40. This can improve the waterproofing of various components of the motorcycle 10.

[0053] In other words, water does not flow along the outer surface 40f1 of a cover such as the side cover 40, but is guided through the drainage holes 46 located midway along the outer surface 40f1 toward the inner surface 40f2 of the cover. Furthermore, water is guided by the drainage guide 70 from the drainage holes 46 toward the drainage position P where water is unlikely to get on various components of the motorcycle 10. This improves the waterproofing of the various components of the motorcycle 10. Note that this effect can be achieved even without the following configurations.

[0054] Moreover, the side cover 40 includes valley portions 43, and the drainage holes 46 are formed in the valley portions 43. This allows water present on the first upper cover portion 42 and the second upper cover portion 44 to be collected in the valley portions 43 and drained through the drainage holes 46. This makes it difficult for water on the side cover 40 to fall from places other than the drainage holes 46, and the waterproofing of various parts of the motorcycle 10 can be further improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, a drain guide 70 is located between the drain hole 46 and the air intake 49d of the air cleaner 49c. Therefore, water that falls through the drain hole 46 is blocked by the drain guide 70 and is unlikely to flow toward the air intake 49d. This prevents water from the drain hole 46 from entering the air cleaner 49c.

[0056] In addition, the interface device is supported on the first upper cover part 42. Therefore, the interface device can be supported toward the driver by the first upper cover part 42. It is suitable that the first upper cover part 42 faces diagonally upward from the rear. In this case, it is considered that a valley part 43 where water is likely to accumulate is formed at the rear edge of the first upper cover part 42. By forming a drainage hole 46 in the valley part 43, water that is likely to accumulate due to the provision of the first upper cover part 42 that supports the interface device can be effectively drained to a position where it is unlikely to splash on various components.

[0057] In addition, since the drainage position P is located on the outer side of the drainage hole 46 in the vehicle width direction, water is unlikely to get on internal components of the motorcycle 10.

[0058] In addition, the water drainage position P is located forward of the knee-grip portion 58. Since the driver's knees K are positioned in the inwardly recessed knee-grip portion 58, water drained from the water drainage position P is unlikely to splash on the driver's knees K.

[0059] Furthermore, since the drainage guide 70 is integrally formed with the lower cover body 62, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where an additional part is provided for the drainage guide 70.

[0060] In addition, since the upper side cowl 50 covers the drainage guide 70 and the portion where the drainage guide 70 and the lower cover main body 62 are connected, the drainage position P is hidden between the upper side cowl 50 and the lower cover main body 62, making the drainage guide 70 and the drainage position P less noticeable.

[0061] {Variation} In the above embodiment, the drainage holes 46 are formed in the side cover 40. The cover in which the drainage holes are formed does not have to be a side cover. For example, the drainage holes may be formed in the front cowl 26, the lower side cowl 60, or a rear cover of the motorcycle 10.

[0062] It is not essential that the drainage holes 46 are formed in the valley portions 43. For example, the drainage holes may be formed in positions on the side cover other than the valley portions 43. For example, the drainage holes may be formed in the middle portion of the first upper cover part 42 or the second upper cover part 44. The drainage holes may be formed in positions that tend to act as a water flow path or positions where water tends to accumulate. For example, the drainage holes may be formed in the bottom portions of grooves or recesses.

[0063] The shape of the drainage guide 70 is not limited to the shape described in the above embodiment. For example, the drainage guide may be semi-cylindrical or dish-shaped. The drainage guide may extend with a curved semi-cylindrical groove to reach a position suitable for drainage. The drainage position of the drainage guide is not limited to the above example. The drainage guide may guide the water that has passed through the drainage hole backward or forward from the position of the drainage hole.

[0064] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0065] The present disclosure discloses the following aspects.

[0066] A first aspect is a drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle comprising a cover having an outer surface exposed to the outside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, an inner surface opposite the outer surface, and a drainage hole penetrating between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a drainage guide that guides water that has passed through the drainage hole from the outer surface toward a drainage position different from the drainage hole in a plan view.

[0067] This drainage structure allows water running down the outer surface of the cover to avoid falling onto various components and is drained through the drainage holes and the drainage guide, thereby improving the waterproofing of various components of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0068] A second aspect is a drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the first aspect, in which the cover has a side cover covering the outside in the width direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, the side cover including a first upper cover part arranged so that its rear edge is lower than its front edge, a second upper cover part arranged so that its rear edge is higher than its front edge, and a valley part connecting the rear edge of the first upper cover part and the front edge of the second upper cover part, the drainage hole being formed in the valley part. In this case, water above the first upper cover part and the second upper cover part can be collected in the valley part and drained.

[0069] A third aspect is the drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the first or second aspect, further comprising an air cleaner having an intake port, and the drainage guide is positioned between the drainage hole and the intake port in the vertical direction. In this case, the drainage guide can prevent water from entering the air cleaner through the drainage hole.

[0070] A fourth aspect is the drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to the second aspect, further comprising an interface device supported by the first upper cover part. In this case, the interface device facing the rider can be supported by the first upper cover part.

[0071] A fifth aspect is a drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the drainage position is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle with respect to the drainage hole. In this case, water is discharged to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, so that water is less likely to splash on internal parts of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0072] A sixth aspect is the drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the cover has a knee-grip portion that is recessed inward and where the rider's knees are placed, and the drainage position is located forward of the knee-grip portion. In this case, the rider's knees are placed in the knee-grip portion that is recessed inward, so that water drained from the drainage position is unlikely to splash on the rider.

[0073] A seventh aspect is the drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a lower cover body having a lower surface extending below the outer surface, and the drainage guide being integrally formed with the lower cover body. In this case, since the drainage guide is integrally formed with the lower cover body, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the drainage guide is prepared as a separate part.

[0074] In an eighth aspect, the drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the seventh aspect is such that the cover covers the drainage guide and the portion where the drainage guide and the lower cover body are connected. In this case, the drainage position is hidden between the cover and the lower cover body, and the drainage guide and the drainage position are not easily noticeable.

[0075] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10. Motorcycles 31 Drainage structure 40 Side cover 40f1 outer surface 40f2 inner surface 42 First upper cover part 43 Valley 44 Second upper cover part 46 Drain hole 48a Switch 48b Switch 48c charging connector 48d Cover 49c Air cleaner 49d Air intake 50 Upper side cowl 58 Knee grip part 60 Lower side cowl 62 Lower cover body 62f lower surface 70 Drainage Guide P Drainage position

Claims

1. A drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle, comprising: a cover having an outer surface exposed to the outside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a drainage hole penetrating between the outer surface and the inner surface; A drainage guide that guides water that has passed through the drainage hole from the outer surface toward a drainage position different from the drainage hole in a plan view; Equipped with The cover has a side cover that covers an outer side in a width direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The side cover includes a first upper cover portion arranged so that a rear edge is lower than a front edge, a second upper cover portion arranged so that a rear edge is higher than a front edge, and a valley portion connecting the rear edge of the first upper cover portion and the front edge of the second upper cover portion, A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, wherein the drainage hole is formed in the valley portion.

2. A drainage structure in the saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, The drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle further comprises an interface device supported on the first upper cover portion.

3. A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, comprising: a cover having an outer surface exposed to the outside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a drainage hole penetrating between the outer surface and the inner surface; A drainage guide that guides water that has passed through the drainage hole from the outer surface toward a drainage position different from the drainage hole in a plan view; Equipped with The drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, wherein the drainage guide has a bottom portion located below and spaced apart from the drainage hole for receiving water falling through the drainage hole.

4. A drainage structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An air cleaner having an intake port is further provided, A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, wherein the drainage guide is located between the drainage hole and the air intake port in the vertical direction.

5. A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A drainage structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle, wherein the drainage position is located on an outer side of the drainage hole in a vehicle width direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

6. A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The cover has a knee grip portion that is recessed inward and on which the driver's knees are placed, A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, wherein the drainage position is located forward of the knee grip portion.

7. A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, comprising: a cover having an outer surface exposed to the outside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, and a drainage hole penetrating between the outer surface and the inner surface; A drainage guide that guides water that has passed through the drainage hole from the outer surface toward a drainage position different from the drainage hole in a plan view; Equipped with a lower cover body having a lower surface extending below the outer surface, The drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, wherein the drainage guide is integrally formed with the lower cover body.

8. A drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, The drainage structure for a saddle-type vehicle, wherein the cover covers the drainage guide and a portion where the drainage guide and the lower cover body are connected.

Citation Information

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