Straddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A straddle-type vehicle includes an accommodation space configured to accommodate an accommodation object, a seat disposed rearward of the accommodation space in a front-rear direction and on which a rider straddles, a hinge shaft disposed above and forward of a front end portion of the seat and extending in a left-right direction, and a cover pivotable about the hinge shaft between an open position in which the accommodation space is opened upward and a closed position in which the accommodation space is covered from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a straddle-type vehicle that includes a storage space for accommodating cargo. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that straddle-type vehicles have storage space for accommodating objects.

[0003] For example, WO2015-068753A1 Figure 2 A straddle-type vehicle is disclosed, comprising a battery housing capable of accommodating a battery pack, which can be removed from the battery housing. The opening of the battery housing is covered by a housing cover that is rotatable between a closed and an open position about an axis of a rear portion of the housing cover. A seat is provided above the housing cover. Removing the battery pack requires removing the seat, resulting in low workability.

[0004] The desired design is a straddle-type vehicle that facilitates the handling of containers such as battery packs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure provides a straddle-type vehicle that facilitates the accommodating and retrieval of contents.

[0006] According to the illustrative aspects of this disclosure, a straddle-type vehicle includes: a housing space configured to accommodate a container; a seat disposed in a front-rear direction behind the housing space, on which a rider straddles; a hinge axis disposed above and in front of the front portion of the seat and extending in a left-right direction; and a cover pivotable about the hinge axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the housing space is opened upward and in the closed position the housing space is covered from above.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a straddle-type vehicle that facilitates the accommodating and retrieval of contents can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side view of a motorcycle according to the first embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the motorcycle shown;

[0010] Figure 3 When Figure 1 The enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the battery casing when the outer cover is closed;

[0011] Figure 4 When Figure 1The enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the battery casing with the outer cover in the open position is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the upper portion of the battery casing shown;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The top view of the inner cover shown;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view near the inner cover, used to show Figure 1 The press-to-release operation of the inner cover is shown;

[0015] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view near the inner cover, used to show Figure 1 The instructions for opening the inner cover are shown below;

[0016] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the retainer of a motorcycle in a pressed state, according to the second preferred embodiment;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a side sectional view of the retainer according to the second embodiment;

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the inner cover slightly open in the second embodiment;

[0019] Figure 12 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the upper portion of the battery casing of the motorcycle according to the third embodiment;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a top view of the inner cover according to the third embodiment;

[0021] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the construction of the pressing mechanism according to the third embodiment;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the retainer in the pressed state in the third embodiment;

[0023] Figure 16 This is an enlarged side sectional view near the upper portion of the battery casing of the motorcycle according to the fourth embodiment; and

[0024] Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the accommodating space in the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] First Embodiment

[0027] Overall configuration

[0028] Figure 1 This is a side view of motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a top view of motorcycle 1. Figure 2 In this text, components such as the outer cover 30, the housing 70, and the inner cover 51 are omitted; they will be described later. Figure 1 As shown, motorcycle 1 is an example of a straddle-type vehicle on which a rider rides. In the following description, referring to the direction of view from the rider of motorcycle 1, the front-to-back direction corresponds to the length direction of the vehicle, and the left-to-right direction corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle.

[0029] The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a frame 4, a front suspension 5 connecting the front wheel 2 to the front portion of the frame 4, and a rear suspension (not shown) connecting the rear wheel 3 to the rear portion of the frame 4. In this embodiment, the front wheel 2 is the driven wheel, and the rear wheel 3 is the driving wheel. The front suspension 5 is connected to brackets 6 arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. The steering shaft connected to the brackets 6 is supported by a front tube 4a, which is part of the frame 4, so that it can be displaced angularly.

[0030] The steering axle is equipped with a handlebar 7 for the rider to grip. The rider's seat 9 is located behind the handlebar 7. The seat 9 is supported by the frame 4.

[0031] An electric motor 10, serving as the driving source, and a battery housing 20 are disposed between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3. The electric motor 10 and the battery housing 20 are supported by the vehicle frame 4. The electric motor 10 generates rotational driving force to be transmitted to the rear wheel 3, which serves as the drive wheel. The electric motor 10 is positioned below the seat 9. In addition, the electric motor 10 is positioned in the left-right direction in front of the front end portion (hereinafter referred to as the "front end portion of the seat") 9a ​​of the center part of the seat 9.

[0032] Power comes from battery pack 11 (see Figure 2 The battery pack is supplied to the electric motor 10 and is housed in a battery casing 20 (corresponding to a battery support) that forms a receiving chamber. An outer cover 30 is attached to the battery casing 20, and the battery pack 11 can be removed from the motorcycle 1 by opening and closing the outer cover 30.

[0033] The battery pack 11 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the battery housing 20 can accommodate two battery packs 11, such that the two battery packs 11 with the same shape are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0034] Battery casing

[0035] Figure 3 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the battery housing 20 when the outer cover 30 is in the closed state. Figure 4 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the battery housing 20 when the outer cover 30 is in the open position. The battery housing 20 has a receiving space S for accommodating the battery pack 11. The battery housing 20 has an opening P1 for opening the receiving space S (see...). Figure 2 The opening P1 can be opened or closed by the outer cover 30, which serves as a cover. The opening P1 is for attaching and removing the battery pack 11. That is, the opening P1 is sized to allow the battery pack 11 to pass through. The opening P1 opens upwards. In other words, the battery pack 11 is accommodated in or removed from the battery housing 20 through the opening P1.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the accommodating space S is surrounded in the front-rear direction by the battery housing 20 and the outer cover 30 at the front of the seat 9. The battery housing 20 includes an upwardly opening housing body 21 and a frame-shaped base 22. The base 22 is connected to the housing body 21 to surround the upper portion of the housing body 21. The base 22 includes an opening P1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper opening P1") closed by the outer cover 30 and a lower opening P2 positioned below the upper opening P1. The housing body 21 and the base 22 are connected to each other such that the opening of the housing body 21 and the lower opening P2 of the base 22 are aligned.

[0037] The accommodating space S is substantially divided into multiple spaces by the inner cover 51 and the housing 70 disposed within the accommodating space S. For example, the inner cover 51 is configured to close the opening of the housing body 21, namely, the lower opening P2 of the base 22. The inner cover 51 divides the accommodating space S into a first space S1 surrounded by the housing body 21 and the inner cover 51, and a remaining space. The first space S1 is the space occupied by the battery pack 11 housed therein.

[0038] The housing 70 is mounted on the upper surface of the inner cover 51. The housing 70 has an upwardly opening concave shape. The housing 70 includes a bottom wall 71 parallel to the inner cover 51, a first partition wall 72 rising upward from the front edge portion of the bottom wall 71, and a second partition wall 73 rising upward from the rear edge portion of the bottom wall 71. In the closed state, the space surrounded by the inner cover 51, the base 22, and the outer cover 30 (i.e., the aforementioned remaining space) is divided into three spaces—a second space S2, a third space S3, and a fourth space S4—by the first partition wall 72 and the second partition wall 73.

[0039] The second space S2, the third space S3, and the fourth space S4 are aligned in the front-to-back direction. The second space S2 is the space sandwiched between the first partition wall 72 and the second partition wall 73 in the front-to-back direction. The second space S2 is the internal space of the housing 70 and serves as a luggage storage space to accommodate luggage as its contents. The third space S3 is the space in front of the second space S2, and the fourth space S4 is the space behind the second space S2. The locking mechanism 40, the engaging member 52, etc., which will be described later, are disposed in the third space S3, and the hinge shaft 32, the retainer 53, etc., which will be described later, are disposed in the fourth space S4. The third space S3 and the fourth space S4 can also be referred to as mechanism element housing spaces, in which various elements of various mechanisms are housed. Specifically, the fourth space S4, which houses the hinge shaft 32, can also be referred to as a shaft housing space.

[0040] The housing 70 includes a pair of sidewalls 74. One of the sidewalls 74 connects to the right end portion of the first partition wall 72 and the second partition wall 73, and the other sidewall connects to the left end portion of the first partition wall 72 and the second partition wall 73. A flange 75 extending outward in the vehicle width direction is connected to the upper end portion of each sidewall 74. In the closed state, the flange 75 abuts against a portion of the lower surface of the outer cover 30 and is pressed down from above. This structure prevents the housing 70 from moving vertically within the receiving space S.

[0041] The housing body 21 has an upwardly opening box shape. The housing body 21 includes a rectangular bottom wall 21a supporting the lower surface of the battery pack 11 and an outer peripheral wall 21b rising upwards from the entire periphery of the bottom wall 21a. The battery housing 20 is inclined rearwards relative to the vertically upward direction. More specifically, the bottom wall 21a is inclined forwards, and the rear portion of the outer peripheral wall 21b is inclined rearwards. The rear portion of the upper opening P1 of the base 22 is located behind the rear portion of the opening edge of the housing body 21. In this way, the housing body 21 is configured such that the battery pack 11 can be inserted or removed at an angle.

[0042] The housing body 21 has a first space S1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "battery space"). The housing body 21 includes a flange 21c around an opening located at the upper end of the outer peripheral wall 21b. The flange 21c is secured to the base 22 by fastening devices (such as bolts).

[0043] A support-side connector 21d is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 21a. A battery-side connector 11a is disposed on the lower surface of the battery pack 11. The support-side connector 21d and the battery-side connector 11a are configured such that when the battery pack 11 is guided downward toward the bottom wall 21a by the outer peripheral wall 21b, the terminals of the support-side connector 21d and the battery-side connector 11a contact each other to achieve an electrical connection.

[0044] In this way, the electrical connection between the support-side connector 21d and the battery-side connector 11a can be achieved by a simple method of guiding the battery pack 11 downwards via the outer peripheral wall 21b. In other words, the contact between the terminals of the support-side connector 21d and the battery-side connector 11a can be easily released by moving the battery pack 11 upwards within the battery housing 20. However, since the pressing mechanism 50, which will be described later, prevents vertical movement of the battery pack 11, the power supply from the battery pack 11 to the motor 10 is prevented from being cut off.

[0045] A wiring harness cover 25 is attached from below to the bottom wall 21a of the housing body 21. The wiring harness cover 25 has a concave shape and is attached to the housing body 21 by fastening devices (such as bolts), thereby forming a wiring harness space that partially covers the wiring harness 26 extending from the support-side connector 21d through the bottom wall 21a. Components other than the wiring harness, such as a step-down circuit board that reduces the voltage of the power output from the battery pack 11, can be disposed in the wiring harness space. The wiring harness cover 25 is separate from the housing body 21, but the wiring harness cover 25 and the housing body 21 can be integrally formed.

[0046] The frame-shaped base 22 includes an upper base frame 23 constituting the upper portion of the base 22 and a lower base frame 24 constituting the lower portion of the base 22. The lower end portion of the upper base frame 23 and the upper end portion of the lower base frame 24 are connected to each other. Figure 2 As shown, the upper base frame 23 includes an upper opening P1 closed by the outer cover 30, and the lower base frame 24 includes a lower opening P2 positioned below the upper opening P1. The lower opening P2 is closed by the inner cover 51. The thickness dimension of the outer cover 30 (corresponding to the cover body) is smaller than the thickness dimension of the inner cover 51 (corresponding to the adjacent member). That is, the outer cover 30 is thinner than the inner cover 51. Therefore, the inner cover 51 can easily receive pressing reaction forces, and the weight of the outer cover 30 can be reduced.

[0047] The upper base frame 23 has a ring shape, which has a generally elliptical external shape in the top view of the motorcycle 1 (see also...). Figure 2 The upper base frame 23 and the outer cover 30 that closes the upper opening P1 of the upper base frame 23 form a downwardly opening dome shape. The lower base frame 24 has an annular shape, which has a generally elliptical external shape in the top view of the motorcycle 1. The lower base frame 24 and the inner cover 51 that closes the lower opening P2 of the lower base frame 24 form an upwardly opening concave shape.

[0048] The base 22 includes a protruding portion 23a that projects forward and upward from the front end portion 9a of the seat. The protruding portion 23a is located near the center of the upper base frame 23 in the left-right direction and behind the upper opening P1. The protruding portion 23a has a shape in which its central portion bulges rearward in the vehicle width direction. The protruding portion 23a serves as a restraining portion, limiting the front end position of the rider's riding range. The protruding portion 23a supports the rider so that when the rider experiences forward inertial force as the motorcycle 1 decelerates, the rider does not fall out of the riding range of the seat 9.

[0049] Opening and closing mechanism

[0050] Figure 5 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the upper portion of the battery housing 20. The motorcycle 1 includes an opening and closing mechanism 31 for opening and closing the outer cover 30. The opening and closing mechanism 31 causes the outer cover 30 to pivot about a hinge axis 32 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the receiving space S opens upward, and in the closed position, the receiving space S is covered from above. Figure 5 As shown, the opening and closing mechanism 31 includes a hinge shaft 32, a hinge support 33, and an arm 34.

[0051] The hinge axis 32 serves as the pivot center of the outer cover 30. The hinge axis 32 extends in the left-right direction. The hinge axis 32 is positioned above and in front of the front end portion 9a of the seat. The hinge axis 32 is positioned in the left-right direction at the center of the central plane of the motorcycle 1, so as to pass through that central plane. In the closed position, i.e., in the closed state, the hinge axis 32 is positioned at a location spaced apart from at least one of the lower or rear sides of the central portion of the outer cover 30 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the rear end portion 30a of the central portion in the left-right direction of the outer cover 30 in the closed state is the lower end of the central portion in the left-right direction of the outer cover 30, and the hinge shaft 32 is provided at a position spaced downward from the rear end portion 30a. The hinge shaft 32 is provided at the same position as the rear end portion 30a in the front-back direction.

[0052] The hinge support 33 is fixed to the base 22. The hinge support 33 connects the base 22 and the hinge shaft 32 to each other and supports the hinge shaft 32. In the closed state, the hinge shaft 32 and the hinge support 33 are positioned above the vehicle frame 4 and below the center portion of the outer cover 30 in the left-right direction. That is, the hinge shaft 32 and the hinge support 33 can be positioned closer to the vehicle frame 4 than the outer cover 30, and the hinge support stiffness can be easily enhanced.

[0053] Arm 34 connects the outer cover 30 and the hinge shaft 32, and pivots together with the outer cover 30 about the hinge shaft 32. Arm 34 is positioned on the center plane of the motorcycle 1 in the left-right direction, that is, at the center in the vehicle width direction. As described above, the protruding portion 23a has a shape in which its central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes rearward. Therefore, when arm 34 is located at the center in the vehicle width direction, hinge shaft 32 can be positioned closer to the body frame 4, and hinge support stiffness can be easily enhanced.

[0054] When the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the base end portion 34a, which serves as the rear end portion of the arm 34, is connected to the hinge shaft 32, and when the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the distal end portion 34b, which serves as the front end portion of the arm 34, is connected to the lower surface of the outer cover 30 in the closed state. The outer cover 30 bypasses the pressing mechanism 50, which will be described below, and is connected to the battery housing 20. Since the outer cover 30 is angularly displaced with the hinge shaft 32, which serves as the rear end portion of the arm 34, as the pivot center, the outer cover 30 can be positioned upwardly spaced from the base 22 in the open state. When the outer cover 30 moves between the open and closed positions, the arm 34 has a shape that does not interfere with the base 22. When viewed in the left-right direction, the arm 34 has a curved shape, wherein when the outer cover 30 is in the open position, the front end portion of the arm 34 is located in front of the front end portion of the protrusion 23a of the base 22 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0055] The shape of the base 22 and the shape of the arm 34 that does not interfere with the base 22 will be described in more detail. When the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the protruding portion 23a of the base 22 includes a portion exposed when viewed from the rear or above (hereinafter also referred to as the "exposed portion") 23a1, and a portion extending forward from the front end of the exposed portion 23a1 and covered from above by the outer cover 30 in the closed position (hereinafter also referred to as the "non-exposed portion") 23a2. The exposed portion 23a1 is the portion that closes the gap between the front end portion 9a of the seat and the rear end portion 30a of the outer cover 30 in the closed position, and serves as a limiting portion of the front end position that restricts the rider's riding range. The exposed portion 23a1 (specifically, the forward-facing surface of the exposed portion 23a1) and the hinge shaft 32 face each other in the longitudinal direction. That is, the exposed portion 23a1 overlaps with the hinge shaft 32 in the longitudinal direction so as to cover the entire hinge shaft 32 when viewed from the rear.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown, the seal 27 is attached to the outer cover 30. The seal 27 has an annular shape extending along the outer peripheral edge of the outer cover 30. When the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the rear portion of the seal 27 is in close contact with the base 22, thereby preventing fluid from passing between the outer cover 30 and the base 22. When the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the seal 27 is in close contact with the upper surface of the non-exposed portion 23a2. Therefore, the non-exposed portion 23a2 can also be referred to as the sealing support portion. The portion of the non-exposed portion 23a2 in close contact with the seal 27 is formed in a concave shape. Specifically, when the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the portion of the non-exposed portion 23a2 in close contact with the seal 27 protrudes downward compared to the rear portion of the adjacent front portion of the non-exposed portion 23a2.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the outer cover 30 is in the closed position, the arm 34 is formed in a downwardly projecting U-shape. Specifically, the arm 34 extends downward as it advances forward from the base end portion 34a, reaching the lower end portion located at a midpoint in the front-rear direction. The arm 34 extends upward as it further advances forward from the lower end portion, reaching the distal end portion 34b, which serves as the front end portion. By forming the arm 34 in a U-shape in this way, interference between the protruding portion 23a (more specifically, the non-exposed portion 23a2) and the arm 34 can be prevented, and the pivoting range of the outer cover 30 can be expanded.

[0058] With the outer cover 30 closed, the distal end portion 34b of the arm 34 (the portion connected to the outer cover 30) is positioned above the base end portion 34a of the arm 34 (the portion connected to the hinge shaft 32). Since the hinge shaft 32 is located below the lower end portion of the outer cover 30, when the outer cover 30 is fully opened, the outer cover 30 can move away from the upper opening P1, and interference between the outer cover 30 and the battery pack 11 is unlikely to occur when the battery pack 11 is being accommodated or removed.

[0059] A notch 73a for inserting arm 34 is formed in the second partition wall 73 of housing 70, so that housing 70 does not interfere with arm 34.

[0060] The opening and closing mechanism 31 includes a stop structure that limits the pivoting range of the outer cover 30. Specifically, the base end portion 34a of the arm 34 includes a protrusion 35 projecting radially around the hinge axis 32. When the arm 34 pivots together with the outer cover 30 and the outer cover 30 is in the open position, pivoted at a predetermined angle from the closed position, the protrusion 35 abuts against the stop portion 36 fixed to the base 22. The protrusion 35 and the stop portion (stop) 36 constitute the stop structure. As a result, the pivoting range of the outer cover 30 is limited. The position of the protrusion 35 is adjusted such that when the outer cover 30 moves to the open position, the pivoting range of the outer cover 30 is limited to a range where the arm 34 does not contact the base 22 and the rear end portion of the outer cover 30 does not contact the protrusion 23a. By providing a stop structure that limits the pivoting range of the outer cover 30 around the hinge axis 32, the fourth space S4, which is the space covered by the protrusion 23a, can be effectively utilized.

[0061] The motorcycle 1 also includes a locking mechanism 40. The locking mechanism 40 is a mechanism that holds the outer cover 30 in a closed position. The locking mechanism 40 includes an insertion port 41, a locking movable portion 42, and a locking fixed portion 43. The insertion port 41 is located on the front portion of the base 22, and more specifically, on the front portion of the upper base frame 23. When the rider's key is inserted into the insertion port 41 and operated, the locking movable portion 42 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking fixed portion 43 is locked to the locking movable portion 42 in the locked position, preventing the outer cover 30 from moving from the closed position to the open position. The locking movable portion 42 is attached to the upper base frame 23, and the locking fixed portion 43 is fixed to the outer cover 30. As a result, the locking mechanism 40 can switch between a locked state where the outer cover 30 is held in the closed position and an unlocked state where the outer cover 30 is released from the closed position.

[0062] In this embodiment, the base 22, outer cover 30, opening and closing mechanism 31, and locking mechanism 40 are combined into a cover unit. The battery housing unit is unitized by securing the cover unit to the housing body 21, i.e., by fastening the base 22 to the flange 21c of the housing body 21. Because the components related to the attachment and removal of the battery pack 11 are combined in this way, it is easy to design and assemble the motorcycle 1, thereby facilitating the attachment and removal of the battery pack 11. For example, the design of the upper opening P1 positioned in the direction in which the battery pack 11 is pulled out from the housing body 21 is convenient, as it eliminates the need to change the direction in which the battery pack 11 is pulled out midway to avoid components of the cover unit (such as the arm 34) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4 (Double-dotted lines in the text). For example, the positions of the lower opening P2 and the upper opening P1 of the base 22 relative to the opening edges of the housing body 21 can be easily adjusted.

[0063] Pressing mechanism

[0064] The motorcycle 1 includes a pressing mechanism 50. The pressing mechanism 50 is disposed in a receiving space S. The pressing mechanism 50 includes an inner cover 51, a connecting member 52, and a retainer 53.

[0065] The inner cover 51 is an abutment member that can abut the battery pack 11 housed in the receiving space S of the battery housing 20. In this embodiment, when the battery pack 11 is housed in the battery housing 20, the upper portion of the battery pack 11 protrudes slightly upward from the opening of the housing body 21. Therefore, the inner cover 51 has a downwardly opening concave shape to cover the portion of the battery pack 11 protruding from the housing body 21 and to close the battery space S1. The downward-facing concave surface of the inner cover 51 abuts the upper surface of the housed battery pack 11. Hereinafter, the position of the inner cover 51 when it abuts the battery pack 11 is referred to as the abutment position or the closed position.

[0066] In this embodiment, the battery casing 20 supports two battery packs 11 aligned in the left-right direction from below, such that the upper surfaces of the battery packs 11 are at the same height, and the upper surfaces of the two battery packs 11 are adjacent to an inner cover 51.

[0067] The inner cover 51 can be removed from the battery casing 20. Figure 6 This is a top view of the inner cover 51. The inner cover 51 includes a cover body 51a, a mating portion 51b, and a support portion 51c. When the inner cover 151 is in the abutment position, the cover body 151a closes the lower opening P2. The mating portion 51b is fixed to the front end portion of the cover body 51a. The mating portion 51b can engage with a mating member 52 fixed to the battery housing 20. The mating portion 51b has a rod-like shape extending in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the mating portion 51b may also be referred to as the mating shaft 51b.

[0068] The engaging member 52 has an engaging structure that can be detached from the inner cover 51. With the engaged shaft 51b engaged with the engaging member 52, the inner cover 51 can pivot about the axis C1 of the engaged shaft 51b. Specifically, the engaging member 52 is positioned in front of the lower opening P2 of the base 22 (more specifically, the lower base frame 24). The engaging member 52 is disposed in the third space S3. The engaging member 52 is fixed to the base 22 and has a hook shape. Hereinafter, the engaging member 52 may also be referred to as the engaging hook 52. When the engaged shaft 51b of the inner cover 51 hooks onto the engaging hook 52, the inner cover 51 can pivot about the axis C1 of the engaged shaft 51b. When the inner cover 51 pivots, it either abuts the battery pack 11 and closes the battery space S1, or moves away from the battery pack 11 to open the battery space S1.

[0069] The support portion 51c is fixed to the rear end portion of the cover body 51a. The support portion 51c supports the compression spring 61, which is a component of the retainer 53 and is described later.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, when the inner cover 51 is in the adjacent position, the retainer 53 is positioned behind the lower opening P2 of the base 22 (more specifically, the lower base frame 24). In other words, the retainer 53 is positioned on the downwardly inclined side of the upper surface of the battery pack 11. The retainer 53 is positioned on the same side as the hinge axis 32 relative to the battery pack 11. That is, when the housing 70 is positioned in the receiving space S, similar to the hinge axis 32 of the opening and closing mechanism 31, the retainer 53 is received in the fourth space S4. Therefore, the retainer 53 and the hinge axis 32 of the pressing mechanism 50 are located in a position hidden by the second partition wall 73, that is, in a position that is difficult for the user to visually identify only by opening the outer cover 30.

[0071] The retainer 53 holds the inner cover 51 abutting the battery pack 11 while pressing the inner cover 51 toward the battery pack 11. That is, when the inner cover 51 is in the abutting position, the retainer 53 has a pressing function that presses the inner cover 51 downward. The retainer 53 also has a locking function that locks the inner cover 51 to the battery housing 20 when the inner cover 51 is in the abutting position.

[0072] The retainer 53 includes a compression spring 61, a first spring seat 62, a second spring seat 63, an operating member 64, and a locking portion 68. In the components of the retainer 53, the compression spring 61, the first spring seat 62, the second spring seat 63, and the operating member 64 are supported by a support portion 51c of the inner cover 51 and are movable integrally with the inner cover 51. The compression spring 61 is a helical spring. The first spring seat 62 and the second spring seat 63 are annular. The operating member 64 is a user-operated component.

[0073] In the retainer components, the locking portion 68 of the retainer 53 is disposed within the battery housing 20. Specifically, the locking portion 68 is disposed on the lower base frame 24, located behind the lower opening P2 of the lower base frame 24. In the top view of the motorcycle 1, the locking portion 68 is located at a position overlapping with the upper opening P1 (see...). Figure 2 That is, in the top view of the motorcycle 1, the retainer 53, including the locking part 68, is positioned at a location overlapping with the upper opening P1. Therefore, the retainer 53 is positioned in a location that is easily accessible to the user.

[0074] The locking portion 68 is locked by the locking portion 66b of the operating member 64, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the locking portion 68 is a hole extending in a predetermined direction. For example, the locking portion 68 has an elongated hole shape or a keyhole shape. Hereinafter, the locking portion 68 may also be referred to as the locking hole 68. In this embodiment, the locking hole 68 extends in the left-right direction, but it may extend in the front-back direction, for example.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the first spring seat 62 supports the first end portion 61a of the compression spring 61, and the second spring seat 63 supports the second end portion 61b of the compression spring 61. Figure 5 As shown, when the inner cover 51 is in the adjacent position, the first end portion 61a is the lower end portion of the compression spring 61, and the second end portion 61b is the upper end portion of the compression spring 61. That is, when the inner cover 51 is in the adjacent position, the first spring seat 62 is located below the compression spring 61, and the second spring seat 63 is located above the compression spring 61.

[0076] The first spring seat 62 is fixed to the inner cover 51. Specifically, the support portion 51c of the inner cover 51 includes an upwardly opening bottomed cylindrical portion 101, and the first spring seat 62 is disposed on the bottom 102 of the cylindrical portion 101. The compression spring 61 is received in the cylindrical portion 101 of the support portion 51c, such that the first spring seat 62 supports the first end portion 61a of the compression spring 61. That is, the inner cover 51 includes a receiving portion (in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 101) for receiving the compression spring 61. The first spring seat 62 may be formed as a part of the inner cover 51. The bottom 102 of the cylindrical portion 101 of the support portion 51c where the first spring seat 62 is disposed has a through hole 103 through which the cam support 66, described later, is inserted.

[0077] The second spring seat 63 is connected to the inner cover 51, thereby being movable relative to the inner cover 51. In this embodiment, the second spring seat 63 is connected to the inner cover 51 via an operating member 64.

[0078] The operating member 64 includes a cam rod 65 and a cam support 66. The cam rod 65 is positioned relative to the second spring seat 63 on the side opposite to the compression spring 61. The second spring seat 63 is sandwiched between the cam rod 65 and the compression spring 61. The cam rod 65 is supported by the cam support 66 via a support shaft 67 extending in the left-right direction, thereby allowing it to pivot about the axis C2 of the support shaft 67.

[0079] The cam lever 65 includes a lever portion 65a and a pressing portion 65b. The lever portion is touched by the user's hand, and the pressing portion is displaced when the lever portion 65a is operated. The cam lever 65 has a shape extending radially from the support shaft 67 to facilitate user operation, and the extending portion is the lever portion 65a. The lever portion 65a corresponds to the operator. The pressing portion 65b is a curved surface portion, and its distance from the support shaft 67, when viewed from the axis C2 of the support shaft 67, varies corresponding to the pivot angle of the cam lever 65.

[0080] The pressing portion 65b presses the second spring seat 63 toward the compression spring 61. By pivoting the cam rod 65 about axis C2, the pressing portion 65b can shift between a pressing position where the pressing portion 65b presses the inner cover 51 against the battery pack 11 and a pressing release position where the pressing force is released when the inner cover 51 is in the pressing position. The state of the retainer 53 when the pressing portion 65b is in the pressing position is called the pressing state, and the state of the retainer 53 when the pressing portion 65b is in the pressing release position is called the pressing release state. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 65b in the pressing release position does not generate a pressing force for pressing the inner cover 51 against the battery pack 11. However, the pressing portion 65b in the pressing release position can generate a pressing force smaller than the pressing force generated when the pressing portion 65b is in the pressing position.

[0081] Cam support 66 is connected to inner cover 51 and supports cam rod 65 via support shaft 67. Cam support 66 includes a rod-shaped portion 66a extending along axis C3 of cylindrical portion 101. Support shaft 67 is supported at one end portion of rod-shaped portion 66a. Rod-shaped portion 66a is inserted radially inward of second spring seat 63, compression spring 61, and first spring seat 62. Rod-shaped portion 66a is also inserted into through hole 103 in bottom 102 of cylindrical portion 101 of support portion 51c.

[0082] The cam support 66 includes a locking portion 66b, which is a protrusion extending from the other end portion of the rod-shaped portion 66a in a direction perpendicular to the axis C3. The locking portion 66b is located at a position protruding from the through hole 103 of the rod-shaped portion 66a to the side opposite to the compression spring 61. That is, the locking portion 66b is located below the bottom 102 of the cylindrical portion 101.

[0083] When the locking portion 66b rotates about axis C3 and is in a predetermined unlocked position, the locking portion 66b can be inserted into the locking hole 68. In this embodiment, the unlocked position is the position where the extending direction of the locking hole 68 is aligned with the protruding direction of the locking portion 66b. In this embodiment, since the locking hole 68 extends in the left-right direction, the locking portion 66b can be inserted into the locking hole 68 when its protruding direction is aligned with the left-right direction. When the locking portion 66b rotates about axis C3 and is in a locked position other than the unlocked position, the locking portion 66b cannot be inserted into the locking hole 68. That is, after the locking portion 66b is inserted into the locking hole 68 by operating the operating member 64, the locking portion 66b rotates about axis C3, preventing it from being inserted into the locking hole 68, thereby locking the inner cover 51 and preventing it from separating from the locking hole 68.

[0084] A guide portion 66c is disposed within a portion of a rod-shaped portion 66a projecting downward from the through hole 103. The guide portion 66c has a flange shape and, when locking or unlocking is performed via the locking portion 66b, abuts the periphery of the locking hole 68 to guide rotation of the operating member 64 about axis C3. For example, the dimensions between the guide portion 66c and the locking portion 66b substantially match the dimensions of the locking hole 68 in the penetration direction.

[0085] The guide portion 66c has a size or shape that prevents the insertion of the through hole 103 or the locking hole 68. Therefore, when the upward lifting operating member 64 is operated, the inner cover 51 is also lifted while being supported by the guide portion 66c. The operating member 64 is connected to the inner cover 51 so as to be movable. For example, the operating member 64 is connected to the support portion 51c of the inner cover 51, thereby allowing it to rotate about the axis C3 of the cam support 66. The operating member 64 is connected to the support portion 51c of the inner cover 51, thereby allowing it to move relative to the inner cover 51 in the direction of the axis C3 of the cam support 66.

[0086] In the pressing mechanism 50, by operating the cam rod 65, the inner cover 51 can be locked to the battery housing 20, or the inner cover 51 can be pressed downwards. With the inner cover 51 in the abutment position, more specifically, with the locking part 66b inserted into the locking hole 68, the cam rod 65 is operated to rotate the locking part 66b about axis C3. When the locking part 66b moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the locking part 66b cannot be inserted into the locking hole 68, and the locking hole 68 is locked by the locking part 66b. Therefore, the position of the support shaft 67 is fixed.

[0087] Subsequently, by pivoting the cam rod 65 about the axis C2 of the support shaft 67, the pressing portion 65b is displaced from the pressing release position to the pressing position relative to the axis C2. As a result, the second spring seat 63 approaches the first spring seat 62. Consequently, the compression spring 61 is compressed, and the biasing force of the compression spring 61 is generated or increased in the inner cover 51 in a direction away from the support shaft 67 of the cam support 66 (i.e., downward). As described above, the retainer 53 is configured to hold the second spring seat 63 in a displaced state relative to the first spring seat 62, such that the inner cover 51 is biased toward the battery pack 11 by the compression spring 61.

[0088] In this embodiment, when not pressed by the pressing mechanism 50, the inner cover 51 or the battery pack 11 does not completely close the lower opening P2. That is, when the inner cover 51 is not pressed by the pressing mechanism 50, a small gap is formed between a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the base 22 and the cover body 51a. When the inner cover 51 is pressed by the pressing mechanism 50, this gap disappears. When not pressed by the pressing mechanism 50, the inner cover 51 may not be adjacent to the battery pack 11, and when pressed by the pressing mechanism 50, it may be adjacent to the battery pack 11.

[0089] The process of removing the battery pack

[0090] The process of removing the battery pack 11 from the motorcycle 1 (more specifically, the battery casing 20) will be described. First, the locking mechanism 40 is released from the outer cover 30 by key operation, and then, as... Figure 4 As shown, the outer cover 30 pivots from the closed position to the open position.

[0091] Next, the housing 70 is removed from the receiving space S and taken to the outside through the upper opening P1.

[0092] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, the cam rod 65 pivots about axis C2 to reduce the pressing force of the compression spring 61. Then, the cam rod 65 pivots about axis C3, and the locking portion 66b is aligned with the direction in which it can be inserted into the locking hole 68. Thereafter, as... Figure 8 As shown, by lifting the cam rod 65 upward, the inner cover 51 pivots about the axis C1 of the engaged shaft 51b. Next, after moving the inner cover 51 to release the state in which the engaged shaft 51b is hooked onto the engagement hook 52, the inner cover 51 is removed from the receiving space S through the upper opening P1. Then, the battery pack 11 in the housing body 21 is pulled upward and removed from the receiving space S through the upper opening P1.

[0093] In this way, the removal of the battery pack 11 from the motorcycle 1 is completed. Retaining the battery pack 11 in the motorcycle 1 can be performed by the reverse process of removing the battery pack 11.

[0094] Operation and Effect

[0095] As described above, in the motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment, the hinge axis 32 is disposed above and in front of the front end portion 9a of the seat. Therefore, when the outer cover 30 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the pivoting range of the outer cover 30 can be prevented from being restricted by the seat 9. Thus, a motorcycle 1 with a cover opening and closing structure can be provided, which makes it easy to accommodate or remove the battery pack 11 from the accommodating space S. Since the seat 9 is disposed behind the battery space S1 in the front-rear direction, it is not necessary to remove the seat 9 from the body of the motorcycle 1 when attaching and removing the battery pack 11.

[0096] In this embodiment, since the hinge shaft 32, which serves as the pivot center of the outer cover 30, is located in the space covered by the protrusion 23a, the space covered by the protrusion 23a can be effectively utilized.

[0097] In this embodiment, when viewed in the left-right direction, the arm 34 has a curved shape, wherein when the outer cover 30 is in the open position, the front portion of the arm 34 is located in front of the front portion of the protrusion 23a of the base 22. Therefore, interference between the user-visible protrusion 23a and the arm 34 can be prevented.

[0098] In this embodiment, since the hinge shaft 32 is located on the center plane of the motorcycle 1 in the left-right direction, the protruding portion 23a of the outer cover 30 and the base 22 can be designed to reduce the size in the left-right direction.

[0099] In this embodiment, since the arm 34 is located on the center plane of the motorcycle 1 in the left-right direction, the protruding portion 23a of the outer cover 30 and the base 22 can be designed to reduce the size in the left-right direction.

[0100] In this embodiment, by forming the base 22 into a frame shape, a channel through which the battery pack 11 passes when it is housed in or removed from the battery space S1 can be formed.

[0101] In this embodiment, the second partition wall 73 can prevent luggage from impacting the hinge shaft 32 and the components supporting the hinge shaft 32. For example, even if the vehicle body tilts forward, the second partition wall 73 can prevent luggage from moving into the shaft receiving space S4.

[0102] Second Embodiment

[0103] Next, we will refer to Figures 9 to 11 A motorcycle according to a second embodiment is described. In the second embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 9This is an enlarged perspective view of the retainer 83 in the pressed state of the pressing mechanism 80 in the second embodiment. Figure 10 This is a side sectional view of retainer 83. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the inner cover 51 of the pressing mechanism 80 slightly open.

[0104] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the retainer of the pressing mechanism. More specifically, in the pressing mechanism 50 of the first embodiment, the retainer 53 is a cam rod type, while in the pressing mechanism 80 of this embodiment, the retainer 83 is a cylindrical cam type. Similar to the retainer 53 of the first embodiment, when the inner cover 51 is in the closed position, the retainer 83 is located behind the lower opening P2 of the base 22 (more specifically, the lower base frame 24). Similar to the retainer 53, the retainer 83 has a pressing function for pressing the inner cover 51 and a locking function for locking the inner cover 51 to the battery housing 20.

[0105] The retainer 83 includes a compression spring 61, a first spring seat 62, a second spring seat 63, an operating member 84, and a locking portion 88. The compression spring 61, the first spring seat 62, the second spring seat 63, and the support portion 51c of the inner cover 51 are constructed in the same way as in the above embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0106] The operating member 84 is connected to the inner cover 51 so as to be movable. For example, the operating member 84 is connected to the support portion 51c of the inner cover 51 so as to be rotatable about axis C3. The operating member 84 is connected to the support portion 51c of the inner cover 51 so as to be movable relative to the inner cover 51 in the direction of axis C3.

[0107] The operating component 84 includes a user-operated rotary handle 85 and a rotation axis 86. The rotary handle 85 corresponds to the operator. The rotary handle 85 is positioned on the side opposite to the compression spring 61 relative to the second spring seat 63. The rotary handle 85 is a handle for rotating about the axis C3 of the cylindrical portion 101. In this embodiment, the rotary handle 85 has a point-symmetric shape about the axis C3.

[0108] The rotating handle 85 is fixed to one end portion of the rotating shaft 86. The rotating shaft 86 is inserted radially inside the second spring seat 63, the compression spring 61, and the first spring seat 62. The rotating shaft 86 is also inserted into the through hole 103 in the bottom 102 of the cylindrical portion 101 of the support portion 51c.

[0109] The rotating shaft 86 includes a pressing portion 86a and a locking portion 86b. The pressing portion 86a is located on the opposite side of the compression spring 61 relative to the second spring seat 63. The pressing portion 86a presses the second spring seat 63 toward the compression spring 61. The second spring seat 63 is sandwiched between the pressing portion 86a and the compression spring 61.

[0110] The locking portion 86b is a pin-shaped protrusion projecting in a direction perpendicular to axis C3. Hereinafter, the locking portion 86b may be referred to as the locking pin 86b. The locking pin 86b is located on the side of the through hole 103 opposite to the compression spring 61.

[0111] The locking pin 86b has a size or shape that prevents it from being inserted into the through hole 103. Therefore, when the upward lifting operation member 84 is operated, the inner cover 51 is also lifted while being supported by the locking pin 86b.

[0112] The locking portion 88 includes a hollow cylindrical cam 89 fixed to the battery housing 20. The cylindrical cam 89 has dimensions that allow it to engage with the locking pin 86b. That is, the inner diameter of the cylindrical cam 89 is shorter than the length of the end portion extending radially outward from axis C3 to the locking pin 86b.

[0113] The cylindrical cam 89 has an engagement hole 89a capable of engaging with a locking pin 86b. The upper end of the engagement hole 89a is located at the upper end edge of the cylindrical cam 89, and the locking pin 86b can move into and out of the engagement hole 89a in a vertical direction from the upper end of the engagement hole 89a. The engagement hole 89a has a helical shape that guides the locking pin 86b downward when the operating member 84 rotates about an axis C3 extending in the bias direction of the compression spring 61. The lower end portion of the engagement hole 89a has a shape that retains the locking pin 86b. For example, the lower end portion of the engagement hole 89a may have a shape that extends along a surface perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical cam 89.

[0114] In the pressing mechanism 80, when the inner cover 51 is in the abutment position, rotating the handle 85 about axis C3 simultaneously locks the inner cover 51 to the battery housing 20 and retains the inner cover 51 in the downward-pressed state. When the inner cover 51 is in the abutment position, more specifically, when the handle 85 is rotated while being pressed downwards, the locking pin 86b is inserted into the engagement hole 89a and helically guided downwards to reach the lower end portion of the engagement hole 89a. In this way, the biasing force of the compression spring 61 is generated or increased in the direction in which the inner cover 51 is pressed downwards. Since the locking pin 86b is held in the lower end portion of the engagement hole 89a, the inner cover 51 can be locked to the battery housing 20 in the downward-pressed state.

[0115] The process for removing the battery pack 11 from the motorcycle 1 (more specifically, the battery housing 20) including the pressing mechanism 80 will be described. The outer cover 30 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, and the housing 70 is removed from the receiving space S to the outside through the upper opening P1, which is the same as the process for removing the battery pack 11 described in the above embodiment.

[0116] After the outer cover 30 is moved to the open position and the housing 70 is removed, it is in Figure 9 The rotating handle 85 of the retainer 83, in the pressed state, rotates about axis C3, thereby causing the locking pin 86b to move spirally upward from the lower end portion of the engagement hole 89a (i.e., the locked position). As the pressing portion 86a also gradually rises along with the locking pin 86b, the biasing force of the compression spring 61 gradually decreases. After the rotating handle 85 rotates to a position where the locking pin 86b can be pulled out of the engagement hole 89a (i.e., the unlocked position), the rotating handle 85 is lifted upward. As a result, as... Figure 11 As shown, the locking pin 86b moves out of the engagement hole 89a from the upper end of the cylindrical cam 89, and the inner cover 51 pivots about the axis C1 of the engaged shaft 51b. Since the subsequent process is the same as that described in the first embodiment, its description will be omitted.

[0117] Third Embodiment

[0118] Next, we will refer to Figures 12 to 15 A motorcycle according to a third embodiment is described. In the third embodiment, the same components as in the first and second embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 12 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the upper portion of the battery casing 120 of the motorcycle according to the third embodiment.

[0119] The pressing mechanism 150 in this embodiment includes an inner cover 151, a connecting member 152, and a retainer 183. Essentially, the functions of the inner cover 151, connecting member 152, and retainer 183 of the pressing mechanism 150 are the same as those of the inner cover 51, connecting member 52, and retainers 53 and 83 of the pressing mechanisms 50 and 80 in the first and second embodiments, respectively. However, the positions and structures of the inner cover 151, connecting member 152, and retainer 183 of the pressing mechanism 150 are slightly different from those of the inner cover 51, connecting member 52, and retainers 53 and 83 of the pressing mechanisms 50 and 80 in the first and second embodiments, respectively.

[0120] For example, in the pressing mechanism 150 according to this embodiment, the positions of the engaging member 152 and the retainer 183 are opposite to those of the engaging member 52 and the retainers 53 and 83 in the pressing mechanisms 50 and 80 of the first and second embodiments. Figure 12As shown, the connecting member 152 is positioned behind the lower opening P2 of the base 22 (more specifically, the lower base frame 24). When the inner cover 151 is in the abutment position, the retainer 183 is positioned in front of the lower opening P2 of the base 22 (more specifically, the lower base frame 24).

[0121] Figure 13 This is a top view of the inner cover 151 in the third embodiment. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the construction of the pressing mechanism 150 in the third embodiment. Figure 14 In the image, the left portion of the inner cover 151 is omitted, making the structure of the retainer 183 easier to see.

[0122] In this embodiment, the inner cover 151 can also be removed from the battery casing 120. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the inner cover 151 includes a cover body 151a, a joined portion 151b, and a support portion 151c. When the inner cover 151 is in the adjacent position against the battery pack 11, the cover body 151a closes the lower opening P2.

[0123] In this embodiment, a partition wall 172 and a pair of side walls 174 are provided on the upper surface of the cover body 151a. The partition wall 172 rises upward from near the end edge portion on the rear side of the cover body 151a. The pair of side walls 174 extend forward in a left-right direction from both ends of the partition wall 172. The space sandwiched between the pair of side walls 174 in the left-right direction serves as a luggage storage space for accommodating luggage as a container. The partition wall 172 prevents the container placed on the upper surface of the cover body 151a from moving to the rear of the cover body 151a, i.e., the space where the engaging member 152 is provided (see...). Figure 12 As described above, in this embodiment, since the inner cover 151 itself serves as a housing on which the contents are placed, it is not necessary to separately install the housing 70 onto the inner cover 151 as in the first and second embodiments.

[0124] The joined portion 151b is fixed to the rear end portion of the cover body 151a. The joined portion 151b can engage with the joining member 152 fixed to the battery housing 20. The joined portion 151b has a rod-like shape extending in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the joined portion 151b may also be referred to as the joined shaft 151b.

[0125] like Figure 14As shown, the engaging member 152 has an engaging structure that can be detached from the inner cover 151. With the engaging shaft 151b engaged with the engaging member 152, the inner cover 151 can pivot about the axis C1 of the engaging shaft 151b. The engaging member 152 has a hook shape similar to that of the engaging member 52. The hook shape of the engaging member 152 is a hook shape that opens towards the lower opening P2, but it could also be a hook shape that opens towards the side opposite to the side where the lower opening P2 is located.

[0126] like Figure 14 As shown, the support portion 151c is fixed to the side opposite to the engaged portion 151b of the cover body 151a, that is, fixed to the front end portion of the cover body 151a. The support portion 151c supports the compression spring 61, etc., which will be described later, and is a component of the retainer 183. When the inner cover 151 is in the abutment position, the retainer 183 is positioned in front of the lower opening P2 of the base 22 (more specifically, the lower base frame 24).

[0127] The retainer 183 holds the inner cover 151 abutting the battery pack 11 while pressing the inner cover 151 toward the battery pack 11. That is, when the inner cover 151 is in the abutting position, the retainer 183 has a pressing function to press the inner cover 151 downward. The retainer 183 also has a locking function to lock the inner cover 151 to the battery housing 120 when the inner cover 151 is in the abutting position.

[0128] The retainer 183 includes a compression spring 61, a first spring seat 62, a second spring seat 63, an operating member 184, and a locking portion 188. Since the construction of the compression spring 61, the first spring seat 62, the second spring seat 63, and the support portion 151c of the inner cover 151 supporting the compression spring 61, the first spring seat 62, and the second spring seat 63 is the same as in the first and second embodiments, its description will be omitted.

[0129] Similar to the retainer 83 of the second embodiment, the retainer 183 of this embodiment is a cylindrical cam type. The operating member 184 includes a user-operated rotary handle 185 and a rotating shaft 86. While the rotary handle 85 of the operating member 84 of the second embodiment has a shape symmetrical about axis C3, in the operating member 184 of this embodiment, the rotary handle 185 has a shape extending only in one direction from axis C3. Since the operating member 184 of the retainer 183 and the operating member 84 of the second embodiment have substantially the same construction except for the shape of the rotary handle 185, the description of the rotating shaft 86 of the operating member 184 is omitted.

[0130] Similar to the second embodiment, the locking portion 188 includes a cylindrical cam 89. Since the locking portion 188 of the retainer 183 has the same construction as the locking portion 88 of the second embodiment, a description of the locking portion 188 is omitted.

[0131] In this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, when the inner cover 151 is in the abutment position, rotating the handle 185 about axis C3 simultaneously locks the inner cover 151 to the battery housing 120 and retains the inner cover 151 in a downward-pressed state. More specifically, when the inner cover 151 is in the abutment position, and the handle 185 is rotated while being pressed downwards, the locking pin 86b is inserted into the engagement hole 89a and spirally guided downwards to reach the lower end portion of the engagement hole 89a (i.e., the locked position). At this time, as... Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating handle 185 is in a state extending to the left from the axis C3. Since the locking pin 86b is held at the lower end of the engagement hole 89a, the inner cover 151 can be locked to the battery housing 120 when pressed downwards.

[0132] In this embodiment, as Figure 12 As shown, the outer cover 30 is provided with a protruding member 90 projecting downward from the rear surface of the outer cover 30 (i.e., from the outer cover 30 in the closed position). In this embodiment, the protruding member 90 is a rod-shaped body attached to the outer cover 30, but the shape of the protruding member is not particularly limited. Although the protruding member 90 interferes with the retainer 183 in the pressed-out state when the outer cover 30 is closed, the position of the protruding member 90 protruding from the outer cover and its length in the protruding direction are adjusted so that the protruding member 90 does not interfere with the retainer 183 in the pressed state. This will be referred to... Figure 15 Describe it.

[0133] Figure 15 This is an enlarged side sectional view showing the vicinity of the retainer 183 in the pressed state in the third embodiment. Figure 15 The lower end of the protruding member 90 is also shown when the outer cover 30 is in the closed position. In this embodiment, the protruding member 90 is attached to the outer cover 30 such that when the outer cover 30 is closed, the protruding member 90 is located on the axis C3 of the rotation axis 86 of the operating member 184. Due to the small gap G between the retainer 183 in the pressed state and the protruding member 90 protruding from the outer cover 30 in the closed state, the retainer 183 in the pressed state does not interfere with the protruding member 90.

[0134] exist Figure 15In the diagram, the rotary handle 185 of the retainer 183 in the press-release state is indicated by a double-dotted line. The operating member 184 of the retainer 183 in the press-release state is positioned higher than the operating member 90 in the press state, and the operating member 184 and the protruding member 90 interfere with each other. Therefore, even when the outer cover 30 pivots from the open position and the retainer 183 is in the press-release state, the interference between the operating member 184 and the protruding member 90 prevents the outer cover 30 from being closed when the retainer 183 is in the press-release state.

[0135] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the protruding member 90 is provided on the outer cover 30 so as to interfere with the rotation axis 86 of the retainer 183 in the press-release state. However, the protruding member 90 may be provided on the outer cover 30 so as to interfere with other elements of the retainer 183, such as the rotation handle 185, in the press-release state.

[0136] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 140 for holding the outer cover 30 in the closed position is also different from the locking mechanism 40 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, similar to the locking mechanism 40 of the first embodiment, the locking mechanism 140 of this embodiment includes an insertion port 141, a locking moving portion 142, and a locking fixing portion 143. However, the insertion port 141 and the locking moving portion 142 are provided on the outer cover 30, rather than on the base 22. The locking fixing portion 43 is provided on the base 22, more specifically, on the upper base frame 23, rather than on the outer cover 30. In this way, by providing the locking moving portion 142 as a movable part on the outer cover 30, a portion of the upper base frame 23 on the front side of the outer cover 30 can be made smaller, resulting in a larger upper opening P1. As a result, it is easier to design an upper opening P1 that allows the battery pack 11 and the inner cover 151 to pass through.

[0137] Fourth embodiment

[0138] Next, we will refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 A motorcycle according to a fourth embodiment is described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as in the first to third embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 16 This is an enlarged side sectional view of the vicinity of the upper portion of the battery casing of the motorcycle according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the accommodating space in the fourth embodiment.

[0139] like Figure 16As shown, in this embodiment, the partition plate 91, which is a protruding member, protrudes downward from the outer cover 30 in the closed position. When the outer cover 30 is closed, the partition plate 91 interferes with the retainer 183 in the pressed-out state. However, the position of the partition plate 91 protruding from the outer cover 30 and its length in the protruding direction are adjusted so that the partition plate 91 does not interfere with the retainer 183 in the pressed state.

[0140] Specifically, such as Figure 17 As shown, when the retainer 183 is in the pressed state, the rotating handle 185 is in a state extending to the left from the axis C3 (see also...). Figure 13 That is, when the retainer 183 is in the pressed state, in the top view of the inner cover 151, the cover body 151a and the rotating handle 185 do not overlap each other.

[0141] On the other hand, the partition plate 91 is provided on the outer cover 30, so that it is located directly above the front end portion of the cover body 151a, that is, above the end portion of the cover body 151a on the side where the support portion 151c is located when the outer cover 30 is closed. Therefore, when the outer cover 30 is closed in the pressed state of the retainer 183, the partition plate 91 does not interfere with the rotating handle 185.

[0142] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the diagram, the rotating handle 185 of the retainer 183 in the press-release state is indicated by a double-dotted line. When the retainer 183 is in the press-release state, the rotating handle 185 is in a position extending from axis C3 toward the cover body 151a (see also...). Figure 13 (Double-dotted line in the diagram). That is, when the retainer 183 is in the press-release state, in the top view of the inner cover 151, the cover body 151a and the rotating handle 185 overlap each other. Therefore, when the outer cover 30 is closed with the retainer 183 in the press-release state, the partition plate 91 interferes with the rotating handle 185.

[0143] Therefore, even when the outer cover 30 pivots from the open position while the retainer 183 is in the press-release state, the interference between the operating member 184 and the partition plate 91, which is a protruding member, can prevent the outer cover 30 from closing when the retainer 183 is in the press-release state.

[0144] In this embodiment, when the outer cover 30 is closed and the retainer 183 is in the pressed state, the partition 91 divides the accommodating space S into a space where the retainer 183 is disposed and a luggage accommodating space above the cover body 151a. Therefore, the partition 91 prevents the contents placed on the upper surface of the cover body 151a from moving forward of the cover body 151a, that is, from entering the space where the retainer 183 is disposed.

[0145] Other embodiments

[0146] This disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and the configuration can be changed, added, or deleted.

[0147] For example, in the above embodiments, a straddle-type vehicle is an electric vehicle in which the driving source is an electric motor, but it can also be a vehicle equipped with an engine as the driving source. The battery pack can be a battery pack capable of supplying power to the electric motor that assists the engine drive, rather than being the driving source itself. A straddle-type vehicle can also be an electric-assisted bicycle that uses an electric motor to assist human power.

[0148] The configuration and orientation of the battery casing are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. In the above embodiments, the battery casing has a structure in which the casing body and the base are connected to each other; however, the battery casing may have a structure in which the casing body and the base are integrated with each other. For example, in the above embodiments, the base 22 may only be the upper base frame 23, and the lower base frame 24 may be part of the casing body 21. In this case, the engaging member 52 and the locking portion 68 may be fixed to the casing body 21 instead of the base 22.

[0149] In the above embodiments, the substrate includes a protruding portion, but the substrate and the protruding portion can be separated from each other.

[0150] In addition to a compression spring, the pressing mechanism can be an air spring. Alternatively, if the inner cover is resilient, the pressing mechanism can use fasteners (such as bolts) to press the inner cover. That is, if the inner cover is resilient, the adjacent component itself can have a pressing function.

[0151] The inner cover may include cushioning material at the location where it adjoins the battery pack. In the above embodiment, the adjoining member is the inner cover, but the adjoining member does not necessarily have to cover the battery pack from above. For example, the adjoining member may abut the battery pack instead of closing the lower opening P2. For example, the adjoining member may be a rod-shaped member or a mesh member. The inner cover may not be removable from the battery housing.

[0152] The actuator of the pressing mechanism is the part that the user touches when operating the pressing mechanism. The shape and configuration of the actuator are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. For example, the actuator can be a lever, handle, knob, button, etc.

[0153] The luggage shell includes partition walls, but the luggage shell and partition walls can be separated from each other.

[0154] In the above embodiments, the battery pack 11 housed in the first space S1 and the luggage housed in the second space S2 are described as containers housed in or removed from the housing space S, but the containers are not limited thereto. For example, the battery pack may not be included in the containers. The housing forming the housing space may not be a battery housing, and may be, for example, a housing that can only house luggage. For example, the battery pack may not be removable from the vehicle body. A straddle-type vehicle may be a vehicle that operates without a battery pack. A straddle-type vehicle may be a vehicle that uses a driving source other than an electric motor, such as an internal combustion engine. For example, the containers may be accessories worn by the rider during riding, such as a helmet and gloves. The containers may also be toolboxes, manuals, etc., or may be vehicle parts that can be detached from the vehicle body.

[0155] Public content

[0156] Each of the following aspects is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0157] The First Aspect

[0158] A straddle-type vehicle includes: a housing space configured to accommodate a container; a seat disposed in a front-rear direction behind the housing space, on which a rider straddles; a hinge axis disposed above and in front of a front portion of the seat and extending in a left-right direction; and a cover pivotable about the hinge axis between an open position in which the housing space is opened upward and a closed position in which the housing space is covered from above.

[0159] Based on the above aspects, the hinge axis is located above and in front of the front end portion of the seat. Therefore, when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position, the pivoting range of the cover is prevented from being restricted by the seat. Thus, a straddle-type vehicle with a cover opening and closing structure can be provided, which allows for easy insertion and removal of contents from the storage space. Since the seat is positioned behind the storage space in the longitudinal direction, it is not necessary to remove the seat from the vehicle body when inserting or removing contents.

[0160] The Second Aspect

[0161] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the straddle-type vehicle may further include: a protruding portion that projects forward and upward from the front end portion of the seat to limit the riding range of the rider at the front end position. The hinge axis may face the forward-facing surface of the protruding portion in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0162] According to the above aspects, since the hinge axis, which serves as the pivot center of the outer cover, is located in the space covered by the protruding part, the space covered by the protruding part can be effectively utilized.

[0163] The Third Aspect

[0164] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the straddle-type vehicle may further include an arm connecting a hinge axis and a cover, the arm being pivotable together with the cover about the hinge axis. When viewed in a left-right direction, the arm may have a curved shape, wherein when the cover is in the open position, the front portion of the arm is located in front of the front portion of the protruding part of the base.

[0165] Based on the above aspects, interference between the visible protrusions and the arm can be prevented.

[0166] The Fourth Aspect

[0167] According to a first or second aspect of this disclosure, the hinge axis can be positioned on the center plane of the straddle-type vehicle in the left-right direction.

[0168] Based on the above aspects, the protruding parts of the base and the outer cover can be designed to reduce the size in the left and right directions.

[0169] The Fifth Aspect

[0170] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the arm can be positioned on the center plane of the straddle-type vehicle in the left-right direction.

[0171] Based on the above aspects, the protruding parts of the base and the outer cover can be designed to reduce the size in the left and right directions.

[0172] The Sixth Aspect

[0173] According to the first to fifth aspects of this disclosure, the straddle-type vehicle may further include: a base having a frame shape, the base including an upper opening closed by a cover and a lower opening located below the upper opening.

[0174] Based on the above aspects, by forming the substrate into a frame shape, a channel through which the battery pack passes when it is housed in or removed from the battery space can be formed.

[0175] The Seventh Aspect

[0176] According to the first to sixth aspects of this disclosure, the straddle-type vehicle may further include: a base having a frame shape, the base including an upper opening closed by a cover in a closed position and a lower opening located below the upper opening. The base may include a protrusion projecting forward and upward from a front portion of the seat to limit the riding range of the rider at the front end position.

[0177] The Eighth Aspect

[0178] According to a sixth or seventh aspect of this disclosure, the straddle-type vehicle may further include: a housing body supporting a battery pack, the battery pack being a containment housed within a containment space. The base, hinge shaft, cover, and housing body may be interconnected and assembled into a battery containment unit.

[0179] Based on the above aspects, since the base, hinge shaft, outer cover, and housing body are combined into a battery housing unit, assembly of the straddle-type vehicle is more convenient. For example, the position of the opening of the base relative to the opening edge of the housing body can be easily adjusted.

[0180] The Ninth Aspect

[0181] According to the first to eighth aspects of this disclosure, the accommodating space may include a battery space occupied by a battery pack as housing and a spare space. The spare space may include an axle accommodating space in which a hinge axis is provided and a luggage accommodating space for accommodating luggage. A straddle-type vehicle may further include a partition wall separating the axle accommodating space and the luggage accommodating space.

[0182] Based on the above aspects, the partition can prevent luggage from colliding with the hinge axis and the components supporting the hinge axis. For example, even if the vehicle body tilts forward, the partition can prevent luggage from moving into the axle-accommodating space.

[0183] Furthermore, a straddle-type vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 above may have the following characteristics.

[0184] For example, a straddle-type vehicle may further include a hinge support member that supports the hinge axis, and the base, hinge axis, outer cover, and hinge support member can be combined into a cover unit. According to the above configuration, since the base, hinge axis, outer cover, and hinge support member are combined into a cover unit, the assembly of the straddle-type vehicle is facilitated.

[0185] The cover unit may further include a coupling shaft parallel to the hinge axis and an inner cover capable of closing the lower opening by pivoting about the coupling shaft. According to the above configuration, the internal battery space and the space inside the frame-shaped base can be separated due to the inner cover. Since the inner cover is also part of the cover unit, it facilitates the assembly of a straddle-type vehicle.

[0186] The engaging shaft can be positioned in front of the lower opening in the front-rear direction. According to the above configuration, since the engaging shaft, which serves as the pivot center of the inner cover, is located in front of the lower opening, an inner cover opening and closing structure that is unlikely to interfere with the pivoting structure of the outer cover (e.g., the arm connecting the outer cover and the hinge shaft) when the inner cover pivots can be realized.

[0187] The shaft to be joined can be fixed to one of the inner cover and the base, and the other of the inner cover and the base can have a joining structure that detachably engages with the shaft to be joined. According to the above configuration, the battery pack can be accommodated or removed when the inner cover is removed, thus facilitating the attachment and removal of the battery pack.

[0188] The battery housing unit can be tilted backward relative to the vertical upward direction, and the rear end portion of the upper opening of the base can be located behind the rear end portion of the opening edge of the housing body. According to the above configuration, since the rear end portion of the upper opening of the base is located behind the rear end portion of the opening edge of the housing body, the battery pack can be easily accommodated in the battery housing unit that is tilted backward relative to the vertical upward direction.

[0189] The aforementioned straddle-type vehicle may further include a protrusion disposed around a hinge axis and pivoting together with the outer cover, and a stop disposed around the hinge axis and abutting the protrusion when the outer cover is in the open position to limit the pivoting range of the outer cover. According to the above configuration, by providing a structure for limiting the pivoting range of the outer cover around the hinge axis, the space covered by the protrusion can be effectively utilized.

Claims

1. A straddle-type vehicle, comprising: A containment space, configured to contain containers; A seat is positioned behind the receiving space in the fore-aft direction, and the rider straddles the seat; A hinge axis is provided above and in front of the front end portion of the seat and extends in the left-right direction; A cover that is pivotable about the hinge axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the receiving space opens upward and in the closed position the receiving space is covered from above; as well as A protruding portion, which angles forward and upward from the front end portion of the seat, restricts the riding range of the rider at the front end position, wherein... The hinge axis is positioned within the space covered by the protruding portion.

2. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge axis faces the forward-facing surface of the protruding portion in the front-back direction.

3. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising: An arm connecting the hinge axis and the cover, the arm being pivotable together with the cover about the hinge axis, wherein... When viewed in the left-right direction, the arm has a curved shape, wherein when the cover is in the open position, the front portion of the arm is positioned in front of the front portion of the protrusion.

4. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The hinge axis is positioned on the center plane of the straddle-type vehicle in the left-right direction.

5. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The arm is positioned on the center plane of the straddle-type vehicle in the left-right direction.

6. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A base having a frame shape, the base including an upper opening closed by the cover and a lower opening positioned below the upper opening.

7. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A base having a frame shape, the base including an upper opening closed by the cover at the closed position and a lower opening positioned below the upper opening, wherein, The substrate includes the protruding portion.

8. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, further comprising: The main casing supports the battery pack. The battery pack is a container housed within the aforementioned housing space, wherein... The base, the hinge shaft, the cover, and the housing body are connected to each other and assembled into a battery housing unit.

9. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The accommodating space includes the battery space occupied by the battery pack, which serves as the accommodating element, and the remaining space. The remaining space includes a shaft-receiving space, in which the hinge axis is disposed, and a luggage-receiving space for accommodating luggage. The straddle-type vehicle also includes a partition wall separating the axle compartment and the luggage compartment.

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