Saddle-riding type vehicle front cowl structure

Abstract

The present application provides a front cover structure of a saddle-type vehicle, which can ensure designability and good manufacturability. The front cover structure of the saddle-type vehicle includes an upper mudguard (71) extending from a lower side of a headlamp (31) to a front side, and a fuel tank cover (62) having a shape covering a fuel tank (29), wherein the upper mudguard (71) and the fuel tank cover (62) are separate bodies, the upper mudguard (71) extends in a front-rear direction when the vehicle body is viewed from a side and is connected to the fuel tank cover (62), and the upper mudguard (71) and the fuel tank cover (62) form a split surface (82) inclined downward as approaching a rear side of the vehicle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the front cover structure of saddle-type vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, in the front grille construction of saddle-type vehicles, a structure using an upper fender extending forward from below the headlight is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a side cover extending forward from below the headlight as an upper fender, and describes a structure in which the side cover is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the front part of the side cover. The side cover of Patent Document 1 has an appearance shape that connects to the front part of the rear side cover in a manner that slopes upwards towards the rear of the vehicle body. Furthermore, a rear part of the side cover, fixed to the fuel tank cover, is connected to the rear part of the front part of the side cover.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-85857 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Typically, in saddle-type vehicles equipped with upper fenders, it is desirable for the upper fenders to appear longer in the longitudinal direction for a striking and sharp aesthetic design. However, if the upper fender itself is made longer in the longitudinal direction in order to make it appear longer, the upper fender tends to become larger. As a result, the paintability and assembly properties of the upper fender deteriorate, leading to issues with the manufacturability of the fender components.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a front cover structure for a saddle-type vehicle that can ensure both aesthetic design and good manufacturability.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The front grille structure of the saddle-type vehicle includes: an upper mudguard extending forward from below the headlight; and a fuel tank cover having a shape that covers the fuel tank. The upper mudguard and the fuel tank cover are separate, the upper mudguard extending in the longitudinal direction and connecting to the fuel tank cover when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, and the upper mudguard and the fuel tank cover forming a segmented surface that slopes downward as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] It can provide a front cover structure for saddle-type vehicles that ensures both aesthetic design and good manufacturability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the front of a saddle-type vehicle before the mudguards were installed.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the front of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with upper mudguards.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the upper mudguard.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a top view of the saddle-type vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the front of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with upper mudguards.

[0021] Label Explanation

[0022] 10: Saddle-type vehicles;

[0023] 31: Headlight;

[0024] 71: Upper mudguard;

[0025] 29: Fuel tank;

[0026] 62: Main tank cover (fuel tank cover);

[0027] 82: Dividing surface;

[0028] 32: Turn indicator lights;

[0029] 81: Edge line;

[0030] 281: Edge line;

[0031] 282: Dividing surface;

[0032] L1: Horizontal line;

[0033] L2: Extension line;

[0034] θ1: Vertical angle in the forward and backward directions;

[0035] θ2: Vertical angle in the up-down direction;

[0036] θ21: Vertical angle in the forward and backward directions;

[0037] θ22: Vertical angle in the up-down direction. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the description, unless otherwise specified, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up / down are assumed to be the same as directions relative to the vehicle body. Additionally, in each figure, the reference numeral FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the reference numeral UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the reference numeral LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0039] [Implementation Method]

[0040] Figure 1 This is a side view of the saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle comprising the following parts: a frame 11, a power unit 12 supported on the frame 11, a front fork 14 supporting the front wheel 13 for steering, a swing arm 16 supporting the rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for the passenger.

[0042] The saddle-riding vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the occupant sits on the seat 17 in a straddling manner. The seat 17 is located above the rear of the frame 11.

[0043] The frame 11 includes: a front riser tube 18 disposed at the front end of the frame 11, a front frame 19 located behind the front riser tube 18, and a rear frame 20 located behind the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the front riser tube 18.

[0044] Seat 17 is supported by rear frame 20.

[0045] The front fork 14 is supported by the front seat tube 18 for easy left and right steering. The front wheel 13 is supported on an axle 13a located at the lower end of the front fork 14. A handlebar 21 for steering, held by the rider, is mounted on the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0046] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot 22 supported on the frame 11. The pivot 22 is a horizontally extending shaft in the vehicle width direction. The pivot 22 is inserted through the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down around the pivot 22.

[0047] The rear wheel 15 is supported on an axle 15a located at the rear end of the swing arm 16.

[0048] The power unit 12 is positioned between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported on the frame 11.

[0049] The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder section 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. The exhaust port of the cylinder section 24 is connected to an exhaust device 25.

[0050] The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 through a drive force transmission component that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0051] In addition, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has: a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a footrest 28 for the occupant to place their feet, and a fuel tank 29 for storing fuel used by the power unit 12.

[0052] The front fender 26 is mounted on the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and footpeg 28 are positioned below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported on the frame 11.

[0053] In this embodiment, the front frame 19 includes: a main frame 19a extending rearward and downward from the front riser 18; a pair of left and right pivot frames 19b extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 19a; a lower frame 19c extending downward in the front riser 18 from below the front end of the main frame 19a; and a pair of left and right bottom frames 19d extending rearward and downward from the lower end of the lower frame 19c and then extending rearward and connecting to the lower end of the pivot frames 19b.

[0054] The rear frame 20 has a pair of left and right seat frames 20a extending from the rear end of the main frame 19a to the rear end of the vehicle, which is lower in the front and higher in the rear, and a pair of left and right rear subframes 20b extending from the middle of the left and right pivot frames 19b in the vertical direction to the middle of the front and rear direction of the seat frames 20a.

[0055] Headlights 31 are supported on a pair of left and right front forks 14. The headlights 31 are positioned in the center of the pair of left and right front forks 14. A pair of left and right turn indicators 32 are supported behind the headlights 31. An instrument panel 33 is positioned above and in front of the turn indicators 32. The instrument panel 33 is supported on the upper rear part of the headlights 31.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a top view of the saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the saddle-mounted vehicle 10 has a body cover 40. The body cover 40 covers the vehicle body, which is composed of the frame 11 and the like. The body cover 40 has: a front cover 41 that covers the upper part of the front fork 14 from the front and the left and right sides; a tank cover 42 that covers the upper surface and sides of the fuel tank 29 from the outside behind the front cover 41; and a pair of left and right rear covers 43 that cover the lower part of the seat 17 from the side behind the tank cover 42.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the front of the saddle-type vehicle 10 before the mudguard 71 is installed.

[0059] The front hood 41 has a windshield 51 positioned in front of the headlights 31 and the instrument cluster 33. The windshield 51 is generally symmetrical from left to right. When viewed from the front, the windshield 51 is a plate-like shape extending vertically. When viewed from the side, the windshield 51 extends with a lower front and a higher rear (see reference). Figure 1 The windshield 51 is a curved plate that curves forward in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The windshield 51 has a windshield main body 51a and a frame-shaped headlight mounting section 51b formed below the windshield main body 51a. The windshield main body 51a is positioned in front of the instrument cluster 33. The windshield main body 51a extends to a position above the instrument cluster 33. An opening 51c corresponding to the shape of the headlight 31 is formed in the headlight mounting section 51b. The front surface 31a of the headlight 31 is exposed forward through the opening 51c. A headlight beam adjustment section 51d is provided at the lower part of the headlight mounting section 51b, corresponding to the center part in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] A pair of decorative elements 52 are fixed to the left and right sides of the headlight mounting section 51b. Each decorative element 52 is a cover component extending in the front-to-back direction. The decorative elements 52 are fixed to the windshield 51 at the front. By fixing the decorative elements 52 to the windshield 51, the headlight mounting section 51b of the windshield 51 has a vertically separated appearance (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0062] The trim piece 52 covers the headlight 31 from the side. A turn indicator mounting portion 52a is formed on the trim piece 52 at a position corresponding to the height of the headlight 31. A rod-shaped turn indicator 32 extending in the vehicle width direction is mounted on the turn indicator mounting portion 52a. In this embodiment, the turn indicator 32 is positioned on the front surface 31a of the headlight 31 with a vertical width H1 (see reference). Figure 1 Inside. When viewing the vehicle from the side, the turn signal indicator 32 is positioned between the headlight 31 and the front fork 14.

[0063] A box cover 42 is attached to the rear of the decorative piece 52. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the box cover 42 has a middle box cover 61 extending in the front-to-back direction. The middle box cover 61 has a front portion 61a extending from the front end, which is lower at the front and higher at the rear (see reference). Figure 2The hood comprises a central portion 61b extending slightly from the rear end of the front portion 61a, lower at the front and higher at the rear, and a rear portion 61c extending from the rear end of the central portion 61b, higher at the front and lower at the rear. The central portion 61b overlaps with the fuel inlet 29a of the fuel tank 29 when viewed from above. A circular cap opening 61b1 is formed in the central portion 61b. The fuel cap 29b of the fuel tank 29 can be accessed through the cap opening 61b1.

[0064] A pair of main tank covers (fuel tank covers) 62 are supported on the left and right sides of the intermediate tank cover 61. The main tank cover 62 has an upper cover portion 63 formed in a manner connected to the intermediate tank cover 61 and a lower cover portion 64 formed on the lower side of the upper cover portion 63 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0065] The upper part 63 extends forward when viewed from the side. The upper part 63 slopes downward as it moves forward. A mudguard engaging portion 63a is formed at the front end of the upper part 63. The mudguard engaging portion 63a is located below the turn indicator 32. Specifically, when viewed from the side, the mudguard engaging portion 63a is positioned below the horizontal line L1, which extends in the longitudinal direction above the turn indicator 32. The mudguard engaging portion 63a is positioned across an extension line L2, which extends along the center of the tube of the front fork 14 in the non-steering state, with a lower front and higher rear. When viewed from the side, the mudguard engaging portion 63a slopes upward as it moves forward. In this embodiment, the mudguard engaging portion 63a has a stepped surface that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 3 Instead, the mudguard engagement portion 63a may also have an end face that slopes inward toward the vehicle width as it moves forward.

[0066] When viewed from above, the upper part 63 extends outward from the middle cover 61 in the vehicle width direction and curves forward in a sickle shape. When viewed from above, the fender engagement part 63a tilts inward in the vehicle width direction as it moves forward.

[0067] A ridge line 63b extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper part 63 of the cover. That is, a flat first surface 63c is formed above the ridge line 63b. A flat second surface 63d is formed below the ridge line 63b. The first surface 63c and the second surface 63d extend along the upper part 63 of the cover in the front-rear direction. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the ridge line 63b extends forward along the inclined shape of the central part 61b of the intermediate cover 61.

[0068] The lower portion 64 of the main cover 62 has a front-to-back length approximately equal to the front-to-back length of the power unit 12. A seat 17 is disposed between the left and right lower portions 64 of the cover. On the front side, a roughly U-shaped cutout 62a, which is missing on the rear side, is formed between the lower portion 64 and the upper portion 63 of the cover.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, an inner box cover 65 is supported between the upper part 63 of the main box cover 62 and the front part 61a of the intermediate box cover 61. The inner box cover 65 is a curved plate that is recessed rearward. A curved opening 42a that is recessed rearward is formed by the front part 61a of the intermediate box cover 61 and the pair of inner box covers 65 on the left and right. A pair of front forks 14 on the left and right are arranged in a rotatable manner in front of the curved opening 42a.

[0070] A pair of side covers 66 are fixed below the main cover 62. The side covers 66 extend along the lower part 64 of the main cover 62 in the front-to-back direction.

[0071] Inner protective covers 67 are fixed to the front ends of the main cover 62 and the side cover 66 (see reference). Figure 3 When viewed from the side, the inner shroud 67 is configured to close the cutout 62a of the main cover 62. The inner shroud 67 has a first opening 67a corresponding to the front of the cutout 62a (see reference). Figure 3 The inner cover 67 on the right side. A cutout (not shown) is formed below the rear of the first opening 67a, which is missing at the front. The cutout is positioned opposite the front end of the side cover 66 and together with the front end of the side cover 66, forms the second opening 66a (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0072] A decorative element fixing part 67b extending to a position further forward than the fork 14 is formed in front of the first opening 67a (see reference). Figure 3 The decorative element 52 of the front cover 41 is fixed to the decorative element fixing part 67b. The decorative element fixing part 67b is fixed to the decorative element 52 from the inside of the vehicle width direction (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0073] An outer cover 68 is supported on the outer side of the inner cover 67 in the vehicle width direction. When viewed from the side, the outer cover 68 overlaps with the inner cover 67, covering the first opening 67a from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The outer cover 68 has a shape that runs along the front end of the main cover 62 and the side covers 66, below the upper portion 63 of the main cover 62. The outer cover 68 extends from below the headlight 31, lower at the front and higher at the rear. When viewed from the side, the outer cover 68 overlaps with the front riser tube 18 and extends along the lower frame 19c.

[0074] The box cover 42 of this embodiment is composed of a middle box cover 61, a pair of left and right main box covers 62, a pair of left and right inner box covers 65, a pair of left and right side box covers 66, a pair of left and right inner protective covers 67, and a pair of left and right outer protective covers 68.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the front of the saddle-type vehicle 10 equipped with the upper mudguard 71. Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the upper mudguard 71.

[0076] An upper fender 71 is supported on the front surface of the trim piece 52. The upper fender 71 covers the front surface of the left and right pair of trim pieces 52 across them. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the upper fender 71 forms a so-called beak shape, extending forward from below the headlight 31.

[0077] In detail, the upper mudguard 71 has a mudguard body portion 72 extending forward from below the headlight 31 and a mudguard extension portion 73 disposed on both sides of the mudguard body portion 72 in the vehicle width direction and extending from the mudguard body portion 72 in a low front and high rear direction.

[0078] The mudguard body 72 is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the front. Specifically, the mudguard body 72 has a bottom portion 72a extending in the vehicle width direction and a pair of left and right wall portions 72b extending upwards from both ends of the bottom portion 72a in the vehicle width direction. The mudguard body 72 extends forward from below the headlight 31, reaching a position slightly rearward than the front end of the front mudguard 26. The mudguard body 72 extends upwards from the front mudguard 26.

[0079] A cover engagement portion 73a is formed at the rear end of the fender extension 73, which forms the boundary with the main cover 62. When the vehicle is viewed from the side, the cover engagement portion 73a tilts downward as it moves rearward. When the vehicle is viewed from above, the cover engagement portion 73a has a shape that expands outward in the width direction as it moves rearward.

[0080] A ridge line 73b extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the fender extension 73. Specifically, a flat first surface 73c is formed above the ridge line 73b, and a flat second surface 73d is formed below the ridge line 73b. The first surface 73c and the second surface 73d extend along the fender extension 73 in the front-rear direction. When viewed from the side, the ridge line 73b extends continuously, connecting with the ridge line 63b of the main cover 62.

[0081] In the saddle-type vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the mudguard extension 73 and the main cover 62 form an external surface shape extending rearward from the upper mudguard 71. Furthermore, the ridge lines 73b of the upper mudguard 71 and 63b of the main cover 62 form a continuous ridge line 81 that extends gently from front to rear, lower than the front. Moreover, the rear end of the upper mudguard 71 and the front end of the main cover 62, i.e., the cover engagement portion 73a of the upper mudguard 71 and the mudguard engagement portion 63a of the main cover 62, constitute a dividing surface 82 serving as the boundary of the cover.

[0082] Here, when viewing the vehicle body from the side, the dividing surface 82 tilts downwards as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, when viewing the vehicle body from the side, the angles θ1 and θ2 formed by the linearly extending ridge 81 and the dividing surface 82 are configured such that the angle of the front-to-back vertical angle θ1 is an acute angle, and the angle of the vertical vertical angle θ2 is an obtuse angle.

[0083] The dividing surface 82 extends below the turn indicator 32 by crossing the extension line L2 of the front fork 14 in the front-rear direction. The dividing surface 82 is configured to extend outward in the width direction as one moves towards the rear of the vehicle when viewing the vehicle from above.

[0084] The front cover 41 of this embodiment is composed of a front windshield 51, a pair of left and right decorative parts 52, an upper mudguard 71, etc.

[0085] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 In this configuration, the upper mudguard 71 is installed by inserting it from the front of the vehicle body. The upper mudguard 71 is inserted from the front along with the headlight 31 and a pair of left and right decorative pieces 52, with the mudguard extension 73 extending outward in the vehicle width direction. At this time, since the rear end of the upper mudguard 71, i.e., the cover engagement part 73a, is positioned below the turn indicator 32, it is easy to insert the upper mudguard 71 while avoiding the turn indicator 32, thus facilitating the installation of the upper mudguard 71.

[0086] In particular, since the cover engagement portion 73a is shaped with a higher front and lower rear, it is easier to insert it into a position that moves downward from the turn indicator 32 when it is about to be inserted, making it easier to install the mudguard 71. In addition, when viewing the vehicle body from above, the cover engagement portion 73a is shaped to extend outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle body, thus avoiding the turn indicator 32 that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction and making it easier to install the mudguard 71.

[0087] When the fender extension 73 is installed on the front surface of the trim piece 52, it returns from its extended state. That is, the cover engagement portion 73a connects to the fender engagement portion 63a of the main cover 62 in a manner that overlaps with the fender engagement portion 63a of the main cover 62 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. At this time, the cover engagement portion 73a and the fender engagement portion 63a face each other, forming a dividing surface 82 that serves as the boundary between the upper fender 71 and the main cover 62. The dividing surface 82 is formed by making the outer peripheral end face of the upper fender 71 face each other.

[0088] The upper fender 71 is connected to the main tank cover 62 covering the fuel tank 29 without any other cover, making it easy to make the upper fender 71 appear longer in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, since the upper fender 71 and the main tank cover 62 are separate, they can be balanced and miniaturized, easily preventing the cover components from becoming too large. In this case, if the cover components become larger, a larger painting apparatus is required due to the increased painting space. However, in this embodiment, the enlargement of the upper fender 71 and the main tank cover 62 can be prevented, thus facilitating the painting and installation of the cover components and improving manufacturability.

[0089] As explained above, according to this embodiment of the invention, in the front cover structure of a saddle-type vehicle having an upper fender 71 extending forward from below the headlight 31 and a main cover 62 having a shape covering the fuel tank 29, the upper fender 71 and the main cover 62 are separate. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the upper fender 71 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the main cover 62. The upper fender 71 and the main cover 62 form a segmented surface 82 that slopes downward as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0090] This structure allows the upper fender 71 to appear longer in the longitudinal direction, thus ensuring aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, it prevents the upper fender 71 and the main cover 62 from becoming too large, facilitating painting and installation of the cover components and improving manufacturability. Therefore, this structure provides a front cover design for saddle-type vehicles that ensures both aesthetic appeal and good manufacturability.

[0091] In this embodiment, the dividing surface 82 is positioned below the upper end of the turn indicator 32 located behind the headlight 31 when the vehicle body is viewed from the side.

[0092] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the upper fender 71 and the main housing 62, and it is easy to make the upper fender 71 appear longer in the front-rear direction.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, when viewing the vehicle body from above, the dividing surface 82 is configured to extend outward in the vehicle width direction as the vehicle moves towards the rear of the vehicle body.

[0094] According to this structure, the installation of the upper mudguard 71 becomes easier, and an improvement in the manufacturability of the front cover structure with the upper mudguard 71 can be expected. In addition, due to the dividing surface 82, it is difficult for the upper mudguard 71 to interfere with the turn indicator 32 during assembly, thus suppressing poor assembly of the upper mudguard 71.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the segmented surface 82 overlaps with the extension line L2 of the front fork 14 in the non-steering state.

[0096] According to this structure, the installation of the upper fender 71 becomes easier, and an improvement in the manufacturability of the front cover structure with the upper fender 71 can be expected.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, a ridge line 81 is formed on the upper mudguard 71 and the main cover 62. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the ridge line 81 extends from the upper mudguard 71 to the main cover 62 and intersects the dividing surface 82. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the vertical angle θ1 in the front-rear direction is an acute angle and the vertical angle θ2 in the up-down direction is an obtuse angle.

[0098] According to this structure, compared to the case where the dividing surface 82 is perpendicular to the ridge line 81, the dividing surface 82 is more likely to be a shape that extends along the ridge line 81, so the dividing shape of the dividing surface 82 on the ridge line 81 is less noticeable. Therefore, the upper fender 71 can easily appear to be a shape that is longer in the front-rear direction, and the appearance design is less likely to be compromised.

[0099] [Second Implementation]

[0100] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, parts that are configured in the same way as in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a side view of the saddle-type vehicle 210 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a top view of the saddle-type vehicle 210 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the front of a saddle-type vehicle 210 equipped with an upper mudguard 71.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the position of the dividing surface 282 is formed further forward than the position of the dividing surface 82 in the first embodiment.

[0103] That is, the main box cover 62 of the saddle-type vehicle 210 of the second embodiment has an upper cover portion 263 instead of an upper cover portion 63. In addition, the upper mudguard 71 of the saddle-type vehicle 210 of the second embodiment has a mudguard extension portion 273 instead of a mudguard extension portion 73 of the first embodiment.

[0104] The upper cover portion 263 of the second embodiment is longer than the upper cover portion 63 of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction. The upper cover portion 263 overlaps with the upper end of the front riser tube 18 and extends forward, tilting downward as it moves forward. The fender engagement portion 263a at the front end of the upper cover portion 263 is provided below the direction indicator 32 in a manner that crosses the direction indicator 32 in the longitudinal direction. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the fender engagement portion 263a is configured to overlap with the front end 14a of the front fork 14 in the non-steering state. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the fender engagement portion 263a tilts upward as it moves forward. When the vehicle body is viewed from above, the fender engagement portion 263a tilts inward in the vehicle width direction as it moves forward.

[0105] Furthermore, on the upper part 263 of the cover, ridges 263b, first surfaces 263c, and second surfaces 263d are formed corresponding to the ridges 63b, first surfaces 63c, and second surfaces 63d of the first embodiment. The ridges 263b, first surfaces 263c, and second surfaces 263d of the upper part 263 of the cover have shapes that include the ridges 63b, first surfaces 63c, and second surfaces 63d of the first embodiment, and are longer in the front-back direction than the ridges 63b, first surfaces 63c, and second surfaces 63d of the first embodiment.

[0106] The mudguard extension 273 of the second embodiment is shorter in the front-rear direction than the mudguard extension 73 of the first embodiment. When viewed from the side, the cover engaging portion 273a at the rear end of the mudguard extension 273 tilts downward as it moves rearward. When viewed from above, the cover engaging portion 273a has a shape that expands outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves rearward.

[0107] Furthermore, on the mudguard extension 273, ridge lines 273b, first surfaces 273c, and second surfaces 273d are formed corresponding to the ridge lines 73b, first surfaces 73c, and second surfaces 73d in the first embodiment. The ridge lines 273b, first surfaces 273c, and second surfaces 273d of the mudguard extension 273 are omitting the rear portions of the ridge lines 73b, first surfaces 73c, and second surfaces 73d in the first embodiment, and are shorter in the front-rear direction than the ridge lines 73b, first surfaces 73c, and second surfaces 73d in the first embodiment.

[0108] In the saddle-type vehicle 210 of this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the mudguard extension 273 and the main cover 62 form an exterior surface shape extending rearward from the upper mudguard 71. Furthermore, the ridge line 273b of the upper mudguard 71 and the ridge line 263b of the main cover 62 form a continuous ridge line 281 that extends gently from front to rear, lower than the front. Moreover, the cover engaging portion 273a of the upper mudguard 71 and the mudguard engaging portion 263a of the main cover 62 constitute a dividing surface 282 serving as the boundary of the cover.

[0109] Similar to the first embodiment, when viewing the vehicle body from the side, the dividing surface 282 of the second embodiment tilts downwards as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, when viewing the vehicle body from the side, the angles θ21 and θ22 formed by the linearly extending ridge 281 and the dividing surface 282 are such that the front-to-back vertical angle θ21 is an acute angle, and the vertical angle θ22 is an obtuse angle. The dividing surface 282 extends below the turn indicator 32, crossing the turn indicator 32 in the front-to-back direction. The dividing surface 282 is configured to extend outwards in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle body when viewed from above.

[0110] As explained above, according to this embodiment of the invention, the upper fender 71 and the main cover 62 also form a segmented surface 282 that slopes downwards towards the rear of the vehicle body. Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a front cover structure for a saddle-type vehicle that ensures both aesthetic design and manufacturability can be provided.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, the dividing surface 282 is configured to cross the front and rear direction indicator lights 32 when the vehicle body is viewed from the side.

[0112] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the upper fender 71 and the main housing 62, and it is easy to make the upper fender 71 appear longer in the front-rear direction.

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the segmented surface 282 overlaps with the front fork 14 in a non-steering state.

[0114] According to this structure, the installation of the upper fender 71 becomes easier, and an improvement in the manufacturability of the front cover structure with the upper fender 71 can be expected.

[0115] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0116] The above-described embodiments are merely one way of presenting the invention, and can be modified and applied arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0117] In the above embodiments, an automatic two-wheeled vehicle with front wheels 13 and rear wheels 15 was described as an example of a saddle-riding vehicle 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to three-wheeled saddle-riding vehicles with two front wheels or two rear wheels, or saddle-riding vehicles with four or more wheels.

[0118] [Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0119] The above implementation supports the following structures.

[0120] (Structure 1) A front cover structure for a saddle-type vehicle, comprising: an upper mudguard extending forward from below a headlight; and a fuel tank cover having a shape covering a fuel tank, characterized in that the upper mudguard and the fuel tank cover are separate, the upper mudguard extending in a front-rear direction and connecting to the fuel tank cover when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, and the upper mudguard and the fuel tank cover forming a segmented surface that slopes downward as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0121] This structure allows the upper fender to appear longer in the longitudinal direction, thus ensuring aesthetic design. Furthermore, it prevents the upper fender and fuel tank cover from becoming too large, facilitating painting and installation of the cover components and improving manufacturability. Therefore, this structure provides a front cover design for saddle-type vehicles that ensures both aesthetic design and good manufacturability.

[0122] (Structure 2) In the front cover structure of the saddle-type vehicle of Structure 1, the characteristic is that, when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the dividing surface is located below the upper end of the turn indicator located behind the headlight.

[0123] This structure can suppress the enlargement of the upper fender and fuel tank cover, and makes it easy to make the upper fender appear longer in the front-to-back direction.

[0124] (Structure 3) In the front cover construction of the saddle-type vehicle of Structure 1 or 2, the segmentation surface is characterized in that, when viewed from above, it extends outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0125] This structure simplifies the installation of the upper mudguard and improves the manufacturability of the front cover structure with the upper mudguard. Furthermore, the segmented surface prevents interference between the upper mudguard and the turn indicator lights during assembly, thus reducing the risk of improper assembly.

[0126] (Structure 4) In the front cover construction of any one of Structures 1 to 3 of the saddle-type vehicle, the characteristic is that, when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the segmented surface overlaps on the front fork in the non-steering state or on the extension line of the front fork in the non-steering state.

[0127] According to this structure, the installation of the upper fender becomes easier, and an improvement in the manufacturability of the front cover structure with the upper fender can be expected.

[0128] (Composition 5) In the front cover construction of any one of the structures 1 to 4 of the saddle-type vehicle, the characteristic is that the dividing surface is configured such that when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the directional indicator lights span the front and rear.

[0129] This structure can suppress the enlargement of the upper fender and fuel tank cover, and makes it easy to make the upper fender appear longer in the front-to-back direction.

[0130] (Structure 6) In the front cover construction of the saddle-type vehicle of any one of Structures 1 to 5, the characteristic is that a ridge is formed on the upper fender and the fuel tank cover, the ridge extending from the upper fender to the fuel tank cover and intersecting the dividing surface when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, and the apex angle in the front-rear direction of the angle formed by the dividing surface and the ridge is an acute angle and the apex angle in the vertical direction is an obtuse angle when the vehicle body is viewed from the side.

[0131] According to this structure, compared to the case where the dividing surface is perpendicular to the edge line, the dividing surface is more likely to be a shape that extends along the edge line, so it is less likely to feel like the dividing surface is cutting off the edge line. Therefore, it is easy to make the upper fender appear to be a longer shape in the front-rear direction, without compromising the aesthetic design.

Claims

1. A front grille structure for a saddle-type vehicle, comprising: an upper mudguard (71) extending forward from below a headlight (31); and a fuel tank cover (62) having a shape covering a fuel tank (29), characterized in that, The upper mudguard (71) and the fuel tank cover (62) are separate units. The upper mudguard (71) extends in the front-to-back direction and connects to the fuel tank cover (62) when the vehicle body is viewed from the side. The upper mudguard (71) and the fuel tank cover (62) form a segmented surface (82, 282) that slopes downward as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle body. The dividing surfaces (82, 282) are formed by making the outer peripheral end face of the upper mudguard (71) face each other with the outer peripheral end face of the fuel tank cover (62). The dividing surfaces (82, 282) are configured such that, when viewed from above, they extend outwards in the width direction of the vehicle as one moves towards the rear of the vehicle. When viewed from the side, at least a portion of the segmented surfaces (82, 282) overlaps on the non-steering fork (14) or the extension line (L2) of the non-steering fork (14).

2. The front cover structure of the saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the dividing surfaces (82, 282) are positioned below the upper end of the turn indicator (32) located behind the headlight (31).

3. The front cover structure of the saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dividing surface (282) is configured to span the direction indicator (32) when the vehicle body is viewed from the side.

4. The front cover structure of the saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Ridges (81, 281) are formed on the upper fender (71) and the fuel tank cover (62). When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the ridges (81, 281) extend from the upper fender (71) to the fuel tank cover (62) and intersect with the dividing surfaces (82, 282). When observing the vehicle body from the side, the angles formed by the dividing surfaces (82, 282) and the edges (81, 281) are acute angles in the front-rear direction (θ1, θ21) and obtuse angles in the vertical direction (θ2, θ22).

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