Side parking frame structure

Abstract

The invention provides a side parking stand structure which is provided with a parking stand member (21). The parking frame member is provided with a plate-shaped connecting portion (23) connecting the pivot portion (22) and the ground contact portion (24), when the parking frame member (21) is in the storage position, the connecting portion (23) enables the plate thickness direction to face the vehicle width direction, and when the parking frame member (21) is in the storage position, the upper edge portion of the parking frame member (21) is provided with a protruding portion (26) protruding towards the inner side of the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction. A protruding portion (27) protruding toward the outside in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction is provided at a portion on the ground contact portion (24) side in the upper edge portion in the extension direction, and the protruding portion and the protruding portion are respectively provided with a protruding upper surface portion (26a) and a protruding upper surface portion (27a) facing upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the parking frame member (21) is in the stowed position. The raised upper surface portions and the protruding upper surface portions are formed continuously in a flat shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a side parking frame structure. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a side stand of a straddle-type vehicle that tilts the vehicle body, there is known a technique of forming the side stand to a desired strength and shape by casting or forging (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-271848). Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is desirable to form the side stand strong, and at the same time, it is desirable to have a structure that improves the appearance while avoiding an increase in the size and weight of the side stand.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a side parking frame structure that improves the appearance of the side parking frame, reduces the weight of the side parking frame, and increases the strength of the side parking frame.

[0005] The side parking stand structure of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a parking stand member, which is axially supported on the left and right sides of the vehicle body and is arranged to be rotatable between an upright position and a stowed position, and the parking stand member includes: a base portion which is connected to the vehicle body so as to be rotatable; a ground contact portion which contacts the ground when the parking stand member is in the upright position; and a plate-shaped connecting portion which connects the base and the ground contact portion, wherein when the parking stand member is in the stowed position, the connecting portion is arranged with the plate thickness direction facing the vehicle width direction, and the upper edge portion of the side edge portion of the connecting portion has a bulge which bulges inward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction. The side edge portion is along the extension direction between the base portion and the grounding portion, and the upper edge portion is located on the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction when the parking rack member is in the storage position. The grounding portion side in the extension direction of the upper edge portion is provided with a protrusion, and the protrusion protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction and serves as an operating portion for rotating the parking rack member. The raised portion and the protrusion respectively include a raised upper surface portion and a protruding upper surface portion facing upward in the vehicle up-down direction when the parking rack member is in the storage position, and the raised upper surface portion and the protruding upper surface portion are formed continuously with each other in a flat shape.

[0006] According to this structure, the parking rack member having a plate-shaped connecting portion (arm portion) can achieve a lighter weight and improve the appearance of the parking rack member by using a wide surface on one side of the connecting portion in the plate thickness direction as a design surface. The raised portion (thick wall portion) serving as a reinforcement of the connecting portion is flush with the protruding portion serving as the rotational operating portion of the parking rack member. This allows the input during parking rack operation to be dispersed along the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the parking rack member, allowing it to be effectively absorbed.

[0007] A second embodiment of the present invention, based on the side parking rack structure of the first embodiment, may also be that the connecting portion has an outer surface portion facing outward in the vehicle width direction and an inner surface portion facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and when the parking rack member is in the storage position, the inner surface portion is located below the raised portion.

[0008] According to this configuration, when the parking rack member is in the stored position, the inner side surface of the connection portion is located below the raised portion, thereby making the inner surface side of the connection portion difficult to see and improving the appearance.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the side parking stand structure of the first or second aspect, when the parking stand member is in the upright position, the raised portion may be located at an outer end portion of the connecting portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0010] According to this structure, the raised portion formed on one side edge of the plate-shaped connecting portion is located at the end portion on the outside in the vehicle width direction when the parking stand is erected. As a result, the plate-shaped connecting portion appears thicker when the parking stand is erected, and the inner surface side of the connecting portion is difficult to observe, which can improve the appearance.

[0011] The fourth scheme of the present invention may be, based on the side parking frame structure of the second scheme, that the side parking frame structure includes a vehicle body cover member covering the periphery of the parking frame support portion in the vehicle body, the vehicle body cover member includes a storage recess for storing the parking frame member in the storage position, and the inner side of the storage recess includes an extension portion extending toward the inner surface portion of the parking frame member in the storage position.

[0012] According to this structure, the storage recess that accommodates the parking rack member in the stowed position includes a protruding portion that extends toward the inner surface of the parking rack member. This allows the parking rack member to be closer to the vehicle body cover member when the parking rack is stowed, reducing the gap between the two and improving the appearance. Although the storage recess is concave when viewed from the outside of the vehicle, even if a structure such as a vehicle frame is located inside the storage recess, the protruding portion covers the structure, thereby concealing the structure and improving the appearance of the parking rack in the upright state. Furthermore, a gap between the structure and the vehicle body cover member is maintained, thereby reducing interference between vehicle components.

[0013] The fifth scheme of the present invention, based on the side parking frame structure of the above-mentioned fourth scheme, may also be that the end of at least the inner surface side of the protruding portion is close to an imaginary area that extends the rotation area of the parking frame component in the circumferential direction, and the end of the protruding portion is located below the connecting portion of the parking frame component in the storage position in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0014] According to this structure, the end (top) of the protruding portion on the inner surface side of the parking rack is close to the extended part of the rotation area of the parking rack component, and the top of the protruding portion is arranged at a position lower than the connecting portion. As a result, the raised portion can be arranged at a position higher than the top of the protruding portion, and the parking rack component can be stored in a space that avoids the raised portion.

[0015] According to the aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a side parking stand structure that can improve the appearance of the side parking stand and achieve weight reduction, and can also improve the strength of the side parking stand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a left side view of the motorcycle in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a left side view of the side stand device for the motorcycle in a state where the stand is stored.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a left side view of the parking stand in the upright state in the above-mentioned side parking stand device.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 IV-IV sectional view of FIG.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 VV cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a side view of the parking rack member of the side parking rack device as viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII-VII sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the directions of the vehicle, such as front, rear, left, and right, are the same as those used in the vehicle described below. Furthermore, the arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, the arrow LH indicating the left of the vehicle, and the arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle are shown at appropriate locations in the figures used in the following description. In the following description, the vehicle body is in an upright, untilted, parked position, and in an empty position 1G on a horizontal surface.

[0024] <Vehicle as a whole>

[0025] Figure 1A scooter-type motorcycle 1 is shown as an example of a straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment. The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 3 serving as a steering wheel and a rear wheel 4 serving as a drive wheel. The front wheel 3 is supported by a pair of left and right front forks 3a and can be turned (steered) via a handlebar 2. The rear wheel 4 is supported by a swing-type power unit 8 and can be driven by the power unit 8.

[0026] The steering system components including the handlebars 2, front fork 3a and front wheel 3 are rotatably (steerably) supported by a head pipe 16a at the front end of the frame 16. The front portion of the power unit 8 is supported by the lower portion of the frame 16 so as to be able to swing vertically.

[0027] The vehicle frame 16 includes a head pipe 16a, a down frame 16b extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 16a, a down frame 16c extending rearward from a lower portion of the down frame 16b, and a rear frame 16d extending rearward and upward from a rear portion of the down frame 16c.

[0028] A step 6 for the driver's feet is provided between the front wheel 3 and the rear wheel 4. A front vehicle body 14 is provided in front of the step 6. A rear vehicle body 15 is provided behind the step 6. A space K1 between the front and rear vehicle bodies 14, 15, and above the step 6 serves as the straddling space K1 for the driver to straddle the vehicle body. A handlebar 2 is provided above the front vehicle body 14. A seat 5 for the passenger is supported above the rear vehicle body 15. A tiltable side stand device 20 is provided on the left side below the step 6, capable of supporting the vehicle body in an upright position tilted to the left.

[0029] The power unit 8 includes, for example, an electric motor M as a drive source and a transmission mechanism (e.g., a gear reducer) T that transmits the drive force generated by the electric motor M to the rear wheel 4. The electric motor M and transmission mechanism T are mounted on the left arm of the power unit 8, which is in the form of a swing arm. The power unit 8 can have various configurations, and for example, it may include an internal combustion engine as a drive source. A driving battery BT that stores power for driving is mounted below the seat 5.

[0030] The frame 16 of the motorcycle 1 is covered around by a body cover 11. The body cover 11 includes a front body cover 11a that forms the outer surface of the front body 14, a rear body cover 11b that forms the outer surface of the rear body 15, and a floor cover 11c that forms the floor step 6. The floor cover 11c includes a step 11d that forms a footrest surface (the upper surface of the floor), left and right floor side covers 11e that extend downward from the outer side edges of the step 11d in the vehicle width direction, and a floor cover 11f that covers the lower surface of the floor step 6.

[0031] <Side parking stand device 20>

[0032] Figure 2It is a left side view of the parking stand storage state in the side parking stand device 20, Figure 3 It is a left side view of the parking stand in the upright state of the side parking stand device 20, Figure 4 yes Figure 2 IV-IV cross-sectional view, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The floor side cover 11e on the left side of the vehicle body is indicated by reference numeral 11eL.

[0033] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the side parking stand device 20 can be in a storage position (folded position, see FIG. 1 ) in which the front end side (grounding portion 24 side) of the parking stand member (parking stand rod) 21 is raised to the rear of the rotation shaft 25. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 ) and the upright position (use position, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 ). Figure 2 、 Figure 4 The state is called the parking rack storage state. Figure 3 、 Figure 5 The state is called the parking stand upright state. In the figure, line C1 represents the central axis of the rotation shaft 25.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The side parking stand device 20 is mounted on the left side (left lower frame 16cL) of the pair of left and right lower frames 16c. The side parking stand device 20 includes a parking stand bracket 31 fixed to the left lower frame 16cL and a parking stand member 21 rotatably supported by the parking stand bracket 31.

[0035] Figure 6 is a side view of the parking rack member 21 viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft 25, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII-VII sectional view.

[0036] Hereinafter, the parking rack member 21 will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the description will be made of the form of the parking rack member 21 in the parking rack stored state.

[0037] Reference Figures 2 to 7The rack member 21 extends linearly from its base end (toward the rack bracket 31) to its front end (toward the ground contact portion 24). The rack member 21 includes a pivot portion (base portion) 22 pivotally connected to the vehicle body (the rack bracket 31); a ground contact portion 24 that separates from the pivot portion 22 toward the front end and contacts the ground when the rack is in the upright position; and a plate-shaped connecting portion (arm portion) 23 extending linearly between the pivot portion 22 and the ground contact portion 24 to connect the pivot portion 22 and the ground contact portion 24. The rack member 21 is formed integrally as a forged component made of, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0038] The pivot portion 22 is in the shape of two forks that sandwich the parking rack connection portion 32 of the flat parking rack bracket 31 in the plate thickness direction. The pivot portion 22 includes two pairs of plate portions 22a and 22b. The two plate portions 22a and 22b are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the plate thickness direction of the parking rack connection portion 32. A groove portion 22c is formed between the two plate portions 22a and 22b, into which the parking rack connection portion 32 can be inserted so as to rotate relative to each other. Shaft insertion holes for the rotation shaft 25 to pass through are coaxially formed in the two plate portions 22a and 22b. The parking rack switch (rotary switch) 25d that detects when the parking rack is in the upright state is coaxially arranged further outside the plate portion 22a on the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] With the rack connection portion 32 of the rack bracket 31 inserted into the groove portion 22 c of the pivot portion 22 , the rotation shaft 25 passing through the pivot portion 22 and the rack connection portion 32 is installed, thereby rotatably connecting (supporting) the rack member 21 to the rack bracket 31 via the rotation shaft 25 .

[0040] The rotation axis 25 is tilted upward so that it is positioned upward as it moves toward the vehicle width outer side. Consequently, when the rack member 21 rotates from the stowed position to the upright position, it extends outward in the vehicle width direction. Consequently, the grounding portion 24 is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction, making it easier to support the vehicle body in the upright position. Furthermore, when the rack member 21 is in the stowed position, it is prevented from extending outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when the vehicle body is tilted, the rack member 21 is less likely to contact the ground. Alternatively, the rotation axis 25 may be tilted so that it is positioned forward or rearward as it moves toward the vehicle width outer side.

[0041] In the stowed state, the connecting portion 23 is arranged with its plate thickness direction (arrow in the figure) oriented in the vehicle width direction. The plate thickness direction of the connecting portion 23 is inclined relative to the vehicle width direction so that the connecting portion 23 is positioned upward in the vehicle vertical direction as it moves toward the vehicle width direction outer side. Figure 5 The middle arrow F1 indicates the extending direction between the pivot portion 22 and the grounding portion 24 in the connecting portion 23 . Figure 4Arrows F2 in FIG. 1 indicate the plate width direction of the entire upper and lower edge portions in the cross section of the connecting portion 23 . Figure 4 Arrow F3 in FIG. 1 indicates the plate thickness direction at the center of the plate width in the cross section of the connecting portion 23 .

[0042] Of the pair of side edges along the extension direction of the connection portion 23, the side edge portion located on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction (and on the outer side in the vehicle width direction) when the stand is stowed is referred to as the upper edge portion 23c, and the side edge portion located on the lower side in the vehicle vertical direction (and on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) when the stand is stowed is referred to as the lower edge portion 23d. The upper edge portion 23c extends substantially horizontally in the stowed state, except for the base end side (front end side). The base end side (front end side) of the upper edge portion 23c is partially cut off at a gentle inclination so that the plate width of the connection portion 23 decreases as it approaches the base end side. The base end side (front end side) of the upper edge portion 23c is connected to the pivot portion 22 after the plate width is narrowed. The lower edge portion 23d extends substantially horizontally as a whole in the stowed state, and the base end side (front end side) is originally connected to the pivot portion 22.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 7 When the stand is stowed, a raised portion 26 is formed on the inner side of the upper edge 23c of the connecting portion 23 in the vehicle width direction, protruding inward in the plate thickness direction. The raised portion 26 has a tapered triangular shape in cross-section and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, thickening the upper edge 23c of the connecting portion 23 in the plate thickness direction. The raised portion 26 forms a substantially horizontal raised upper surface portion 26a that faces upward in the vehicle vertical direction when the stand is stowed. Furthermore, the raised portion 26 forms a top portion 26b located inward in the vehicle width direction when the stand is stowed, and a raised lower surface portion 26c that extends obliquely downward and outward from the top portion 26b in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] A locking hook 29 is provided at an intermediate portion (not limited to the center) in the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the connection portion 23 of the parking rack member 21 for locking one end (rear end) of the parking rack spring (tension coil spring) SP. The locking hook 29 is, for example, integrally formed with (or may be welded to) the connection portion 23.

[0045] A protrusion (footrest) 27 is provided at the front end of the connection portion 23. When the rack is stowed, the protrusion 27 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction along with the grounding portion 24, allowing the user to use their feet to rotate the rack member 21. The protrusion 27 is, for example, integrally formed with (and may be welded to) the connection portion 23 and the grounding portion 24. The protrusion 27 will be described in detail later.

[0046] The connecting portion 23 has an outer surface portion 23a facing outward in the vehicle width direction and an inner surface portion 23b facing inward in the vehicle width direction. The connecting portion 23 has a curved cross-sectional shape that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction. The concave inner surface portion 23b is located below the raised portion 26 when the parking stand is stored. The upper portion of the inner surface portion 23b rises and merges with the raised lower surface portion 26c of the raised portion 26 with an increasing curvature. The upper portion of the inner surface portion 23b is arranged so as to form an obtuse angle with the raised lower surface portion 26c when viewed in cross section. The upper portion of the outer surface portion 23a is arranged so as to form an acute angle with the raised upper surface portion 26a when viewed in cross section.

[0047] When the stand is stowed, the concave inner surface portion 23b is concealed from above by the raised portion 26. Thus, even when the stand is stowed, the user cannot visually detect the concave shape (weight-reducing shape) of the connection portion 23, even when viewing the stand's surroundings from above. When the stand is stowed, the connection portion 23 curves along the outer cover surface 11e1 of the left floor side cover 11eL, creating an appearance that is integrated with the left floor side cover 11eL. The shape of the connection portion 23 is not necessarily limited to a curved plate. The connection portion 23 may also be a flat plate, and can take an appropriate form depending on the surrounding shape.

[0048] When the parking rack member 21 rotates from the stowed position to the erected position, the upper edge 23c of the connecting portion 23 moves toward the end of the connecting portion 23 on the outside in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the raised portion 26 is located at the end of the connecting portion 23 on the outside in the vehicle width direction when the rack is erected, with the raised upper surface 26a facing outward in the vehicle width direction. When the rack is erected, the outer surface 23a of the connecting portion 23 faces outward and forward in the vehicle width direction from the front of the connecting portion 23. The concave inner surface 23b is concealed inward in the vehicle width direction when the rack is erected. This makes the lightweight shape of the connecting portion 23 invisible when the rack is erected, creating an appearance where the thickness of the plate-shaped connecting portion 23 has been increased due to the raised upper surface 26a.

[0049] Reference Figure 6 、 Figure 7 When viewed in the direction in which the connecting portion 23 extends, the grounding portion 24 forms a grounding surface 24a that is larger than the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 23. When viewed in the direction in which the connecting portion 23 extends, the grounding portion 24 expands outward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction relative to the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 23, and also partially protrudes downward and inward in the vehicle width direction in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 25.

[0050] A protrusion 27 is formed on the upper edge 23c of the connection portion 23 at a portion on the grounding portion 24 side in the extension direction (a portion adjacent to the grounding portion 24). The protrusion 27 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction of the grounding portion 24 and serves as an operating portion when the user rotates the parking rack member 21. The protrusion 27 is integrated by connecting the end portion on the grounding portion 24 side to the extension portion 24b of the grounding portion 24. The grounding portion 24 extends outward in the vehicle width direction corresponding to the protrusion 27. The protrusion amount (extension amount) of the grounding portion 24 and the protrusion 27 from the rear of the connection portion 23 to the outside in the vehicle width direction is the same. The extension portion 24b of the grounding portion 24 extends slightly obliquely toward the base end side, extending the grounding surface 24a outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] Reference Figures 2 to 7 The protrusion 27 is formed parallel to the raised upper surface 26a and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. The protrusion 27 (and the extension 24b of the ground contact portion 24) protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the cover outer surface (imaginary surface) 11e1 of the left floor side cover 11eL, making it easier for the user to step on it. The protrusion 27 is in a substantially horizontal plate shape and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby less likely to disrupt the flow of traveling air. A curved surface 28, which is concave when viewed from the vehicle width direction, is formed between the rear portion of the outer surface 23a of the ground contact portion 24, the lower surface 27b of the protrusion 27, and the front surface 24c of the extension 24b of the ground contact portion 24. This smoothes the change in the cross-sectional shape of the parking rack member 21. The protrusion 27 has a front edge 27c that is positioned more rearward as it approaches the vehicle width direction, thereby narrowing the vehicle's front-to-back width (front-to-back width) as it approaches the vehicle width direction.

[0052] The protrusion 27 is formed in a substantially swept-back wing shape when viewed from above. A front end portion of the protrusion 27 is formed with a front end bent portion 27d that is bent upward to make it easier for the user to step on it.

[0053] The parking stand placement area of the left floor side cover 11eL is formed with a housing recess 34, described later, which partially cuts away the cover outer surface 11e1. This allows the cover outer surface 11e1 in the parking stand placement area, while a virtual surface, to be continuous with the surrounding cover outer surfaces 11e1. For example, the cover outer surface 11e1 in the parking stand placement area is formed bilaterally symmetrically with the cover outer surface 11e1 of the right floor side cover 11e.

[0054] When the parking rack member 21 is in the stowed position, the protrusion 27 forms a protruding upper surface portion 27a facing upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The protruding upper surface portion 27a and the raised upper surface portion 26a are formed continuously and flatly (in the embodiment, on the same plane). The protruding upper surface portion 27a and the raised upper surface portion 26a are connected to each other in a flat shape (on the same plane) without any steps or the like. The protruding upper surface portion 27a and the raised upper surface portion 26a may also have a gentle curve to a degree that does not cause stress concentration.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 5 The parking rack bracket 31 is a flat plate oriented orthogonally to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 25. It is formed from a steel plate having the same thickness as the plates 22a and 22b of the pivot portion 22 and is secured to the left lower frame 16cL by welding or bolting. The parking rack bracket 31 includes a parking rack connection portion 32 that is rotatably inserted into the groove 22c of the pivot portion 22. A shaft insertion hole is formed in the parking rack connection portion 32, through which the shaft portion of the rotation shaft 25 passes. When the parking rack connection portion 32 is inserted into the groove 22c of the pivot portion 22, the shaft insertion hole is coaxial with the shaft insertion holes provided in the pair of plates 22a and 22b of the pivot portion 22.

[0056] The parking rack connecting portion 32 has stoppers 32a1 and 32a2 formed on the outer periphery thereof to limit the rotational position of the parking rack member 21 in the stowed state and the upright state, respectively. The pivot portion 22 of the parking rack member 21 has stopper contact surfaces 22d1 and 22d2 formed thereon to contact the stoppers 32a1 and 32a2, respectively.

[0057] The pivot shaft 25 includes a so-called shoulder bolt 25a as its main shaft body. The shoulder bolt 25a is inserted into and removed from the respective insertion holes of the pivot portion 22 and the parking rack connection portion 32 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The shoulder bolt 25a includes a head portion located outside in the vehicle width direction, a shaft portion connected to the inside of the head portion in the vehicle width direction, and a threaded shaft protruding inside the pivot portion 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] The shaft of the shoulder bolt 25a passes through the shaft insertion hole of the plate portion 22a on the vehicle width outer side of the pivot portion 22 and the shaft insertion hole of the parking rack connection portion 32. The threaded shaft of the shoulder bolt 25a passes through the shaft insertion hole of the plate portion 22b on the vehicle width inner side of the pivot portion 22. The nut 25b is screwed onto the threaded shaft protruding inwardly from the vehicle width inner side of the pivot portion 22, thereby securing the shoulder bolt 25a to the vehicle width inner side plate portion 22b. In this state, the pivot portion 22 is rotatably connected (supported) to the parking rack connection portion 32 via the shoulder bolt 25a.

[0059] The rack bracket 31 has a locking portion that locks the other end (front end) of the rack spring SP. Tension in the rack spring SP is applied between the locking hook 29 of the rack member 21 and the locking portion of the rack bracket 31. The rack spring SP maintains the rack member 21 in either the upright or stowed position through its own tension. The direction of force applied by the rack spring SP to the rack member 21 switches at the midpoint of its rotational range. When near the upright position, the rack member 21 is urged toward the upright position; when near the stowed position, it is urged toward the stowed position.

[0060] <Parking Rack Storage Recess 34>

[0061] Reference Figures 2 to 5 A storage recess 34 for storing the parking rack member 21 in the storage position is formed in the left floor side cover 11eL covering the periphery of the parking rack bracket 31.

[0062] Referring to the cross section, the storage recess 34 is formed so as to be recessed inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the curved cover outer surface 11e1 of the left floor side cover 11eL, which is convex outward and downward in the vehicle width direction. The storage recess 34 includes a substantially horizontal upper wall portion 34a that covers the upper end of the parking rack storage space, and an inner wall portion 34b that extends obliquely downward and inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner end of the upper wall portion 34a in the vehicle width direction.

[0063] Here, a plate-shaped frame member 16e is attached to the position where the left and right lower frames 16c overlap with the rear portion of the storage recess 34 when viewed from the side, so as to sandwich the tubular left lower frame 16cL in the vehicle width direction. To avoid this frame member 16e, a projection (bulge) 36 is formed on the inner wall portion 34b of the storage recess 34, extending downward and outward in the vehicle width direction. The projection 36 includes a longitudinal wall portion 36a extending downward from near the outer end of the upper wall portion 34a, and a transverse wall portion 36b extending substantially horizontally inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the longitudinal wall portion 36a. The corners of the longitudinal wall portion 36a and the transverse wall portion 36b form the top 36c of the projection 36. Reference numeral 16f in the figure indicates a transverse frame connecting the left and right lower frames 16c.

[0064] The extension portion 36 overlaps the connection portion 23 of the parking rack member 21 in the stowed position when viewed from the side.

[0065] At this time, the connection portion 23 is plate-shaped with its thickness oriented in the vehicle width direction, thereby ensuring a sufficient gap with the extension portion 36. The top portion 36c of the extension portion 36 is close to the extension of the rotation region R1 of the parking rack member 21 (a hypothetical region extending the rotation region R1 in the circumferential direction). However, the top portion 36c of the extension portion 36 is located below the upper end of the connection portion 23 of the parking rack member 21 in the stowed position in the vehicle vertical direction. Therefore, the raised portion 26 formed on the upper edge 23c of the connection portion 23 is less likely to approach the top portion 36c of the extension portion 36, thereby preventing a localized decrease in the gap between the extension portion 36 and the parking rack member 21.

[0066] As described above, the side parking frame structure in the above embodiment includes a parking frame member 21 that is axially supported on the left and right sides of the vehicle body and is arranged to be rotatable between an upright position and a stowed position. The parking frame member 21 includes a pivot portion 22 connected to the vehicle body so as to be rotatable, a grounding portion 24 that contacts the ground when the parking frame member 21 is in the upright position, and a plate-shaped connecting portion 23 that connects the pivot portion 22 and the grounding portion 24. When the parking frame member 21 is in the stowed position, the connecting portion 23 is arranged with the plate thickness direction F3 facing the vehicle width direction. The upper edge portion 23c of the side edge portion of the connecting portion 23 includes a raised portion 26 that is raised inward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction F3. The side edge portion is connected along the pivot portion 22 and the grounding portion 24. In the extension direction F1 between the grounding portions 24, the upper edge portion 23c is located on the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction when the parking rack member 21 is in the storage position, and the portion of the upper edge portion 23c on the side of the grounding portion 24 in the extension direction F1 (the portion adjacent to the grounding portion 24) is provided with a protrusion 27, and the protrusion 27 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction F3, and serves as an operating portion for rotating the parking rack member 21, and the raised portion 26 and the protrusion 27 respectively include a raised upper surface portion 26a and a protruding upper surface portion 27a facing upward in the vehicle up-down direction when the parking rack member 21 is in the storage position, and the raised upper surface portion 26a and the protruding upper surface portion 27a are formed continuously on the same plane with each other.

[0067] According to this structure, the parking rack member 21 having the plate-shaped connecting portion (arm portion) 23 can achieve weight reduction of the parking rack member 21 and improve the appearance by making the wide surface of the connecting portion 23 on one side in the plate thickness direction F3 a visually appealing surface. The raised portion (thick wall portion) 26, which serves as a reinforcement of the connecting portion 23, is flush with the protruding portion 27, which serves as the rotational operating portion of the parking rack member 21. This allows the input during parking rack operation to be dispersed along the extension direction (longitudinal direction F1) of the parking rack member 21, allowing it to be effectively absorbed.

[0068] In the above-mentioned side parking rack structure, the connecting portion 23 has an outer surface portion 23a facing outward in the vehicle width direction and an inner surface portion 23b facing inward in the vehicle width direction. When the parking rack member 21 is in the storage position, the inner surface portion 23b is located below the raised portion 26.

[0069] According to this structure, when the parking rack member 21 is in the stored position, the inner surface of the connection portion 23 is located below the raised portion 26, thereby making the inner surface of the connection portion 23 difficult to see and improving the appearance.

[0070] In the above-mentioned side parking stand structure, when the parking stand member 21 is in the upright position, the raised portion 26 is located at the end portion of the connecting portion 23 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0071] According to this structure, the raised portion 26 formed on one side edge of the plate-shaped connecting portion 23 is located at the end portion on the outside in the vehicle width direction when the parking stand is in the upright state. As a result, the plate-shaped connecting portion 23 appears thick when the parking stand is in the upright state, and the inner surface side of the connecting portion 23 is difficult to observe, which can improve the appearance.

[0072] In the above-mentioned side parking stand structure, there is provided a vehicle body cover member (left floor side cover 11eL) covering the periphery of the parking stand support portion (parking stand bracket 31) in the vehicle body, and the left floor side cover 11eL has a storage recess 34 for storing the parking stand member 21 in the storage position, and an extension portion 36 is provided on the inner side of the storage recess 34 and extends toward the inner surface portion 23b of the parking stand member 21 in the storage position.

[0073] According to this structure, the storage recess 34 for storing the parking rack member 21 in the storage position is provided with a protruding portion 36 that protrudes toward the inner surface side of the parking rack member 21. As a result, when the parking rack is in the stored state, the parking rack member 21 and the left floor side cover 11eL are closer together, and the gap between the parking rack member 21 and the left floor side cover 11eL can be reduced, thereby improving the appearance.

[0074] Although the storage recess 34 is concave when viewed from outside the vehicle, even if there is a structure such as the vehicle frame 16 inside the storage recess 34, the extension portion 36 covers the structure, thereby hiding the structure and improving the appearance of the parking stand in the upright state, and ensuring a gap between the structure and the left floor side cover 11eL to suppress interference between vehicle components.

[0075] In the above-mentioned side parking rack structure, at least the end portion (top portion 36c) of the protruding portion 36 on the side of the inner surface portion 23b is close to an imaginary area extending the rotation area R1 of the parking rack member 21 in the circumferential direction, and the end portion (top portion 36c) of the protruding portion 36 is located below the connecting portion 23 of the parking rack member 21 in the storage position in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0076] According to this structure, the end portion (top portion 36c) of the extension portion 36 on the inner surface side of the parking rack is close to the extended portion 24b of the rotation area R1 of the parking rack member 21, and the top portion 36c of the extension portion 36 is arranged at a position lower than the connecting portion 23. As a result, the raised portion 26 can be arranged at a position higher than the top portion 36c of the extension portion 36, and the parking rack member 21 can be efficiently stored while avoiding the raised portion 26.

[0077] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the side stand structure of this embodiment can be applied to any straddle-type vehicle other than a motorcycle as long as the vehicle has a side stand.

[0078] The straddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver rides astride the vehicle body, including not only motorized two-wheeled vehicles (including bicycles and small motorcycle-type vehicles with a prime mover), but also three-wheeled (in addition to vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, also including vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled (four-wheeled buggies, etc.) vehicles.

[0079] Furthermore, the configuration in the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

Claims

1. A side parking rack structure, wherein: The side parking frame structure includes a parking frame member, which is pivotally supported on the left and right sides of the vehicle body and is arranged to be rotatable between an upright position and a storage position. The parking rack component comprises: a base portion rotatably connected to the vehicle body; a ground contact portion that contacts the ground when the parking rack member is in the raised position; and a plate-shaped connecting portion connecting the base portion and the ground portion, When the parking rack member is in the storage position, the connecting portion is arranged with the plate thickness direction facing the vehicle width direction. The upper edge of the side edge of the connecting portion includes a raised portion that bulges inward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction, the side edge portion extending along the direction between the base portion and the ground contact portion, and the upper edge portion is located on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction when the parking rack member is in the stored position. The upper edge portion is provided with a protruding portion on the ground contact side in the extending direction. The protruding portion protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction in the plate thickness direction and serves as an operating portion for rotating the parking rack member. The raised portion and the protruding portion respectively include a raised upper surface portion and a protruding upper surface portion facing upward in the vehicle vertical direction when the parking rack member is in the stored position. The raised upper surface portion and the protruding upper surface portion are formed to be continuous with each other in a flat shape.

2. The side parking frame structure according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion includes an outer surface portion facing outward in the vehicle width direction and an inner surface portion facing inward in the vehicle width direction. When the parking rack member is in the stowed position, the inner surface portion is located below the raised portion.

3. The side parking frame structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the parking rack member is in the upright position, the raised portion is located at an end portion of the connecting portion on an outer side in the vehicle width direction.

4. The side parking frame structure according to claim 2, wherein: The side stand structure includes a vehicle body cover member that covers the periphery of the stand support portion in the vehicle body. The vehicle body cover member includes a storage recess for storing the parking rack member in the storage position. A protruding portion is provided on an inner side of the housing recessed portion so as to protrude toward the inner surface of the parking rack member in the housing position.

5. The side parking rack structure according to claim 4, wherein: At least the end portion of the protruding portion on the inner surface side is close to an imaginary area extending the rotation area of the parking rack member in the circumferential direction. An end portion of the protruding portion is located below the connecting portion of the parking rack member in the storage position in the vehicle up-down direction.

Images