Saddle type vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a saddle type vehicle, which effectively utilizes the space vacated on the inner side in the vehicle width direction to easily configure a balancer and easily restrain the increase of the vehicle width. A saddle-type vehicle is provided with: a front wheel brake operation tool (21r) for operating a front wheel brake (51) for braking a front wheel (13); and a rear wheel brake operating member (53) that actuates a rear wheel brake (52) that brakes the rear wheel (15), one end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member (53) via a balancer (63), and the other end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected to the front wheel brake (51), whereby the rear wheel brake operating member (53) actuates a rear wheel brake (52) that brakes the rear wheel (15). An interlocking brake (61) for operating both the rear wheel brake (52) and the front wheel brake (51) by the operation of the rear wheel brake operator (53) is provided, and the balancer (63) has an offset portion (71b) that is offset inward in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a saddle-riding vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As a linked brake structure for a saddle-riding type vehicle, the following structure is known: a brake handle serving as a rear-wheel brake operating member for operating the front-wheel brake for braking the front wheel, and a brake pedal serving as a rear-wheel brake operating member for operating the rear-wheel brake for braking the rear wheel, one end of the linked brake cable is connected to the brake pedal via a balancer, and the other end of the linked brake cable is connected to the front-wheel brake, thereby operating both the rear-wheel brake and the front-wheel brake by operating the brake pedal (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6655728 Utility Model Content

[0006] Technical problems to be solved by the utility model

[0007] However, when the frame of a saddle-ride type vehicle adopts a frame structure in which a main frame branches to the left and right, the space available on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is limited by the side frames branching to the left and right from the main frame.

[0008] However, when adopting a linked brake structure, it is necessary to consider the clearance of the movable range of the balancer, and therefore it is necessary to expand the space in the vehicle width direction, which may lead to an increase in the vehicle width.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to effectively utilize the space left inside in the vehicle width direction to facilitate arrangement of the balancer and to easily suppress increase in vehicle width.

[0010] Means for solving technical problems

[0011] The utility model provides a saddle-riding type vehicle, which comprises: a front-wheel brake operating member, which operates the front-wheel brake for braking the front wheel; and a rear-wheel brake operating member, which operates the rear-wheel brake for braking the rear wheel. The saddle-riding type vehicle is provided with a linkage brake, in which one end of the linkage brake cable is connected to the rear-wheel brake operating member via an equalizer, and the other end of the linkage brake cable is connected to the front-wheel brake, thereby operating the rear-wheel brake and the front-wheel brake, wherein the equalizer has a biasing portion biased toward the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] In addition, a saddle-riding type vehicle is provided. In the above-mentioned saddle-riding type vehicle, the frame of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching from the main frame in the left and right directions, and the balancer has: a first connecting member, which is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and has the offset portion; and a second connecting member, which is connected to the first connecting member and connected to one end of the linkage brake cable, and when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the second connecting member overlaps with the side frame.

[0013] In addition, a saddle-riding type vehicle is provided. In the above-mentioned saddle-riding type vehicle, the saddle-riding type vehicle has a swing arm supporting the rear wheel, and the balancer has: a first connecting component, which is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and has the biasing portion; and a second connecting component, which is connected to the first connecting component and connected to one end of the linkage brake cable, when viewed along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, at least a portion of the second connecting component overlaps with the swing arm in the upper and lower directions.

[0014] In addition, a saddle-riding type vehicle is provided. In the above-mentioned saddle-riding type vehicle, the frame of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching from the main frame in the left and right directions, the balancer has a first connecting component, the first connecting component is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and is connected to one end of the linkage brake cable, and the first connecting component has the offset portion, and when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the offset portion overlaps with the side frame.

[0015] Furthermore, there is provided a saddle-ride type vehicle. In the above-mentioned saddle-ride type vehicle, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes a swing arm that supports the rear wheel, and at least a portion of the first connecting member overlaps with the swing arm in a vehicle body vertical direction.

[0016] Furthermore, there is provided a saddle-ride type vehicle, wherein in the above-mentioned saddle-ride type vehicle, a member having the offset portion in the balancer is formed of a single plate-shaped member.

[0017] Utility model effect

[0018] According to the present invention, the space left inside in the vehicle width direction can be effectively utilized to easily arrange the balancer, and thus the increase in vehicle width can be easily suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a right side view showing the main parts of the interlocking brake mechanism.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the interlocking brake mechanism from the upper right.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main parts of the interlocking brake mechanism from the rear.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the main parts of an interlocking brake mechanism according to another embodiment from the rear.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the main parts of an interlocking brake mechanism according to another embodiment from the right side.

[0025] Description of labels

[0026] 10: Saddle-riding vehicles;

[0027] 13: front wheel;

[0028] 15: rear wheel;

[0029] 16: Arm swing;

[0030] 20a: first rear frame (side frame);

[0031] 20b: Second rear frame (side frame);

[0032] 21: handle;

[0033] 21r: brake handle (front wheel brake operating part);

[0034] 41: Main frame;

[0035] 41b: Sub-bracket part (side frame);

[0036] 43: Intake system components (vehicle body mounted components);

[0037] 44: Battery (vehicle body mounted component);

[0038] 51: front wheel brake;

[0039] 51a: front wheel brake cable (first front wheel braking force transmission component);

[0040] 51b: linkage brake cable (second front wheel braking force transmission component);

[0041] 52: rear wheel brake;

[0042] 52a: brake lever (rear wheel braking force transmission component);

[0043] 53: brake pedal (rear wheel brake operating member);

[0044] 61: linkage brake mechanism (linkage brake);

[0045] 62a-62c: connecting pins;

[0046] 63: Balancer;

[0047] 65: connecting rod;

[0048] 66: force applying component;

[0049] 71: first connecting plate (first connecting member);

[0050] 71a: first plate portion;

[0051] 71b: second plate portion;

[0052] 72: Second connecting plate (second connecting member). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down are assumed to be the same as those relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In the figures, the reference number "front" indicates the front of the vehicle body, the reference number "up" indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the reference number "left" indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0054] [Implementation Method]

[0055] Figure 1 It is a side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle including a frame 11 , a power unit 12 supported by the frame 11 , a front fork 14 steerably supporting a front wheel 13 , a swing arm 16 supporting a rear wheel 15 , and a passenger seat 17 .

[0057] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a passenger sits astride on a seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear portion of the vehicle frame 11.

[0058] The vehicle frame 11 includes a front stem 18 provided at the front end of the vehicle frame 11 , a front frame 19 located behind the front stem 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 stem 18 .

[0059] The seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 20 .

[0060] The front fork 14 is supported by a front seat tube 18 so as to be steerable left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21 gripped by a rider is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0061] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot 22 supported on the vehicle frame 11. The pivot 22 is a shaft extending horizontally 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.

[0062] The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15 a provided at the rear end portion of a swing arm 16 .

[0063] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported by the vehicle frame 11 .

[0064] The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder 24 that accommodates a reciprocating piston. An exhaust port of the cylinder 24 is connected to an exhaust system 25 .

[0065] The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheels 15 via a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheels 15 .

[0066] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 also includes 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 step 28 for a passenger to rest their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12 .

[0067] A front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. A rear fender 27 and a step 28 are provided below the seat 17. A fuel tank 29 is supported by the vehicle frame 11.

[0068] A pair of left and right pedals 28 are provided below the pivot 22 and serve as driver's pedals. A fuel tank 29 is provided in front of the seat 17 and above the power unit 12 and is supported by the front frame 19.

[0069] The fuel tank 29 is an example of an "energy storage unit" in the present invention. The energy storage unit may also be a battery, a fuel cell, or the like. That is, the saddle-riding vehicle 10 to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to vehicles powered by fuels such as gasoline. It may also be an electric vehicle equipped with a power unit 12 having an electric motor, driven by electricity from an energy storage unit, such as a battery 44 or a fuel cell.

[0070] The front frame 19 includes a main frame 41 that branches left and right toward the rear. The main frame 41 includes a center frame portion 41a extending rearward from the front standpipe 18 at the center of the vehicle width, and branch frame portions 41b that branch left and right from the rear of the center frame portion 41a and extend with a higher front and lower rear position.

[0071] The rear frame 20 includes left and right first rear frames 20a extending rearward from the middle portion of the main frame 41, and left and right second rear frames 20b extending from the left and right sub-frame portions 41b with a lower front portion and a higher rear portion. The first rear frames 20a and the second rear frames 20b can also be said to be seat rails that support the seat 17.

[0072] The left and right branch frame portions 41 b , the left and right first rear frames 20 a , and the left and right second rear frames 20 b constitute a pair of side frames branching to the left and right from the main frame 41 .

[0073] Air intake system components 43, including a fuel supply system and an air cleaner box, are located behind the cylinder unit 24. At least a portion of the air intake system components 43 is located within a space SP1 surrounded by the main frame 41 and the first and second left and right rear frames 20a and 20b. A battery 44, one of the electrical components, is also located within space SP1. In this configuration, the battery 44 is housed on one side (right side) of space SP1 in the vehicle width direction, while the air intake system components 43 are housed on the other side (left side) of space SP1 in the vehicle width direction.

[0074] The space SP1 is, for example, a space that is covered by the side covers from the outside in the vehicle width direction and cannot be seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] An exhaust pipe 25a is connected to the front of the cylinder 24. The exhaust pipe 25a extends downward in front of the cylinder 24 and then extends rearward below the power unit 12. An exhaust muffler 25b is connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 25a. The exhaust muffler 25b is located on the left and right sides of the swing arm 16 and rear wheel 15 (in this embodiment, the right side). The exhaust pipe 25a and the exhaust muffler 25b constitute the exhaust device 25. The structure and shape of the exhaust device 25 can also be modified as appropriate. In addition, a kick starter pedal 23p is located on the right side of the crankcase 23 and above the pedal 28.

[0076] The saddle-riding vehicle 10 includes a front-wheel brake 51 for braking the front wheel 13 and a rear-wheel brake 52 for braking the rear wheel 15. The front-wheel brake 51 is connected to a brake handle 21r via a front-wheel brake cable 51a, which functions as a first front-wheel braking force transmission member. The brake handle 21r is located on one of the left and right ends of the handlebar 21 (the right side in this embodiment) and functions as a front-wheel brake operating member manually operated by the passenger (driver). When the passenger operates the brake handle 21r, the front-wheel brake 51 is activated, applying braking force to the front wheel 13.

[0077] The front wheel brake 51 employs a disc brake, a type of hydraulic brake. When a hydraulic brake is employed, a master cylinder is provided to generate hydraulic pressure corresponding to the braking operation, and a hydraulic hose is used for the front wheel brake cable 51a. The front wheel brake 51 is not limited to a disc brake and may be a braking device other than a disc brake, such as a drum brake.

[0078] The rear wheel brake 52 is connected to a brake pedal 53 via a brake lever 52a, which functions as a rear wheel braking force transmission member. The brake pedal 53 is provided around one of the left and right pedals 28 (the right side) and functions as a rear wheel brake operating member operated by the passenger's foot. When the passenger operates the brake pedal 53, the rear wheel brake 52 is activated, applying braking force to the rear wheel 15.

[0079] The rear wheel brake 52 employs a drum brake, a type of mechanical brake. The rear wheel brake 52 is not limited to a drum brake and may also be a braking device other than a drum brake. Furthermore, the brake lever 52a may be replaced with a brake cable, etc., which can serve as a rear wheel braking force transmission member.

[0080] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 of this structure is provided with an interlocking brake mechanism 61 that operates both the front wheel brake 51 and the rear wheel brake 52 by operating the brake pedal 53. The interlocking brake mechanism 61 may also be referred to as an interlocking brake, an interlocking brake structure, or an interlocking brake device.

[0081] Figure 2 : is a right side view showing the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the brake pedal 53 in a state where the brake is not operated is indicated by a solid line, and the brake pedal 53 in a state where the brake is operated is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 from the upper right. Figure 3 A state in which the area corresponding to the brake pedal 53 is cut off is shown.

[0082] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a balancer 63 is connected to the rear of the brake pedal 53 via a connecting pin 62a extending in the vehicle width direction. The balancer 63 includes a first connecting plate 71 connected to the brake pedal 53 via the connecting pin 62a and a second connecting plate 72 connected to the first connecting plate 71.

[0083] In this embodiment, the swing arm 16 widens toward the vehicle width outer side as it approaches the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 3 ), therefore, at least a portion of the balancer 63 is substantially arranged above the swing arm 16 (equivalent to a position overlapping in the up-down direction when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body).

[0084] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main portion of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 from the rear.

[0085] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting plate 71 is formed from a single plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction. The first connecting plate 71 is rotatably connected to the brake pedal 53 via the connecting pin 62a. The first connecting plate 71 integrally comprises a first plate portion 71a extending downward in one longitudinal direction relative to the location of the connecting pin 62a, and a second plate portion 71b extending upward in the other longitudinal direction relative to the location of the connecting pin 62a. The front end of the brake lever 52a is connected to the lower portion of the first plate portion 71a. The rear end of the brake lever 52a is connected to the rear wheel brake 52.

[0086] The middle portion 71c between the first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b is formed as an inclined plate that tilts inward in the vehicle width direction toward the second plate portion 71b when viewed in the vehicle body front-to-back direction. The second plate portion 71b extends upward from the middle portion 71c, thereby offsetting the second plate portion 71b inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the first plate portion 71a. The second plate portion 71b is parallel to the first plate portion 71a and extends in the vertical direction. This second plate portion 71b constitutes the offset portion of the first connecting plate 71 that is offset inward in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the second plate portion 71b does not need to be parallel to the first plate portion 71a and can be modified in shape as appropriate.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower portion of the second connecting plate 72 is rotatably connected to the upper portion of the second plate portion 71b via a connecting pin 62b extending along the vehicle width. Connected to the upper portion of the second connecting plate 72 is one end of the interlocking brake cable 51b, which functions as a second front wheel braking force transmission component. The other end of the interlocking brake cable 51b is connected to the front wheel brake 51, more specifically, to the master cylinder that generates hydraulic pressure for the front wheel brake 51.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, a rear end of a connecting rod 65, corresponding to one end in the front-rear direction, is connected to the upper and lower middle portions of the second connecting plate 72 via a connecting pin 62c extending along the vehicle width direction. A front end of the connecting rod 65, corresponding to the other end in the front-rear direction, is rotatably connected to a cross tube 46, which forms part of the vehicle frame 11, via a bracket 47.

[0089] The cross pipe 46 is a frame member spanning between the left and right bracket portions 41 b , and the stay 47 is a rigid member made of metal or the like extending rearward from the cross pipe 46 .

[0090] The connecting rod 65 is one of the components for setting the swing characteristics of the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72. Therefore, the connecting rod 65 only needs to have an appropriate shape or structure that can obtain the desired swing characteristics.

[0091] The first connecting plate 71, the second connecting plate 72, and the connecting rod 65 are made of a single rigid plate member such as metal. For example, the plates 71, 72, and the connecting rod 65 can be made by bending a flat plate member, or by forming the plate using a mold, and then machining holes for the connecting pins 62a to 62c. However, the structure, shape, and manufacturing method of the plates 71, 72, and the connecting rod 65 can be modified as appropriate.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the main harness 48 is routed below the intake system component 43 and on the vehicle width direction inner side of the second connecting plate 72 .

[0093] The interlocking brake mechanism 61 includes a biasing member 66 for biasing the balancer 63 toward a side that does not cause the front wheel brake 51 and the rear wheel brake 52 to operate. Figure 3 As shown, the urging member 66 is attached to the upper portion of the second connecting plate 72 and urges the second connecting plate 72 clockwise when the vehicle body is viewed from the right side. The urging member 66 in this embodiment is a coil spring, but may be a urging member other than a coil spring.

[0094] When the brake pedal 53 is operated, the first connecting plate 71 of the balancer 63 rotates counterclockwise about the connecting pin 62a when viewing the vehicle body from the right side, thereby applying the rear wheel brake 52 via the brake lever 52a. Furthermore, the second connecting plate 72 of the balancer 63 rotates counterclockwise about the connecting pin 62c, thereby applying the front wheel brake 51 via the interlocking brake cable 51b.

[0095] Furthermore, the ratio of the braking force of the front wheel brake 51 to the braking force of the rear wheel brake 52 is set to an appropriate ratio by the balancer 63. Furthermore, the shape and structure of each component of the interlocking brake mechanism 61, as well as the positions of each connecting pin 62a-62c, can be appropriately modified. The interlocking brake cable 51b of this embodiment is a wire-type having an inner wire within an outer cable, but any component that can function as a front wheel braking force transmission component may be used.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, at least a portion of the balancer 63 is disposed within a space SP1 surrounded by the main frame 41, the left and right first rear frames 20a, and the left and right second rear frames 20b. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second connecting plate 72 of the balancer 63 overlaps the second rear frames 20b when viewed from the side of the vehicle body.

[0097] In this structure, if Figure 4 As shown, the second plate portion 71b of the first connecting plate 71 offset inward in the vehicle width direction is arranged inward of the right second rear frame 20b in the vehicle width direction, and the first plate portion 71a is arranged below the second rear frame 20b.

[0098] As described above, the space SP1 houses the air intake system components 43 and the battery 44, which are large components mounted on the vehicle body. Therefore, the space in the vehicle width direction vacant in the space SP1 is limited. For example, the space vacant on the vehicle width direction inner side of the right second rear frame 20b is limited.

[0099] In this manner, even when the space available inwardly of the right second rear frame 20b in the vehicle width direction is limited, the second plate portion 71b, offset inwardly in the vehicle width direction, can be positioned with sufficient clearance. This facilitates positioning the first connecting plate 71 having the second plate portion 71b and the second connecting plate 72 connected to the first connecting plate 71 with an appropriate clearance, without increasing the space SP1 in the vehicle width direction. Consequently, even without increasing the space SP1 in the vehicle width direction, positioning the balancer 63 with an appropriate clearance is facilitated, and even when the interlocking brake mechanism 61 including the balancer 63 is positioned, an increase in vehicle width can be suppressed.

[0100] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, the balancer 63 is arranged using the space within the space SP1 that is located behind the subframe portion 41b of the main frame 41, below the battery 44, and inward in the vehicle width direction of the second rear frame 20b. Therefore, the space below the battery 44 can be effectively utilized to arrange the balancer 63. This also makes it easy to arrange the balancer 63 with an appropriate gap without expanding the space SP1 in the vehicle width direction, thereby easily suppressing an increase in vehicle width.

[0101] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the second plate portion 71b is located on the vehicle widthwise inner side and below the right second rear frame 20b, and the second connecting plate 72 is connected to the vehicle widthwise inner side of the second plate portion 71b. Thus, the second connecting plate 72, which is located on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the right second rear frame 20b and overlaps with the second rear frame 20b in the vehicle widthwise direction, can be arranged by utilizing the space on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the right second rear frame 20b.

[0102] Moreover, if Figure 4As shown, the first plate portion 71a of the first connecting plate 71, which is located below the second plate portion 71b and on the outside in the vehicle width direction, is positioned so as to overlap with the swing arm 16 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the first plate portion 71a to be positioned utilizing the space available on the outside of the swing arm 16 in the vehicle width direction. This facilitates the effective use of a narrow space and facilitates the appropriate placement of the balancer 63.

[0103] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the second connecting plate 72 is positioned so as to vertically overlap the swing arm 16 when viewed in the vehicle body front-rear direction. This allows the second connecting plate 72 to be positioned utilizing the vertically vacant space of the swing arm 16. This also facilitates the effective use of a narrow space and the appropriate placement of the balancer 63.

[0104] As described above, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 of the present embodiment includes the interlocking brake mechanism 61. In this interlocking brake mechanism 61, one end of the interlocking brake cable 51b is connected to the brake pedal 53 via the equalizer 63, and the other end of the interlocking brake cable 51b is connected to the front wheel brake 51. Thus, operation of the brake pedal 53 activates both the rear wheel brake 52 and the front wheel brake 51. The equalizer 63 of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 includes a second plate portion 71b constituting an offset portion that is offset inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0105] According to this structure, the second plate portion 71b offset inward in the vehicle width direction effectively utilizes the space inward in the vehicle width direction, making it easy to arrange the equalizer 63 with an appropriate gap. This makes it easy to suppress the increase in vehicle width associated with the arrangement of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 including the equalizer 63.

[0106] The vehicle frame 11 also includes left and right branch frame portions 41b, which form a pair of side frames that branch leftward and rightward from the main frame 41, and left and right first and second rear frames 20a and 20b. The equalizer 63 includes a first connecting plate 71 connected to the brake pedal 53 and having a second plate portion 71b; and a second connecting plate 72 connected to the first connecting plate 71 and connected to one end of the interlocking brake cable 51b. At least a portion of the second plate portion 71b overlaps with the second rear frame 20b, which forms part of the side frame, when viewed from the side of the vehicle body.

[0107] With this structure, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by the pair of side frames branching leftward and rightward from the main frame 41, the first connecting plate 71 having the second plate portion 71b can be positioned using this narrow space. Furthermore, the second connecting plate 72, connected to the second plate portion 71b, can also be positioned using the space inside the vehicle width direction. This allows the first and second connecting plates 71, 72 to be positioned using the space left inside the vehicle width direction, effectively utilizing the space left inside the vehicle width direction to appropriately position the balancer 63.

[0108] Furthermore, the swing arm 16 supporting the rear wheel 15 is provided, and at least a portion of the second connecting plate 72 vertically overlaps the swing arm 16 when viewed in the vehicle's front-rear direction. This configuration allows the second connecting plate 72 to be positioned using the space above and below the swing arm 16. This facilitates the effective use of the space above and below the swing arm 16 to appropriately position the balancer 63.

[0109] Furthermore, the first connecting plate 71, which includes the second plate portion 71b constituting the offset portion of the balancer 63, is formed from a single plate-shaped member. This facilitates compactness in the vehicle width direction and ease of manufacture. This contributes to a reduction in the number of components of the balancer 63 and a simplification of its structure.

[0110] Furthermore, the shapes and structures of the various parts of the balancer 63, such as the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72, can be appropriately changed. The first connecting plate 71 is an example of the "first connecting member" of the present invention, and the second connecting plate 72 is an example of the "second connecting member" of the present invention.

[0111] [Other embodiments]

[0112] The above-mentioned embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the balancer 63 includes two plate-shaped members including the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 . However, the balancer 63 may include a single connecting plate integrating the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 .

[0114] Figure 5 and Figure 6 : is a diagram showing the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 of another embodiment. More specifically, Figure 5 The main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 of another embodiment is shown from the rear. Figure 6The main parts are shown from the right side. The difference between the interlocking brake mechanism 61 of the other embodiment is that the balancer 63 has a single connecting plate. The single connecting plate is a plate that serves as both the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 of the above embodiment, but since it has the same structure as the first connecting plate 71, the single connecting plate will be referred to as "the first connecting plate 71" below. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the same structures as those in the above embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, the first connecting plate 71 is formed from a single plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported on the brake pedal 53 via the connecting pin 62a. The second plate portion 71b of the first connecting plate 71 extends upward from the upper end of the intermediate portion 71c, forming an offset portion that is offset inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the first plate portion 71a. The second plate portion 71b constitutes the second connecting plate 72 of the aforementioned embodiment, extending above the first connecting plate 71 in the aforementioned embodiment, and is connected to one end of the interlocking brake cable 51b and one end of the biasing member 66.

[0116] In other embodiments, the swing arm 16 also widens toward the outside of the vehicle width as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle, so that at least a portion of the balancer 63 (the second plate portion 71b) is essentially arranged above the swing arm 16 (equivalent to a position overlapping in the upper and lower directions when viewed along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body).

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, the interlocking brake cable 51b is led out to the rear of the balancer 63. Furthermore, the balancer 63 is biased by the force-applying member 66 in a counterclockwise direction when viewing the vehicle from the right. In other embodiments, when the brake pedal 53 is operated, the first connecting plate 71 of the balancer 63 overcomes the force of the force-applying member 66 and rotates about the connecting pin 62a, thereby applying the rear brake 52 via the brake lever 52a and the front brake 51 via the interlocking brake cable 51b. Thus, operation of the brake pedal 53 activates both the rear brake 52 and the front brake 51, applying braking force to the rear wheel 15 and the front wheel 13.

[0118] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, at least a portion of the second plate portion 71b constituting the offset portion overlaps with the second rear frame 20b constituting a portion of a pair of side frames branching leftward and rightward from the main frame 41 when viewed from the side of the vehicle body. Thus, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by the pair of side frames branching leftward and rightward from the main frame 41, the first connecting plate 71 having the second plate portion 71b can be positioned utilizing this narrow space. This facilitates the effective utilization of the space available on the inner side in the vehicle width direction to appropriately position the equalizer 63, and easily suppresses the increase in vehicle width associated with the placement of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 including the equalizer 63.

[0119] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the second plate portion 71b of the first connecting plate 71 vertically overlaps the swing arm 16 when viewed in the vehicle body front-rear direction. With this structure, the first connecting plate 71 can be positioned using the space available in the vertical direction of the swing arm 16, and the space available on the inner side in the vehicle width direction can be effectively utilized to appropriately position the equalizer 63.

[0120] In other embodiments, the first connecting plate 71 is formed from a single plate-shaped member. Therefore, the member having the offset portion, the member connected to the brake lever 52a, and the member connected to the brake pedal 53 can be formed from a single member. Consequently, these members are made compact in the vehicle width direction and can be easily and simply manufactured, which contributes to reducing the number of components of the balancer 63 and simplifying the structure of the balancer 63.

[0121] In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration is described in which the brake handle 21 r and the brake pedal 53 are provided as the front wheel brake operating element and the rear wheel brake operating element, but each operating element may be modified as appropriate.

[0122] In each embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is exemplified as including the power unit 12 as an internal combustion engine. However, the power unit 12 may be an electric motor driven by electricity. In other words, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle driven by an electric motor.

[0123] In addition, in each embodiment, the present invention is applied to Figure 1 The present invention is applied to a motorcycle and a linkage brake mechanism (linked brake) mounted thereon, but is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to any saddle-type vehicle or other vehicle and a linkage brake mechanism (linked brake) mounted thereon. For example, the vehicle to which the present invention can be applied can be a pedal-type motorcycle in which the rear wheel 15 and the power unit 12 are swingably supported on the vehicle frame 11, or can be a three-wheeled saddle-type vehicle having two front wheels 13 or rear wheels 15, or a saddle-type vehicle having four or more wheels.

[0124] [Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0125] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0126] (Structure 1) A saddle-riding type vehicle comprising: a front-wheel brake operating member that operates the front-wheel brake for braking the front wheel; and a rear-wheel brake operating member that operates the rear-wheel brake for braking the rear wheel, the saddle-riding type vehicle comprising a linkage brake, wherein one end of the linkage brake cable is connected to the rear-wheel brake operating member via an equalizer, and the other end of the linkage brake cable is connected to the front-wheel brake, thereby operating the rear-wheel brake and the front-wheel brake, wherein the equalizer has a biasing portion biased inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0127] According to this configuration, the offset portion offset toward the vehicle width direction inner side makes it easy to effectively utilize the space left inside the vehicle width direction and arrange the balancer with an appropriate gap, thereby easily suppressing an increase in vehicle width.

[0128] (Structure 2) In the saddle-riding type vehicle described in Structure 1, the frame of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching from the main frame in the left and right directions, and the balancer has: a first connecting member, which is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and has the offset portion; and a second connecting member, which is connected to the first connecting member and connected to one end of the interlocking brake cable, and when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the second connecting member overlaps with the side frame.

[0129] With this structure, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by the pair of side frames branching left and right from the main frame, the first connecting member can be positioned using this narrow space. Furthermore, the second connecting member, connected to the offset portion, can also be positioned using the space inside the vehicle width direction. This makes it easier to effectively utilize the space inside the vehicle width direction and appropriately position the balancer.

[0130] (Structure 3) In the saddle-riding type vehicle described in Structure 1 or 2, the saddle-riding type vehicle has a swing arm supporting the rear wheel, and the balancer has: a first connecting part, which is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and has the offset portion; and a second connecting part, which is connected to the first connecting part and connected to one end of the interlocking brake cable, when viewed along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, at least a portion of the second connecting part overlaps with the swing arm in the upper and lower directions.

[0131] According to this configuration, the second connecting member can be arranged by utilizing the spaces vacant above and below the swing arm, and the balancer can be appropriately arranged easily by effectively utilizing the space vacant inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0132] (Structure 4) In the saddle-riding type vehicle described in Structure 1, the frame of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching from the main frame in the left and right directions, the balancer has a first connecting component, the first connecting component is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and is connected to one end of the linkage brake cable, and the first connecting component has the offset portion, and when the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the offset portion overlaps with the side frame.

[0133] With this structure, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by the pair of side frames branching from the main frame in the left and right directions, the first connecting member having the offset portion can be arranged in this narrow space. This makes it easier to effectively utilize the space left inside in the vehicle width direction and appropriately arrange the balancer.

[0134] (Configuration 5) In the saddle-ride type vehicle according to Configuration 4, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes a swing arm that supports the rear wheel, and at least a portion of the first connecting member overlaps with the swing arm in the vehicle body vertical direction.

[0135] According to this configuration, it is easy to dispose the first connecting member having the offset portion by utilizing the spaces available above and below the swing arm, and it is easy to appropriately dispose the balancer by effectively utilizing the space available inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0136] (Structure 6) In the saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, the member having the offset portion in the balancer is formed of a single plate-shaped member.

[0137] According to this structure, the member having the offset portion can be made compact in the vehicle width direction and can be easily and simply manufactured, which contributes to reducing the number of components of the balancer and simplifying the structure.

Claims

1. A saddle-riding vehicle comprising: a front wheel brake operating member that operates a front wheel brake (51) for braking the front wheel (13); and a rear wheel brake operating member for operating a rear wheel brake (52) for braking the rear wheel (15); The saddle-riding type vehicle is provided with a linkage brake, wherein one end of the linkage brake cable is connected to the rear wheel brake operating member via a balancer (63), and the other end of the linkage brake cable is connected to the front wheel brake (51), thereby operating the rear wheel brake (52) and the front wheel brake (51), It is characterized by: The balancer (63) has a biasing portion biased inward in the vehicle width direction.

2. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (11) of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching from a main frame (41) in the left and right directions. The balancer (63) includes: a first connecting member connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and having the biasing portion; and a second connecting member connected to the first connecting member and connected to one end of the interlocking brake cable. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the second connecting member overlaps with the side frame.

3. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The saddle-riding vehicle has a swing arm (16) supporting the rear wheel (15). The balancer (63) includes: a first connecting member connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and having the biasing portion; and a second connecting member connected to the first connecting member and connected to one end of the interlocking brake cable. When viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, at least a portion of the second connecting member overlaps with the swing arm (16) in the up-down direction.

4. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The frame (11) of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching from a main frame (41) in the left and right directions. The balancer (63) has a first connecting member connected to the rear wheel brake operating member and connected to one end of the linkage brake cable, and the first connecting member has the biasing portion. When the vehicle body is viewed from the side, at least a portion of the offset portion overlaps with the side frame.

5. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The saddle-riding vehicle has a swing arm (16) supporting the rear wheel (15). At least a portion of the first connecting member overlaps with the swing arm (16) in the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

6. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The component having the biasing portion in the balancer (63) is formed by a single plate-shaped component.

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