SADDLE SEAT VEHICLE

Abstract

It is possible to reduce the interference of an adjuster used in the tension setting of an endless element. A saddle seat vehicle comprising: a holder support section (52) having a substantially cylindrical shape and provided on a distal end section of a swing arm (16); an eccentric holder (54) rotatably mounted within the holder support section (52) and provided with an axle hole (58) which carries an axle (15a) at a position eccentric with respect to a center of rotation; an adjuster (106) which sets a rotational position of the eccentric holder (54) with respect to the holder support section (52); a driven rotating element (64) which rotates integrally with a wheel (15); and an endless element (64a).The eccentric holder (54) is provided with an adjuster housing section (100), the driven rotating element (64) is provided on one side in an axial direction of the eccentric holder (54) next to the eccentric holder (54), and the adjuster housing section (100) opens on the other side in an axial direction and closes on one side in the axial direction.

Description

BACKGROUND Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle seat vehicle. State of the art

[0002] A conventional mechanism is known that adjusts chain tension by rotating an eccentric bracket and setting the bracket's rotational position using an adjuster and adjusting screw (see, for example, JP H1-165793 U). JP H1-165793 U describes a pivoting arm with a bearing housing corresponding to the eccentric bracket. In JP H1-165793 U, a circular hole is provided in one end face of the bearing housing, in which the two rear wheels are suspended. A cylindrical body is inserted into this circular hole as an adjuster, and the cylindrical body is attached to a screw head. In JP H1-165793 U, the chain tension is then adjusted by moving the cylindrical body around the axial center of the screw to adapt the rotational position of the bearing housing. SUMMARY

[0003] However, the prior art, as described in JP H1-165793 U, does not consider the application to a saddle-seat vehicle where a wheel and an eccentric bracket are arranged side by side. That is to say, if an adjusting screw and an adjuster moving on the axis of the adjusting screw with the rotation of the adjusting screw are located next to a rotating element, such as a wheel or a driven rotating element, there is a certain probability of the adjuster malfunctioning.

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, the aim of which is to provide a saddle seat vehicle capable of reducing the disturbance of an adjuster used in adjusting the tension of an endless element.

[0005] A saddle-seat vehicle comprises: a pivoting arm rotatably mounting a wheel about an axle; a holder-support section having a substantially cylindrical shape and provided at a distal end section of the pivoting arm; an eccentric holder rotatably mounted in the holder-support section and provided with an axle hole that mounts the axle at a position eccentric with respect to a center of rotation; an adjuster that sets a rotational position of the eccentric holder with respect to the holder-support section; an adjusting screw that engages in the adjuster and moves the adjuster; a driven rotating element attached to the wheel and rotating integrally with the wheel; and an endless element wound around the driven rotating element and transmitting the rotational force of a drive motor to the driven rotating element. In the saddle-seat vehicle,In which the tension of the endless element is adjusted by rotating and fastening the eccentric holder to the holder support section, the holder support section is provided with an insertion hole through which the adjusting screw is inserted, the eccentric holder is provided with a screw housing section in which the adjusting screw inserted into the insertion hole is received, and with an adjuster housing section that extends parallel to the axis and is connected to the screw housing section, the adjuster being designed to be movable on an axis of the adjusting screw, and the adjuster received in the screw housing section moving on the axis of the adjusting screw to set a rotational position of the eccentric holder relative to the holder support section.the driven rotating element is provided next to the eccentric holder on one side in an axial direction of the eccentric holder, and the adjuster housing section opens in the axial direction on one side and closes in the axial direction on the other side.

[0006] It is possible to provide a saddle seat vehicle which is able to reduce the interference of an adjuster used for tension adjustment of an endless element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of a saddle seat vehicle according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a left side view of a swing arm and a rear wheel; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the left side of a rear end of the swing arm; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the swing arm; Fig. Figure 5 is a right side view of the rear end of the swing arm; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of Fig. 2; and Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of Fig. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the directions mentioned in the description, including front-back, left-right, and top-bottom, are the same as those directions with respect to a vehicle body. The reference numerals FR, UP, and LH shown in the drawings indicate a front of the vehicle body, a top of the vehicle body, and a left side of the vehicle body, respectively. [Version]

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle seat vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] The saddle seat vehicle 10 is a vehicle comprising a vehicle body frame 11, a drive unit 12 which is held on the vehicle body frame 11, a front fork 14 which holds a front wheel 13 in a steerable manner, a swing arm 16 which holds a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a driver.

[0010] The saddle-seat vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the driver sits astride the seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above a rear part of the vehicle body frame 11.

[0011] The vehicle body frame 11 has a steering head tube 18 located at a front end of the vehicle body frame 11, a front frame 19 located at a rear of the steering head tube 18, and a rear frame 20 located at a rear of the front frame 19. A front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the steering head tube 18.

[0012] The seat 17 is attached to the rear frame 20.

[0013] The front fork 14 is held on the steering head tube 18 in such a way that it can be steered to the left and right. The front wheel 13 is held on an axle 13a, which is located at a lower end of the front fork 14. A handlebar 21 for steering, which the rider grips, is located at the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0014] The swing arm 16 is held on a pivot shaft 22, which is held on the vehicle body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that runs horizontally in one direction across the width of the vehicle. The pivot shaft 22 passes through a front end region of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 pivots up and down around the pivot shaft 22.

[0015] The rear wheel 15 is held on an axle 15a, which is located at a lower end area of ​​the swing arm 16.

[0016] The drive unit 12 is arranged between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is held on the vehicle body frame 11.

[0017] The drive unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The drive unit 12 has a crankcase 23 and a cylinder 24 which houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to an exhaust port of the cylinder 24.

[0018] An output of the drive unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 via a drive force transmission element that connects the drive unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0019] The saddle seat vehicle 10 further comprises a front fender 26 which covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 which covers the rear wheel 15 from above, footrests 28 on which the driver rests his or her feet, and a fuel tank 29 which stores fuel to be used by the drive unit 12.

[0020] The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the footrests 28 are located on the underside of the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is held on the vehicle body frame 11.

[0021] A driving pulley 32 is attached to an output shaft of the drive unit 12. An endless belt 64a is wound around the driving pulley 32. The belt 64a extends from the driving pulley 32 to the rear wheel 15 and is wound around a driven pulley 64 located on the rear wheel 15. When the driving pulley 32 is rotated by the drive unit 12, the driven pulley 64 is rotated via the belt 64a, transmitting a rotational force as a driving force to the rear wheel 15.

[0022] The rear wheel 15 is an example of a wheel. The driven pulley 64 is an example of a driven rotating element. The belt 64a is an example of an endless element that transmits the rotational force of the drive unit 12 to the driven pulley 64. The drive unit 12 is an example of a drive machine.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 is a left side view showing the swing arm 16 and the rear wheel 15. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the left side of the rear end of the swing arm 16. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the swing arm 16 seen from the rear right. Fig. Figure 5 is a right side view showing the rear end of the swing arm 16. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Fig. 2. In the Fig. In sections 2 to 7, the representation of an element may be omitted. This is particularly true in the following sections. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 does not show the driven pulley 64. In the Fig. 4 and Fig. In figure 5, axis 15a is not shown.

[0024] Next, the swing arm 16, which suspends and supports the rear wheel 15, will be described in detail.

[0025] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the swing arm 16 at its front end section comprises a proximal arm end section 30, which extends in the front-to-rear direction and is essentially U-shaped. The pivot shaft 22, extending in the direction of the vehicle width, is inserted into the front end section of the proximal arm end section 30.

[0026] A rear shock absorber support section 34 is formed on the upper surface of a rear end section of the proximal arm end section 30, projecting upwards. A lower end of a rear shock absorber 36 is pivotably connected to the rear shock absorber support section 34 via a support shaft 34a. An upper end of the rear shock absorber 36 is pivotally connected to the rear frame 20.

[0027] A cover section 34b, which covers the support shaft 34a projecting from the rear shock absorber support section 34, is provided on a left section of the support shaft 34a.

[0028] The swing arm 16 includes an arm section 38 that extends rearward from the left part of the proximal arm end section 30.

[0029] A connecting piece 42, which routes a brake hose 40 extending from a brake caliper 82, is attached to the front of the rear shock absorber support section 34 on the upper side of the proximal arm end section 30. The brake hose 40 extending from the connecting piece 42 is routed along the upper side of the swing arm 16. Furthermore, the brake hose 40 extending from the connecting piece 42 is routed via a connecting piece 44 located behind the connecting piece 42.

[0030] The rear wheel 15 is mounted on a rear end section of the swing arm 16 via the axle 15a. The axle 15a can also be referred to as the axle. As described above, the swing arm 16 is designed as a cantilevered swing arm, which supports the rear wheel 15 from the side surface via the arm section 38 extending rearward from one side of the vehicle body.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the axle 15a comprises a cylindrical axle section 46 extending in the direction of the vehicle width, and an axle nut 48 formed at the left end of the axle section 46. The axle nut 48 is radially curved with respect to the axle section 46. The axle 15a also includes an axle flange 50 formed at the right end of the axle section 46, which extends substantially circularly in the radial direction of the axle section 46.

[0032] The direction across the vehicle's width can also be referred to as the left-right direction or the axis direction. One side in the axis direction corresponds to the left side, the other side in the axis direction corresponds to the right side.

[0033] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the arm section 38 includes a cylindrical holder support section 52 at its rear end, extending towards the vehicle width. A rear end section of the arm section 38 is an example of a distal end section of the swing arm 16.

[0034] The holder support section 52 is shaped to be open in the direction of the vehicle width. The holder support section 52 has a rear end that is vertically split to form a clamped section. A cylindrical eccentric holder 54 is rotatably mounted inside the holder support section 52. Two clamping tools 56 are screwed into the rear end of the holder support section 52 from top to bottom. When the two clamping tools 56 are tightened, the eccentric holder 54 is supported by the holder support section 52, restricting its rotation. That is, although the eccentric holder 54 is rotatably mounted by the holder support section 52, tightening the clamping tool 56 secures the eccentric holder to the holder support section 52.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, an axle hole 58 is formed in the eccentric holder 54, through which the axle section 46 is inserted. The axle hole 58 is located eccentrically to the circular center of the eccentric holder 54. The axle hole 58 comprises a circular axle hole 58L, which is formed in the left part of the eccentric holder 54, and a circular axle hole 58R, which is formed in the right part.

[0036] The configuration in the area of ​​the left side of arm section 38 of the swing arm 16 is described in detail below.

[0037] A left bearing 60 supporting the axle section 46 is arranged at the left end section of the axle hole 58 of the eccentric holder 54.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the axle section 46 is arranged such that it projects to the left from the left bearing 60. Consequently, the axle section 46 is positioned so that it protrudes on the left side of the swing arm 16. An uneven toothing 62 is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the axle section 46 projecting from the swing arm 16. The toothing 62 extends in the axial direction. A hub 66 contained in the driven pulley 64 is inserted into the axle section 46. The hub 66 is attached to the central part of the driven pulley 64. The unevenness of the hub 66 and the toothing 62 are matched to each other. As a result, the axle 15a and the driven pulley 64 rotate together.

[0039] It should be noted that the hub 66 can be equipped with a so-called hub damper. Since the hub 66 is not equipped with the hub damper in the present embodiment, the distance between the driven pulley 64 and the swing arm 16 is shorter. More precisely, the hub 66 is arranged next to the holder support section 52, with the inner end section of the driven pulley 64, viewed from the rear, overlapping the holder support section 52.

[0040] To fill a gap between the hub 66 and the axle nut 48 and to establish a positional relationship between the hub 66 and the axle nut 48, a washer 67 and a collar 68 are provided. A dust seal 69 prevents foreign material from entering the gap between the hub 66 and the axle section 46. The collar 70 is arranged between the hub 66 and the left bearing 60. The washer 67, the collar 68, and the dust seal 69 are arranged between the hub 66 and the axle nut 48.

[0041] In this way, the driven pulley 64 is arranged next to the left side of the arm section 38. When the driven pulley 64 rotates, the axle 15a and the rear wheel 15 rotate together.

[0042] Next, a configuration in the area of ​​the right side of arm section 38 will be described in detail.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a cylindrical extension section 72 extending in the right direction is formed on the right part of the axle hole 58 of the eccentric holder 54. A right-hand bearing 74, supporting the axle section 46, is arranged within the extension section 72.

[0044] As from the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 6, the axle flange 50 is located on the right side of the arm section 38 of the swing arm 16. The axle flange 50 is positioned at a distance from the distal end (right end) of the extension section 72. A brake disc 76 and the rear wheel 15 are attached to the axle flange 50.

[0045] The brake disc 76 is attached to the left side of the axle flange 50. The left end face of the brake disc 76 and the distal end of the extension section 72 lie essentially in the same plane. A Pulsar ring 78 is attached to the left side of the brake disc 76.

[0046] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a plate-shaped brake caliper carrier 80 is provided on the right side of arm section 38 of the swing arm 16, extending in a front-to-rear direction. The brake caliper carrier 80 supports the brake caliper 82 at its lower end section. The brake hose 40 extending from the connecting piece 44 is connected to the brake caliper 82.

[0047] A locked section 84 is formed at a front end section of the brake caliper carrier 80. A rectangular hole is formed in the locked section 84. The locked section 84 is connected to a locking piece 86, which projects from the right side face of the arm section 38 of the swing arm 16. The extension section 72 is inserted into a circular carrier insertion hole 88 of the brake caliper carrier 80. The brake caliper carrier 80 is rotatably mounted with respect to the extension section 72, but the rotation of the brake caliper carrier 80 with respect to the swing arm 16 is restricted by the locking piece 86. The carrier insertion hole 88 is an example of an insertion hole.

[0048] The longitudinal dimension of the locked section 84 is larger than the longitudinal dimension of the locking piece 86. Therefore, even if the distance between the driven pulley 64 and the driving pulley 32 changes, the brake caliper carrier 80 can move in a direction F1 relative to the swing arm 16.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the brake caliper carrier 80 is arranged between the axle flange 50 and the right side surface of the swing arm 16. More precisely, the brake caliper carrier 80 is located on the left side of the Pulsar ring 78.

[0050] At the right end of the extension section 72, an annular groove 90 is formed, which is recessed into the outer circumferential surface. The annular groove 90 extends over the entire outer circumferential area of ​​the extension section 72. An annular retaining ring 92 is inserted into the annular groove 90 so that it rests against the brake caliper carrier 80. The retaining ring 92 prevents the brake caliper carrier 80 from detaching from the extension section 72. The retaining ring 92 represents an example of a locking element.

[0051] The following describes in detail a configuration of the eccentric holder 54.

[0052] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the axle hole 58 of the eccentric holder 54 supports the axle section 46 eccentrically with respect to a central axis P of the cylindrical eccentric holder 54. In this way, the eccentric holder 54 is provided on the holder support section 52 such that it is rotatable eccentrically with respect to a central axis Q of the axis 15a.

[0053] As in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a cylindrical insertion hole 96 is formed in the upper surface of the holder support section 52 behind the axis 15a, through which the adjusting screw 94 is inserted. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows a screw housing section 98 formed in the eccentric holder 54, in which the adjusting screw 94 is received. The screw housing section 98 is a hole obtained by drilling in the axial direction of the adjusting screw 94. The screw housing section 98 is designed such that the adjusting screw 94 is movable when the eccentric holder 54 rotates with the rotation of the adjusting screw 94. A fan-shaped slot is formed in the screw housing section 98 when viewed from the side.

[0054] The adjusting screw 94 penetrates the eccentric holder 54 and forms a head section on a flat seating surface.

[0055] In the eccentric holder 54, an adjuster housing section 100 is formed parallel to the axis 15a and in contact with the screw housing section 98 to accommodate a cylindrical adjuster 106.

[0056] It should be noted that "parallel to axis 15a" means that the longitudinal direction of the adjuster housing section 100 is parallel to axis 15a, which includes the case where the adjuster housing section 100 is not exactly parallel to axis 15a due to a machining or manufacturing defect. That is to say, being parallel to axis 15a includes the case where the longitudinal direction of the adjuster housing section 100 is inclined to axis 15a due to a machining or manufacturing defect.

[0057] The adjuster housing section 100 has a bottom section 102 on a left section, where the driven pulley 64 is located, and an opening 104 on a right section, where the rear wheel 15 is located. That is, the adjuster housing section 100 is designed in the form of a hole with a bottom, which closes off the side of the driven pulley 64 of the eccentric holder 54. When the adjuster 106 is mounted on the eccentric holder 54, the adjuster 106 is inserted through the opening 104.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, part of the opening 104 and the brake caliper carrier 80 overlap in the axial direction. This part of the opening 104 is covered by the brake caliper carrier 80.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the adjuster 106 is designed to be movable along the axis of the adjusting screw 94 in conjunction with the rotation of the adjusting screw 94. The adjuster 106 engages with a screw section formed on the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting screw 94.

[0060] The adjuster housing section 100 is designed as an elongated hole when viewed axially along axis 15a. The axial view is a sightline along the central axis of axis 15a.

[0061] When the adjuster 106 comes into contact with the inner wall of the adjuster housing section 100, and the adjuster 106 moves with the rotation of the adjusting screw 94, the adjuster 106 moves and presses against the inner wall of the adjuster housing section 100. At this point, the eccentric holder 54 rotates eccentrically with respect to the central axis Q of the axis 15a by being pressed by the adjuster 106. As the eccentric holder 54 rotates, the distance between the driven pulley 64 and the driving pulley 32 of the drive unit 12 changes. The adjuster 106 can also be referred to as an adjusting nut. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the length L2 of the adjuster 106 in the direction of the vehicle width is greater than the length L1 from the right end (the other end in the axial direction) of the adjuster housing section 100, i.e. the right end (the other end) of the opening 104 to the retaining ring 92.

[0062] When the clamping tool 56 is released, the contact pressure of the holder support section 52 is reduced, and the eccentric holder 54 is made rotatable. When the adjusting screw 94 is turned in this state, the eccentric holder 54 rotates eccentrically in the direction of F2, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the tension of the belt 64a can be adjusted. Since the distance between the axle 15a and the driving pulley 32 of the drive unit 12 changes at this point, the locking piece 86 of the swing arm 16 moves relative to the brake caliper carrier 80 in the position shown. Fig. 5 in the direction F1 shown. When the distance between the axle 15a and the driving pulley 32 changes, the brake caliper carrier 80 moves in the direction of F1. The locking piece 86 also moves relative to the locked section 84 of the brake caliper carrier 80.

[0063] Even if the tension of the belt 64a is high, the tension of the belt 64a can be easily adjusted simply by turning the adjusting screw 94 with a tool or the like.

[0064] Furthermore, in a state where the rotation of the eccentric holder 54 is restricted by the holder support section 52, the adjusting screw 94 can be removed. When the adjusting screw 94 is removed, the adjuster 106 becomes movable within the adjuster housing section 100. Since the opening 104 of the adjuster housing section 100 is partially covered by the brake caliper carrier 80, the adjuster 106 does not fall out.

[0065] It should be noted that the adjusting screw 94 can be removed or left in place at the discretion of the user of the saddle seat vehicle 10.

[0066] As described above, the saddle seat vehicle 10, according to the present embodiment to which the present invention is applied, comprises the swing arm 16 rotatably supporting the rear wheel 15 via the axle 15a, the holder support section 52 having a substantially cylindrical shape and provided at the distal end section of the swing arm 16, the eccentric holder 54 rotatably received in the holder support section 52 and provided with the axle hole 58, which supports the axle 15a at a position eccentric with respect to the center of rotation, the adjuster 106 for adjusting the rotational position of the eccentric holder 54 with respect to the holder support section 52, the adjusting screw 94 engaging with and moving the adjuster 106, the driven pulley 64 attached to the rear wheel 15 and rotating integrally with the rear wheel 15, and the belt 64a.which is tensioned around the driven pulley 64 and transmits the rotational force of the drive unit 12 to the driven pulley 64. In the saddle seat vehicle 10, in which the tension of the belt 64a is adjusted by turning and fixing the eccentric holder 54 on the holder support section 52, the holder support section 52 is provided with an insertion hole 96 through which the adjusting screw 94 is inserted, the eccentric holder 54 is provided with a screw housing section 98 in which the adjusting screw 94 inserted into the insertion hole 96 is received, the adjuster housing section 100 extending parallel to the axis 15a and being connected to the screw housing section 98, the adjuster 106 being designed to be movable along the axis of the adjusting screw 94,The adjuster 106, which is included in the screw housing section 98, adjusts the rotational position of the eccentric holder 54 with respect to the holder support section 52 by moving along the axis of the adjusting screw 94, the driven pulley 64 being located adjacent to the eccentric holder 54 on one side in the axial direction of the eccentric holder 54, and the adjuster housing section 100 opening in one axial direction on the other side and closing in the axial direction on one side.

[0067] According to this configuration, since the adjuster housing section 100 is closed on the side of the driven pulley 64, it is possible to provide the saddle seat vehicle 10 in such a way that it is able to reduce the interference of the adjuster 106 used in adjusting the tension of the belt 64a, while ensuring the mountability of the adjuster 106.

[0068] Furthermore, the swing arm 16 is provided with the brake caliper 82 and the brake caliper support 80 carrying the brake caliper 82, wherein the brake caliper support 80 is provided on the other side next to the eccentric holder 54 in the axial direction of the eccentric holder 54, and wherein the brake caliper support 80 is arranged such that, when viewed in the axial direction of the axis 15a, it overlaps at least a part of the adjuster housing section 100.

[0069] According to this configuration, by providing the brake caliper carrier 80 relatively stationary to the swing arm 16 on the opening side of the adjuster housing section 100, it is easy to protect the adjuster 106 from the outside by covering the opening side of the adjuster housing section 100 with the brake caliper carrier 80, thus making it possible to prevent the adjuster 106 from popping out of the adjuster housing section 100.

[0070] Furthermore, the insertion hole 96 is formed behind the axial center of the axis 15a on the upper side of the swing arm 16.

[0071] Since the adjusting screw 94 can be positioned well at the end of the saddle seat vehicle 10 in this configuration, the user has good access to the adjusting screw 94.

[0072] The swing arm 16 represents the cantilevered swing arm, which supports the rear wheel 15 from one side in the axial direction.

[0073] In this configuration, the adjuster 106 can be provided in the cantilevered swing arm for adjusting the belt tension of the belt 64a, while simultaneously reducing the susceptibility to malfunctions. [Other embodiments]

[0074] The embodiment described above represents only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified as desired and applied in its entirety without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] In the embodiment described above, the drive unit 12 contained in the saddle-seat vehicle 10 is an internal combustion engine, although the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the saddle-seat vehicle 10 can contain a battery or an electric motor as the drive unit, or it can contain both a battery and an internal combustion engine. That is to say, the saddle-seat vehicle 10 can be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0076] In the embodiment described above, the saddle-seat vehicle 10 comprises a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 15, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of wheels in the saddle-seat vehicle 10 can be changed accordingly, as long as the adjuster 106 is provided next to a rotating element such as the driven pulley 64.

[0077] In the embodiment described above, the saddle seat vehicle 10 comprises the belt 64a and the driven pulley 64, although the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the saddle seat vehicle 10 may, for example, have a drive chain as an endless element and may, for example, have a driven sprocket as a driven rotating element.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the insertion hole 96 of the holder support section 52 and the screw housing section 98 of the eccentric holder 54 are designed as a cylindrical hole through which the adjusting screw 94 passes, while the adjuster housing section 100, viewed in the axial direction, is designed in the form of an elongated hole, although the present invention is not limited to this.

[0079] In other embodiments, the adjusting screw 94 can be designed to change its angle according to the rotation of the eccentric holder 54. In this case, a slot is formed in the screw housing section 98 of the swing arm 16, corresponding to the location of movement of the adjusting screw 94, and a slot is also formed in the adjuster housing section 100. Furthermore, in this case, the head of the adjusting screw 94 has a spherical bearing surface.

[0080] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the adjusting screw 94 can be designed to move in accordance with the rotation of the eccentric holder 54 without changing its angle. In this case, a slot is formed in the screw housing section 98 of the swing arm 16, corresponding to the location of movement of the adjusting screw 94, and a slot is also formed in the adjuster housing section 100. In addition, in this case, the head of the adjusting screw 94 has a flat bearing surface.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, the length L2 of the adjuster 106 in the direction of the vehicle width is greater than the length L1 from the other axial end of the adjuster housing section 100, i.e., from the other end of the opening 104 to the retaining ring 92. As described above, the retaining ring 92 represents an example of a locking element. In other embodiments, the locking element, viewed in the axial direction of the axis 15a, may overlap at least a portion of the adjuster housing section 100. In this case, the locking element is shaped such that it extends further in the radial direction of the axis 15a than the retaining ring 92 of the embodiment described above. Consequently, even if the position of the brake caliper carrier 80 is displaced, the opening 104 of the adjuster housing section 100 is exposed, and the adjuster 106 attempts to disengage, the adjuster 106 is covered by the locking element and does not disengage.

[0082] As described above, in the saddle seat vehicle 10 according to other embodiments, the swing arm 16 contains the brake caliper 82 and the brake caliper carrier 80 supporting the brake caliper 82, the eccentric holder 54 contains the extension section 72 extending to the other side in the axial direction along the axis 15a, the carrier insertion hole 88, through which the extension section 72 and the axis 15a are inserted, is formed in the brake caliper carrier 80, the annular groove 90 is designed such that it is recessed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end section in the axial direction of the extension section 72, the locking element holding the brake caliper carrier 80 on the extension section 72 is fitted into the annular groove 90, and the locking element, viewed in the axial direction of the axis 15a, overlaps at least a part of the adjuster housing section 100.

[0083] According to this configuration, it is possible to protect the adjuster 106 from the outside by attaching the brake caliper carrier 80 to the opening side of the adjuster housing section 100 in a relatively fixed position relative to the swingarm, by covering the opening side of the adjuster housing section 100 with the locking element that holds the brake caliper carrier 80 on the extension section 72, thereby preventing the adjuster 106 from popping out of the adjuster housing section 100.

[0084] In other embodiments, the length of the adjuster 106 is longer than the length from the other end in the axial direction of the adjuster housing section 100 to the locking element in the axial direction of the axis 15a.

[0085] According to this configuration, even if the adjusting screw 94 is removed after the tension adjustment, the adjuster 106 can be held within the eccentric holder 54 without needing to be removed. Furthermore, the adjuster 106 cannot dislodge from a position between the adjuster housing section 100 and the locking element. [Configuration supported by the above embodiments]

[0086] The above-mentioned embodiments support the following configurations. (Configuration 1)

[0087] A saddle seat vehicle comprising: a pivot arm rotatably mounted on an axle for a wheel; a holder support section having a substantially cylindrical shape and provided at a distal end section of the pivot arm; an eccentric holder rotatably mounted in the holder support section, the holder having an axle hole that supports the axle in an eccentric position with respect to a center of rotation; an adjuster that sets a rotational position of the eccentric holder with respect to the holder support section; an adjusting screw engaging in and moving the adjuster; a driven rotating element attached to the wheel and rotating integrally with the wheel; and an endless element stretched around the driven rotating element and transmitting the rotational force of a drive machine to the driven rotating element, wherein in the saddle seat vehicle,in which the tension of the endless element is adjusted by rotating and fastening the eccentric holder to the holder support section, the holder support section being provided with an insertion hole through which the adjusting screw is inserted, the eccentric holder being provided with a screw housing section receiving the adjusting screw inserted into the insertion hole, and with an adjuster housing section extending parallel to the axis and communicating with the screw housing section, the adjuster being designed to be movable on an axis of the adjusting screw, and the adjuster received in the screw housing section moving on the axis of the adjusting screw to set a rotational position of the eccentric holder relative to the holder support section, the driven rotating element, on one side in the axial direction of the eccentric holder,is provided adjacent to the eccentric holder, and the adjuster housing section opens on the other side in the axial direction and closes on one side in the axial direction.

[0088] Since the side of the driven rotating element of the adjuster housing section is closed according to configuration 1, it is possible to provide a saddle seat vehicle that is able to reduce the disturbance of the adjuster used in adjusting the tension of the endless element, while ensuring the adjuster's mountability. (Configuration 2)

[0089] The saddle seat vehicle according to configuration 1, in which the swing arm is provided with a brake caliper and a brake caliper support, wherein the brake caliper support is provided adjacent to the eccentric holder on the other side in the axial direction of the eccentric holder and the brake caliper support is arranged such that it overlaps at least a part of the adjuster housing section, viewed in the axial direction of the axis.

[0090] According to the saddle seat vehicle of configuration 2, by providing the brake caliper carrier in a relatively fixed position on the swing arm on the opening side of the adjuster housing section, it is possible to protect the adjuster from the outside by covering the opening of the adjuster housing section with the brake caliper carrier, thus preventing the adjuster from jumping out of the adjuster housing section. (Configuration 3)

[0091] The saddle seat vehicle according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the swing arm has a brake caliper and a brake caliper support, the eccentric holder having an extension section extending in the axial direction to the other side along the axis, wherein an insertion hole through which the extension section and the axis are inserted is formed in the brake caliper support, an annular groove is formed such that it is recessed in an outer circumferential surface of the other end section in the axial direction of the extension section, and a locking element holding the brake caliper support on the extension section is fitted into the annular groove, the locking element, viewed in the axial direction of the axis, overlapping at least a part of the adjuster housing section.

[0092] According to the saddle seat vehicle of configuration 3, by providing the brake caliper carrier to the swingarm in a relatively fixed position on the opening side of the adjuster housing section, it is possible to protect the adjuster from the outside by covering the opening side of the adjuster housing section using the locking element that holds the brake caliper carrier on the extension section, thus preventing the adjuster from popping out of the adjuster housing section. (Configuration 4)

[0093] The saddle seat vehicle according to configuration 3, in which, viewed in an axial direction of the axis, one length of the adjuster is longer than one length from the other axial end of the adjuster housing section to the locking element.

[0094] According to the saddle seat configuration 4, even if the adjusting screw is removed after tension adjustment, the adjuster can be held within the eccentric holder without needing to be removed. Furthermore, the adjuster cannot dislodge from its position between the adjuster housing section and the locking element. (Configuration 5)

[0095] The saddle seat vehicle according to one of configurations 1 to 4, in which the insertion hole is formed behind an axial center of the axle on a top side of the swing arm.

[0096] In the saddle seat vehicle according to configuration 5, the user has good access to the adjustment screw, as it is located at the end of the vehicle of the saddle type. (Configuration 6)

[0097] The saddle seat vehicle according to one of configurations 1 to 5, in which the swing arm is a cantilevered swing arm that supports the wheel from one side in an axial direction.

[0098] According to the saddle seat vehicle of configuration 6, in the cantilever swingarm, the adjuster used in adjusting the tension of the endless element can be provided, while reducing the disturbance. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 Saddle seat vehicle 11 Vehicle body frame 12 Drive unit (drive motor) 13 front wheel 13a Axis 14 front fork 15 Rear wheel (wheel) 15a axis 16 Swing arm 17 seats 18 Steering head tube 19 front frame 20 rear frame 21 handlebars 22 Swivel shaft 23 Crankcase 24 cylinders 25 Exhaust system 26 front fender 27 rear fender 28 Footrest 29 Fuel tank 30 proximal arm end section 32 driving pulley 34 Support section 34a Support shaft 34b Cover section 36 rear shock absorber 38 Arm section 40 Brake hose 42 Connecting piece 44 Connecting piece 46 Axle section 48 axle nut 50 axle flange 52 Holder support section 54 eccentric holder 56 fastening tools 58 axle hole 60 left camp 62 gear teeth 64 driven pulley (driven rotating element) 64a Belt (endless element) 66 hub 67 Washer 68 Federal 69 Dust seal 70 Bund 72 Extension section 74 right camp 76 brake disc 78 Pulsar Ring 80 brake caliper carriers 82 brake calipers 84 locked section 88 Carrier entry hole (entry hole) 90 ring-shaped groove 92 Retaining ring (locking element) 94 Adjusting screw 96 Entry hole 98 Screw housing section 100 Adjuster housing section 102 Ground section 104 Opening 106 adjusters P Central axis Q Central axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP H1-165793 U [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] A saddle-seat vehicle, characterized by , that it exhibits: a swing arm (16) designed to rotatably mount a wheel (15) over an axle (15a); a holder support section (52) which has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided at a distal end section of the swing arm (16); an eccentric holder (54) rotatably mounted in the holder support section (52) and provided with an axle hole (58) to support the axis (15a) at a position that is eccentric with respect to a center of rotation; an adjuster (106) designed to adjust a rotational position of the eccentric holder (54) in relation to the holder support section (52); an adjusting screw (94) designed to engage with the adjuster (106) and to move the adjuster (106); a driven rotating element (64) which is attached to the wheel (15) and rotates integrally with the wheel (15); and an endless element (64a) designed to be stretched around the driven rotating element (64) and to transmit the rotational force of a drive machine (12) to the driven rotating element (64), wherein in the saddle seat vehicle (10), in which the tension of the endless element (64a) is adjusted by turning and fastening the eccentric holder (54) to the holder support section (52), the holder support section (52) is provided with an insertion hole (96) through which the adjusting screw (94) is inserted, the eccentric holder (54) is provided with a screw housing section (98) in which the adjusting screw (94) inserted into the insertion hole (96) is received, and with an adjuster housing section (100) extending parallel to the axis (15a) and connected to the screw housing section (98), the adjuster (106) is designed to be moved on an axis of the adjusting screw (94), and the adjuster (106) received in the screw housing section (98) is moved on the axis of the adjusting screw (94) to set a rotational position of the eccentric holder (54) in relation to the holder support section (52), the driven rotating element (64) is provided next to the eccentric holder (54) on one side in an axial direction of the eccentric holder (54), and the adjuster housing section (100) opens on the other side in one axis direction and closes on one side in the axis direction. [2] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the swing arm (16) is provided with a brake caliper (82) and a brake caliper carrier (80) supporting the brake caliper (82), the brake caliper carrier (80) is provided next to the eccentric holder (54) on the other side in the axial direction of the eccentric holder (54), and the brake caliper carrier (80) is arranged such that, viewed in the axial direction of the axis (15a), it overlaps at least part of the adjuster housing section (100). [3] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the swing arm (16) has a brake caliper (82) and a brake caliper carrier (80) supporting the brake caliper (82), the eccentric holder (54) has an extension section (72) which extends to the other side in the axial direction along the axis (15a), in the brake caliper carrier (80) an insertion hole (88) is formed through which the extension section (72) and the axle (15a) are inserted, a ring-shaped groove (90) is formed to be recessed in an outer circumferential surface of the other end section in an axial direction of the extension section (72), a locking element (92) fitted into the annular groove (90) is formed to hold the brake caliper carrier (80) on the extension section (72), and the locking element (92), viewed in the axial direction of the axis (15a), overlaps at least part of the adjuster housing section (100). [4] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 3, wherein a length of the adjuster (106) is longer than, viewed in the axial direction of the axis (15a), a length from the other axial end of the adjuster housing section (100) to the locking element (92). [5] The saddle seat vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insertion hole (96) is formed behind an axial center of the axle (15a) on a top side of the swing arm (16). [6] The saddle seat vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the swing arm (16) is a cantilevered swing arm designed to support the wheel (15) from one side in an axial direction.

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