SADDLE SEAT VEHICLE

Abstract

[Problem] Providing a saddle seat vehicle with a counter arranged in such a way as to prevent any influence on steering stability. [Solution] A saddle-seat vehicle comprising: a vehicle body frame (11) with a steering head tube (18); a front fork (14); and a counter (70) attached to the front fork (14). In the saddle-seat vehicle (10), the front fork (14) has an upper bridge (55), a lower bridge (60), and a pair of left and right fork tubes (30) supported by the upper bridge (55) and the lower bridge (60). The counter (70) and the upper bridge (55) overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the fork, along a direction of extension of the fork tubes (30), and also overlap each other when viewed perpendicular to the counter, in a direction orthogonal to a display surface of the counter (70). The counter (70) and the upper bridge (55) do not overlap in the top view of the vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to saddle-seat vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, in saddle-seat vehicles, a counter is arranged in front of an upper frame (see, for example, patent literature 1). Patent literature 1 describes a counter which has a counter display section arranged on the top and a coupling bracket section extending rearward from the counter display section for mounting a counter coupling. The counter described in patent literature 1 is supported by the upper frame, with the coupling bracket section entering under a lower frame so that it can be steered together with the upper frame. In the counter described in patent literature 1, a wiring coupling is connected to the coupling bracket section. The wiring from the wiring coupling is located near the circumference of the steering head tube. CITATION LIST [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] JP-A 2018-154170 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [Technical Problem]

[0004] In most cases where the odometer can be steered along with the front fork, its weight, if positioned too far from the steering head tube, can affect steering stability. Conversely, if the odometer is too close to the steering head tube, any wiring harness or similar components leading from the odometer will be routed tightly around it. This slightly affects airflow while riding and thus impacts steering stability. In other words, the positional relationship between the odometer and the steering head tube influences steering stability.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, wherein one objective of the invention is to provide a saddle seat vehicle in which the counter is arranged in such a way as to prevent an influence on steering stability. [Solution to the problem]

[0006] A saddle-seat vehicle is provided, comprising: a body frame encompassing a steering head tube; a steerable front fork supported by the steering head tube; and a counter attached to the front fork. In the saddle-seat vehicle, the front fork comprises an upper bridge located above the steering head tube, a lower bridge located below the steering head tube, and a pair of left and right fork tubes supported by the upper and lower bridges. The counter and the upper bridge overlap, viewed in the direction of the fork, along one extension of the fork tubes, and also overlap in a view perpendicular to the counter, viewed from a direction orthogonal to a display surface of the counter. The counter and the upper bridge do not overlap in a top view of the vehicle. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0007] In the present invention, the counter and the upper bridge do not overlap when viewed from above. This allows for an arrangement that prevents the counter from being positioned too close to the steering head tube. Therefore, it avoids the need for a wiring harness or similar component extending from the counter to be positioned close to the steering head tube, thus preventing airflow from accumulating around the circumference of the steering head tube. Furthermore, the counter and the upper bridge overlap both when viewed from the fork direction and when viewed perpendicular to the counter. This allows for an arrangement that prevents the counter from being too far from the steering head tube. This, in turn, prevents the heavy counter from being too far from the steering shaft, thus preventing steering from becoming difficult.

[0008] Therefore, the counter of the saddle-seat vehicle is arranged in such a way as to prevent any influence on steering stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle seat vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view showing the frame of the saddle seat vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame of the saddle seat vehicle. Fig. Figure 4 is a front view showing a headlight of the saddle-seat vehicle. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view of the periphery of a counter in a saddle-seat vehicle. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram showing, in a side view of the vehicle, the positional relationship between the counter, an upper bridge and a lower bridge. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing, in a fork-direction view, the positional relationship between the counter, the upper bridge and the lower bridge. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram that shows, in a view perpendicular to the counter, the positional relationship between the counter, the upper bridge and the lower bridge. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the counter, the upper bridge and the lower bridge in a vehicle top view. Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the counter, the upper bridge and the lower bridge in a vehicle front view. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] 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]

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle seat vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The seat 17 is attached to the rear frame 20.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The rear wheel 15 is held on an axle 15a, which is located at a lower end area of ​​the swing arm 16.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 is a side view showing the vehicle body frame 11 of the saddle seat vehicle 10. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the vehicle body frame 11 of the saddle seat vehicle 10.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the front frame 19 comprises: a main frame 31 extending rearward and downward from the steering head tube 18; a pair of left and right pivot frames 32 extending downward from a rear end of the main frame 31; a lower frame 33 extending downward from a position below a front end of the main frame 31 on the steering head tube 18; a pair of left and right lower frames 34 extending rearward and downward from a lower end of the lower frame 33 and then extending further rearward to connect with lower end sections of the pivot frames 32; and a plurality of unit support sections 35 extending in the direction of the vehicle width. The unit support sections 35 support the drive unit 12.

[0025] The rear frame 20 comprises: a pair of left and right seat frames 36 extending rearward from upper end sections of the respective pivot frames 32; and a pair of left and right rear subframes 37 extending rearward and upward from longitudinally central sections of the pivot frames 32 to connect with longitudinally central sections of the corresponding seat frames 36.

[0026] Fig. Figure 4 is a front view showing a headlight 41 of the saddle seat vehicle 10. Fig. Figure 5 is a top view showing the area around a counter 70 of the saddle seat vehicle 10. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along a line VI-VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along a line VII-VII in Fig. 5.

[0027] The front fork 14 has: a steering shaft 43 rotatably mounted through the steering head tube 18 (see Fig. 7); an upper bridge 55 mounted at an upper end of the steering shaft 43 and arranged above the steering head tube 18; a lower bridge 60 mounted at a lower end of the steering shaft 43 and arranged below the steering head tube 18; and a pair of left and right fork tubes 30 mounted by the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the fork tubes 30 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the steering head tube 18. The upper sections of the fork tubes 30 are supported by the upper bridge 55. The lower sections of the fork tubes 30 are supported by the lower bridge 60. More precisely, each fork tube 30 is inserted through a circular hole 55b in the upper bridge 55. Then, a split groove 55a is clamped by a fastener. In this way, the upper sections of the fork tubes 30 are attached to the upper bridge 55. Similarly, each fork tube 30 is inserted through a circular hole 60b in the lower bridge 60. Then, a split groove 60a is clamped by a fastener. In this way, the lower sections of the fork tubes 30 are attached to the lower bridge 60.

[0029] Between the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60, indicator struts 38 are attached to the fork tubes 30 near the lower bridge 60 (see Fig. 4) The indicator strut 38 extends outwards in the direction of the vehicle width. A front indicator 39 is attached to an outer end section of the indicator strut 38 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0030] A pair of left and right headlight support struts 40 are arranged at both the left and right end sections of the upper bridge 55. The headlight support strut 40 essentially consists of a projecting strut 40a (see Fig. 1), which projects forward from a front end section of the upper bridge 55, and a fastening strut 40b which has a triangular shape in side view, wherein the fastening strut 40b is attached to the projecting strut 40a (see Fig. 1) is attached. The mounting strut 40b is attached to the projecting strut 40a at two vertical points. In addition, the headlight 41 is attached to a single vertex of the triangular shape of the mounting strut 40b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the headlight 41 is held at the front end sections of the headlight support struts 40. In the present embodiment, the headlight 41 is monocular. In the front view, the headlight 41 has a ring-shaped form. The headlight 41 has a left and a right side, each of which is attached to the mounting struts 40b.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the top of the headlight 41 has a downwardly recessed section 41a. The recessed section 41a is formed on the top of the headlight 41 and, in the top view of the vehicle, overlaps the counter 70.

[0032] A pair of left and right handlebar mounts 42 are attached to the top of the upper bridge 55. The handlebar 21 is held by the pair of left and right handlebar mounts 42. The handlebar 21 has handlebar grips 44R and 44L at both its left and right ends. The rider holds the handlebar grips 44R and 44L and operates the handlebar 21 to steer the front wheel 13.

[0033] A right handlebar switch 45R is located on the left side of the right handlebar grip 44R. The right handlebar switch 45R is connected to a wiring harness 46, which leads to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) not shown. The wiring harness 46 extends from the right handlebar switch 45R forward and to the left, passing in front of the steering head tube 18 and over the right fork tube 30.

[0034] On the left side of the right handlebar switch 45R is a right lever bracket 47R. The right lever bracket 47R carries a master cylinder 48, a brake lever 49 and a right rearview mirror 50R.

[0035] A brake hose 48a is connected to the master cylinder 48 (see Fig. 4) The brake hose 48a is routed downwards from the upper bridge 55 via a brake hose bracket (not shown) attached to the right headlight support strut 40. The brake hose bracket is attached to the inside of the right headlight support strut 40 in the direction of the vehicle's width.

[0036] A left handlebar switch 45L is located on the right side of a left handlebar grip 44L. A wiring harness (not shown) is connected to the left handlebar switch 45L and extends to the ECU.

[0037] A left lever bracket 47L is located on the right side of the left handlebar switch 45L. The left lever bracket 47L supports a clutch lever 51 and a left rearview mirror 50L.

[0038] The clutch lever 51 is connected by a cable (not shown) that leads to a gearbox (not shown) in the drive unit 12. The cable extends further downwards than the upper bridge 55 through the front of the upper bridge 55.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a cylinder lock 56 is arranged on a front part of the upper bridge 55, into which a key can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the cylinder lock 56 is arranged between the steering head tube 18 and the right side section of the handlebar 21 in the direction of the vehicle width. The cylinder lock 56 is also arranged in front of the fork tubes 30 in the direction of the front and rear axles.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the cylinder lock 56 is offset to the right of the center line (the center of the vehicle width) CL in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0041] The counter 70 is located in front of the left side of the cylinder lock 56. The counter 70 is positioned on the side opposite the cylinder lock 56 (the left side) of the center line CL in the direction of vehicle width. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the counter 70 is offset to the left of the center line CL in the direction of vehicle width.

[0042] In this way, the counter 70 and the cylinder lock 56 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction, instead of in tandem, one behind the other. Since the counter 70 and the cylinder lock 56 are arranged one behind the other in the front-back direction to avoid mutual interference, it is possible to prevent either the counter 70 or the cylinder lock 56 from being positioned far from the steering shaft 43. In other words, it is possible to arrange the cylinder lock 56 and the counter 70 so that they are not too far from the circumference of the steering shaft 43.

[0043] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram which, in a vehicle side view, shows the positional relationship between the counter 70, the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram that, in a view in the direction of the fork, illustrates the positional relationship between the counter 70, the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram which, in a view perpendicular to the counter, illustrates the positional relationship between the counter 70, the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram which, in a vehicle top view, illustrates the positional relationship between the counter 70, the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60. Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram which, in a vehicle front view, illustrates the positional relationship between the counter 70, the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60.

[0044] It should be noted that in the Fig. 8 to 12 elements other than the steering head tube 18, upper bridge 55, lower bridge 60 and counter 70 have been omitted. In the present embodiment, the expression “view in fork direction” refers to a direction in which the centerline of the fork tube 30 extends, as indicated by an arrow S1 in Fig. 8 is displayed. Furthermore, the expression “view perpendicular to the counter” refers to a direction orthogonal to a display surface 71a of the counter 70, as indicated by an arrow S2 in Fig. 6 displayed.

[0045] As in the Fig. As shown in figures 8 to 12, the counter 70 is located in front of the upper bridge 55. The counter 70 is supported by a counter support (not shown) that extends from the upper bridge 55. The counter 70 has a bottom surface that is supported by the counter support.

[0046] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the counter 70 has a display area 71 that indicates the speed and an extension section 72 that extends from the outer circumferential section of the display area 71 towards the outer circumferential side of the display area 71.

[0047] The display area 71 has an approximately cylindrical shape. Inside the display area 71 is a counter main body 71b (see Fig. 6) equipped with a control substrate, a drive section for driving the counter 70, and / or similar components. A flat display surface 71a is located on the top of the counter main body 71b. Displays 73 for showing various information are located on the display surface 71a. The displays 73 indicate, for example, the status of the engine speed, shifting behavior, fuel level, various lights, and / or similar information. The display area 71 has a transparent cover element 74 to protect the display surface 71a.

[0048] The extension section 72 accommodates a part of the counter main body 71b that is not included in the display area 71. A counter coupling 72a is arranged on the underside of the extension section 72 (see Fig. 8) The counter coupling 72a projects further forward and downward from the underside of the counter 70. In the present embodiment, the counter coupling 72a is L-shaped in the front view (see Fig. 12). In other words, a cable harness 76 is connected to the right of the counter coupling 72a.

[0049] The counter coupling 72a is arranged so that it overlaps the recessed section 41a located on top of the headlight 41 in the top view of the vehicle (see Fig. 6) The counter coupling 72a enters the recessed section 41a of the headlight 41 from above. Therefore, the entire assembly of the headlight 41 and the counter 70 can be arranged in a compact manner.

[0050] At the same time, the wiring harness 76 is covered by the headlight 41, so that the appearance of the saddle seat vehicle 10 can be improved and the wiring harness 76 can be protected from the outside.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the upper bridge 55, the lower bridge 60, and the counter 70 are arranged such that they are inclined with respect to a horizontal line (horizontal plane) L1 in the vehicle side view. More precisely, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in the vehicle side view, the angle of inclination θ2 on the side of the acute angle formed by the horizontal line L1 with an imaginary line L3 extending longitudinally on the extension section 72 of the counter 70 is greater than the angle of inclination θ1 on the side of the acute angle formed by the horizontal line L1 with an imaginary line L2 extending longitudinally on the upper bridge 55. In other words, the inclination of the imaginary line L3 of the counter 70 to the horizontal line L1 is steeper than the inclination of the imaginary line L2 of the upper bridge 55 to the horizontal line L1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the angle of inclination θ2 is greater than the angle of inclination θ1 on the side of the acute angle formed by the horizontal line L1 with an imaginary line L2 extending longitudinally on the upper bridge 55. Fig. Figure 8 shows that the inclination of the display surface 71a of the counter 70 to the horizontal line L1 is steeper than the inclination of the upper end surface of the upper bridge 55 to the horizontal line L1.

[0052] The angle of inclination θ2 on the side of the acute angle formed by the horizontal line L1 with the imaginary line L3 of the counter 70 is also greater than an angle of inclination θ3 on the side of the acute angle formed by the horizontal line L1 with an imaginary line L4 extending longitudinally along the lower bridge 60. In other words, the inclination of the horizontal line L1 and the imaginary line L3 of the counter 70 is steeper than the inclination of the horizontal line L1 and the imaginary line L4 of the lower bridge 60. In the present embodiment, the inclination of the display surface 71a of the counter 70 and the horizontal line L1 is steeper than the inclination of the upper end surface of the lower bridge 60 and the horizontal line L1.

[0053] It should be noted that the horizontal line L1 is used in reference to a saddle-seat vehicle 10 which travels in a straight line and in an upright position.

[0054] Thus, the counter coupling 72a increases the distance to the steering head tube 18 when the counter coupling 72a extends downwards. In other words, the counter coupling 72a extends in a direction that increases the distance from the steering head tube 18. Therefore, the wiring harness 76 extending from the counter coupling 72a also extends in a direction that increases the distance around the steering head tube 18. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the wiring harness 76 from being arranged tightly around the steering head tube 18.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the extension section 72 in the present embodiment is arranged in the top-bottom direction between the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60. More precisely, the extension section 72 is arranged between the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60 in the fork direction, which is the extension direction of the centerline of the fork tube 30. In other words, the counter 70 is arranged between the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60 in the fork direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the upper bridge 55 and the counter 70 are arranged in relation to a predetermined position relationship when viewed from a specific direction.

[0057] First, the upper bridge 55 and the counter 70, in which the arrow S1 leads, are Fig. 8. View shown in fork direction, arranged so that they overlap (see Fig. 9).

[0058] Secondly, the upper bridge 55 and the counter 70 are arranged perpendicular to the counter in the view shown by arrow S2, so that they overlap (see Fig. 10).

[0059] In this way, the counter 70 and the upper bridge 55 overlap both in the view in the direction of the fork and in the view perpendicular to the counter. This allows for an arrangement that prevents an excessive distance between the steering head tube 18 and the counter 70. Therefore, steering stability cannot be affected by sluggish steering caused by the arrangement of the heavy counter 70 in a position too far from the steering shaft 43.

[0060] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, in the present embodiment, the upper bridge 55 is arranged in the fork-direction view and in the view perpendicular to the counter such that it overlaps only the extension section 72 of the counter 70. In other words, the upper bridge 55 does not impair the visibility of the display area 71a. Thus, the driver's view on the saddle-seat vehicle 10 is not obstructed.

[0061] In third place, indicated by an arrow S3 in Fig. In the indicated top view of the vehicle, the counter 70 and the upper bridge 55 are arranged so that they do not overlap (see Figure 8). Fig. 11).

[0062] The counter 70 and the upper bridge 55 do not overlap in the top view of the vehicle. This allows for an arrangement that prevents an excessively close positional relationship between the steering head tube 18 and the counter 70. In other words, the wiring harness 76 can be routed so that it is not positioned too close to the steering head tube 18. This prevents the steering stability from being affected by the airflow that would otherwise build up due to the close proximity of the wiring harness 76 to the steering head tube 18, a situation caused by the counter 70 being positioned too close to the steering head tube 18.

[0063] In this way, by defining the positional relationship between the upper bridge 55 and the counter 70 in several directions, the influences on the airflow and on the steering are taken into account in order to prevent an influence on the steering stability of the saddle seat vehicle 10.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 are also arranged with respect to a predetermined positional relationship, viewed from a certain direction.

[0065] Initially, the lower bridge 60 and the counter 70 are arranged overlapping in the vehicle top view and in the fork direction, so that the front fork 14 can be designed quite compactly without the arrangement of the counter 70 described above having an influence on steering stability.

[0066] Fig. Figure 8 shows an imaginary line L5 extending from a rear end of counter 70 in a direction orthogonal to the display surface 71a of counter 70. In other words, the imaginary line L5 is a line running in the direction of arrow S2.

[0067] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the imaginary line L5 does not intersect the lower bridge 60. In other words, viewed perpendicular to the counter, the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 are arranged so that they do not overlap. The counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 do not overlap in the view perpendicular to the counter. This allows for an arrangement that prevents an excessively close positional relationship between the steering head tube 18 and the counter 70, compared to the case where the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 overlap in the perpendicular view. Therefore, steering stability cannot be affected by the wind resistance accumulating around the circumference of the steering head tube 18 due to the wiring harness 76 and / or similar components being located close to the steering head tube 18.

[0068] As described above, cables and wiring harnesses, e.g. for the brake, clutch, counter and / or similar, are usually arranged tightly around the head tube 18, which in some cases promotes the accumulation of airflow.

[0069] However, the arrangement of the upper bridge 55, the lower bridge 60, and the counter 70, viewed from a specific direction, is an arrangement with respect to the predetermined positional relationship. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the wiring harness from being positioned too close together, and the counter 70 is also not located in a position that is too far from the steering head tube 18. This prevents a heavier steering action from affecting steering stability.

[0070] As described above, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the saddle-seat vehicle 10 comprises: the vehicle body frame 11 encompassing the steering head tube 18; the front fork 14 steerably supported by the steering head tube 18; and the counter 70 attached to the front fork 14. In the saddle-seat vehicle 10, the front fork 14 comprises: the upper bridge 55 arranged above the steering head tube 18; the lower bridge 60 arranged below the steering head tube 18; and the pair of left and right fork tubes 30 supported by the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60. The counter 70 and the upper bridge 55 overlap, viewed in the direction of the fork, along the extension direction of the fork tubes 30, and also overlap, viewed perpendicular to the counter, from a direction orthogonal to the display surface of the counter 70, but the counter 70 and the upper bridge 55 do not overlap in the vehicle top view.

[0071] In this arrangement, the counter 70 and the upper bridge 50 do not overlap when viewed from above. This allows for a position that prevents the counter 70 from being too close to the steering head tube 18. Therefore, the wiring harness 76 extending from the counter 70 does not need to be arranged tightly around the steering head tube 18, thus preventing airflow from accumulating around the circumference of the steering head tube 18. Furthermore, the counter 70 and the upper bridge 55 overlap both when viewed in the direction of the fork and perpendicular to the counter. This allows for a position that prevents the counter 70 from being too far from the steering head tube 18. Therefore, it is avoided that the heavy counter 70 needs to be positioned too far from the steering shaft, thus preventing a more cumbersome steering action.

[0072] Therefore, the saddle seat vehicle 10 with the counter 70 is designed in such a way that an influence on steering stability can be prevented.

[0073] In the saddle seat vehicle 10, the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 overlap in the vehicle top view and in the fork view.

[0074] In this arrangement, the front fork 14 can be designed to be completely compact compared to the case where the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 do not overlap in the vehicle view and in the fork direction, while the arrangement of the counter 70 cannot affect steering stability.

[0075] In the saddle seat vehicle 10, the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 do not overlap when viewed perpendicularly to the counter.

[0076] Since the counter 70 and the lower bridge 60 do not overlap when viewed perpendicular to the counter, this configuration allows for an arrangement that prevents the counter 70 from being positioned too close to the steering shaft. Therefore, the wiring harness 76, extending from the counter 70 and / or the like, is prevented from being positioned close to the steering shaft, thus preventing the build-up of airflow around the circumference of the steering shaft.

[0077] In the saddle-seat vehicle 10, the counter 70 has a display area 71 indicating the speed, as well as an extension section 72 that extends from the outer circumferential section of the display area 71 towards the outer circumferential side of the display area 71. The display area 71 contains the indicators 73, while the extension section 72 accommodates a substrate. In the counter 70, the extension section 72 overlaps the upper bridge 55.

[0078] In this configuration, the visibility of the display area 71 is made more difficult, while the arrangement of the counter 70 has no effect on steering stability.

[0079] In the saddle seat vehicle 10, the counter 70 is arranged in the top-bottom direction between the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60.

[0080] Since the extension section 72 of the counter 70 is located between the upper bridge 55 and the lower bridge 60, the visibility of the display area 71 is hardly affected in this configuration, while the arrangement of the counter 70 has no effect on steering stability.

[0081] In the saddle-seat vehicle 10, the counter 70 includes the counter coupling 72a, which protrudes from the underside. In the side view of the vehicle, the angle of inclination θ2 to the horizontal line L1 of the counter 70 is steeper than the angle of inclination θ1 to the horizontal line L1 of the upper bridge 55 and the angle of inclination θ3 to the horizontal line L1 of the lower bridge 60.

[0082] In this configuration, the counter coupling 72a protruding from the underside of the counter 70 is inclined at a slightly steeper angle than the steering shaft, so that as the counter coupling 72a extends downwards, it can slightly increase the distance to the steering shaft. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wiring harness 76 from being positioned too close to the steering shaft.

[0083] In the saddle-seat vehicle 10, the cylinder lock 56 is mounted on the upper bridge 55. The cylinder lock 56 is offset to one side in a left-right direction with respect to the center of the vehicle width, while the counter 70 is offset to the other side in a left-right direction with respect to the center of the vehicle width.

[0084] Since in this arrangement the counter 70 and the cylinder lock 56 are not arranged one behind the other, the cylinder lock 56 can be arranged around the steering shaft, while the counter 70 can be arranged so that it is not too far from the steering shaft. [Other embodiments]

[0085] The embodiments described above show only one aspect of the present invention, so that optional modifications and applications are possible within a range that does not deviate from the basic idea of ​​the present invention.

[0086] For illustrative purposes, the embodiment described above includes a saddle-seat vehicle 10 with an internal combustion engine as the drive unit 12. However, the drive unit 12 can also be an electric motor powered by electrical energy. Therefore, the saddle-seat vehicle 10 can be an electric vehicle that uses an electric motor powered by a battery. [Configuration supported by the embodiment described above]

[0087] The above embodiment supports the following configurations. (Configuration 1)

[0088] A saddle-seat vehicle comprising: a body frame having a steering head tube; a steerable front fork supported by the steering head tube; and a counter attached to the front fork. In the saddle-seat vehicle, the front fork comprises: an upper bridge arranged above the steering head tube; a lower bridge arranged below the steering head tube; and a pair of left and right fork tubes supported by the upper and lower bridges. The counter and the upper bridge overlap each other in a view along the fork direction, seen along one extension of the fork tubes, and also overlap each other in a view perpendicular to the counter, seen from a direction orthogonal to a display surface of the counter, whereas the counter and the upper bridge do not overlap each other in a top view of the vehicle.

[0089] In this arrangement, the odometer and the upper bridge do not overlap when viewed from above. This allows for a position that prevents the odometer from being too close to the steering head tube. Consequently, it prevents a wiring harness or similar component leading from the odometer from being positioned tightly around the steering head tube, thus reducing the likelihood of air buildup around the circumference of the steering head tube. Furthermore, the odometer and the upper bridge overlap when viewed from the fork direction and also when viewed perpendicular to the odometer. This allows for a position that prevents the odometer from being too far from the steering head tube. Therefore, it prevents the heavy odometer from being too far from the steering shaft, which in turn prevents the steering from becoming sluggish.

[0090] Therefore, a saddle-seat vehicle is provided, with a counter that is arranged in such a way as to prevent any influence on steering stability. (Configuration 2)

[0091] In the saddle-seat vehicle according to configuration 1, the counter and the lower bridge overlap when viewed from above and in the direction of the fork.

[0092] In this configuration, the front fork can be designed to be completely compact, compared to the case where the counter and the lower bridge do not overlap when viewed from above and in the direction of the fork, without the arrangement of the counter having any influence on steering stability. (Configuration 3)

[0093] In the saddle seat vehicle according to configuration 2, the counter and the lower bridge do not overlap when viewed perpendicular to the counter.

[0094] Since the counter and the lower bridge do not overlap when viewed perpendicular to the counter, this configuration allows for an arrangement that prevents the counter from being positioned too close to the steering shaft. This prevents the wiring harness and / or similar components extending from the counter from being placed close to the steering shaft, thus preventing a build-up of airflow around the shaft's circumference. (Configuration 4)

[0095] In the saddle-seat vehicle according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, the counter has a display area indicating the speed, as well as an extension section that stretches from an outer circumferential section of the display area to the outer circumferential side of the display area. The display area contains indicators, while the extension section accommodates a substrate. The counter has an extension section that overlaps the upper bridge.

[0096] In this configuration, the visibility of the display area is impaired, while the arrangement of the counter has no effect on steering stability. (Configuration 5)

[0097] In the saddle-seat vehicle according to configuration 4, the extension section of the counter is located between the upper bridge and the lower bridge.

[0098] Since, in this configuration, the extension section, as the area overlapping with the counter, is located between the upper bridge and the lower bridge, the visibility of the display area is restricted, while the arrangement of the counter does not affect steering stability. (Configuration 6)

[0099] In the saddle-seat vehicle according to configuration 5, the counter has a counter coupling that protrudes from one underside. In the side view of the vehicle, the angle of inclination of the counter to a horizontal plane is steeper than the angles of inclination to the horizontal planes of the upper and lower bridges.

[0100] In this configuration, the counter coupling protruding from the underside of the counter is inclined at a slightly steeper angle than the steering shaft, allowing the counter coupling to be easily positioned to increase the downward distance to the steering shaft. This makes it possible to avoid having to position the counter's wiring harness and similar components too close to the steering shaft. (Configuration 7)

[0101] In the saddle-seat vehicle according to configuration 6, the upper bridge is equipped with a cylinder lock. The cylinder lock is offset to the left and right on one side relative to the vehicle's center of width, while the counter is offset to the left and right on the other side relative to the vehicle's center of width.

[0102] Since in this arrangement the counter and the cylinder lock are not arranged one behind the other, the cylinder lock can be arranged around the steering shaft, while the counter can be arranged so that it is not too far from the steering shaft. Reference symbol list 10 Saddle seat vehicle 11 Vehicle body frame 14 front fork 18 Steering head tube 30 Fork tube 55 upper bridge 56 cylinder lock 60 lower bridge 70 counter 71 Display area 72 Extension section 72a Counter coupling 73 advertisements 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-A 2018-154170

[0003]

Claims

[1] A saddle-seat vehicle (10) comprising: a vehicle body frame (11) with a steering head tube (18); a front fork (14) steerable from the steering head tube (18); and a counter (70) attached to the front fork (14), characterized by , that the front fork (14) comprises: an upper bridge (55) arranged above the steering head tube (18); a lower bridge (60) arranged below the steering head tube (18); and a pair of left and right fork tubes (30) supported by the upper bridge (55) and the lower bridge (60), and The counter (70) and the upper bridge (55), viewed in a fork direction along an extension direction of the fork tubes (30), overlap each other, and also overlap each other in a view perpendicular to the counter, viewed from a direction orthogonal to a display surface of the counter (70), but the counter (70) and the upper bridge (55) do not overlap each other in a vehicle top view. [2] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the counter (70) and the lower bridge (60) overlap each other in the vehicle top view and in the fork direction. [3] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the counter (70) and the lower bridge (60) do not overlap each other in the view perpendicular to the counter. [4] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the counter (70) has a display area (71) indicating the speed, and an extension section (72) extending from an outer circumferential section of the display area (71) to an outer circumferential side of the display area (71), the display area (71) contains a display (73), the extension section (72) receives a substrate, and the counter (70) has the extension section (72) that overlaps the upper bridge (55). [5] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the extension section (72) of the counter (70) is arranged between the upper bridge (55) and the lower bridge (60). [6] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the counter (70) has a counter coupling (72a) protruding from an underside, and, in a vehicle side view, an inclination angle (θ2) to a horizontal plane (L1) of the counter (70) is steeper than inclination angles (θ1, θ3) to horizontal planes (L1) of the upper bridge (55) and the lower bridge (60). [7] The saddle seat vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the upper bridge (55) is fitted with a cylinder lock (56), the cylinder lock (56) is offset on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the vehicle width, and the counter (70) is offset on the other side in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the vehicle width.

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