Saddle-riding vehicle

Abstract

To ensure attachment rigidity of a lower cover while upgrading an industrial design and taking measures against scattering pebbles during riding, suppress an increase in the size of the lower cover, and make it easy to introduce travel wind to a connection body.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding vehicle includes a connection body (12) that connects a down frame (33) with a pivot frame (32) and a lower cover stay bolt (90). The lower cover (54) includes a center lower cover (60) and right and left side lower covers (70 and 80). The lower cover stay bolt (90) includes a frame fastening part (92) and a pair of left and right connection body fastening parts (97 and 98). A concave shape (90a) of the lower cover stay bolt (90) and a concave shape (54a) of the lower cover (54) form an orifice shape (S1) in a body front view. The frame fastening part (92) is disposed above the connection body fastening parts (97 and 98).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a saddle-type vehicle, in a backbone frame in which a down frame and a pivot frame are spaced apart, it is known that a lower cover covering a connecting body connecting the down frame and the pivot frame is supported by the down frame (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, an engine is supported by the down frame and the pivot frame as a connecting body, and an under cowl corresponding to the lower cover is supported at the lower end of the down frame. The under cowl of Patent Document 1 has left and right side parts and a connecting part that connects the left and right side parts at the front, and the connecting part is fixed to the lower end of the down frame by a bracket, and the side part is fixed to the bottom part of the engine via a stay. The upper end of the connecting part of the under cowl of Patent Document 1 is located above the bottom part of the engine when viewed from the front. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5455509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, it is desirable to provide a lower cover in a saddle-type vehicle in order to improve the design and to protect against flying stones while driving, but at the same time, it is desirable to ensure the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, to prevent the lower cover from becoming too large, and to guide the wind to the connecting body. In particular, when the connecting body is prone to becoming hot, it is desirable to sufficiently guide the wind to the connecting body. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a saddle-type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame, which has the following features: improving design and providing measures against flying stones and the like when driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, preventing the lower cover from becoming larger, and making it easier to guide the wind generated when driving into the connecting body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The saddle-ride type vehicle has a lower cover attached to a backbone frame having a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe, a down frame extending downward from the head pipe, and a pivot frame extending downward from the rear end of the main frame, and is characterized in that the vehicle includes a connecting body that connects the down frame and the pivot frame, and a lower cover stay that connects the lower cover to a vehicle body, the lower cover having a center lower cover, a right side lower cover, and a left side lower cover, the lower cover stay having a frame fastening portion fastened to the down frame and a pair of left and right connecting body fastening portions fastened to the connecting body, the lower cover stay having an upwardly recessed concave shape and the lower cover having a downwardly recessed concave shape, the concave shape of the lower cover stay and the concave shape of the lower cover form a closed opening shape in a front view of the vehicle body, and the frame fastening portion is provided above the connecting body fastening portion. Effect of the Invention

[0006] In a saddle-type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame, it is possible to improve the design and take measures against flying stones and the like while driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, preventing the lower cover from becoming larger, and making it easier to guide the wind generated when driving to the connecting body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body frame according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the peripheral portion of the power unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the peripheral portion of the power unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the peripheral portion of the power unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lower cover and a lower cover stay according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a lower cover and a lower cover stay according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of a lower cover and a lower cover stay according to the embodiment, as viewed from the rear. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, up and down are the same as directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In addition, the symbol FR in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment Mode] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle that includes a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports a front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a rider sits astride a seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear part of the body frame 11.

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the body frame 11, a front frame 19 located rearward of the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located rearward of the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by a rear frame 20 .

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by a head pipe 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 that is held by a rider is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15 a provided at the rear end of a swing arm 16 .

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheels 13 and the rear wheels 15 and is supported by the body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder portion 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to an exhaust port of the cylinder portion 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheels 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheels 15 .

[0014] 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 on which a rider places his or her feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the body frame 11.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body frame 11 according to the embodiment. The front frame 19 in this embodiment comprises a main frame 31 extending downward and rearward from the head pipe 18, a pivot frame 32 extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 31, a down frame 33 extending downward from a position on the head pipe 18 below the front end of the main frame 31, and a gusset 34 that reinforces the connection between the head pipe 18, the main frame 31 and the down frame 33.

[0016] The rear frame 20 comprises a pair of left and right seat frames 41 extending from the rear of the main frame 31 to the rear end of the vehicle body, a pair of left and right rear subframes 42 extending from the vertical middle of the left and right pivot frames 32 to the rear ends of the seat frames 41, a rear front cross member 43 connecting the front ends of the pair of left and right seat frames 41 in the left-right direction, a rear rear cross member 44 connecting the rear ends of the pair of left and right seat frames 41 in the left-right direction, and a seat engagement portion 45 formed between the rear front cross member 43 and the rear rear cross member 44.

[0017] A unit bracket 35 is formed at the lower end of the down frame 33. The unit bracket 35 is in the form of a bent plate with an open rear end. The power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 35. In detail, the front end of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 35 by a shaft-shaped fastener extending in the vehicle width direction. A unit bracket 36 (see FIG. 1) is formed at the lower end of the pivot frame 32. The power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 36. In detail, the rear end of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 36 by a shaft-shaped fastener extending in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the body frame 11, the down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32 are connected by the power unit 12, which is an example of a rigid member. The down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32 are connected via the power unit 12, and the body frame 11 of this embodiment is a backbone frame.

[0018] 1, a body cover 50 is supported on the body frame 11. The body cover 50 includes a tank cover 51 that covers the fuel tank 29, a pair of left and right center covers 52 that are provided below the tank cover 51 and cover the vehicle body from the outside in the left and right direction, a pair of left and right rear covers 53 that are behind the center cover 52 and cover the underside of the seat 17 from the outside in the left and right direction, and a lower cover 54 that is disposed below and spaced apart from the center cover 52 and covers the front end part of the power unit 12 from the front.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a front view of the peripheral portion of power unit 12 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a left side view of the peripheral portion of power unit 12 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the peripheral portion of power unit 12 according to the embodiment. The power unit 12 in this embodiment is an engine. Hereinafter, the power unit 12 will be referred to as the engine. The crankcase 23 of the engine 12 has a left and right half structure. The crankcase 23 has a left case 23L and a right case 23R (see FIG. 5). The left case 23L and the right case 23R are connected in the left-right direction to form the crankcase 23.

[0020] A cylinder section 24 extending forward and upward is provided in the front portion of the crankcase 23. The cylinder section 24 includes, in order from the crankcase 23 side, a cylinder 24a, a cylinder head 24b, and a cylinder head cover 24c. The cylinder section 24 extends upward with a cylinder axis of the cylinder section 24 tilted slightly forward in a side view of the vehicle. The cylinder section 24 extends upward behind the down frame 33 along the down frame 33. The engine 12 of this embodiment is a single-cylinder engine with a single cylinder section 24.

[0021] An exhaust device 25 is connected to the upper front surface of the cylinder section 24. The exhaust device 25 includes a first exhaust pipe 25a. The first exhaust pipe 25a extends forward from the right part (one side part in the vehicle width direction) of the front surface of the cylinder section 24. When the first exhaust pipe 25a extends forward from the front surface of the cylinder section 24, it extends forward of the down frame 33, and then curves and extends downward toward the rear and lower side. At this time, the first exhaust pipe 25a extends downward while curving so as to bulge to the right, on the right side of the down frame 33 in a front view of the vehicle body. Then, the first exhaust pipe 25a curves backward along the front surface of the crankcase 23 while overlapping the unit bracket 35 of the down frame 33 in a side view of the vehicle body. Below the crankcase 23, the first exhaust pipe 25a extends backward along the bottom surface part 12a of the crankcase 23.

[0022] A catalyzer 25b is connected to the rear end of the first exhaust pipe 25a. The catalyzer 25b is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. The catalyzer 25b is disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction. A box-shaped pre-muffler 25c is connected to the rear end of the catalyzer 25b. A second exhaust pipe 25d extending to the upper right rear is connected to the pre-muffler 25c. A muffler 25e is connected to the rear end of the second exhaust pipe 25d. The muffler 25e is disposed to the right of the rear wheel 15. The first exhaust pipe 25a, the catalyzer 25b, the pre-muffler 25c, the second exhaust pipe 25d, and the muffler 25e constitute an exhaust device 25 of the present embodiment.

[0023] A shift pedal 39 is pivotally supported around the left step 28. The pivoting operation of the shift pedal 39 is transmitted to a transmission (not shown) in the crankcase 23 via a shift rod 38 extending forward from the shift pedal 39.

[0024] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 according to the embodiment as viewed from the rear. The lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body, such as the vehicle frame 11 and the power unit 12, via a lower cover stay 90. The lower cover 54 has a center lower cover 60, a side lower cover 70 disposed on the right side of the center lower cover 60, and a side lower cover 80 disposed on the left side of the center lower cover 60.

[0025] The center lower cover 60 has a front cover portion 61 that is approximately trapezoidal when viewed from the front, an extending cover portion 62 formed on the right side of the front cover portion 61, and an extending cover portion 63 formed on the left side of the front cover portion 61. The front cover portion 61 is in the form of a curved plate with a central portion recessed rearward (see FIG. 7). The front cover portion 61 is formed such that the left-right width narrows downward when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. The front cover portion 61 slopes upward toward the rear of the vehicle body. A horizontal hole 61a is formed in the front cover portion 61, penetrating in the thickness direction. The horizontal hole 61a extends in the left-right direction. A plate-shaped fixing portion 61b bent rearward is formed at the lower end of the front cover portion 61 (see FIG. 5). A fixing hole through which a bolt (fastening member) is inserted is formed in the fixing portion 61b.

[0026] The left and right extending cover parts 62, 63 extend upward beyond the front cover part 61. The upper ends of the extending cover parts 62, 63 are bent rearward. The upper ends of the extending cover parts 62, 63 are formed with cover fastening parts 62a, 63a that penetrate in the vehicle width direction. The cover fastening parts 62a, 63a are formed with fixing holes through which bolts are inserted. In the center lower cover 60, a downwardly recessed cutout portion 60a is formed by the upper edge of the front cover portion 61 and the inner edges in the vehicle width direction of the extension cover portions 62, 63 (see FIG. 3).

[0027] The right side lower cover 70 extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 6, the side lower cover 70 is generally container-shaped with a shallow bottom recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the side lower cover 70 has a side cover portion 71 having a thickness in the vehicle width direction, and a wall-shaped outer periphery cover portion 72 formed on the outer periphery of the side cover portion 71 and protruding inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] The side cover portion 71 is formed so that its vertical width narrows as it extends rearward. In detail, the side cover portion 71 has a substantially rectangular front portion 71a that is longer in the vertical direction than the right extension cover portion 62 of the center lower cover 60, a substantially trapezoidal middle portion 71b that extends from the rear end of the front portion 71a and narrows in vertical width as it extends rearward, and a rear portion 71c that extends rearward from the rear end of the middle portion 71b. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the side cover portion 71 is inclined along the center lower cover 60. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the side cover portion 71 is curved inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward.

[0029] The outer peripheral cover portion 72 has a front wall portion 72a formed along the front edge of the side cover portion 71, an upper wall portion 72b formed along the upper edge of the side cover portion 71, a lower wall portion 72c formed along the lower edge of the side cover portion 71, and a rear wall portion 72d formed along the rear edge of the side cover portion 71. An upper portion of the front wall portion 72a extends upwardly and outwardly of the front forks 14 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, a claw-shaped clamping portion 73 is formed on the front wall portion 72a on the inner surface of the side lower cover 70. The clamping portion 73 extends inward in the vehicle width direction along the front wall portion 72a. A predetermined gap is formed between the clamping portion 73 and the inner surface of the front wall portion 72a. The right extension cover portion 62 of the center lower cover 60 is clamped between the clamping portion 73 and the front wall portion 72a. The clamping portion 73 abuts against the rear surface of the extension cover portion 62. As a result, the side lower cover 70 is connected to the center lower cover 60 such that the front wall portion 72a of the outer periphery cover portion 72 covers the center lower cover 60 from the front side (outside).

[0031] A boss portion 74 is formed above the clamping portion 73. The boss portion 74 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the front portion 71a of the side cover portion 71. A fastening hole is formed in the boss portion 74. The right cover fastening portion 62a of the center lower cover 60 is fastened to the boss portion 74.

[0032] A cover stay portion 75 is formed below the clamping portion 73, extending inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the inner surface of the front portion 71a of the side cover portion 71. The cover stay portion 75 is plate-shaped with a thickness in the vertical direction. In a plan view, the cover stay portion 75 overlaps with the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60. A through hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the cover stay portion 75. For example, a clip nut (a fastened member) is attached to the portion of the cover stay portion 75 where the through hole is formed.

[0033] A rib portion 76 extending in the up-down direction is formed behind the boss portion 74 and the cover stay portion 75. The rib portion 76 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 71b of the side cover portion 71. The upper end of the rib portion 76 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall portion 72b. The lower end of the rib portion 76 is connected to the inner surface of the lower wall portion 72c. An insertion portion 77 protruding in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 71b is formed in the up-down center of the rib portion 76. An insertion hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the insertion portion 77. A lower cover stay 90 can be inserted into the insertion portion 77. An exhaust pipe avoidance portion 78 that is cut outward in the vehicle width direction is formed below the rib portion 76. The exhaust pipe avoidance portion 78 is formed in the lower wall portion 72c.

[0034] A stay fastening portion 79 is formed behind the rib portion 76, protruding cylindrically from the inner surface of the rear portion 71c of the side cover portion 71. A bolt insertion hole is formed in the stay fastening portion 79. A lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the stay fastening portion 79.

[0035] The left side lower cover 80 is formed to correspond to the right side lower cover 70. In particular, the left side lower cover 80 has a shorter length to the rear than the right side lower cover 70. This avoids interference with the shift rod 38 (see FIG. 5). In other words, the left side lower cover 80 is formed substantially symmetrically with the right side lower cover 70.

[0036] More specifically, the left side lower cover 80 extends in the front-rear direction. The side lower cover 80 is generally container-shaped with a shallow bottom recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the side lower cover 80 has a side cover portion 81 having a thickness in the vehicle width direction, and a wall-shaped outer periphery cover portion 82 formed on the outer periphery of the side cover portion 81 and protruding inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The side cover portion 81 is formed so that its vertical width narrows as it advances rearward. In detail, the side cover portion 81 has a substantially rectangular front portion 81a that is longer in the vertical direction than the left extension cover portion 63 of the center lower cover 60, a substantially trapezoidal middle portion 81b that extends from the rear end of the front portion 81a and narrows in vertical width as it advances rearward, and a rear portion 81c that extends rearward from the rear end of the middle portion 81b. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the side cover portion 81 is inclined along the center lower cover 60. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the side cover portion 81 is curved inward in the vehicle width direction as it progresses downward.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral cover portion 82 has a front wall portion 82a formed along the front edge of the side cover portion 81, an upper wall portion 82b formed along the upper edge of the side cover portion 81, a lower wall portion 82c formed along the lower edge of the side cover portion 81, and a rear wall portion 82d formed along the rear edge of the side cover portion 81. An upper portion of the front wall portion 82a extends upwardly and outwardly in the vehicle width direction beyond the front forks 14 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body (see FIG. 3).

[0039] Here, a recessed shape 54a recessed downward is formed in the lower cover 54 by the cutout portion 60a of the center lower cover 60, the inner edge of the front wall portion 72a of the right side lower cover 70, and the inner edge of the front wall portion 82a of the right side lower cover 80 (see FIG. 3).

[0040] On the inner surface of the side lower cover 80, a claw-shaped clamping portion (not shown) is formed in the front wall portion 82a. This clamping portion extends inward in the vehicle width direction along the front wall portion 82a. This clamping portion forms a predetermined gap between the inner surface of the front wall portion 82a. The left extension cover portion 63 of the center lower cover 60 is clamped between this clamping portion and the front wall portion 82a. This clamping portion abuts against the rear surface of the extension cover portion 63. As a result, the side lower cover 80 is connected to the center lower cover 60 such that the front wall portion 82a of the outer periphery cover portion 82 covers the center lower cover 60 from the front side (outside).

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, a boss portion 84 is formed above the clamping portion. The boss portion 84 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the front portion 81a of the side cover portion 81. A fastening hole is formed in the boss portion 84. The left cover fastening portion 63a of the center lower cover 60 is fastened to the boss portion 84.

[0042] Below the clamping portion, a cover stay portion 85 is formed, which extends inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the inner surface of the front portion 81a of the side cover portion 81. The cover stay portion 85 is plate-shaped with a thickness in the vertical direction. In a plan view, the cover stay portion 85 overlaps the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60. A through hole penetrating the cover stay portion 85 in the vertical direction is formed. The cover stay portion 85 is clamped between the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60 and the cover stay portion 75 of the right side lower cover 70.

[0043] A rib portion 86 extending in the up-down direction is formed behind the boss portion 84 and the cover stay portion 85. The rib portion 86 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 81b of the side cover portion 81. The upper end of the rib portion 86 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall portion 82b. The lower end of the rib portion 86 is connected to the inner surface of the lower wall portion 82c. An insertion portion 87 protruding in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 81b is formed in the up-down center of the rib portion 86. An insertion hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the insertion portion 87. A lower cover stay 90 can be inserted into the insertion portion 87.

[0044] A stay fastening portion 89 is formed behind the rib portion 86, protruding cylindrically from the inner surface of the rear portion 81c of the side cover portion 81. A bolt insertion hole is formed in the stay fastening portion 89. A lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the stay fastening portion 89.

[0045] The lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body via a lower cover stay 90. The lower cover stay 90 is an integral metal member. The lower cover stay 90 has a rod portion 91 that is substantially C-shaped in a plan view. More specifically, the rod portion 91 has a front end portion 91a extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction), front end inclined portions 91b, 91c that incline rearward as they move outward in the left-right direction from both the left and right sides of the front end portion 91a, extension portions 91d, 91e that extend rearward from the left and right outer ends of the front end inclined portions 91b, 91c, and bent portions 91f, 91g that bend inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear ends of the extension portions 91d, 91e. The right bent portion 91f and the left bent portion 91g are spaced apart from each other.

[0046] In a side view of the vehicle body, the front end 91a is located at the uppermost position compared to other parts of the rod portion 91. The front end inclined portions 91b and 91c are inclined downward as they proceed rearward. The extending portions 91d and 91e are gently inclined upward as they proceed rearward. The bent portions 91f and 91g are inclined gently downward as they proceed inward in the vehicle width direction. In a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay 90 forms an upwardly recessed shape 90a by a front end portion 91a, a left front end inclined portion 91b, and a right front end inclined portion 91c (see FIG. 3).

[0047] The front end portion 91a is formed with a flat plate-shaped frame fastening portion 92 that protrudes forward. The frame fastening portion 92 has a thickness in the up-down direction. The frame fastening portion 92 is formed with a fixing hole through which a bolt is inserted from below. Insertion rods 93, 94 extending linearly forward are supported at the lower front ends of the extensions 91d, 91e. The insertion rods 93, 94 extend along the extensions 91d, 91e. The right insertion rod 93 is inserted into the insertion portion 77 of the right side lower cover 70. The left insertion rod 94 is inserted into the insertion portion 87 of the left side lower cover 80. The insertion rods 93, 94 pass through the insertion portions 77, 87 and protrude forward.

[0048] A cover fastening portion 95 is provided at the rear end of the right extension portion 91d. The cover fastening portion 95 is provided on the outer side of the extension portion 91d in the vehicle width direction. The cover fastening portion 95 has a fastening hole formed therein into which a bolt is fastened from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A cover fastening portion 96 is provided at the rear of the left extension portion 91e. The cover fastening portion 96 is provided on the outer side of the extension portion 91e in the vehicle width direction. The cover fastening portion 96 has a fastening hole formed therein into which a bolt is fastened from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The left cover fastening portion 95 is formed further forward than the right cover fastening portion 96 .

[0049] At inner ends of the left and right bent portions 91f, 91g, there are formed flat plate-shaped unit fastening portions (connector fastening portions) 97, 98 having a thickness in the vertical direction. A bolt can be inserted into the unit fastening portions 97, 98 from below.

[0050] Next, an example of a method for attaching the lower cover 54 to the vehicle body will be described. The lower cover 54 is pre-assembled. In this embodiment, first, the left side lower cover 80 is attached to the center lower cover 60. That is, the left edge of the center lower cover 60 is sandwiched between the front wall portion 82a and the sandwiching portion 83, and the side lower cover 80 is positioned relative to the center lower cover 60. Then, a bolt is inserted into the cover fastening portion 63a on the left side of the center lower cover 60 from the inside in the vehicle width direction, and fastened to the boss portion 84 of the side lower cover 80. At this time, the cover stay portion 85 of the side lower cover 80 overlaps above the fixing portion 61b.

[0051] When the left side lower cover 80 is attached to the center lower cover 60, the right side lower cover 70 is attached to the center lower cover 60. That is, the right edge of the center lower cover 60 is sandwiched between the front wall portion 72a and the sandwiching portion 73, and the side lower cover 70 is positioned relative to the center lower cover 60. Then, a bolt is inserted into the cover fastening portion 62a on the right side of the center lower cover 60 from the inside in the vehicle width direction, and fastened to the boss portion 74 of the side lower cover 70. At this time, the cover stay portion 75 of the side lower cover 70 overlaps above the cover stay portion 85 of the right side lower cover 80.

[0052] In this state, a bolt is inserted from below into the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60. This bolt is fastened to the fastened member of the upper cover stay portion 75. As a result, the fixing portion 61b, cover stay portion 85, and cover stay portion 75 are fastened together. Thus, in the lower cover 54, the center lower cover 60, the side lower cover 70, and the side lower cover 80 are assembled together. In other words, the lower cover 54 is in a sub-assembled state.

[0053] Meanwhile, the lower cover stay 90 is attached to the vehicle body in advance. The lower cover stay 90 is disposed along the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. The lower cover stay 90 is disposed between the bottom surface portion 12a of the engine 12 and the first exhaust pipe 25a in the up-down direction. The lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the down frame 33 and the engine 12 at the frame fastening portion 92 and the unit fastening portions 97 and 98 .

[0054] That is, the frame fastening portion 92 of the lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the lower end portion of the down frame 33. In detail, the frame fastening portion 92 is fastened to the lower surface of the unit bracket 35 at the lower end portion of the down frame 33 by a bolt being inserted from below.

[0055] A right unit fastening portion 97 of the lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. In detail, the right unit fastening portion 97 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the right case 23R of the crankcase 23 by a bolt being inserted from below. A left unit fastening portion 98 of the lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. In detail, the left unit fastening portion 98 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the left case 23L of the crankcase 23 by a bolt being inserted from below.

[0056] When the lower cover stay 90 is attached to the vehicle body, the lower cover 54 is assembled to the lower cover stay 90 by moving the lower cover 54 from the front to the rear of the first exhaust pipe 25a. That is, the lower cover 54 is assembled so that the insertion rods 93, 94 of the lower cover stay 90 are inserted into the insertion portions 77, 87 of the lower cover 54. By inserting the insertion rods 93, 94 into the insertion portions 77, 87, the lower cover 54 is temporarily fixed to the lower cover stay 90. Then, bolts are inserted into each of the stay fastening portions 79, 89 at the rear end portion of the lower cover 54 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and are fastened to the cover fastening portions 95, 96 of the lower cover stay 90, respectively. In this way, the lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body.

[0057] Here, the recessed shape 54a of the lower cover 54 and the recessed shape 90a of the lower cover stay 90 form a substantially hexagonal closed opening shape S1 when seen from the front of the vehicle body (see FIG. 3). The bottom surface portion 12a of the engine 12 is located inside the opening shape S1.

[0058] In addition, in a side view of the vehicle body, the center lower cover 60 overlaps with and is hidden by the side lower covers 70, 80 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the center lower cover 60 is located rearward of the front wall portions 72a, 82a of the side lower covers 70, 80. In the center lower cover 60, the front cover portion 61 slopes upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0059] Also, lower cover 54 has a front-to-rear length that does not reach step 28. Therefore, lower cover 54 of the present embodiment is compact, and the degree of freedom in layout around step 28 can be increased. In particular, in lower cover 54 of the present embodiment, left side lower cover 80 is formed shorter than right side lower cover 70, and left side lower cover 80 does not interfere with shift rod 38. Therefore, lower cover 54 of the present embodiment makes it easier to increase the degree of freedom in layout around step 28.

[0060] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 travels, the traveling wind flows from the front. Therefore, the traveling wind that flows around the left and right sides of the front wheel 13 and the front fork 14 reaches the lower cover 54. In the lower cover 54, the center lower cover 60 is located rearward of the front wall portions 72a, 82a of the side lower covers 70, 80, and the front cover portion 61, which is the central portion of the center lower cover 60 in the vehicle width direction, is recessed rearward in a plan view and inclined upward as it proceeds toward the rear of the vehicle body in a side view of the vehicle body. Therefore, the traveling wind that reaches the center lower cover 60 is easily allowed to flow above the cutout portion 60a in a state in which the side lower covers 70, 80 prevent the traveling wind from diffusing outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] At this time, the traveling wind that has passed through the cutout portion 60a easily passes inside the opening shape S1 formed by the concave shape 54a of the lower cover 54 and the concave shape 90a of the lower cover stay 90. Because the bottom surface portion 12a is located inside the opening shape S1 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the traveling wind easily flows rearward along the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. Therefore, the traveling wind easily flows quickly through the bottom surface portion 12a of the engine 12, and the engine 12 is easily cooled by a large amount of traveling wind.

[0062] In this embodiment, the lower cover 54 is fixed to the lower cover stay 90 at the middle parts 71b, 81b where the insertion parts 77, 87 are formed, and at the rear parts 71c, 81c where the stay fastening parts 79, 89 are formed. Therefore, the rigidity of the parts forward of the insertion parts 77, 87 is likely to be maintained only by the cover parts such as the center lower cover 60 and the front parts 71a, 81a of the side lower covers 70, 80. Therefore, the parts forward of the insertion parts 77, 87 of the lower cover 54 are likely to be moderately deformed. Therefore, the lower cover 54 is easily deformed to deflect the force of the wind while traveling, flying stones, etc., that strikes it from the front.

[0063] As described above, according to the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 of this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 in which the lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body frame 11 having the main frame 31 extending rearward from the head pipe 18, the down frame 33 extending downward from the head pipe 18, and the pivot frame 32 extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 31, is provided with the connector 12 that connects the down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32, and the lower cover stay 90 that connects the lower cover 54 and the vehicle body. The lower cover 54 is provided with the center lower cover 60 and the right-hand It has a side lower cover 70 and a left side lower cover 80, and the lower cover stay 90 has a frame fastening portion 92 fastened to the down frame 33, and a pair of left and right unit fastening portions 97, 98 fastened to the connecting body 12, in a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay 90 forms an upwardly recessed concave shape 90a, and the lower cover 54 forms a downwardly recessed concave shape 54a, the concave shape 90a of the lower cover stay 90 and the concave shape 54a of the lower cover 54 form a closed opening shape S1 in a front view of the vehicle body, and the frame fastening portion 92 is provided above the unit fastening portions 97, 98.

[0064] According to this configuration, since the lower cover 54 is provided, measures against flying stones and the like during the travel of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 can be taken. In addition, the opening shape S1 formed by the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 can improve the design of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 provided with the lower cover 54. Furthermore, since the lower cover 54 is fixed to the down frame 33 and the connecting body 12 via the lower cover stay 90, the mounting rigidity of the lower cover 54 can be ensured compared to the case where the lower cover 54 is fixed only to the down frame 33. Also, the size of the lower cover 54 can be suppressed compared to the case where the lower cover 54 is attached so as to straddle the down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32. Furthermore, the opening shape S1 formed by the lower cover stay 90 and the lower cover 54 can easily guide the traveling wind to the connecting body 12. Therefore, according to the above configuration, in a saddle-type vehicle 10 in which a lower cover 54 is attached to the body frame 11, which is a backbone frame, it is possible to improve the design and take measures against flying stones and the like while driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover 54, preventing the lower cover 54 from becoming larger, and making it easier to guide the wind while driving to the connecting body 12.

[0065] In this embodiment, the bottom surface portion 12a of the connector 12 is located inside the opening shape S1 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, the traveling wind can be sent to the bottom surface portion 12a of the connecting body 12 through the opening shape S1 and made to flow along the bottom surface portion 12a, so that the connecting body 12 can be cooled efficiently.

[0066] In this embodiment, the connecting body 12 is a power unit 12. According to this configuration, the lower cover 54 can easily guide the wind generated while traveling to the power unit 12, and the power unit 12, which is prone to generating heat, can be effectively cooled.

[0067] In this embodiment, the power unit 12 is an engine 12. According to this configuration, the first exhaust pipe 25a can be passed through the closed opening shape S1 portion, which can lead to improved feasibility of the layout of the engine 12.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the center lower cover 60 is located rearward of the front wall portions 72a, 82a that form the front edges of the side lower covers 70, 80 when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, and the front cover portion 61 of the center of the vehicle width direction of the center lower cover 60 slopes upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body, and the center lower cover 60 is formed to narrow in width as it progresses toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the left and right side lower covers 70, 80 slope inward in the vehicle width direction as they progress toward the bottom of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, since the wind generated by traveling can be easily guided to the opening shape S1 formed by the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90, the connector 12 can be cooled more effectively.

[0069] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modification and application can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is exemplified as the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 having the engine 12 as an internal combustion engine, but is not limited thereto. For example, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be a vehicle that does not have the engine 12, that is, an electric vehicle. Thus, in the above embodiment, the engine 12 is exemplified as a power unit that drives the vehicle body, but the power unit may be a power unit equipped with an electric motor for driving. In addition, the power unit is exemplified as an example of a connecting body, but for example, in an electric saddle-ride type vehicle that employs an in-wheel motor or the like, the connecting body may be a battery case that houses a battery. That is, a battery case may be fixed to the lower end of the down frame 33 and the lower end of the pivot frame 32, and the lower end of the down frame 33 and the lower end of the pivot frame 32 may be connected via the battery case. At this time, it is possible to guide the traveling wind to the battery as a heat-generating component in the battery case by the lower cover 54, and the battery can be cooled.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 15 has been used as an example of saddle-ride vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a three-wheel saddle-ride vehicle having two front or two rear wheels, or a saddle-ride vehicle having four or more wheels.

[0072] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0073] (Configuration 1) A saddle-ride type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame having a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe, a down frame extending downward from the head pipe, and a pivot frame extending downward from the rear end of the main frame, the vehicle comprising: a connecting body connecting the down frame and the pivot frame, and a lower cover stay connecting the lower cover to a vehicle body, the lower cover having a center lower cover, a right side lower cover, and a left side lower cover, the lower cover stay having a frame fastening portion fastened to the down frame and a pair of left and right connecting body fastening portions fastened to the connecting body, in a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay has a concave shape that is concave upwardly, and the lower cover has a concave shape that is concave downwardly, the concave shape of the lower cover stay and the concave shape of the lower cover form a closed opening shape in a front view of the vehicle body, and the frame fastening portion is provided above the connecting body fastening portion. According to this configuration, since the lower cover is provided, measures against flying stones and the like during driving can be taken. In addition, the opening shape formed by the lower cover and the lower cover stay can improve the design of the saddle-ride type vehicle provided with the lower cover. Furthermore, since the lower cover is fixed to the down frame and the connecting body via the lower cover stay, the mounting rigidity of the lower cover can be ensured compared to when the lower cover is fixed only to the down frame. Also, compared to when the lower cover is attached so as to straddle the down frame and the pivot frame, the increase in size of the lower cover can be suppressed. Furthermore, the opening shape formed by the lower cover stay and the lower cover can easily guide the running wind to the connecting body. Therefore, according to the above configuration, in a saddle-ride type vehicle in which the lower cover is attached to the backbone frame, it is possible to improve the design and take measures against flying stones and the like during driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, suppressing the increase in size of the lower cover, and making it easy to guide the running wind to the connecting body.

[0074] (Configuration 2) The saddle-type vehicle according to configuration 1, wherein a bottom portion of the connector is located inside the opening shape when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, the airflow can be sent to the bottom surface of the connection body through the opening shape and made to flow along the bottom surface, thereby efficiently cooling the connection body.

[0075] (Configuration 3) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is a power unit. According to this configuration, the lower cover can easily guide the wind generated while traveling to the power unit, thereby effectively cooling the power unit, which tends to generate heat.

[0076] (Configuration 4) The saddle-type vehicle according to configuration 3, wherein the power unit is an internal combustion engine. According to this configuration, the exhaust pipe can be passed through the closed open portion, which can lead to improved feasibility of the layout of the internal combustion engine.

[0077] (Configuration 5) A saddle-type vehicle described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the center lower cover is located rearward of the front edge of the side lower cover in a side view of the vehicle body, the front surface of the central part in the vehicle width direction inclines upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body, the center lower cover is formed to narrow in width as it progresses toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the left and right side lower covers incline inward in the vehicle width direction as they progress toward the bottom of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, since the airflow can be easily guided into the closed opening shape formed by the lower cover and the lower cover stay, the connecting body can be cooled more effectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Saddle-type vehicles 11 Body frame (backbone frame, body) 12 Engine (power unit, internal combustion engine, connection body, body) 18 Head pipe 12a Bottom part 31 Mainframe 32 Pivot Frame 33 Down Frame 54 Lower cover 54a concave shape 60 Center lower cover 61 Front cover part (front) 70 Side lower cover 72a Front wall (leading edge) 80 Side lower cover 82a Front wall (leading edge) 90 Lower cover stay 90a concave shape 92 Frame fastening part 97 Unit fastening part (connection body fastening part) 98 Unit fastening part (connection body fastening part) S1 opening shape

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type vehicle in which a lower cover (54) is attached to a backbone frame (11) having a main frame (31) extending rearward from a head pipe (18), a down frame (33) extending downward from the head pipe (18), and a pivot frame (32) extending downward from a rear end of the main frame (31), A connector (12) that connects the down frame (33) and the pivot frame (32); a lower cover stay (90) that connects the lower cover (54) and a vehicle body (11, 12); The lower cover (54) has a center lower cover (60), a right side lower cover (70), and a left side lower cover (80), The lower cover stay (90) has a frame fastening portion (92) fastened to the down frame (33) and a pair of left and right connecting body fastening portions (97, 98) fastened to the connecting body (12), When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay (90) has a concave shape (90a) that is concave upward, and the lower cover (54) has a concave shape (54a) that is concave downward, and the concave shape (90a) of the lower cover stay (90) and the concave shape (54a) of the lower cover (54) form a closed opening shape (S1) when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, The frame fastening portion (92) is provided above the connector fastening portions (97, 98). A saddle-type vehicle characterized by the above.

2. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the bottom surface portion (12a) of the connector (12) is located inside the opening shape (S1).

2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The connecting body (12) is a power unit (12).

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2.

4. The power unit (12) is an internal combustion engine (12).

4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3.

5. The center lower cover (60) is located rearward of a front edge (72a, 82a) of the side lower cover (70, 80) in a side view of the vehicle body, The center lower cover (60) has a front surface (61) at a center portion in the vehicle width direction inclined upward as it advances toward the rear of the vehicle body, The center lower cover (60) is formed so as to become narrower as it goes downward in the vehicle body, The left and right side lower covers (70, 80) are inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as they move downward in the vehicle body.

5. A saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1.

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