Saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

To reduce the number of components and improve rigidity while contributing to improved design of a side cover.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding type vehicle 10 includes side covers 52L and 52R which extend toward a pivot shaft 22 from the lower side of at least either one of an energy storage portion 29 or a passenger seat 17. The side cover 52L, 52R includes: a first side cover portion 71, 91 that forms the upper part of the side cover 52L, 52R; a second side cover portion 72, 92 that forms the lower part of the side cover 52L, 52R; a narrowing portion 75 that forms a narrowed part between the first side cover portion 71, 91 and the second side cover portion 72, 92; and an internal-side extending wall 76, 77 that extends inwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction from at least either one of the narrowing portion 75 or a portion adjacent to the narrowing portion 75.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A known configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle is equipped with a fuel tank that functions as an energy storage unit or a pivot shaft below the passenger seat, and supports a rear wheel on the pivot shaft via a swinging member so that the rear wheel can swing up and down. This type of saddle-ride type vehicle is equipped with a side cover that covers the periphery of the fuel tank or the passenger seat from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the side cover is formed as a large cover that extends toward the pivot shaft, and the side cover covers at least one of the air cleaner hose, the air cleaner, and the battery (for example, Patent Documents 1-3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-213985 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5977670 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5118575 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the side covers described in Patent Documents 1-3 have simple flat or curved shapes, but depending on the vehicle, a different side cover shape may be desired, or it may be desirable to reduce the number of parts of a large side cover and improve its rigidity. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a side cover that is advantageous in improving the design, reduces the number of parts, and improves rigidity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a saddle-ride type vehicle having a pivot shaft that supports a rear wheel so that it can swing up and down, below at least one of an energy storage unit and a passenger seat, and a side cover that extends from below at least one of the energy storage unit and the passenger seat toward the pivot shaft, the side cover having a first side cover portion that constitutes an upper part of the side cover, a second side cover portion that constitutes a lower part of the side cover, a narrow portion that constitutes a narrow portion between the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion, and an inner extending wall that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the narrow portion and a portion adjacent to the narrow portion. Effect of the Invention

[0006] This is advantageous for improving the design of the side cover, and also enables the number of parts to be reduced and rigidity to be improved. [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] 2 is a right side view of the saddle type vehicle shown from the right side, which is the opposite side to FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the state in which the right side cover is removed, together with the surrounding configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the attached state of the right side cover together with the surrounding configuration. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the right side cover from multiple angles. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the left side cover removed together with the surrounding configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the attached state of the left side cover together with the surrounding configuration. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the left side cover from multiple angles. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the left side cover together with the surrounding configuration. 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] The steps 28 are provided in a pair on the left and right below the pivot shaft 22 and are used as a driver's step on which the driver places his / her feet. The fuel tank 29 is provided in front of the seat 17 and above the power unit 12, and is supported by the main frame 31. The fuel tank 29 is an example of an "energy storage unit" of the present invention. The energy storage unit may be a battery, a fuel cell, or the like. In other words, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to a vehicle that uses a fuel such as gasoline as an energy source, but may be an electric vehicle that includes a power unit 12 having an electric motor and drives the power unit 12 with electric power from an energy storage unit consisting of a battery or a fuel cell.

[0016] The driving force transmission member connecting the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15 is an endless chain 12c that connects the drive sprocket 12a and the driven sprocket 12b. The drive sprocket 12a and the driven sprocket 12b are provided on the left side of the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15, which corresponds to one of the left and right sides, and the chain 12c is provided along the left swing arm 16. The drive sprocket 12a is covered from the left side by a chain case 12d. A chain cover 12e that covers the chain 12c from above is attached to the left swing arm 16. The chain 12c is also called a drive chain.

[0017] The front frame 19 comprises a main frame 31 extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 18, a pair of left and right pivot frames 32 provided on the rear lower part of the main frame 31, a down frame 33 extending downward from the head pipe 18, and gussets 34 that reinforce the connections between the head pipe 18, the main frame 31, and the down frame 33. The pair of left and right pivot frames 32 support the pivot shaft 22, and also support the pair of left and right steps 28 below the pivot shaft 22. Since the pivot frames 32 support the steps 28, they can also be called step holders.

[0018] 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, and a pair of left and right rear sub-frames 42 extending from the vertical middle portions of the left and right pivot frames 32 to the rear ends of the seat frames 41. A front part of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed to the lower end part of the down frame 33 via a unit bracket 35, and a rear part of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed to the lower end part of the pivot frame 32 via a unit bracket 36. As a result, the power unit 12 is supported behind the down frame 33, in front of the pivot frame 32, and below the main frame 31.

[0019] The power unit 12 of this embodiment is a single-cylinder engine (internal combustion engine) in which a cylinder section 24 is erected on the front upper part of a crankcase 23, and hereinafter, the power unit 12 is referred to as "engine 12". Note that the power unit 12 is not limited to an internal combustion engine, and may be an electric motor. When the power unit 12 is configured as an internal combustion engine, it is not limited to a single-cylinder engine, and a wide variety of known engines can be applied.

[0020] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body cover 50 that covers each portion of the vehicle body frame 11. The vehicle body cover 50 includes a tank cover 51 that covers the fuel tank 29, a pair of left and right side covers 52L, 52R that cover the sides of the vehicle body, and a rear cover 53 that is behind the side covers 52L, 52R and covers the lower part of the seat 17 from the outside in the left and right direction. The side covers 52L, 52R are located in the center of the front and rear of the vehicle body in a side view of the vehicle body, and therefore can also be called center covers.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a right side view of the saddle type vehicle 10, showing it from the right side, which is the opposite side to Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a right side view showing the state where the right side cover 52R is removed, together with the peripheral configuration. Fig. 4 is a right side view showing the state where the side cover 52R is attached, together with the peripheral configuration. In Fig. 3, the side cover 52R is shown by a two-dot chain line. 2 and 3, an exhaust device 25 is connected to the front surface of the cylinder portion 24 of the engine 12. The exhaust device 25 includes a first exhaust pipe 25a extending from the front surface of the cylinder portion 24 to below the engine 12, a catalyzer 25b located downstream of the first exhaust pipe 25a, and a muffler 25c located downstream of the catalyzer 25b. An intake passage 60 is connected to the rear surface of the cylinder portion 24. An air cleaner 61 is connected to the opposite end (corresponding to the upstream end) of the intake passage 60 from the cylinder portion 24. The air cleaner 61 is disposed below the seat 17, in a space surrounded by the rear frame 20. Since the air cleaner 61 has a hollow box shape, it is also referred to as an air cleaner case or an air cleaner box.

[0022] The intake passage 60 includes a connecting tube 62 connected to the cylinder portion 24 , a throttle body 63 connected to the upstream end of the connecting tube 62 , and an air cleaner hose 64 connecting the throttle body 63 and the air cleaner 61 . The connecting tube 62 and the throttle body 63 are positioned utilizing the space available in the front and rear between the cylinder portion 24 and the main frame 31. As a result, the connecting tube 62 and the throttle body 63 can be positioned closer to the center of the vehicle width, preventing them from protruding outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The air cleaner hose 64 straddles the main frame 31 from the right side and is connected to the air cleaner 61. Therefore, the air cleaner hose 64 is a part that protrudes relatively to the right side of the intake passage 60. A resonator 65 that reduces intake noise is provided on this air cleaner hose 64. The resonator 65 is disposed in the space above the air cleaner hose 64, among the spaces available on the right side of the main frame 31.

[0024] In the space available on the right side of the main frame 31, below the air cleaner hose 64 and above the pivot frame 32, a fuse box 66 which constitutes part of the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, and a reservoir tank 67 and an ABS modulator 68 which constitute part of the braking device are disposed. The reservoir tank 67 is a component that stores a portion of the brake fluid used in the hydraulic path of the rear brake device, and is also referred to as a brake reservoir tank. The ABS modulator 68 is a device for controlling the braking force of the brake devices for the front and rear wheels. It should be noted that the ABS modulator 68 can be widely applied to known ABS modulators.

[0025] Next, the right side cover 52R will be described together with its surrounding structure. 3 and 4, the right side cover 52R is formed as a large side cover that extends from below the fuel tank 29 and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22, and covers the air cleaner hose 64, the resonator 65, the fuse box 66, the reservoir tank 67, and the ABS modulator 68 from the right side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The side cover 52R can reduce the external exposure of these parts, so that these parts can be protected from surrounding flying objects such as rainwater and pebbles.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the side cover 52R, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the side cover 52R from multiple directions, where the reference character F indicates the front surface, the reference character R indicates the rear surface, the reference character U indicates the upper surface, and the reference character L indicates the lower surface. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the side cover 52R is integrally composed of a first side cover portion 71 that constitutes at least a portion of the upper portion of the side cover 52R, a second side cover portion 72 that constitutes the lower portion of the side cover 52R, a third side cover portion 73 that constitutes the remainder of the upper portion of the side cover 52R, and a fourth side cover portion 74 that protrudes forward from the first side cover portion 71.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first side cover portion 71 covers the air cleaner hose 64, the resonator 65, the fuse box 66, and the reservoir tank 67 from the right side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The second side cover portion 72 covers the area between the first side cover portion 71 and the pivot frame 32 from the right side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction, thereby covering the ABS modulator 68 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] 5 and 6, in this configuration, a first narrow width portion 75 recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72. The first narrow width portion 75 is continuous across different outer edges (corresponding to the area between the leading edge LF and the trailing edge LB) among the outer edges (leading edge LF, trailing edge LB, and upper edge LU in this configuration) that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R. This provides an appearance of a cover in which the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72 are separated by the first narrow portion 75, improving the design of the side cover 52R. In addition, since the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72 are integral, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when these cover portions 71, 72 are separate. In addition, since an uneven shape is obtained by the cover portions 71, 72 and the first narrow portion 75, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be increased compared to when the cover portion is formed into a flat plate shape without unevenness.

[0029] A first inner extending wall 76 (FIG. 6) extending inward in the vehicle width direction along an edge portion constituting the outer edge of the side cover 52R of the first side cover portion 71 is integrally formed with the edge portion. Also, a second inner extending wall 77 (FIG. 6) extending inward in the vehicle width direction along an edge portion constituting the outer edge of the side cover 52R of the second side cover portion 72 is integrally formed with the edge portion. The first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 constitute inner extending walls extending inward in the vehicle width direction from both the first narrow width portion 75 and a portion adjacent to the first narrow width portion 75. Therefore, the first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 function as reinforcing ribs that reinforce the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72. In addition, the first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 are connected to each other in a region corresponding to the first narrow width portion 75, so they also function as reinforcing ribs that reinforce the connecting portions of the side cover portions 71, 72. That is, the first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 function as reinforcing members that reinforce the side cover 52R, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the side cover 52R. The first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 also function as guard members that prevent rainwater, pebbles, and other scattered objects from entering the side cover 52R, thereby further increasing the protective effect of the components covered by the side cover 52R.

[0030] 6, the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72 are formed in a shape that is curved convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the side cover portions 71, 72 themselves, as compared to a case in which the side cover portions 71, 72 are formed in a straight, flat plate shape, and also provides the appearance of a curved cover, which is advantageous in improving the design of each side cover portion 71, 72.

[0031] The third side cover portion 73 covers the air cleaner 61 exposed behind the first side cover portion 71 from the right side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A second narrow width portion 78 recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the third side cover portion 73 and the first side cover portion 71. The second narrow width portion 78 is continuous across different outer edges (corresponding to the area between the upper edge LU and the rear edge LB) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R. This provides an appearance of a cover in which the first side cover portion 71 and the third side cover portion 73 are separated by the second narrow portion 78, improving the design of the side cover 52R. Also, since the first side cover portion 71 and the third side cover portion 73 are integral, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when these cover portions 71, 73 are separate. Furthermore, since an uneven shape is obtained consisting of these cover portions 71, 73 and the second narrow portion 78, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be increased compared to when the cover portion is made into a flat plate shape without any unevenness.

[0032] The third side cover portion 73 has a third inner extension wall 79 (FIG. 6) that extends inward in the vehicle width direction along an edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52R. The third side cover portion 73 is formed in a shape that is curved convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. Since the third inner extension wall 79 functions as a reinforcing rib and the third side cover portion 73 is formed in a shape that is curved convexly, the rigidity of the third side cover portion 73 can be further increased, and the third inner extension wall 79 can further increase the protective effect of the parts covered by the side cover 52R. Furthermore, the third side cover portion 73 also has the appearance of a curved cover, which is advantageous for improving the design and rigidity of the third side cover portion 73.

[0033] The fourth side cover portion 74 covers the throttle body 63 exposed forward of the first side cover portion 71 from the right side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A fourth narrow width portion 80 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the fourth side cover portion 74 and the first side cover portion 71. The fourth narrow width portion 80 is formed in a shape that continues along a V-shaped outline that protrudes rearward on the first side cover portion 71 side in a side view of the vehicle body, and is connected to the same outer edge (corresponding to the leading edge LF) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R. This gives the appearance of a cover that is divided into the fourth side cover portion 74 and the first side cover portion 71 at the fourth narrow portion 80, improving the design of the side cover 52R and reducing the number of parts compared to when these cover portions 74, 71 are separate.

[0034] Furthermore, since an uneven shape is obtained by the cover portions 74, 71 and the fourth narrow width portion 80, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be increased compared to a case in which the side cover 52R is formed in a flat plate shape without any unevenness. Since the fourth narrow portion 80 continues along the contour of the rearwardly convex V-shape in a side view of the vehicle body, the design of the fourth side cover portion 74 is improved, and the fourth narrow portion 80 functions as a reinforcing rib to increase the rigidity of the fourth side cover portion 74. In addition, the fourth narrow portion 80 can impart a decorative effect of a rearwardly convex V-shape to the side cover 52R, which is also advantageous in improving the design of the side cover 52R.

[0035] Moreover, the fourth side cover portion 74 is formed in a shape that is curved convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. This gives the fourth side cover portion 74 the appearance of a curved cover, which is advantageous for improving the design and rigidity of the fourth side cover portion 74.

[0036] The second side cover portion 72 is provided with an opening 72k (FIGS. 5 and 6) at a position covering the reservoir tank 67, making it possible to check the amount of oil in the reservoir tank 67 from outside the second side cover portion 72. 5, a hole 52g for fastening the side cover is provided in a part of the side cover 52R. A known locking portion for detachably locking the side cover 52R to the vehicle body is provided on the inside of the side cover 52R. The side cover 52R is temporarily fixed to the vehicle body using the locking portion, and a fastening member is fastened to the vehicle body from the outside in the vehicle width direction through the hole 52g, thereby fixing the side cover 52R to the vehicle body. The structure for fixing the side cover 52R to the vehicle body is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and a wide variety of known fixing structures can be applied.

[0037] Next, the left side cover 52L will be described together with the surrounding structure. Fig. 7 is a left side view showing the left side cover 52L removed together with the surrounding configuration. Fig. 8 is a right side view showing the left side cover 52L attached together with the surrounding configuration. In Fig. 7, the side cover 52L is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in Fig. 7, a canister 82 constituting a part of the gas emission prevention device and a battery 83 constituting a part of the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 are disposed behind the cylinder section 24 of the engine 12. The canister 82 and the battery 83 are disposed by utilizing the space available on the left side of the intake passage 60 and the main frame 31. In this configuration, the canister 82 is provided above the battery 83 and below the fuel tank 29. The canister 82 adsorbs evaporated fuel in the fuel tank 29 and discharges it into the intake passage 60, thereby suppressing the discharge of evaporated fuel to the outside. The battery 83 is disposed below the canister 82 and above the left pivot frame 32, and supplies operating power to the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and is charged by the generated power of the engine 12.

[0038] 7 and 8, the side cover 52L is formed as a large side cover that extends from below the fuel tank 29 and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22, and covers the canister 82 and the battery 83 from the left side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The side cover 52L can reduce the external exposure of these components, so that these components can be protected from surrounding scattered objects such as rainwater and pebbles.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the side cover 52L, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the side cover 52L from multiple directions, where the reference character F indicates the front surface, the reference character R indicates the rear surface, the reference character U indicates the upper surface, and the reference character L indicates the lower surface. In this embodiment, the shape of the side cover 52L is substantially symmetrical with respect to the side cover 52R on the opposite side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the center of the vehicle width. In the following, for ease of understanding, the parts of the shape of the side cover 52L that are substantially symmetrical with respect to the side cover 52R are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the side cover 52L is integrally composed of a first side cover portion 91 that constitutes at least a portion of the upper portion of the side cover 52L, a second side cover portion 92 that constitutes the lower portion of the side cover 52L, a third side cover portion 93 that constitutes the remainder of the upper portion of the side cover 52L, and a fourth side cover portion 94 that protrudes forward from the first side cover portion 91.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first side cover portion 91 covers the canister 82 and the battery 83 from the left side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The second side cover portion 92 covers the area between the first side cover portion 91 and the pivot frame 32 from the left side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The third side cover portion 93 covers an area corresponding to the air cleaner 61 exposed rearward of the first side cover portion 91 from the left side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The fourth side cover portion 94 covers an area corresponding to the throttle body 63 exposed forward of the first side cover portion 91 from the left side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] In this embodiment, the shape of each of the side cover parts 91-94 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the center of the vehicle width of each of the side cover parts 71-74 of the side cover 52R on the opposite side in the vehicle width direction. In the following, for ease of understanding, among the parts of each of the side cover parts 91-94, parts having the same shape as each of the side cover parts 71-74 of the side cover 52R are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0042] A first narrow width portion 75 recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92. The first narrow width portion 75 is continuous across different outer edges (corresponding to the area between the leading edge LF and the trailing edge LB) among the outer edges (in this configuration, the leading edge LF, the trailing edge LB, and the upper edge LU) that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52L. This provides an appearance of a cover divided into the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92 at the first narrow portion 75, improving the design of the side cover 52L and reducing the number of parts. In addition, since an uneven shape is obtained consisting of the cover portions 91, 92 and the first narrow portion 75, the rigidity of the side cover 52L can be increased compared to a flat plate shape without unevenness.

[0043] A first inner extending wall 76 (FIG. 9) extending inward in the vehicle width direction along an edge portion constituting the outer edge of the side cover 52L of the first side cover portion 91 is integrally formed with the edge portion. Also, a second inner extending wall 77 (FIG. 9) extending inward in the vehicle width direction along an edge portion constituting the outer edge of the side cover 52L of the second side cover portion 92 is integrally formed with the edge portion. The first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 function as inner extending walls extending inward in the vehicle width direction from both the first narrow width portion 75 and a portion adjacent to the first narrow width portion 75. Therefore, the first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 function as reinforcing ribs that reinforce the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92.

[0044] Moreover, the first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 are connected to each other in a region corresponding to the first narrow width portion 75, and therefore also function as a reinforcing rib that reinforces the connecting portions of the side cover portions 91, 92. As a result, the first inner extending wall 76 and the second inner extending wall 77 can increase the rigidity of the side cover 52L and can guard against the intrusion of surrounding debris into the side cover 52L, thereby improving the protective effect of the components covered by the side cover 52L.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92 are formed in a shape that is curved convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, compared to a case in which the side cover portions 91, 92 are formed in a straight, flat plate shape, the rigidity of the side cover portions 91, 92 themselves can be increased, and this is also advantageous in improving the design of each side cover portion 91, 92.

[0046] A second narrow width portion 78 recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the third side cover portion 93 and the first side cover portion 91. The second narrow width portion 78 is continuous across different outer edges (corresponding to the area between the upper edge LU and the rear edge LB) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R. This provides the appearance of a cover divided into the first side cover portion 91 and the third side cover portion 93 at the boundary of the second narrow portion 78, improving the design of the side cover 52L and reducing the number of parts. In addition, since an uneven shape is obtained consisting of the cover portions 91, 93 and the second narrow portion 78, the rigidity of the side cover 52L can be increased compared to a flat plate shape without unevenness.

[0047] The third side cover portion 93 has a third inner extension wall 79 (FIG. 10) formed integrally with an edge portion constituting the outer edge of the side cover 52L and extending inward in the vehicle width direction along the edge portion. The third side cover portion 93 is formed in a shape that is curved convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. Since the third inner extension wall 79 functions as a reinforcing rib and the third side cover portion 93 is formed in a shape that is curved convexly, the rigidity of the third side cover portion 93 can be further increased, and the third inner extension wall 79 can further increase the protective effect of the components covered by the side cover 52L. Furthermore, the third side cover portion 93 also has the appearance of a curved cover, which is advantageous for improving the design and rigidity of the third side cover portion 93.

[0048] A fourth narrow width portion 80 recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the fourth side cover portion 94 and the first side cover portion 91. The fourth narrow width portion 80 is formed in a shape that continues along a V-shaped outline that protrudes rearward on the first side cover portion 91 side in a side view of the vehicle body, and is connected to the same outer edge (corresponding to the leading edge LF) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52L. This gives the appearance of a cover that is divided into the fourth side cover portion 94 and the first side cover portion 91 at the fourth narrow portion 80, improving the design of the side cover 52L and reducing the number of parts compared to when these cover portions 94, 91 are separate.

[0049] Furthermore, since an uneven shape is obtained by the cover portions 94, 91 and the fourth narrow width portion 80, the rigidity of the side cover 52L can be increased compared to a flat plate shape without any unevenness. Since the fourth narrow portion 80 continues along the contour of the V-shape convex toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle body, the design of the fourth side cover part 94 is improved, and the fourth narrow portion 80 functions as a reinforcing rib to increase the rigidity of the fourth side cover part 94. In addition, the fourth narrow portion 80 can impart a decorative effect of a V-shape convex toward the rear to the side cover 52L, which is also advantageous in improving the design of the side cover 52L.

[0050] In addition, the fourth side cover portion 94 is formed in a shape that is curved convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. This gives the fourth side cover portion 94 the appearance of a curved cover, which is advantageous for improving the design and rigidity of the fourth side cover portion 94.

[0051] 9, a hole 52g for fastening the side cover is provided in a part of the side cover 52L. A known fastening portion for detachably fastening the side cover 52L to the vehicle body is provided on the inside of the side cover 52L. The side cover 52L is temporarily fastened to the vehicle body using the fastening portion, and the side cover 52L is fixed to the vehicle body by fastening a fastening member from the outer side in the vehicle width direction through the hole 52g. The structure for fixing the side cover 52L to the vehicle body is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and a wide variety of known fixing structures can be applied.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the side cover 52L together with the surrounding configuration from the rear left. As shown in Figures 11 and 8, the chain 12c, which constitutes part of the power transmission member of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, passes above the swing arm 16 and is exposed to the surroundings between the drive sprocket 12a (Figure 8) and the chain case 12d. In this configuration, the second side cover portion 92, which is located at the bottom of the side cover 52L, covers the chain 12c exposed between the drive sprocket 12a and the chain case 12d from above, so that the second side cover portion 92 also functions as a chain case.

[0053] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the second side cover portion 92 is located close in the up-down direction to the chain 12c exposed between the drive sprocket 12a and the chain case 12d so as to function as a chain case. In particular, the second inner extension wall 77 of the second side cover portion 92, which extends from the rear edge of the cover portion 92 to the inside in the vehicle width direction, is located close to the chain 12c and extends rearward and upward above the chain 12c so as to follow the chain 12c. This enhances the function of the side cover 52L as a chain case. In this configuration, the side cover 52L is formed in a shape that protrudes rearward beyond the first narrow portion 75, which corresponds to the connection portion with the first side cover portion 91, thereby expanding the area covering the chain 12c rearward and providing a configuration that adequately covers the chain 12c exposed between the drive sprocket 12a and the chain case 12d.

[0054] As described above, the saddle-type vehicle of this embodiment is equipped with side covers 52R, 52L extending from below the fuel tank 29 and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22, and the side covers 52R, 52L have a first side cover portion 71 that constitutes the upper part of the side covers 52R, 52L, a second side cover portion 72 that constitutes the lower part of the side covers 52R, 52L, a first narrow portion 75 that constitutes the narrow portion between the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72, and inner extending walls 76, 77 that extend inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the first narrow portion 75 and a portion adjacent to the first narrow portion 75. According to this configuration, the side covers 52R, 52L have the appearance of multiple covers divided at the first narrow portion 75, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, the concave shape and rib shape formed by the first narrow portion 75 and the inner extension walls 76, 77 can increase the rigidity of the side covers 52R, 52L. This is advantageous for improving the design of the side covers 52R, 52L, and can reduce the number of parts and improve the rigidity. In addition, since the rigidity of the side covers 52R, 52L is improved, it is also advantageous for protecting the parts inside the side covers 52R, 52L.

[0055] The outer edges constituting the outer shape of the side covers 52R, 52L have a leading edge LF, a trailing edge LB, and an upper edge LU, and the first narrow portion 75 is continuous between the leading edge LF and the trailing edge LB. According to this configuration, the concave shape formed by the first narrow portion 75 is continuous between different outer edges of the side covers 52R, 52L, which is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side covers 52R, 52L. Although the first narrow portion 75 is continuous between the leading edge LF and the trailing edge LB, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the first narrow portion 75 may be continuous between any of the outer edges of the leading edge LF, the trailing edge LB, and the upper edge LU when the shape of the side covers 52R, 52L is changed, for example. Moreover, the first narrow width portion 75 is continuous across at least one of the top and bottom and the front and rear of the side covers 52R, 52L. This configuration is advantageous in improving the rigidity of the side covers 52R, 52L, and also in improving the design of the side covers 52R, 52L by providing an appearance of multiple covers divided into top and bottom or left and right.

[0056] Moreover, the first side cover portions 71, 91 and the second side cover portions 72, 92 have a shape that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, and the first narrow portion 75 has a shape that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. With this configuration, the side covers 52R, 52L can be made uneven, which is advantageous in improving the rigidity of the side covers 52R, 52L. Furthermore, the first side cover portion 71 covers, from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the air cleaner hose 64 constituting a part of the intake passage 60 of the saddle type vehicle 10, and the reservoir tank 67 constituting a part of the brake device. With this configuration, the influence of surrounding scattered objects (e.g., water damage) on the air cleaner hose 64 and the reservoir tank 67 can be suppressed, making it easier to take measures against water damage tailored to each component.

[0057] Moreover, the first side cover portion 91 covers the battery 83 constituting part of the electrical components of the saddle type vehicle 10, and the canister 82 constituting part of the gas emission prevention device. With this configuration, the effects of surrounding scattered objects (e.g., water damage) on the battery 83 and the canister 82 can be suppressed, making it easier to take measures against water damage in accordance with the specifications of each component.

[0058] Moreover, the second side cover portion 72 covers the ABS modulator 68 that constitutes a part of the brake device of the saddle type vehicle 10. With this configuration, the effect of surrounding scattered objects (e.g., water damage) on the ABS modulator 68 can be suppressed, and measures against water damage can be easily taken in accordance with the specifications of the ABS modulator 68.

[0059] Further, the second side cover portion 72 covers from above a part of the chain 12c which constitutes a part of the power transmission member of the saddle type vehicle 10. According to this configuration, the second side cover portion 72 which constitutes the lower part of the large side cover 52L can function as a chain case which covers the chain 12c.

[0060] The above-described embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and the configuration of details, etc. may be appropriately changed. For example, the shape and configuration of the side covers 52L, 52R may be changed as appropriate, and for example, the third side cover portion 73, 93 and the fourth side cover portion 74, 92 may not be provided, that is, the side covers may be configured to have only the first side cover portion 71, 91 and the second side cover portion 72, 92. However, the positions, shapes, and sizes of the first side cover portion 71, 91 and the second side cover portion 72, 92 may be changed as appropriate.

[0061] In addition, the positions of the components covered by the side covers 52L, 52R (for example, the connecting tube 62, the fuse box 66, the reservoir tank 67, the ABS modulator 68, the canister 82, and the battery 83) may be changed as appropriate, for example, they may be disposed in reversed positions. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a component different from the exemplified components is covered by either the side covers 52L, 52R.

[0062] Furthermore, when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, the energy storage unit may be disposed at the position of the fuel tank 29 or at another position. Even in the case of an electric vehicle, at least the seat 17 and the side covers 52L, 52R are at the same or close positions as those of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. However, the parts covered by the side covers 52L, 52R are parts mounted on the electric vehicle, such as an auxiliary battery, an ABS modulator, and motor drive parts such as an inverter. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the pivot shaft 22 is located below at least one of the energy storage unit and the seat 17. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the side covers 52R, 52L extend from below at least one of the energy storage unit and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22.

[0063] The saddle-ride type vehicle to which the present invention is applicable can be a wide variety of known saddle-ride type vehicles, and may be, for example, a scooter-type motorcycle in which the rear wheel 15 and the power unit 12 are supported so as to be freely swingable on the body frame 11. The saddle-ride type vehicle is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle, and may be a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or the like.

[0064] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0065] (Configuration 1) A saddle-ride type vehicle having a pivot shaft that supports a rear wheel so that it can swing up and down, below at least one of an energy storage unit and a passenger seat, the saddle-ride type vehicle further comprising a side cover extending from below at least one of the energy storage unit and the passenger seat toward the pivot shaft, the side cover having a first side cover portion that constitutes an upper portion of the side cover, a second side cover portion that constitutes a lower portion of the side cover, a narrow portion that constitutes a narrow portion between the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion, and an inner extending wall that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the narrow portion and a portion adjacent to the narrow portion. This configuration allows the side cover to have the appearance of multiple covers divided at the narrow width portion, and reduces the number of parts. Also, the concave shape and rib shape created by the narrow width portion and the inner extension wall can increase the rigidity of the side cover. This is advantageous for improving the design of the side cover, and also reduces the number of parts and improves the rigidity.

[0066] (Configuration 2) A saddle-type vehicle according to configuration 1, wherein the outer edges constituting the outer shape of the side cover have a front edge, a rear edge, and an upper edge, and the narrow width portion is continuous between any two of the outer edges. According to this configuration, the concave shape created by the narrow width portion continues across different outer edges of the side cover, which is advantageous in improving the rigidity of the side cover.

[0067] (Configuration 3) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to configuration 2, wherein the narrow width portion is continuous across at least one of the top and bottom and the front and rear of the side cover. This configuration is advantageous in improving the rigidity of the side cover, and also in improving the design of the side cover by providing the appearance of multiple covers divided vertically or horizontally.

[0068] (Configuration 4) A saddle-type vehicle described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion have a convex shape extending outward in the vehicle width direction, and the narrow width portion has a concave shape extending inward in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the side cover can be made uneven, which is advantageous in improving the rigidity of the side cover.

[0069] (Configuration 5) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first side cover portion covers an air cleaner hose that constitutes a part of the intake passage of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a reservoir tank that constitutes a part of the brake device. With this configuration, the effect of surrounding scattered debris on the air cleaner hose and the reservoir tank can be reduced, making it easier to take measures against water damage tailored to each component.

[0070] (Configuration 6) A saddle-ride type vehicle as described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first side cover portion covers each of a battery that constitutes part of the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle and a canister that constitutes part of the gas emission prevention device. With this configuration, the effect of surrounding scattered debris on the battery and the canister can be reduced, and measures against water damage can be easily implemented in accordance with the specifications of each component.

[0071] (Configuration 7) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second side cover portion covers an ABS modulator that constitutes a part of a brake device of the saddle-ride type vehicle. According to this configuration, the effect of surrounding scattered debris on the ABS modulator can be suppressed, and measures against water damage can be easily taken in accordance with the specifications of the ABS modulator.

[0072] (Configuration 8) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the second side cover portion covers from above a part of a chain that constitutes a part of a power transmission member of the saddle-ride type vehicle. According to this configuration, the second side cover portion constituting the lower portion of the large side cover can function as a chain case that covers the chain. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Saddle-type vehicles 11 Body frame 12 Power unit (engine) 12c Chain (power transmission component) 17 seats (passenger seats) 22 Pivot axis 29 Fuel Tank 32 Pivot frame (step holder) 52L, 52R side cover 60 Intake passage 64 Air cleaner hose 66 Fuse Box 67 Reservoir Tank 68 ABS Modulator 71,91 First side cover part 72,92 Second side cover part 73,93 Third side cover part 74,94 4th side cover part 76 1st inner extension wall 77 Second inner extension wall 82 Canister 83 Battery

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type vehicle having a pivot shaft (22) for supporting a rear wheel so as to be vertically swingable, the pivot shaft (22) being located below at least one of an energy storage unit (29) and a passenger seat (17), a side cover (52L, 52R) extending from below at least one of the energy storage unit (29) and the passenger seat (17) toward the pivot shaft (22); The side cover (52L, 52R) includes a first side cover portion (71, 91) constituting an upper portion of the side cover (52L, 52R), a second side cover portion (72, 92) constituting a lower portion of the side cover (52L, 52R), a narrow portion (75) constituting a narrow portion between the first side cover portion (71, 91) and the second side cover portion (72, 92), and an inner extension wall (76, 77) extending inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the narrow portion (75) and a portion adjacent to the narrow portion (75), A saddle-type vehicle having a

2. The outer edges constituting the outer shape of the side covers (52L, 52R) have a front edge, a rear edge, and an upper edge, and the narrow portion (75) is continuous between any of the outer edges. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the narrow width portion (75) is continuous across at least one of the top and bottom and the front and rear of the side covers (52L, 52R).

4. The first side cover portion (71, 91) and the second side cover portion (72, 92) have a shape that is convex outward in a vehicle width direction, The saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the narrow width portion (75) has a shape recessed inward in the vehicle width direction.

5. 4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first side cover portion (71) covers an air cleaner hose (64) constituting a part of an intake passage (60) of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a reservoir tank (67) constituting a part of a brake device.

6. 4. A saddle-ride type vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first side cover portion (91) covers each of a battery (83) constituting part of the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle and a canister (82) constituting part of the gas emission prevention device.

7. 4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second side cover portion (72) covers an ABS modulator (68) constituting a part of a brake device of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

8. 4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second side cover portion (92) covers, from above, a part of a chain (12c) constituting a part of a power transmission member of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

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