Saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

To facilitate arrangement of an equalizer and suppression of an increase in vehicle width by effectively using a spaced opened inside in a vehicle width direction.SOLUTION: This saddle-riding type vehicle comprises: a front wheel brake operator (21r) that operates a front wheel brake (51) for braking a front wheel (13); a rear wheel brake operator (53) that operates a rear wheel brake (52) for braking a rear wheel (15); and an interlocking brake (61) in which connection of one end of an interlocking brake cable (51b) to the rear wheel brake operator (53) and connection of the other end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) to the front wheel (51) via an equalizer (63) operate both the rear and front wheel brakes (52 and 51) by an operation of the rear wheel brake operator (53). The equalizer (63) includes an offset part (71b) offset inside in a vehicle width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] As an interlocking brake structure for a straddle-type vehicle, there is provided a brake lever as a rear-wheel brake operator for operating a front-wheel brake for braking a front wheel, and a brake pedal as a rear-wheel brake operator for operating a rear-wheel brake for braking a rear wheel. One end of an interlocking brake cable is connected to the brake pedal via an equalizer, and the other end of the interlocking brake cable is connected to the front-wheel brake, so that both the rear-wheel brake and the front-wheel brake are operated by operating the brake pedal. This configuration is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a frame structure in which a main frame branches left and right is adopted for the vehicle body frame of a straddle-type vehicle, the space available inside the vehicle width direction is restricted by the side frames in which the main frame branches left and right. However, when an interlocking brake structure is adopted, a clearance considering the movable range of the equalizer is required, so it is necessary to expand the space in the vehicle width direction, which may lead to an increase in the vehicle width. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to facilitate the arrangement of an equalizer by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction and to easily suppress an increase in the vehicle width.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A saddle-riding type vehicle includes a front wheel brake operator for operating a front wheel brake that brakes a front wheel, and a rear wheel brake operator for operating a rear wheel brake that brakes a rear wheel. One end of an interlocking brake cable is connected to the rear wheel brake operator via an equalizer, and the other end of the interlocking brake cable is connected to the front wheel brake. Thus, an interlocking brake is provided in which both the rear wheel brake and the front wheel brake are operated by operating the rear wheel brake operator. In the saddle-riding type vehicle, the equalizer has an offset portion offset inward in the vehicle width direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is easy to arrange the equalizer by effectively using the space available inside in the vehicle width direction, and it is easy to suppress an increase in the vehicle width.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the descriptions of directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are the same as the directions with respect to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. Also, the symbol FR shown in each figure indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper part of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side view of a straddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The straddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle including a vehicle body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the vehicle 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 straddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a passenger sits straddling the seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 11.

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

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by the 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 portion of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21 gripped by a passenger is attached to the upper end portion of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted through the front end portion 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 15a provided at the rear end portion of the swing arm 16.

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

[0014] In addition, the saddle-type vehicle 10 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 the occupant places their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores the 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 vehicle body frame 11.

[0015] The step 28 is provided in a pair on the left and right below the pivot shaft 22 and is used as a driver's step on which the driver places their feet. The fuel tank 29 is provided in front of the seat 17 and above the power unit 12 and is supported by the front frame 19. The fuel tank 29 is an example of the "energy storage unit" of the present invention. The energy storage unit may be a battery, a fuel cell, or the like. That is, the saddle-type vehicle 10 to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to a vehicle that uses fuel such as gasoline as an energy source, and 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 composed of a battery 44 or a fuel cell.

[0016] The front frame 19 includes a main frame 41 that branches left and right toward the rear. The main frame 41 includes a center frame portion 41a that extends rearward from the head pipe 18 at the center of the vehicle width, and a branch frame portion 41b that branches left and right from the rear portion of the center frame portion 41a and extends rearward and downward. The rear frame 20 includes left and right first rear frames 20a that extend rearward from the middle part of the main frame 41, and left and right second rear frames 20b that extend upward and rearward from the left and right branch frame parts 41b. The first rear frames 20a and the second rear frames 20b can also be referred to as seat rails that support the seat 17. The left and right branch frame parts 41b, the left and right first rear frames 20a, and the left and right second rear frames 20b constitute a pair of side frames that branch left and right from the main frame 41.

[0017] At the rear part of the cylinder part 24, an intake system component 43 including a fuel supply device and an air cleaner box is arranged. At least a part of the intake system component 43 is arranged in a space SP1 surrounded by the main frame 41, the left and right first and second rear frames 20a, 20b. A battery 44, which is one of the electrical components, is also arranged in the space SP1. In this configuration, the battery 44 is housed on one side (right side) in the vehicle width direction within the space SP1, and the intake system component 43 is housed on the other side (left side) in the vehicle width direction within the space SP1. Note that the space SP1 is, for example, covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by a side cover and is a space that is not visible from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0018] An exhaust pipe 25a is connected to the front part of the cylinder part 24. The exhaust pipe 25a extends downward in front of the cylinder part 24 and then extends rearward below the power unit 12. An exhaust muffler 25b is connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 25a. The exhaust muffler 25b is arranged on one side (right side in this embodiment) of the swing arm 16 and the rear wheel 15. The exhaust pipe 25a and the exhaust muffler 25b constitute an exhaust device 25. The configuration, shape, etc. of the exhaust device 25 may be changed as appropriate. Also, a kick pedal 23p is arranged on the right side of the crankcase 23 and above the step 28.

[0019] The straddle-type vehicle 10 includes a front-wheel brake 51 that brakes the front wheels 13 and a rear-wheel brake 52 that brakes the rear wheels 15. The front-wheel brake 51 is connected to the brake lever 21r via a front-wheel brake cable 51a that functions as a first front-wheel brake force transmission member. The brake lever 21r is provided at the left and right one end sides (right side in this embodiment) of the handle 21 and functions as a front-wheel brake operator that is manually operated by the occupant (driver). When the brake lever 21r is operated by the occupant, the front-wheel brake 51 is actuated and a braking force is applied to the front wheels 13.

[0020] A disc brake, which is a type of hydraulic brake, is adopted for the front-wheel brake 51. When a hydraulic brake is adopted, a master cylinder that generates hydraulic pressure according to the brake operation is arranged, and a hydraulic hose is used for the front-wheel brake cable 51a. The front-wheel brake 51 is not limited to a disc brake, and a brake device other than a disc brake may be used, for example, a drum brake.

[0021] The rear-wheel brake 52 is connected to the brake pedal 53 via a brake rod 52a that functions as a rear-wheel brake force transmission member. The brake pedal 53 is provided around one side (right side) of the step 28 on the left and right and functions as a rear-wheel brake operator that is operated by the occupant with the foot. When the brake pedal 53 is operated by the occupant, the rear-wheel brake 52 is actuated and a braking force is applied to the rear wheels 15. A drum brake, which is a type of mechanical brake, is adopted for the rear-wheel brake 52. The rear-wheel brake 52 is not limited to a drum brake, and a brake device other than a drum brake may be used. Also, the brake rod 52a may be changed to a brake cable or the like that can be used as a rear-wheel brake force transmission member.

[0022] The straddle-type vehicle 10 of this configuration is provided with an interlocking brake mechanism 61 that actuates both the front-wheel brake 51 and the rear-wheel brake 52 by operating the brake pedal 53. The interlocking brake mechanism 61 can also be referred to as an interlocking brake, an interlocking brake structure, and an interlocking brake device. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61. In FIG. 2, the brake pedal 53 in the non-braking state is shown by a solid line, and the brake pedal 53 in the braked state is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 from the upper right. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which the area corresponding to the brake pedal 53 is cut off. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an equalizer 63 is connected to the rear part of the brake pedal 53 via a connecting pin 62a along the vehicle width direction. The equalizer 63 has a first connecting plate 71 connected to the brake pedal 53 via the connecting pin 62a and a second connecting plate 72 connected to the first connecting plate 71. In this embodiment structure, since the swing arm 16 widens toward the outside of the vehicle width as it goes toward the rear of the vehicle (see FIG. 3), at least a part of the equalizer 63 is disposed substantially above the swing arm 16 (corresponding to a position overlapping in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction).

[0023] FIG. 4 is a view showing the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 from the rear. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first connecting plate 71 is formed of a single plate-like member extending in the vertical direction. The first connecting plate 71 is rotatably connected to the brake pedal 53 via the connecting pin 62a. The first connecting plate 71 integrally has a first plate portion 71a extending downward corresponding to one longitudinal direction with reference to the position of the connecting pin 62a and a second plate portion 71b extending upward corresponding to the other longitudinal direction with reference to the position of the connecting pin 62a. The front end of the brake rod 52a is connected to the lower part of the first plate portion 71a. The rear end of the brake rod 52a is connected to the rear wheel brake 52.

[0024] An intermediate portion 71c between the first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b is formed as an inclined plate that inclines inward in the vehicle width direction toward the second plate portion 71b when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second plate portion 71b extends upward from the intermediate portion 71c, thereby being offset inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first plate portion 71a. The second plate portion 71b is parallel to the first plate portion 71a and extends in the vertical direction. This second plate portion 71b constitutes an offset portion that is offset inward in the vehicle width direction of the first connecting plate 71. Note that the second plate portion 71b does not have to be parallel to the first plate portion 71a, and the shape may be changed as appropriate.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, a lower portion of a second connecting plate 72 is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the second plate portion 71b via a connecting pin 62b extending along the vehicle width direction. One end of an interlocking brake cable 51b that functions as a second front wheel brake force transmission member is connected to an upper portion of the second connecting plate 72. The other end of the interlocking brake cable 51b is connected to the front wheel brake 51, and more specifically, is connected to a master cylinder that generates hydraulic pressure for the front wheel brake 51.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, a rear end corresponding to one end in the vehicle longitudinal direction of a connecting rod 65 is connected to an upper and lower intermediate portion of the second connecting plate 72 via a connecting pin 62c extending along the vehicle width direction. A front end corresponding to the other end in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 65 is rotatably connected to a cross pipe 46 that constitutes a part of the vehicle body frame 11 via a stay 47. The cross pipe 46 is a frame member that bridges between left and right branch frame portions 41b, and the stay 47 is a member having rigidity such as metal that extends rearward from the cross pipe 46.

[0027] The connecting rod 65 is one of the members for setting the rocking characteristics of the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72. Therefore, the connecting rod 65 may have an appropriate shape and structure as long as a desired rocking characteristic can be obtained. The above-described first connecting plate 71, second connecting plate 72, and connecting rod 65 are manufactured from a single plate member having rigidity such as metal. For example, each of the plates 71, 72 and the connecting rod 65 may be manufactured by bending a flat plate member, or by molding, and may have a configuration in which holes are formed for attaching the connecting pins 62a to 62c. However, the structures, shapes, manufacturing methods, etc. of each of the plates 71, 72 and the connecting rod 65 may be appropriately changed. As shown in FIG. 4, the main harness 48 is routed below the intake system component 43 and inside the second connecting plate 72 in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] The interlocking brake mechanism 61 includes a biasing member 66 that biases the equalizer 63 toward the side where the front wheel brake 51 and the rear wheel brake 52 are not actuated. As shown in FIG. 3, the biasing member 66 is attached to the upper portion of the second connecting plate 72 and biases the second connecting plate 72 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side of the vehicle body. The biasing member 66 of the present embodiment is a coil spring, but a biasing member other than a coil spring may also be used.

[0029] When the brake pedal 53 is operated, when viewed from the right side of the vehicle body, the first connecting plate 71 of the equalizer 63 rotates counterclockwise about the connecting pin 62a, and the rear wheel brake 52 is actuated via the brake rod 52a. Further, the second connecting plate 72 of the equalizer 63 rotates counterclockwise about the connecting pin 62c, and the front wheel brake 51 is actuated via the interlocking brake cable 51b. Note that the ratio of the braking force of the front wheel brake 51 to the braking force of the rear wheel brake 52, etc. is set to an appropriate ratio, etc. by the equalizer 63. Also, the shape, structure of each part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61, and the positions of the connecting pins 62a to 62c, etc. may be appropriately changed. The interlocking brake cable 51b of the present embodiment is a wire type having an inner wire inside an outer cable, but any member that can be used as a front wheel brake force transmission member may be applied.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, at least a part of the equalizer 63 is disposed within a space SP1 surrounded by the main frame 41, the left and right first rear frames 20a, and the left and right second rear frames 20b. Further, at least a part of the second connecting plate 72 of the equalizer 63 overlaps with the second rear frame 20b in a side view of the vehicle body. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, a second plate portion 71b offset inward in the vehicle width direction of the first connecting plate 71 is disposed inward in the vehicle width direction than the right second rear frame 20b, and the first plate portion 71a is disposed below the second rear frame 20b.

[0031] As described above, since the intake system component 43 and the battery 44, which are large components among the vehicle body-mounted components, are accommodated in the space SP1, the space in the vehicle width direction available in the space SP1 is restricted. For example, the space available inward in the vehicle width direction of the right second rear frame 20b is restricted. Thus, even when the space available inward in the vehicle width direction of the right second rear frame 20b is restricted, by disposing the second plate portion 71b offset inward in the vehicle width direction, the second plate portion 71b can be disposed with sufficient clearance. Thereby, it becomes easier to dispose the first connecting plate 71 having the second plate portion 71b and the second connecting plate 72 connected to the first connecting plate 71 with appropriate clearance without expanding the space SP1 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it becomes easier to dispose the equalizer 63 with appropriate clearance without expanding the space SP1 in the vehicle width direction, and it becomes easier to suppress an increase in the vehicle width even when disposing the interlocking brake mechanism 61 including the equalizer 63.

[0032] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in a side view of the vehicle body, an equalizer 63 is disposed by utilizing a space in SP1 that is behind the branch frame portion 41b of the main frame 41, below the battery 44, and inside the vehicle width direction of the second rear frame 20b. Therefore, the equalizer 63 can be disposed by effectively using the space available below the battery 44. This also makes it easier to dispose the equalizer 63 with an appropriate clearance without expanding the space SP1 in the vehicle width direction, and it becomes easier to suppress an increase in the vehicle width.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the second plate portion 71b is located inside and below the vehicle width direction of the right second rear frame 20b, and a second connecting plate 72 is connected to the inside of the vehicle width direction of this second plate portion 71b. Thereby, the second connecting plate 72 that is inside the vehicle width direction of the right second rear frame 20b and overlaps the second rear frame 20b in the vehicle width direction can be disposed by using the space inside the vehicle width direction of the right second rear frame 20b. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, regarding the first plate portion 71a of the first connecting plate 71 that is below the second plate portion 71b and is disposed outside the vehicle width direction, it is disposed at a position overlapping the swing arm 16 in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, the first plate portion 71a can be disposed by using the space available outside the vehicle width direction of the swing arm 16. These make it easier to appropriately dispose the equalizer 63 by effectively using a narrow space.

[0034] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the second connecting plate 72 is disposed at a position overlapping the swing arm 16 in the vertical direction when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Thereby, the second connecting plate 72 can be disposed by using the space available in the vertical direction of the swing arm 16. This also makes it easier to appropriately dispose the equalizer 63 by effectively using a narrow space.

[0035] As described above, in the straddle-type vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, one end of the interlock brake cable 51b is connected to the brake pedal 53 via the equalizer 63, and the other end of the interlock brake cable 51b is connected to the front wheel brake 51, so that both the rear wheel brake 52 and the front wheel brake 51 are operated by the operation of the brake pedal 53. The equalizer 63 of the interlock brake mechanism 61 has a second plate portion 71b that forms an offset portion offset inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] According to this configuration, the second plate portion 71b offset inward in the vehicle width direction effectively utilizes the space inward in the vehicle width direction, making it easier to arrange the equalizer 63 with an appropriate clearance. As a result, it is easier to suppress an increase in the vehicle width associated with the arrangement of the interlock brake mechanism 61 including the equalizer 63.

[0037] The vehicle body frame 11 has left and right branch frame portions 41b that form a pair of side frames branching in the left and right directions from the main frame 41, left and right first rear frames 20a, and a second rear frame 20b. The equalizer 63 has a first connection plate 71 that is connected to the brake pedal 53 and has a second plate portion 71b, and a second connection plate 72 that is connected to the first connection plate 71 and to which one end of the interlock brake cable 51b is connected. At least a part of the second plate portion 71b overlaps with the second rear frame 20b that forms a part of the side frame when viewed from the side of the vehicle body.

[0038] According to this configuration, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by a pair of side frames branching off from the main frame 41 in the left-right direction, the first connecting plate 71 having the second plate portion 71b can be arranged using the narrow space. Also, regarding the second connecting plate 72, by connecting it to the second plate portion 71b, it can be arranged using the space inside the vehicle width direction. Thus, the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 can be arranged using the space available inside the vehicle width direction, and it becomes easier to appropriately arrange the equalizer 63 by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction.

[0039] Also, it has a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 15, and at least a part of the second connecting plate 72 overlaps the swing arm 16 in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle body front-rear direction. According to this configuration, the second connecting plate 72 can be arranged using the space available above and below the swing arm 16. Thereby, it becomes easier to appropriately arrange the equalizer 63 by effectively using the space available above and below the swing arm 16.

[0040] Further, among the equalizer 63, the first connecting plate 71, which is a component having the second plate portion 71b that constitutes the offset portion, is formed of a single plate-like member. Therefore, the first connecting plate 71 can be made compact in the vehicle width direction and is easy to manufacture simply. Thus, it is advantageous for reducing the number of parts of the equalizer 63 and simplifying the structure of the equalizer 63. Note that the shapes and configurations of each part of the equalizer 63 such as the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 may be changed as appropriate. Also, the first connecting plate 71 is an example of the "first connecting member" of the present invention, and the second connecting plate 72 is an example of the "second connecting member" of the present invention.

[0041] [Other Embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and arbitrary modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the equalizer 63 has two plate-like members, i.e., the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72, has been exemplified. However, the configuration may be such that it has a single connecting plate in which the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 are integrated. FIGS. 5 and 6 are views showing the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 according to another embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows the main part of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 according to another embodiment as viewed from the rear, and FIG. 6 shows the main part as viewed from the right side. The interlocking brake mechanism 61 according to another embodiment is different in that the equalizer 63 has a single connecting plate. The single connecting plate also serves as the first connecting plate 71 and the second connecting plate 72 of the above-described embodiment. Since it has the same configuration as the first connecting plate 71, hereinafter, the single connecting plate will be referred to as the "first connecting plate 71". In FIG. 5, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the first connecting plate 71 is formed of a single plate-like member extending in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported by the brake pedal 53 via the connecting pin 62a. The second plate portion 71b of the first connecting plate 71 extends upward from the upper end of the intermediate portion 71c and constitutes an offset portion offset inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first plate portion 71a. The second plate portion 71b constitutes a part of the second connecting plate 72 of the above-described embodiment, that is, it extends upward from the first connecting plate 71 of the above-described embodiment, and one end of the interlocking brake cable 51b and one end of the biasing member 66 are connected thereto. Also in another embodiment, since the swing arm 16 widens toward the outside in the vehicle width direction as it goes toward the rear of the vehicle, at least a part (the second plate portion 71b) of the equalizer 63 is disposed substantially above the swing arm 16 (corresponding to a position overlapping in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle body longitudinal direction).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the interlocking brake cable 51b is drawn out behind the equalizer 63. Also, the equalizer 63 is biased in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side of the vehicle body by a biasing member 66. In another embodiment, when the brake pedal 53 is operated, the first connecting plate 71 of the equalizer 63 rotates about the connecting pin 62a against the biasing force of the biasing member 66, operates the rear wheel brake 52 via the brake rod 52a, and operates the front wheel brake 51 via the interlocking brake cable 51b. As a result, both the rear wheel brake 52 and the front wheel brake 51 are operated by the operation of the brake pedal 53, and braking force is applied to the rear wheels 15 and the front wheels 13.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at least a part of the second plate portion 71b constituting the offset portion overlaps with a part of the second rear frame 20b that constitutes a part of a pair of side frames branching in the left-right direction from the main frame 41 when viewed from the side of the vehicle body. Thereby, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by a pair of side frames branching in the left-right direction from the main frame 41, the first connecting plate 71 having the second plate portion 71b can be arranged using the narrow space. As a result, the equalizer 63 can be appropriately arranged by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction, and it becomes easier to suppress an increase in the vehicle width associated with the arrangement of the interlocking brake mechanism 61 including the equalizer 63.

[0046] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the second plate portion 71b of the first connecting plate 71 overlaps with the swing arm 16 in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction. According to this configuration, the first connecting plate 71 can be arranged using the space available in the vertical direction of the swing arm 16, and the equalizer 63 can be appropriately arranged by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction.

[0047] Further, in another embodiment, since the first connecting plate 71 is formed of a single plate-like member, components having an offset portion, a component to which the brake rod 52a is connected, and a component connected to the brake pedal 53 can be configured as a single component. Therefore, these components can be made compact in the vehicle width direction and are easily manufactured, which is advantageous for reducing the number of components of the equalizer 63 and simplifying the structure of the equalizer 63.

[0048] In each of the above embodiments, the case where the brake lever 21r and the brake pedal 53 are provided as the front-wheel brake operator and the rear-wheel brake operator has been described, but each operator may be changed as appropriate. Also, in each embodiment, the saddle-riding type vehicle 10 having the power unit 12 which is an internal combustion engine has been exemplified, but the power unit 12 may be an electric motor driven by electricity. That is, the saddle-riding type vehicle 10 may be a saddle-riding type electric vehicle driven by an electric motor.

[0049] Also, in each embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the motorcycle shown in FIG. 1 and the like and the interlocking brake mechanism (interlocking brake) mounted on the motorcycle has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to any vehicle such as a saddle-riding type vehicle and the interlocking brake mechanism (interlocking brake) mounted on this type of vehicle. For example, the vehicle to which the present invention can be applied may be a scooter type motorcycle in which the rear wheel 15 and the power unit 12 are swingably supported by the vehicle body frame 11, or a three-wheeled saddle-riding type vehicle or a four-wheeled or more saddle-riding type vehicle having two front wheels 13 or rear wheels 15.

[0050] [Configuration Supported by the Above Embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0051] A saddle-riding type vehicle, comprising: a front-wheel brake operator for operating a front-wheel brake that brakes a front wheel; and a rear-wheel brake operator for operating a rear-wheel brake that brakes a rear wheel. One end of an interlocking brake cable is connected to the rear-wheel brake operator via an equalizer, and the other end of the interlocking brake cable is connected to the front-wheel brake, so that both the rear-wheel brake and the front-wheel brake are operated by operating the rear-wheel brake operator. In this saddle-riding type vehicle, the equalizer has an offset portion offset inward in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the offset portion offset inward in the vehicle width direction enables effective use of the space available inward in the vehicle width direction, making it easier to arrange the equalizer with an appropriate clearance and suppressing an increase in the vehicle width.

[0052] In a saddle-riding type vehicle according to Configuration 2, the vehicle body frame of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames branching in the left-right direction from a main frame. The equalizer includes a first connecting member that is connected to the rear-wheel brake operator and has the offset portion, and a second connecting member that is connected to the first connecting member and to which one end of the interlocking brake cable is connected. At least a part of the second connecting member overlaps the side frame in a side view of the vehicle body. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to Configuration 1. According to this configuration, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by a pair of side frames branching in the left-right direction from the main frame, the first connecting member can be arranged using the narrow space. Also, for the second connecting member, by connecting it to the offset portion, it can be arranged using the space inward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, it becomes easier to appropriately arrange the equalizer by effectively using the space available inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] Configuration 3: A saddle-type vehicle having a swing arm that supports the rear wheel, wherein the equalizer has a first connecting member that is connected to the rear wheel brake operator and has the offset portion, and a second connecting member that is connected to the first connecting member and to which one end of the interlocking brake cable is connected, and at least a part of the second connecting member overlaps the swing arm in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle body longitudinal direction, as described in Configuration 1 or 2. According to this configuration, the second connecting member can be arranged using the space above and below the swing arm, and the equalizer can be appropriately arranged by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction.

[0054] Configuration 4: The vehicle body frame of the saddle-type vehicle has a pair of side frames that branch off from the main frame in the left-right direction, and the equalizer has a first connecting member that is connected to the rear wheel brake operator, to which one end of the interlocking brake cable is connected, and has the offset portion, and at least a part of the offset portion overlaps the side frame when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, as described in Configuration 1. According to this configuration, even when the space in the vehicle width direction is narrowed by a pair of side frames that branch off from the main frame in the left-right direction, the first connecting member having the offset portion can be arranged using the narrow space. This makes it easier to appropriately arrange the equalizer by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction.

[0055] Configuration 5: A saddle-type vehicle having a swing arm that supports the rear wheel, and at least a part of the first connecting member overlaps the swing arm in the vehicle body vertical direction, as described in Configuration 4. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to arrange the first connecting member having the offset portion using the space above and below the swing arm, and it becomes easier to appropriately arrange the equalizer by effectively using the space available inside the vehicle width direction.

[0056] Configuration 6: A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the component having the offset portion of the equalizer is formed of a single plate-like member. According to this configuration, the component having the offset portion is made compact in the vehicle width direction and is easily manufactured, which is advantageous for reducing the number of components of the equalizer and for simplifying the structure.

Description of Signs

[0057] 10 Saddle-type vehicle 13 Front wheel 15 Rear wheel 16 Swing arm 16 20a First rear frame (side frame) 20b Second rear frame (side frame) 21 Handlebar 21r Brake lever (front wheel brake operator) 41 Main frame 41b Branch frame portion (side frame) 43 Intake system component (vehicle body-mounted component) 44 Battery (vehicle body-mounted component) 51 Front wheel brake 51a Front wheel brake cable (first front wheel brake force transmission member) 51b Interlocking brake cable (second front wheel brake force transmission member) 52 Rear wheel brake 52a Brake rod (rear wheel brake force transmission member) 53 Brake pedal (rear wheel brake operator) 61 Interlocking brake mechanism (interlocking brake) 62a~62c Connecting pins 63 Equalizer 65 Connecting rod 66 Biasing member 71 First connecting plate (first connecting member) 71a First plate portion 71b Second plate portion 72 Second connecting plate (second connecting member)

Claims

1. a front wheel brake operator (21r) for operating a front wheel brake (51) that brakes a front wheel (13); a rear wheel brake operator (53) for operating a rear wheel brake (52) that brakes a rear wheel (15), and in a saddle - riding type vehicle provided with an interlocking brake (61) in which one end of an interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected to the rear wheel brake operator (53) via an equalizer (63), and the other end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected to the front wheel brake (51), so that both the rear wheel brake (52) and the front wheel brake (51) are operated by operating the rear wheel brake operator (53); the equalizer (63) has an offset portion (71b) offset inward in the vehicle width direction A saddle - riding type vehicle.

2. The vehicle body frame (11) of the saddle - riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames (20b) branching in the left - right direction from a main frame (41), the equalizer (63) has a first connecting member (71) that is connected to the rear wheel brake operator (53) and has the offset portion (71b), and a second connecting member (72) that is connected to the first connecting member (71) and to which one end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected, at least a part of the second connecting member (72) overlaps the side frame (20b) in a side view of the vehicle body The saddle - riding type vehicle according to Claim 1.

3. having a swing arm (16) that supports the rear wheel (15), the equalizer (63) has a first connecting member (71) that is connected to the rear wheel brake operator (53) and has the offset portion (71b), and a second connecting member (72) that is connected to the first connecting member (71) and to which one end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected, at least a part of the second connecting member (72) overlaps the swing arm (16) in the vertical direction in a front - rear view of the vehicle body The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The vehicle body frame (11) of the saddle-riding type vehicle has a pair of side frames (20b) branching in the left-right direction from the main frame (41). The equalizer (63) is connected to the rear wheel brake operator (53), one end of the interlocking brake cable (51b) is connected thereto, and has a first connecting member (71) having the offset portion (71b). At least a part of the offset portion (71b) overlaps the side frame (20b) in a side view of the vehicle body. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 1.

5. It has a swing arm (16) that supports the rear wheel (15). At least a part of the first connecting member (71) overlaps the swing arm (16) in the up-down direction of the vehicle body. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 4.

6. The component (71) having the offset portion (71b) among the equalizers (63) is formed of a single plate-like member. The saddle-riding type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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