Saddle riding vehicle

Abstract

To efficiently cool an electronic control unit inside a rear cover and inhibit entry of water or mud into the rear cover.SOLUTION: A saddle riding vehicle 1 includes a rear wheel 2, a rear cover 18, and an electronic control unit 20. The rear cover 18 has an internal space S1 and a first vent 41 communicating with the internal space S1. The rear cover 18 is disposed above the rear wheel 2. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the rear cover 18. The first vent 41 is disposed to be directed to the outside in a vehicle horizontal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In some saddle-type vehicles, an electronic control unit is disposed within a rear cover that is positioned above the rear wheel. For example, in the saddle-type vehicle of Patent Document 1, a rear fender is disposed above the rear wheel. The rear fender includes a rear protruding portion having an internal space. The saddle-type vehicle includes an electronic control unit that controls an engine and a transmission. The electronic control unit is disposed within the rear protruding portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the electronic control unit generates heat, it is preferably cooled by the traveling wind. However, when the electronic control unit is disposed within the rear cover, it is difficult to efficiently cool the electronic control unit by the traveling wind. Further, when ventilation holes are provided in the rear cover to cool the electronic control unit by the traveling wind, there is a concern that water or mud may enter the rear cover through the ventilation holes. In particular, since the rear cover is disposed in proximity to the rear wheel, water or mud splashed up from the rear wheel is likely to enter the rear cover through the ventilation holes. An object of the present invention is to efficiently cool the electronic control unit within the rear cover and to suppress the entry of water or mud into the rear cover.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The saddle-ride type vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rear wheel, a rear cover, and an electronic control unit. The rear cover includes an internal space and a first vent hole communicating with the internal space. The rear cover is disposed above the rear wheel. The electronic control unit is disposed in the internal space of the rear cover. The first vent hole is disposed facing the outside in the vehicle left-right direction.

[0006] In the saddle-ride type vehicle according to this aspect, the first vent hole is provided in the rear cover. Therefore, by allowing air to enter and exit through the first vent hole, the electronic control unit in the rear cover is efficiently cooled. Further, the first vent hole is disposed facing the outside in the vehicle left-right direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the first vent hole is disposed facing downward, it is difficult for water or mud splashed up from the rear wheel to enter through the first vent hole. Thereby, the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover is suppressed.

[0007] The first vent hole may be disposed below the electronic control unit in a side view of the vehicle. The first vent hole may be disposed at least partially directly below the electronic control unit in a side view of the vehicle. The first vent hole may be disposed outside the electronic control unit in the vehicle left-right direction. Thereby, the electronic control unit in the rear cover is efficiently cooled.

[0008] The rear cover may include an inner rear fender and a rear side cover. The inner rear fender may be disposed below the internal space and facing the rear wheel. The rear side cover may be disposed on the side of the internal space. The first vent hole may be provided in the inner rear fender.

[0009] The inner rear fender may include a curved surface and a first bulging portion. The curved surface may be curved convex upward. The first bulging portion may bulge downward from the curved surface. The first vent hole may be provided in the first bulging portion. In this case, the first vent hole can be easily provided to face the outside in the vehicle left-right direction by the first bulging portion.

[0010] The inner fender may include a second bulging portion and a second vent hole. The second bulging portion may be arranged at a distance from the first bulging portion in the vehicle left - right direction. The second bulging portion may bulge downward from the curved surface. The second vent hole may be provided in the second bulging portion. The second vent hole may be arranged facing the outer side opposite to the first bulging portion in the vehicle left - right direction. In this case, by allowing air to enter and exit through the second vent hole, the electronic control unit in the rear cover can be efficiently cooled. Also, the second bulging portion enables the second vent hole to be easily provided so as to face the outer side in the vehicle left - right direction.

[0011] The first vent hole may be provided in the rear side cover. In this case, the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover can be further suppressed.

[0012] The rear cover may include a plurality of fins provided in the vent hole. The plurality of fins may be inclined with respect to the vehicle left - right direction. The plurality of fins may be inclined toward the outer side and the front in the vehicle left - right direction. In this case, the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover can be further suppressed.

[0013] The rear cover may include a baffle plate. The baffle plate may be arranged on the inner side in the vehicle left - right direction with respect to the plurality of fins. In this case, the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover can be further suppressed.

[0014] The opening area of the first vent hole in the side view of the vehicle may be larger than the opening area of the first vent hole in the rear view of the vehicle. In this case, by increasing the air flow in and out between the side of the rear cover and the internal space, the electronic control unit in the rear cover can be efficiently cooled. Also, the water or mud splashed up from behind the first vent hole by the rear wheel can be prevented from entering the rear cover.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] In the saddle - type vehicle according to the present invention, the electronic control unit in the rear cover can be efficiently cooled, and the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a straddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a left side view of a straddle-type vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the straddle-type vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body frame 2, a steering device 3, a fuel tank 4, a seat 5, a power unit 6, a front wheel 7, and a rear wheel 8. In the present embodiment, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions mean the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions as viewed from a rider seated on the seat 5.

[0018] The vehicle body frame 2 includes a head pipe 11, a main frame 12, and a rear frame 13. The main frame 12 is connected to the head pipe 11. The main frame 12 extends rearward from the head pipe 11. The rear frame 13 extends obliquely rearward and upward from the main frame 12.

[0019] The steering device 3 is rotatably supported by the head pipe 11. The steering device 3 rotatably supports the front wheels 7. The steering device 3 includes a steering shaft 14, a handle member 15, and a front fork 16. The steering shaft 14 is inserted into the head pipe 11. The handle member 15 is disposed above the head pipe 11. The handle member 15 extends in the left-right direction. The front fork 16 is connected to the steering shaft 14. The front fork 16 rotatably supports the front wheels 7.

[0020] The fuel tank 4 is disposed behind the head pipe 11. The fuel tank 4 is supported by the main frame 12. The seat 5 is disposed behind the fuel tank 4. The seat 5 includes a main seat 5A and a tandem seat 5B. The tandem seat 5B is disposed behind the main seat 5A.

[0021] The power unit 6 is disposed below the fuel tank 4. The power unit 6 is supported by the main frame 12. The power unit 6 includes, for example, an internal combustion engine. The rear wheels 8 are supported by the main frame 12 via a swing arm 17. The rear wheels 8 are rotatably supported by the swing arm 17. The swing arm 17 is supported by the main frame 12 so as to be swingable vertically.

[0022] The saddle-type vehicle 1 includes a rear cover 18. The rear cover 18 covers a part of the rear frame 13. The rear cover 18 is disposed behind the main seat 5A. The rear cover 18 is disposed below the tandem seat 5B. The rear cover 18 is disposed above the rear wheels 8.

[0023] The saddle-riding type vehicle 1 includes a generator 19, an electronic control unit 20, and a battery 21. The generator 19 is attached to the power unit 6. The generator 19 generates electricity by being driven by the power unit 6. The electronic control unit 20 controls the electric power supplied from the generator 19 to the battery 21. The electronic control unit 20 includes, for example, an inverter and rectifies the current from the generator 19. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed in the rear cover 18.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the rear cover 18. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the rear cover 18. FIG. 4 is a top view of the rear cover 18. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the rear cover 18. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the rear cover 18. FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of the rear cover 18. As shown in FIG. 1, a side panel 22 is attached to the rear cover 18, but the side panel 22 is omitted in FIGS. 2 to 8.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rear cover 18 includes an internal space S1. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the rear cover 18. The rear cover 18 includes an inner rear fender 23, a left rear side cover 24, and a right rear side cover 25. The inner rear fender 23 is disposed below the internal space S1. The inner rear fender 23 covers the internal space S1 from below. The left rear side cover 24 is disposed on the left side of the internal space S1. The left rear side cover 24 covers the internal space S1 from the left side. The right rear side cover 25 is disposed on the right side of the internal space S1. The right rear side cover 25 covers the internal space S1 from the right side.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the inner rear fender 23 is disposed directly above the rear wheel 8. The inner rear fender 23 is disposed facing the rear wheel 8. An outer rear fender 26 is disposed behind the inner rear fender 23. The outer rear fender 26 is connected to the rear frame 13 via a stay 27.

[0027] The left rear side cover 24 extends upward from the inner rear fender 23. The left rear side cover 24 is disposed between the inner rear fender 23 and the tandem seat 5B in the vehicle's vertical direction. The right rear side cover 25 is disposed at a distance from the left rear side cover 24 in the vehicle's left-right direction. The right rear side cover 25 extends upward from the inner rear fender 23. Although not shown, similar to the left rear side cover 24, the right rear side cover 25 is disposed between the inner rear fender 23 and the tandem seat 5B in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0028] The left rear side cover 24 covers the electronic control unit 20 from the left side. The right rear side cover 25 covers the electronic control unit 20 from the right side. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed between the left rear side cover 24 and the right rear side cover 25 in the vehicle's left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 2, in a side view of the vehicle, the left rear side cover 24 overlaps the electronic control unit 20. As shown in FIG. 3, in a side view of the vehicle, the right rear side cover 25 overlaps the electronic control unit 20.

[0029] The inner rear fender 23 covers the electronic control unit 20 from below. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed above the inner rear fender 23. As shown in FIG. 4, in a top view of the vehicle, the electronic control unit 20 overlaps the inner rear fender 23. The electronic control unit 20 includes a unit main body 28 and connectors 29, 30. Electronic components such as an inverter (not shown) are housed in the unit main body 28. The electronic control unit 20 includes attachment portions 31, 32. The attachment portions 31, 32 project from the unit main body 28 in the vehicle's left-right direction. The attachment portions 31, 32 are attached to the rear frame 13 via stays (not shown).

[0030] Connectors 29 and 30 are connected to the unit main body 28. Connectors 29 and 30 project forward from the unit main body 28. A cable extending from the above-described generator 19 and a cable extending from the battery 21 are connected to connectors 29 and 30. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic control unit 20 includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins 33. The heat dissipation fins 33 extend downward from the unit main body 28. In FIG. 9, only one of the plurality of heat dissipation fins 33 is labeled 33, and the labels for the other heat dissipation fins 33 are omitted.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the inner rear fender 23 includes a curved surface 34, a first bulging portion 35, and a second bulging portion 36. As shown in FIG. 9, the curved surface 34 has a shape that curves convexly upward. The curved surface 34 has a cross-sectional shape that curves convexly upward when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The curved surface 34 curves downward from the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle toward the outside.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the curved surface 34 includes a central portion 37, a left side portion 38, and a right side portion 39. The central portion 37 is disposed on the vehicle center line C1 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The central portion 37 is disposed between the left side portion 38 and the right side portion 39 in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed directly above the central portion 37. The electronic control unit 20 is disposed facing the central portion 37.

[0033] The first bulging portion 35 and the second bulging portion 36 are disposed apart from each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The first bulging portion 35 and the second bulging portion 36 each bulge downward from the curved surface 34. As shown in FIG. 2, the first bulging portion 35 has a shape that bulges downward when viewed from the side of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the second bulging portion 36 has a shape that bulges downward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0034] The first bulging portion 35 is disposed between the central portion 37 and the left side portion 38. The first bulging portion 35 protrudes downward from the left side portion 38. The second bulging portion 36 is disposed between the central portion 37 and the right side portion 39. The second bulging portion 36 protrudes downward from the right side portion 39.

[0035] The inner rear fender 23 includes a first vent hole 41 and a second vent hole 42. The first vent hole 41 and the second vent hole 42 communicate with the internal space S1. The first vent hole 41 and the second vent hole 42 extend from the outside of the rear cover 18 to the internal space S1 of the rear cover 18 through the inner rear fender 23. The second vent hole 42 is arranged symmetrically with the first vent hole 41 in the left-right direction. However, the second vent hole 42 may be arranged asymmetrically with the first vent hole 41 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 1, at least a part of the first vent hole 41 is located in front of the rotation axis X1 of the rear wheel 8. Although not shown, similarly to the first vent hole 41, at least a part of the second vent hole 42 is located in front of the rotation axis X1 of the rear wheel 8.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the first vent hole 41 and the second vent hole 42 are arranged facing the outside in the vehicle left-right direction. The first vent hole 41 is arranged facing the left side. The second vent hole 42 is arranged facing the right side. The opening area of the first vent hole 41 in the side view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 2 is larger than the opening area of the first vent hole 41 in the rear view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 6. The opening area of the second vent hole 42 in the side view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 3 is larger than the opening area of the second vent hole 42 in the rear view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 6.

[0037] The first vent hole 41 is provided in the first bulging portion 35. The first bulging portion 35 includes a first stepped portion 43. The first stepped portion 43 protrudes downward from the left side portion 38. The first vent hole 41 is provided in the first stepped portion 43. The second vent hole 42 is provided in the second bulging portion 36. The second bulging portion 36 includes a second stepped portion 44. The second stepped portion 44 protrudes downward from the right side portion 39. The second vent hole 42 is provided in the second stepped portion 44.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the first vent hole 41 is disposed below the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle. The first vent hole 41 is disposed at least partially directly below the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle. The front end 41A of the first vent hole 41 is located behind the front surface 20A of the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle. The rear end 41B of the first vent hole 41 is located behind the rear surface 20B of the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the second vent hole 42 is disposed below the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle. The second vent hole 42 is disposed at least partially directly below the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle. The front end 42A of the second vent hole 42 is located behind the front surface 20A of the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle. The rear end 42B of the second vent hole 42 is located behind the rear surface 20B of the electronic control unit 20 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the first vent hole 41 and the second vent hole 42 are disposed outside the electronic control unit 20 in the vehicle left - right direction. The first vent hole 41 is disposed on the left side of the electronic control unit 20 in the vehicle left - right direction. The second vent hole 42 is disposed on the right side of the electronic control unit 20 in the vehicle left - right direction.

[0041] FIG. 10 is an enlarged top view of the rear cover 18. As shown in FIG. 10, the rear cover 18 includes a plurality of first fins 45 and a plurality of second fins 46. In the drawing, only one of the plurality of first fins 45 is labeled with reference numeral 45, and the reference numerals of the other first fins 45 are omitted. Also, in the drawing, only one of the plurality of second fins 46 is labeled with reference numeral 46, and the reference numerals of the other second fins 46 are omitted.

[0042] The plurality of first fins 45 and the plurality of second fins 46 project upward from the upper surface of the inner rear fender 23. The plurality of first fins 45 are arranged side by side at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. The plurality of first fins 45 are provided in the first vent hole 41. The plurality of first fins 45 extend from the first vent hole 41 toward the inner side in the vehicle left-right direction. The plurality of first fins 45 are inclined toward the outer side and the front in the vehicle left-right direction.

[0043] The plurality of second fins 46 are arranged side by side at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. The plurality of second fins 46 are provided in the second vent hole 42. The plurality of second fins 46 extend from the second vent hole 42 toward the inner side in the vehicle left-right direction. The plurality of second fins 46 are inclined toward the outer side and the front in the vehicle left-right direction.

[0044] The rear cover 18 includes a first baffle plate 47 and a second baffle plate 48. The first baffle plate 47 and the second baffle plate 48 project upward from the upper surface of the inner rear fender 23. The first baffle plate 47 is arranged on the inner side in the vehicle left-right direction with respect to the plurality of first fins 45. The first baffle plate 47 is arranged facing the plurality of first fins 45 in the vehicle left-right direction. The front end 47A of the first baffle plate 47 is located in front of the front end 41A of the first vent hole 41. The rear end 47B of the first baffle plate 47 is located behind the rear end 41B of the first vent hole 41. The first baffle plate 47 has a shape curved toward the inner side in the vehicle left-right direction when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0045] The second baffle plate 48 is arranged on the inner side in the vehicle left-right direction with respect to the plurality of second fins 46. The second baffle plate 48 is arranged facing the plurality of second fins 46 in the vehicle left-right direction. The front end 48A of the second baffle plate 48 is located in front of the front end 42A of the second vent hole 42. The rear end 48B of the second baffle plate 48 is located behind the rear end 42B of the second vent hole 42. The second baffle plate 48 has a shape curved toward the inner side in the vehicle left-right direction when viewed from above the vehicle.

[0046] In the straddle-type vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the first vent hole 41 is provided in the rear cover 18. Therefore, by allowing air to enter and exit through the first vent hole 41, the electronic control unit 20 inside the rear cover 18 is efficiently cooled. Further, the first vent hole 41 is arranged facing the outside in the vehicle left-right direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the first vent hole 41 is arranged facing downward, water or mud splashed up from the rear wheel 8 is less likely to enter through the vent hole into the first vent hole 41. Thereby, the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover 18 is suppressed.

[0047] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0048] The straddle-type vehicle 1 of the above embodiment is a so-called street motorcycle. However, the straddle-type vehicle 1 of the present invention is not limited to a street motorcycle, and may be an off-road motorcycle. Alternatively, the straddle-type vehicle 1 may be a scooter, an underbone, or a moped.

[0049] The electronic control unit 20 is not limited to controlling the current from the generator 19. For example, the electronic control unit 20 may control an engine or an electric motor. The structure of the rear cover 18 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be changed. For example, the first vent hole 41 and the second vent hole 42 may be arranged in the left-right reverse of the above embodiment. The arrangement or shape of the first vent hole 41 and the second vent hole 42 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be changed.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the rear cover 18 according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the first vent hole 41 may be provided in the left rear side cover 24. Although not shown, the second vent hole 42 may be provided in the right rear side cover 25.

Industrial Applicability

[0051] In the saddle-type vehicle according to the present invention, the electronic control unit in the rear cover can be efficiently cooled, and the intrusion of water or mud into the rear cover can be suppressed.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0052] 8: Rear wheel, 18: Rear cover, 20: Electronic control unit, 23: Inner rear fender, 24: Left rear side cover, 34: Curved surface, 35: First bulging portion, 36: Second bulging portion, 41: First ventilation hole, 42: Second ventilation hole, 45: First fin, 47: First baffle plate, S1: Internal space

Claims

1. A rear wheel, an inner space, and a first vent hole communicating with the inner space, a rear cover disposed above the rear wheel, an electronic control unit disposed in the inner space of the rear cover, comprising: the first vent hole is disposed facing the outside in the left - right direction of the vehicle, a saddle - type vehicle.

2. The first vent hole is disposed below the electronic control unit in a side view of the vehicle. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 1.

3. At least a part of the first vent hole is disposed directly below the electronic control unit in a side view of the vehicle. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 1.

4. The first vent hole is disposed outside the electronic control unit in the left - right direction of the vehicle. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 1.

5. The rear cover includes an inner rear fender disposed below the inner space and facing the rear wheel, and a rear side cover disposed on the side of the inner space, wherein: the first vent hole is provided in the inner rear fender. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 1.

6. The inner rear fender includes a curved surface convex upward, and a first bulging portion bulging downward from the curved surface, wherein: the first vent hole is provided in the first bulging portion. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 5.

7. The inner rear fender includes a second bulging portion disposed away from the first bulging portion in the left - right direction of the vehicle and bulging downward from the curved surface, and a second vent hole provided in the second bulging portion and disposed facing the outside opposite to the first bulging portion in the left - right direction of the vehicle. wherein: The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 6.

8. The rear cover includes an inner rear fender disposed below the inner space and facing the rear wheel, and a rear side cover disposed on the side of the inner space, wherein: the first vent hole is provided in the rear side cover. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 1.

9. The rear cover includes a plurality of fins provided in the vent hole. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 1.

10. The plurality of fins are inclined with respect to the left - right direction of the vehicle. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 9.

11. The plurality of fins are inclined toward the outside and forward in the left - right direction of the vehicle. The saddle - type vehicle according to Claim 9.

12. The rear cover includes a baffle plate disposed inside in the vehicle left-right direction with respect to the plurality of fins. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 9.

13. The opening area of the first vent hole in a side view of the vehicle is larger than the opening area of the first vent hole in a rear view of the vehicle. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1.

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