Terminal protective structure of saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

To enable protecting a terminal part of a control device, and thereby contribute to improving energy efficiency.SOLUTION: A terminal protective structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle 1 comprises: a swinging support shaft 25 for supporting a rear wheel 3 of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 and an electric motor 50 for driving the rear wheel 3, with respect to a vehicle body frame 5 in a swinging manner; a control device 9 disposed in front of the swinging support shaft 25, and having a terminal part 63 on an upper side in a vehicle vertical direction to control the electric motor 50; a rear fender 70 covering the rear wheel 3 and fixed to the vehicle body frame 5; and a splash guard 80 disposed between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9 and extending rearward from a lower side of the terminal part 63. A lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed below the terminal part 63 in the vehicle vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon or carbon-free society have become more active, and research and development into electrification technologies is being conducted in vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a straddle-type electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels and a motor control unit that controls the electric motor. In this vehicle, the motor control unit is located in front of the rear wheels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-15904 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, in the field of electrification technology, it is important to effectively protect the terminals of the control device from external factors.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the present application aims to protect the terminal portion of the control device from water splashing from the rear wheels or the front of the vehicle using a protective member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes a swing support shaft (25) that swingably supports a rear wheel (3) of a saddle-ride type vehicle (1) and an electric motor (50) that drives the rear wheel (3) relative to a body frame (5), a control device (9) that is arranged in front of the swing support shaft (25) and has a terminal portion (63) on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and controls the electric motor (50), a rear fender (70, 270) that covers the rear wheel (3) and is fixed to the body frame (5), and a splash guard (80, 280) that is arranged between the rear fender (70, 270) and the control device (9) and extends rearward from below the terminal portion (63), and the lower end of the splash guard (80, 280) is arranged lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the terminal portion (63). With this configuration, the splash guard is less susceptible to external factors such as dust and water, even when the control device is placed near the ground, compared to when the bottom end of the splash guard is placed above the terminals of the control device, and therefore the terminals of the control device can be protected.

[0007] (2) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) above, the splash guard (80, 280) may block an imaginary line (J) connecting the axle of the rear wheel (3) and the center of the terminal portion (63) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. With this configuration, the terminal portion of the control device can be protected from the rear wheel bouncing up.

[0008] (3) The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above may further include a hanger member (90, 290) that holds the control device (9), and the splash guard (80, 280) may be supported by the hanger member (90, 290). For example, in the case of electric vehicles, one solution to reduce assembly man-hours is to sub-assemble the electric motor and control device. According to this configuration, the splash guard can be pre-assembled to the hanger member that holds the control device, which allows assembly on a pre-assembly line, thereby contributing to a reduction in manufacturing man-hours.

[0009] (4) The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3) above may further include a storage battery (100) having a battery terminal (103) on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the splash guard (80, 280) may be positioned lower than the battery terminal (103) in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This configuration, compared to when the splash guard is positioned above the battery terminals, is less susceptible to external factors such as dust and water, even when the battery terminals are positioned near the ground. This protects the battery terminals. Additionally, the splash guard helps prevent water from reaching the battery cables connected to the battery terminals. It also prevents water from dripping from the battery cables and reaching the terminals of the control device.

[0010] (5) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above, the rear fender (70) may have a fender support portion (72) supported by the body frame (5), the front portion of the splash guard (80) may be supported by the hanger member (90), and the rear portion of the splash guard (80) may cover the front end of the rear fender (70) from above and be supported by the fender support portion (72). With this configuration, the splash guard can be supported by the hanger member and the fender support portion, and the rear portion of the splash guard can be supported by a support portion separate from the hanger member.

[0011] (6) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above, the hanger member (290) may have a cross pipe (291) on the upper end side of the hanger member (290) and a middle support portion (297) on the central side of the hanger member (290), and the splash guard (280) may be hung from the cross pipe (291) to the middle support portion (297). With this configuration, the splash guard can be supported by the hanger member alone, which allows assembly on a small assembly line and contributes to reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0012] (7) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (6) above, the splash guard (280) may cover the cross pipe (291) from above, and a portion of the rear fender (270) may extend downward from the center of the cross pipe (291) when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and then bend upward immediately adjacent to the cross pipe (291), and cover the cross pipe (291) from above together with the splash guard (280). This configuration can more effectively prevent water and the like from entering the control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to protect the terminal portion of the control device, which in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a first embodiment, viewed from above left. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the terminal protection structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a terminal protection structure according to a first embodiment, viewed from the lower rear left. [Figure 5] 1 is a left side view including a cross section of a terminal protection structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view of a terminal protection structure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment, seen from the lower left. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a left side view including a cross section of a terminal protection structure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control device in the terminal protection structure. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a top view of a control device in the terminal protection structure. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of an assembly process for the terminal protection structure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of how the main stand deals with splashing water. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a water splash prevention member of the main stand. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the function of the water splash prevention member. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing water splashing in a comparative example. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lip shape of the front fender. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a front view of the lip shape of the front fender. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rib shape of the undercover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Directions such as front, rear, up, down, left, and right in the following description are the same as those in a saddle-ride type vehicle (hereinafter also referred to simply as "vehicle") described below. In the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the vehicle body from side to side are shown in appropriate locations. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only mean the exact arrangement, but also include a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance that provides the same function.

[0016] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a saddle-ride type vehicle 1 of the embodiment is a scooter-type electric two-wheel vehicle having a floor portion 14 (low floor portion) on which a rider (driver) places his / her feet. The saddle-type vehicle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a body frame 5, a body cover 6, a swing unit 8, a storage battery 100, a seat 15, and a control device 9.

[0017] The front wheel 2 is supported by a front fork 10. The front wheel 2 can be steered by a handlebar 13. The rear wheel 3 is supported at the rear end of the swing unit 8. The rear wheel 3 can be driven by an electric motor 50 provided in the swing unit 8. The front end of the swing unit 8 is connected to the body frame 5.

[0018] The handlebars 13, the front fork 10, and the front wheel 2 make up the steering system components. The steering system components are steerably supported at the front end of the body frame 5. The swing unit 8 and the rear wheel 3 are supported at the bottom of the body frame 5 so as to be able to swing up and down. The periphery of the body frame 5 is covered by a body cover 6.

[0019] The saddle-ride type vehicle 1 includes a floor portion 14 that forms a footrest surface on which a driver seated on a seat 15 places his or her feet, a front body FB that is connected to the front of the floor portion 14, and a rear body RB that is connected to the rear of the floor portion 14. A straddle space K is formed above the floor portion 14 to make it easier for a passenger to straddle the vehicle body.

[0020] A seat 15 for a passenger to sit on is supported on the rear body RB. The lower front end of the seat 15 is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge shaft (not shown) that runs along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The seat 15 rotates up and down around the hinge shaft to open and close the upper part of the rear body RB.

[0021] The state in which the seat 15 has its seat surface positioned approximately horizontally and closes the upper part of the rear body RB is referred to as the closed state (see FIG. 1). When the seat 15 is in the closed state, an occupant can sit in the seat 15, and the storage compartment below the seat 15 (a space for storing the storage battery 100, etc.) is closed. In this state, the seat 15 can be locked.

[0022] The seat 15 rotates around the hinge shaft, raising the seat surface and opening the upper part of the rear body RB, which is the open state. When the seat 15 is in the open state, the occupant cannot sit in the seat 15, and the storage compartment below the seat 15 opens, allowing items to be put in and taken out (such as the storage battery 100).

[0023] The body frame 5 is formed by joining multiple types of steel together by welding or the like. The body frame 5 includes a head pipe 20 located at the front end, a pair of left and right down frames 21 that branch off to the left and right from the head pipe 20, extend downward, and then extend rearward, and a pair of left and right rear frames 22 that extend upward and rearward from the rear of the left and right down frames 21. A center cross frame 23 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided between the front ends of the left and right rear frames 22 (between the rear ends of the left and right down frames 21).

[0024] The body cover 6 covers the periphery of the body frame 5. For example, the body cover 6 may be configured to include a handle cover 30 that covers the periphery of the handlebars 13 except for the left and right grip portions 13a, a front cover 31 that covers the front portion of the body frame 5 from the front, an inner cover 32 that covers the front portion of the body frame 5 from the rear, a floor cover 33 that covers the lower portion of the body frame 5 from above, a rear center cover 34 that covers the rear portion of the body frame 5 from the front, a pair of left and right rear side covers 35 that cover the rear portion of the body frame 5 from the left and right sides, a rear end cover 36 that covers the rear portion of the body frame 5 from the rear, and an under cover 37 that covers the lower portion of the body frame 5 from below.

[0025] The front cover 31 and the inner cover 32 may form a front body cover that forms the outer surface of the front body FB. The front body cover may also serve as a leg shield that covers the front of the driver's legs. The upper surface of the floor cover 33 may form a floor step. The floor step may form a flat upper surface (footrest surface) across the entire width in the vehicle width direction, for example. The floor step may be provided with a center tunnel that protrudes upward on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The rear center cover 34, the left and right rear side covers 35, and the rear end cover 36 may form a rear body cover that forms the outer surface of the rear body RB. The body cover 6, except for the handle cover 30, may be fixedly supported on the body frame 5.

[0026] A main stand 27 is provided in front of the rear wheel 3. The main stand 27 may be attached to the front lower part of the swing unit 8 so as to be able to swing. The main stand 27 includes a base through which a swing shaft (not shown) is inserted, a pair of left and right support legs 28 extending obliquely from the left and right side parts of the base so as to widen outward in the vehicle width direction, and ground plates 29 fixed to the tips of the left and right support legs 28.

[0027] The main stand 27 is swingable about a swing axis. The main stand 27 swings between a storage position (position shown in FIG. 1) in which the left and right support legs 28 extend in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and an operating position in which the left and right support legs 28 extend in the up-and-down direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle. When the main stand 27 is in the storage position, the left and right contact plates 29 are spaced from the ground, allowing the vehicle to be driven.

[0028] The swing unit 8 includes an electric motor 50 that generates driving force for propelling the saddle-ride type vehicle 1, a reduction gear 51 that reduces the output of the electric motor 50, and a unit case 52 that houses the electric motor 50 and the reduction gear 51.

[0029] The electric motor 50 is driven by power from the storage battery 100. The electric motor 50 is disposed with its drive shaft aligned in the vehicle width direction. The electric motor 50 includes a rotor that rotates integrally with the drive shaft, and a stator that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotor and is fixed to a unit case 52 (neither of which are shown). The electric motor 50 is driven at a variable speed, for example, by VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) control. The electric motor 50 may be speed-change controlled so as to have a continuously variable transmission. Alternatively, the electric motor 50 may be speed-change controlled so as to have a stepped transmission.

[0030] The driving force generated by the electric motor 50 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 supported by the swing unit 8 to propel the saddle-type vehicle 1. The lower end of a rear cushion 41 is connected to the rear end of the swing unit 8. The swing unit 8 and the rear cushion 41 form a suspension device (rear suspension) that supports the rear wheel 3.

[0031] The control device 9 is configured to include a PCU 60 (Power Control Unit) that controls the electric motor 50. The PCU 60 includes a PDU (Power Drive Unit) that is a motor driver, an ECU (Electric Control Unit) that controls the PDU, and the like. The PDU includes, for example, an inverter. The inverter converts the current supplied from the storage battery 100 from direct current to alternating current, and then supplies the power to the electric motor 50.

[0032] One end of a wiring 65 (e.g., a three-phase cable) connected to the electric motor 50 is connected to the PDU of the PCU 60 (see FIG. 5). In addition, a positive and negative battery cable 105 extending from the positive and negative terminals of the battery main body 101 of the storage battery 100 is connected to the PDU (see FIG. 5). The inverter of the PDU converts the DC current supplied by the storage battery 100 into three-phase AC current and supplies it to the electric motor 50.

[0033] <Storage battery> The storage battery 100 is mounted between the left and right rear frames 22 below the seat 15. Multiple storage batteries 100 (two in the illustrated example) are arranged in a line in the front-to-rear direction. A grip (handle) that can be held by an occupant or the like is provided on the upper end side of the storage battery 100. The storage battery 100 is tilted slightly backward in the vertical direction so that the upper end side (handle side) is located at the upper rear when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0034] The storage battery 100 is arranged so as to overlap the seat 15 in a plan view. The storage battery 100 is supported on the vehicle body frame 5 via a bracket or the like (not shown). The storage battery 100 includes a battery main body 101 and a battery case 102 that covers the battery main body 101.

[0035] The battery main body 101 may include, for example, a plurality of unit batteries (not shown). The battery main body 101 may include, for example, only one unit battery. The unit battery may be configured as, for example, a lithium ion battery as a chargeable and dischargeable energy storage.

[0036] Battery cables 105 extend from the positive and negative terminals of the battery main body 101 (see FIG. 5). Each battery cable 105 is connected to a PDU that constitutes the PCU 60. Wiring 65 (e.g., a three-phase cable) extends from the PDU (see FIG. 5). The wiring 65 is connected to the electric motor 50.

[0037] The storage battery 100 may be provided symmetrically on the whole with the center of the vehicle width as the axis of symmetry. This allows the storage battery 100, which is a heavy object, to be provided symmetrically on the left and right, thereby reducing the impact of the vehicle weight on the left-right balance.

[0038] The storage battery 100 may be capable of being charged using an external charger when removed from the vehicle body, for example. The storage battery 100 may also be capable of being used independently, for example, as a mobile battery to power an external device.

[0039] <Terminal protection structure for saddle-type vehicles> Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the first embodiment, seen from the upper left. Fig. 3 is a top view of the terminal protection structure according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure according to the first embodiment, seen from the lower rear left. Fig. 5 is a left side view including a cross section of the terminal protection structure according to the first embodiment. 1 to 5, the terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a swing support shaft 25 that supports the swing unit 8 so that it can swing relative to the body frame 5, a control device 9 that has a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is arranged in front of the swing support shaft 25, a rear fender 70 that covers the rear wheel 3 and is fixed to the body frame 5, a splash guard 80 that is arranged between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9 and extends rearward from below the terminal portion 63, and a hanger member 90 that holds the control device 9.

[0040] The swing support shaft 25 is disposed in front of and below the rear storage battery 100. The swing support shaft 25 extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The left and right ends of the swing support shaft 25 are supported by the vehicle body frame 5 via hanger members 90, brackets, etc.

[0041] The control device 9 is disposed in front of the swing support shaft 25 via a hanger member 90 etc. An upper portion of the control device 9 overlaps with the swing support shaft 25 when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0042] A heat dissipation fin 61 is provided on the rear surface of the control device 9 (specifically, on the rear surface of the control case 62 that houses the PCU 60 and the like). The rear surface of the control device 9 extends in the vertical direction (specifically, at a slight upward and rearward angle relative to the vertical direction) in a side view of the vehicle. The heat dissipation fin 61 is formed in a rectangular shape (specifically, a trapezoidal shape with rounded corners) whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the control device 9 (slightly upward and rearward angle) in a side view of the vehicle. The heat dissipation fin 61 extends in the vertical direction (specifically, at a slight downward and forward angle relative to the vertical direction) from the upper end of the rear surface to the lower end of the rear surface of the control device 9 in a side view of the vehicle. A plurality of heat dissipation fins 61 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] The rear fender 70 covers the upper part of the rear wheel 3 from above. The rear fender 70 includes a fender main body 71 that covers the rear wheel, and a fender support part 72 that is supported by the body frame 5.

[0044] The fender main body 71 extends from above in front of the rear wheel 3 to above and behind it in a side view of the vehicle. The fender main body 71 overlaps the rear wheel 3 when viewed from the top-down direction of the vehicle. The portion of the fender main body 71 facing the upper front of the rear wheel 3 bulges out toward the top-front. A portion of the fender main body 71 is formed so that its left-right width narrows toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view.

[0045] The fender support portion 72 protrudes upward from the front portion of the fender main body 71. A pair of fender support portions 72 is provided on the left and right sides. The left and right fender support portions 72 are positioned offset from each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the left fender support portion 72 is positioned rearward of the right fender support portion 72. The left and right fender support portions 72 may be positioned at the same position as each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For example, the installation manner of the fender support portions 72 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0046] The hanger member 90 is composed of a cross pipe 91 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a forward extension portion 92 extending forward from the cross pipe 91, left-right extension portions 93 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) in front of and below the control device 9, upper and lower connecting portions 94 connecting the cross pipe 91 and the left-right extension portions 93, and a rearward extension portion 95 extending rearward from the cross pipe 91.

[0047] The cross pipe 91 is disposed between the upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 and the swing support shaft 25. The cross pipe 91 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The left-right length of the cross pipe 91 is longer than the left-right length (maximum left-right width) of the control device 9.

[0048] A pair of left and right forward extending portions 92 are provided. The left and right forward extending portions 92 are arranged further outward in the vehicle width direction than the control device 9. The left and right forward extending portions 92 cover the upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the forward extending portions 92 is formed in a U-shape (U-shaped cross section) that opens inward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the extension direction. The rear portion of the forward extending portion 92 is joined to the cross pipe 91 by, for example, welding. The front portion of the forward extending portion 92 is fixed to the rear frame 22 via a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0049] The left and right extending portions 93 are disposed in front of and below the cross pipe 91. The left and right extending portions 93 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the cross pipe 91. The left and right extending portions 93 are disposed parallel to the cross pipe 91. The left and right length of the left and right extending portions 93 is shorter than the left and right length of the cross pipe 91. The left and right extending portions 93 are fixed to the rear frame 22 via fastening members such as bolts and brackets.

[0050] The vertical connecting portion 94 extends downward from the cross pipe 91 in a side view of the vehicle and then extends forward. The vertical connecting portion 94 is formed in a V-shape (inverted V-shape) that is open downward when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The vertical connecting portion 94 branches out to the left and right from a portion connected to the lower center of the left and right of the cross pipe 91, extends so that its left and right width increases as it extends downward, and then curves forward and is connected to the rear portions of the outer left and right ends of the left and right extending portions 93. An upper portion of the vertical connecting portion 94 is joined to the cross pipe 91 by, for example, welding. A lower front portion of the vertical connecting portion 94 is joined to the left and right extending portions 93 by, for example, welding.

[0051] A pair of left and right rearward extending portions 95 are provided. The left and right rearward extending portions 95 are arranged further inward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right frontward extending portions 92. The left and right rearward extending portions 95 are arranged further outward in the vehicle width direction than the upper portions of the vertical connecting portions 94 (portions connected to the cross pipe 91). At least a portion of the rearward extending portions 95 is formed in a fan shape whose vertical width increases toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle. The left and right outer end portions of the swing support shaft 25 are supported by the left and right rearward extending portions 95, respectively.

[0052] The splash guard 80 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The splash guard 80 is flexible. The splash guard 80 is disposed between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9. The splash guard 80 extends from below and rearward of the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 toward the lower rear of the rear storage battery 100. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed lower in the vehicle up-down direction than the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the center of the cross pipe 91 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0053] The splash guard 80 blocks an imaginary line J connecting the axle of the rear wheel 3 and the center of the terminal portion 63 in a side view of the vehicle. The center of the terminal portion 63 corresponds to the center of a terminal fastening portion provided on the control device 9 (specifically, the center of the head of a fastening bolt for fastening the terminal of the wiring 65 to the terminal block). The imaginary line J is inclined upward toward the front with respect to the horizontal plane in a side view of the vehicle. The splash guard 80 extends so as to intersect with the imaginary line J in a side view of the vehicle.

[0054] The splash guard 80 is formed in a sheet shape along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The splash guard 80 includes a guard main body 81 that extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a pair of left and right front support parts 82 that support the left and right front portions of the guard main body 81, and a pair of left and right rear support parts 83 that support the left and right rear portions of the guard main body 81.

[0055] The guard main body 81 extends continuously in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to close the gap between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9. The left-right length (maximum left-right width) of the guard main body 81 is shorter than the left-right length of the cross pipe 91.

[0056] The left and right front support portions 82 extend downward and forward from the left and right front portions of the guard main body 81. A portion of the left and right front support portions 82 may extend along the outer periphery of the cross pipe 91. The left and right front support portions 82 may have holes formed therein for supporting the front portion of the splash guard 80.

[0057] The left and right rear support portions 83 are provided on the left and right rear portions of the guard main body 81. The left and right rear support portions 83 are provided corresponding to the left and right fender support portions 72. The left and right rear support portions 83 may have holes formed therein for supporting the rear portion of the splash guard 80. At least a portion of the left rear support portion 83 is located rearward of the right rear support portion 83. The left and right rear support portions 83 may be located at the same position relative to each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For example, the installation manner of the rear support portions 83 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0058] The splash guard 80 is supported by a hanger member 90. In this embodiment, the front portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the hanger member 90.

[0059] The hanger member 90 is provided with a pair of left and right support pieces 99 that support the front portion of the splash guard 80. The left and right support pieces 99 protrude rearward and upward from portions of the cross pipe 91 that are outer in the vehicle width direction than the left and right rearward extending portions 95. The front portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the cross pipe 91 by inserting the left and right support pieces 99 into holes in the left and right front support portions 82, respectively. The front portion of the splash guard 80 may be supported by the cross pipe 91 with portions of the front support portions 82 aligned along the outer periphery of the rear portion of the cross pipe 91.

[0060] In this embodiment, the rear portion of the splash guard 80 covers the front end of the rear fender 70 from above. The rear portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the fender support parts 72. The rear portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the front end part of the rear fender 70 by inserting the left and right fender support parts 72 into holes in the left and right rear support parts 83, respectively.

[0061] The storage battery 100 has a battery terminal 103 on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The rear storage battery 100 has the battery terminal 103 at a position facing the swing support shaft 25 in the front lower part of the battery main body 101. The splash guard 80 is disposed lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the battery terminal 103 of the rear storage battery 100. The portion of the splash guard 80 facing the battery terminal 103 is curved downward.

[0062] In a side view of the vehicle, the wiring 65 extends rearward and upward from the upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9, then curves and extends frontward and downward. After that, the wiring 65 extends while curving rearward so as to avoid the swing support shaft 25, and the portion that extends rearward is connected to the swing unit 8 (specifically, the electric motor 50).

[0063] In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with a control device 9 having a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and a swing unit 8 that houses the electric motor 50. The control device 9 and the swing unit 8 are each disposed behind the center cross frame 23 and below the seat 15. This allows the control device 9 and the electric motor 50 to be as close to each other as possible, which contributes to shortening the wiring 65.

[0064] The wiring 65 between the control device 9 and the electric motor 50 may have a U-shaped flexible portion formed below the swing support shaft 25 in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction).

[0065] The battery cable 105 is connected to the front lower portions of the pair of front and rear storage batteries 100 (specifically, each battery terminal 103) at a portion that curves upward and extends from the upper portion of the control device 9 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0066] In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with a control device 9 having a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and a storage battery 100 having a battery terminal 103 on the lower side in the vehicle vertical direction. The control device 9 and the storage battery 100 are each disposed behind the center cross frame 23, below the seat 15 and in front of the rear wheel 3. This allows the control device 9 and the storage battery 100 to be as close to each other as possible, which contributes to shortening the battery cable 105.

[0067] In this embodiment, the terminal section 63 of the control device 9 is located above the water line H (see FIG. 1). The water line H is set based on the expected flood height of the saddle-type vehicle. For example, the water line H may be set along a horizontal plane passing through the axle (axle of the rear wheel 3). For example, it is preferable to ensure the flood height by placing the control case 62 vertically and locating the terminal block 110 as high as possible above the vehicle.

[0068] It is preferable to make it easier for the airflow to hit the heat dissipation fins 61 of the control case 62 while the vehicle is running. In this embodiment, a hanger member 90 is provided to hold the control device 9. The hanger member 90 includes an upper and lower connecting portion 94 formed in an inverted V shape that is open downward when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, at a portion of the control case 62 facing the heat dissipation fins 61. This allows the airflow during travel to be directed at the heat dissipation fins 61 through the space around the upper and lower connecting portion 94. This contributes to improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the control device 9.

[0069] <Action and effect> As described above, the terminal protection structure for the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 in the above embodiment includes the swing support shaft 25 that swingably supports the rear wheels 3 of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 and the electric motor 50 that drives the rear wheels 3 relative to the body frame 5, the control device 9 that is arranged in front of the swing support shaft 25 and has terminal portions 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and controls the electric motor 50, the rear fender 70 that covers the rear wheels 3 and is fixed to the body frame 5, and the splash guard 80 that is arranged between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9 and extends rearward from below the terminal portions 63. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is arranged lower than the terminal portions 63 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, the splash guard 80 is less susceptible to external factors such as dust and water, even when the control device 9 is placed near the ground, compared to when the lower end of the splash guard 80 is placed above the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9. This therefore makes it possible to protect the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9, which in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the splash guard 80 blocks the imaginary line J that connects the axle of the rear wheel 3 and the center of the terminal portion 63 in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 can be protected from the rear wheel 3 bouncing up.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a hanger member 90 for holding the control device 9 is further provided. The splash guard 80 is supported by the hanger member 90. For example, in an electric vehicle, one solution is to sub-assemble the electric motor 50 and the control device 9 in order to reduce the number of assembly steps. According to this configuration, the splash guard 80 can be pre-assembled to the hanger member 90 that holds the control device 9. This allows assembly on a pre-assembly line, which contributes to reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the vehicle further includes a storage battery 100 having a battery terminal 103 on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the battery terminal 103 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, compared to when the splash guard 80 is positioned above the battery terminal 103, even when the battery terminal 103 is positioned near the ground, it is less susceptible to external factors such as dust and water. This makes it possible to protect the battery terminal 103. In addition, the splash guard 80 contributes to preventing water from reaching the battery cable 105 connected to the battery terminal 103. It also makes it possible to prevent water from dripping from the battery cable 105 and reaching the terminal portion 63 of the control device.

[0073] In the above embodiment, rear fender 70 includes fender support portion 72 that is supported by body frame 5. The front portion of splash guard 80 is supported by hanger member 90. The rear portion of splash guard 80 covers the front end of rear fender 70 from above and is supported by fender support portion 72. According to this configuration, the splash guard 80 can be supported by the hanger member 90 and the fender support portion 72. Furthermore, the rear portion of the splash guard 80 can be supported by a support portion separate from the hanger member 90.

[0074] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the splash guard 80 is supported by the hanger member 90 and the fender support portion 72 has been described, but this is not limiting. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, in the second embodiment, the aspect of the configuration in which the splash guard 280 is supported differs from that of the first embodiment described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a top view of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment as seen from the lower left, and Fig. 8 is a left side view including a cross section of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment. 6 to 8, the hanger member 290 includes a cross pipe 291 on the upper end side of the hanger member 290, and a middle support portion 297 on the center side of the hanger member 290. The splash guard 280 spans from the cross pipe 291 to the middle support portion 297.

[0076] The hanger member 290 is composed of a cross pipe 291 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a forward extension portion 292 extending forward from the cross pipe 291, left-right extension portions 293 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) behind and below the control device 9, a pair of left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 connecting the cross pipe 291 and the left and right extending portions 293, rearward extending portions 295 extending rearward from the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294, a connecting pipe 296 connecting the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 to each other, and a middle support portion 297 extending between the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294.

[0077] The cross pipe 291 is disposed between the upper part of the control device 9 (terminal portion 63) and the rear fender 270. The cross pipe 291 is disposed rearward and above the swing support shaft 25. The cross pipe 291 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The left-right length of the cross pipe 291 is longer than the left-right length of the control device 9.

[0078] A pair of left and right forward extending portions 292 are provided. The left and right forward extending portions 292 are arranged further outward in the vehicle width direction than the control device 9. The left and right forward extending portions 292 cover the upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the forward extending portions 292 is formed in a U-shape (U-shaped cross section) that opens inward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the extension direction. The rear portion of the forward extending portion 292 is joined to the cross pipe 291 by, for example, welding. The front portion of the forward extending portion 292 is fixed to the rear frame 22 via a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0079] The left and right extending portions 293 are disposed in front of and below the cross pipe 291. The left and right extending portions 293 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the cross pipe 291. The left and right extending portions 293 are disposed parallel to the cross pipe 291. The left and right length of the left and right extending portions 293 is shorter than the left and right length of the cross pipe 291. The left and right extending portions 293 are fixed to the rear frame 22 via fastening members such as bolts and brackets.

[0080] The left and right vertical connecting portions 294 extend from the cross pipe 291 in a curved downward and forward direction in a side view of the vehicle. The left and right vertical connecting portions 294 extend obliquely in the up-down direction so as to follow the left and right outer edges of the control device 9. Upper portions of the left and right vertical connecting portions 294 are joined to the cross pipe 291 by, for example, welding. Lower front portions of the left and right vertical connecting portions 294 are joined to the left and right extending portions 293 by, for example, welding.

[0081] A pair of left and right rearward extending portions 295 are provided. The left and right rearward extending portions 295 are arranged more inward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right frontward extending portions 292. The left and right rearward extending portions 295 are connected to the upper portions of the vertical connecting portions 294 (portions to which the connecting pipe 296 is connected). At least a portion of the rearward extending portions 295 is formed in a curved shape that curves downward and rearward in a side view of the vehicle. The left and right outer end portions of the swing support shaft 25 are supported by the left and right rearward extending portions 295, respectively.

[0082] The connecting pipe 296 is disposed between the cross pipe 291 and the left and right extending portions 293. The connecting pipe 296 is disposed lower than the left and right rear extending portions 295. The connecting pipe 296 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the cross pipe 291. The connecting pipe 296 is disposed parallel to the cross pipe 291. The left and right length of the connecting pipe 296 is shorter than the left and right length of the cross pipe 291. The left and right outer ends of the connecting pipe 296 are joined to the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294, for example by welding.

[0083] The middle support portion 297 is formed in a crank shape extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The middle support portion 297 is configured to include a U-shaped portion that opens toward the front of the vehicle, a portion that supports the front portion of the splash guard 280, and portions that extend along the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294. The portions of the middle support portion 297 that extend along the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 are joined to the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 by, for example, welding.

[0084] The splash guard 280 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The splash guard 280 is flexible. The splash guard 280 is disposed between the rear fender 270 and the control device 9. The splash guard 280 extends from a position rearward and below the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 toward the lower rear of the rear storage battery 100. The lower end of the splash guard 280 is disposed lower in the vehicle up-down direction than the terminal portion 63 of the control device.

[0085] Splash guard 280 is formed in a sheet shape along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). Splash guard 280 includes a guard main body 281 that extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a pair of left and right front support parts 282 that support the left and right front parts of guard main body 281, and a rear support part 283 that supports the rear part of guard main body 281.

[0086] The guard main body 281 extends continuously in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to close the gap between the rear fender 270 and the control device 9. The left-right length (maximum left-right width) of the guard main body 281 is shorter than the left-right length of the cross pipe 291.

[0087] The left and right front support parts 282 extend downward and forward from the left and right front parts of the guard main body 281. The left and right front support parts 282 may have a length that allows them to be wound around a part of the middle support part 297. For example, the left and right front support parts 282 may be supported by being wound around a part of the middle support part 297.

[0088] The rear support part 283 is provided at the rear of the guard main body 281. The rear support part 283 may have a length that allows it to be wound around a portion of the cross pipe 291. For example, the rear support part 283 may be supported by being wound around a portion of the cross pipe 291.

[0089] Splash guard 280 covers cross pipe 291 from above. A part (front lower part) of rear fender 270 extends downward from the center of cross pipe 291 in a side view of the vehicle, then bends upward immediately adjacent to cross pipe 291, and together with splash guard 280 covers cross pipe 291 from above.

[0090] The hanger member 290 is provided with a pair of left and right support pieces 299 that support the rear portion of the splash guard 280. The left and right support pieces 299 protrude rearward and downward from positions on the cross pipe 291 that are more inward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right forward extending portions 292. The rear portion of the splash guard 280 is wrapped around a part of the cross pipe 291, and is supported by the cross pipe 291 by inserting the left and right support pieces 299 into left and right holes in the rear support portion 283, respectively.

[0091] In this embodiment, the splash guard 280 is hung from the cross pipe 291 to the middle support portion 297. The splash guard 280 is supported by the hanger member 290 by having the rear support portion 283 wound around a portion of the cross pipe 291 and having the left and right front support portions 282 wound around portions of the middle support portion 297, respectively.

[0092] Rear fender 270 is provided with a downward extension portion 273 that extends downward from the front portion of the lower surface of rear fender 270, and is also provided with a rib 274 that protrudes downward at a position forward of downward extension portion 273.

[0093] The downward extension portion 273 extends downward from a portion of the front lower surface of the rear fender 270 that faces the lower rear portion of the rear storage battery 100. The lower end of the downward extension portion 273 is located below the cross pipe 291 and above the swing support shaft 25.

[0094] The rib 274 extends downward from a portion of the front lower surface of the rear fender 270 that is rearward of the cross pipe 291 and forward of the downward extending portion 273. The lower end of the rib 274 is located higher than the lower end of the downward extending portion 273. The lower end of the rib 274 is located higher than the lower end of the cross pipe 291.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the hanger member 290 includes a cross pipe 291 on the upper end side of the hanger member 290, and a middle support portion 297 on the center side of the hanger member 290. The splash guard 280 spans from the cross pipe 291 to the middle support portion 297. According to this configuration, the splash guard 280 can be supported only by the hanger member 290. This allows assembly on a small assembly line, contributing to a reduction in the number of manufacturing steps.

[0096] In the second embodiment, splash guard 280 covers cross pipe 291 from above. A portion of rear fender 270 extends downward from the center of cross pipe 291 in a side view of the vehicle, and then bends upward immediately adjacent to cross pipe 291, and together with splash guard 280 covers cross pipe 291 from above. According to this configuration, water and the like can be prevented from entering the control device 9 side more effectively.

[0097] In the second embodiment, rear fender 270 is provided with downward extension portion 273 that extends downward from the front part of the lower surface of rear fender 270, and is also provided with rib 274 that protrudes downward at a position forward of downward extension portion 273. According to this configuration, the two-stage configuration of the downward extending portion 273 and the rib 274 can more effectively prevent water and the like from entering the control device 9 side from the rear of the vehicle.

[0098] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the rear wheel 3 is supported at the rear end of the swing unit 8 has been described, but this is not limiting. As shown in Fig. 9, in the third embodiment, the manner of the configuration in which the rear wheel 3 is supported differs from that of the first embodiment described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes an in-wheel motor 350 (an example of an electric motor) that drives the rear wheel 3, and a swing arm 306 that supports the in-wheel motor 350.

[0100] The in-wheel motor 350 is disposed inside the rear wheel 3. The in-wheel motor 350 is supported at the rear of the swing arm 306. The front of the swing arm 306 is supported by the body frame 5 via a swing support shaft 25 so as to be able to swing up and down. The swing arm 306, together with the in-wheel motor 350 and the rear cushion 41, constitutes a unit swing type rear suspension.

[0101] In the third embodiment, in a configuration including an in-wheel motor 350, the lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 in the vehicle up-down direction. This configuration can protect the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 in a configuration including the in-wheel motor 350. This in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency.

[0102] <Example of a control device in a terminal protection structure> Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the control device 9 in the terminal protection structure, and Fig. 11 is a top view of the control device 9 in the terminal protection structure. Referring to Figures 10 and 11 together, the control device 9 may have a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and may be configured to include a terminal block 110 on which the terminal portion 63 is provided, and a block cover 120 that covers the terminal block 110 from above.

[0103] The terminal block 110 extends further outward in the front-to-rear direction than the control case 62. This eliminates a leak path from the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 to the control case 62, compared to when the terminal block 110 is disposed further inward in the front-to-rear direction than the control case 62.

[0104] The base cover 120 is attached to the terminal block 110 by an attachment member 129 such as a resin clip. The base cover 120 is fastened to the terminal block 110 by a clip. This eliminates the need for a boss for bolting, as compared to when the base cover 120 is fastened to the terminal block 110 by bolts, and also eliminates a leak path from the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 to the control case 62.

[0105] The base cover 120 is open at the rear to expose the multiple terminal portions 63. This allows water to drain more easily after the terminal portions 63 are wet, compared to when the base cover 120 covers the multiple terminal portions 63 without exposing them.

[0106] A plurality of terminals 63 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) on the terminal block 110. Of the plurality of terminals 63, two terminals 63 arranged on the left side are provided to correspond to the positive and negative battery cables. The remaining terminals 63 (three terminals 63 arranged on the right side) are provided to correspond to the three-phase wiring (UVW phases) extending from the electric motor.

[0107] The terminal block 110 includes a block body 111 on which a plurality of terminal portions 63 are provided, and an upright portion 112 that stands upright from the block body 111.

[0108] The base body 111 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longer side in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) when viewed from above. The left-right length of the base body 111 is shorter than the left-right length of the control device 9. The front-to-rear length of the base body 111 is longer than the front-to-rear length of the control device 9 (excluding the heat dissipation fins 61). The front-to-rear length of the base body 111 is longer than the front-to-rear length of the control case 62.

[0109] The front portion of the terminal block 110 extends forward so that the front edge of the base body 111 is positioned forward of the front surface of the control case 62. The rear portion of the terminal block 110 extends rear so that the rear edge of the base body 111 is positioned rearward of the rear surface of the control case 62. The rear edge of the base body 111 overlaps with part of the multiple heat dissipation fins 61 (portions forward of the rear ends of the heat dissipation fins 61) in top view.

[0110] The standing portion 112 includes a front wall portion 113 disposed in front of the plurality of terminal portions 63 and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of partition wall portions 114 that separate the plurality of terminal portions 63 and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0111] The left-right length of the front wall portion 113 is shorter than the left-right length of the base body 111. The front wall portion 113 extends continuously in the left-right direction so as to be positioned outward in the left-right direction than the terminal portions 63 that are outermost in the left-right direction.

[0112] The front-to-rear length of the partition wall 114 is shorter than the front-to-rear length of the table body 111. The partition wall 114 extends continuously in the front-to-rear direction between the rear surface of the front wall 113 and the rear edge of the table body 111.

[0113] The base cover 120 is composed of a left covering portion 121 that covers the left side portion of the terminal block 110 (the two terminal portions 63 lined up on the left side of the multiple terminal portions 63) from above, a right covering portion 122 that covers the right side portion of the terminal block 110 (the three terminal portions 63 lined up on the right side) from above, a left mounting piece 123 that extends and bends downward and left from the left lower end of the left covering portion 121, a right mounting piece 124 that extends and bends downward and right from the right lower end of the right covering portion 122, and a central mounting piece 125 that extends downward from the central portion connecting the left covering portion 121 and the right covering portion 122, then bends and extends rearward.

[0114] The left and right cover portions 121, 122 extend in the front-to-rear direction so that their vertical lengths become longer toward the rear. The central attachment piece 125 has a hole that opens in the vertical direction so that an attachment member 129 such as a clip can be inserted therein. The base body 111 has a hole that opens in the vertical direction so that the attachment member 129 can be inserted therein. For example, the base cover 120 can be attached to the terminal block 110 by placing the base cover 120 on the base body 111 and inserting the attachment member 129 from above into each of the holes in the central attachment piece 125 and the base body 111.

[0115] <An example of the assembly process for terminal protection structures> FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an assembly process for the terminal protection structure. As shown in FIG. 12, the assembly process of the terminal protection structure may be configured to include a plurality of sub-lines SL1 and SL2.

[0116] For example, the multiple sub-lines SL1, SL2 include a first sub-line SL1 for assembling a mobile power pack (hereinafter referred to as "MPP") assembly and a second sub-line SL2 for assembling a rear suspension assembly including a swing unit.

[0117] For example, the first sub-line SL1 includes an MPP mounting line for assembling assemblies that mount and support MPPs, and an electronic component subassembly line for assembling assemblies of multiple electronic components, such as contactors, prechargers, down regulators, and junction boxes.

[0118] The MPP assembly assembled on the first sub-line SL1 and the rear suspension assembly assembled on the second sub-line SL2 are mounted on the body frame. This allows part of the terminal protection structure (excluding the rear fender 70, etc.) to be assembled. This method allows only two sub-assemblies to be attached to the body frame, making it easy to assemble part of the terminal protection structure.

[0119] <An example of how to deal with water splashes on the main stand> Fig. 13 is a front view showing an example of a measure against water splashing on the main stand 27. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a water splash prevention member 130 on the main stand 27. Fig. 15 is a top view of the water splash prevention member 130. Fig. 16 is a side view of the water splash prevention member 130. 13 to 16, the main stand 27 may be provided with a water splash prevention member 130 for preventing water from splashing back.

[0120] When the main stand 27 is in a stored position in which the left and right support legs 28 are extended in the fore-and-aft direction in a side view of the vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as the "stored state"), the left and right ground contact plates 29 are spaced from the ground, allowing the vehicle to run. In the stored state, the support legs 28 extend at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction. In the stored state, the ground contact plate 29 is formed in a curved shape that extends from the portion connected to the rear end of the support leg 28 in the vehicle width direction beyond the rear end of the support leg 28 and opens forward and upward.

[0121] In the stored state, the water splash prevention member 130 is formed in a shape in which the portion on the ground plate 29 side is cut off when viewed from above. This eliminates the lifting sensation felt by the occupant while the vehicle is traveling, compared to when the water splash prevention member 130 is extended toward the ground plate 29 side.

[0122] In the stored state, the water splash prevention member 130 is composed of an upper surface straightening portion 131 arranged on the upper surface of the support leg 28, and a side surface straightening portion 132 connected to the outer edge of the upper surface straightening portion 131 in the vehicle width direction and arranged outward from the support leg 28.

[0123] In the stored state, the upper surface straightening portion 131 is formed in a pentagonal shape with one side aligned with the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 in a top view. In the stored state, the outer edge portion of the upper surface straightening portion 131 in the vehicle width direction extends at an incline outward from the support leg 28 so as to be positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as it extends toward the rear in a top view. The portion of the upper surface straightening portion 131 aligned with the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 is joined to the support leg 28 by, for example, welding.

[0124] In the stored state, the side surface straightening portion 132 is formed to have a shape that is longitudinal in the front-to-rear direction in a side view and protrudes downward. In the stored state, the side surface straightening portion 132 is formed to include a front lower edge portion that extends at an angle downward from the front end side to the rear side in a side view, a rear lower edge portion that extends at an angle upward and rearward from the lower end of the front lower edge portion, and a rear end edge portion that extends upward from the rear end of the rear lower edge portion.

[0125] A plurality of through holes are formed in the water splash prevention member 130. The plurality of through holes are formed in each of the upper surface flow straightening portion 131 and the side surface flow straightening portion 132. Hereinafter, the through holes formed in the upper surface flow straightening portion 131 and the through holes formed in the side surface flow straightening portion 132 will also be referred to as "upper surface holes" and "side surface holes," respectively.

[0126] The upper surface holes are formed to be aligned in accordance with the outline of the upper surface rectifying portion 131. In the stored state, three upper surface holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 when viewed from above. In the stored state, the three upper surface holes extend parallel to each other with respect to the rear end edge (one side facing the ground plate 29) of the upper surface rectifying portion 131 when viewed from above. In the stored state, the rearmost hole of the three upper surface holes has the longest longitudinal length. In the stored state, the longitudinal lengths of the three upper surface holes increase in order from the front to the rear.

[0127] The side holes are formed in an arrangement that matches the outline of the side airflow rectifier 132. In the stored state, five side through holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 in a side view. In the stored state, the five side holes extend parallel to one another with respect to the rear end edge (one side facing the ground plate 29) of the side airflow rectifier 132 in a side view. In the stored state, the second hole from the rear of the five side holes has the longest longitudinal length. In the stored state, the longitudinal lengths of the five side holes decrease in order from the second hole from the rear toward the front and rear.

[0128] Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the function of the water splash prevention member 130. Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating water splashing in a comparative example. 18, in the case of the comparative example (without the water splash prevention member 130), there is a high possibility that water will be splashed upward (in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 18) by the grounding plate 29 of the main stand 27. As a result, there is a risk that water will be splashed toward the back of the rider.

[0129] In contrast, according to the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, by providing the main stand 27 with a water splash prevention member 130, it is possible to prevent water from splashing back. In the case of the embodiment, a part of the water splash prevention member 130 (the front lower edge of the side flow straightening portion 132) can straighten the water downward and rearward (in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 17). Therefore, there is little possibility that water will be splashed upward. According to the embodiment, by straightening the water toward the rear of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent water from splashing back toward the back of the occupant.

[0130] <Example of front fender lip shape> Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the lip shape 140 of the front fender 17. Fig. 20 is a front view of the lip shape 140 of the front fender 17. 19 and 20, the front fender 17 may be formed with a lip shape 140 for separating wind and the like caused by running.

[0131] The front fender 17 is disposed in front of the front fork 10 and includes a front fender main body 18 that covers the upper part of the front wheel 2 from above. A portion of the front fender main body 18 is formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

[0132] Openings 19 that open in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) are formed on the left and right side portions of the front fender main body 18. The openings 19 are formed in a triangular shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction (specifically, a triangular shape with one side along the left and right front edges of the front fender main body 18 and with rounded corners).

[0133] Lip shape 140 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right side surfaces of front fender main body 18. Lip shape 140 is formed in a curved shape (a C-shape that opens upward and rearward) that curves along the front outer edge of opening 19 when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Lip shape 140 is formed to include a front inclined portion 141 that extends obliquely along the front lower edge of opening 19 when viewed from the vehicle width direction, an upper curved portion 142 that connects to the upper end of front inclined portion 141 and curves along the front upper rounded corners of opening 19, and a lower curved portion 143 that connects to the lower end of front inclined portion 141 and curves along the lower rounded corners of opening 19.

[0134] In the case of a comparative example (not shown) (without lip shape 140), there is a high possibility that wind from traveling will enter opening 19 of front fender 17. As a result, the steering system may be restricted, making it impossible to use self-steering in neutral.

[0135] In contrast, according to the embodiment, the lip shape 140 is formed on the front end side of the opening 19 of the front fender 17, so that the air (traveling wind) can be separated. Therefore, the possibility of traveling wind entering the opening 19 of the front fender 17 is low. Therefore, self-steering can be used neutrally.

[0136] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the rib shapes 151 and 152 of the undercover 37. FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the undercover 37 may be formed with rib shapes 151, 152 for separating the wind as the vehicle travels.

[0137] The rib shapes 151, 152 protrude downward from the rear lower surface of the undercover 37. A pair of left and right bulging portions 150 that extend in the front-to-rear direction and bulge downward are formed in the rear lower surface of the undercover 37. The bulging portions 150 are formed on the left and right outer end sides of the rear lower surface of the undercover 37. The bulging portions 150 extend along the left and right outer end edges of the rear lower surface of the undercover 37.

[0138] The rib shapes 151, 152 are formed to include a pair of left and right front rib shapes 151 arranged in front of the left and right bulging portions 150, and a rear rib shape 152 arranged behind the left and right bulging portions 150. The left and right front rib shapes 151 are formed so as to overlap with the left and right bulging portions 150, respectively, when viewed from the front-rear direction. The rear rib shape 152 extends continuously in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to overlap with the left and right bulging portions 150, respectively, when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0139] In the comparative example (without rib shapes 151, 152), air (wind generated by running) flows along the undercover 37. As a result, the passenger feels a strong sense of restraint on the vehicle body while running (especially at the rear of the vehicle body), which may impair stability.

[0140] In contrast, according to the embodiment, the rib shapes 151, 152 are formed on the rear portion of the lower surface of the undercover 37, and the air (wind generated while traveling) can be separated by the rib shapes 151, 152. This eliminates the feeling of being restricted at the rear of the vehicle body, contributing to improved stability.

[0141] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the splash guards are described as blocking the imaginary line connecting the axle of the rear wheel and the center of the terminal portion in a side view of the vehicle, but this is not limiting. For example, the splash guards may be positioned so as to avoid the imaginary line connecting the axle of the rear wheel and the center of the terminal portion in a side view of the vehicle. The positioning of the splash guards can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0142] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a hanger member for holding the control device is further provided and the splash guard is supported by the hanger member, but this is not limiting. For example, the control device and / or the splash guard may be supported by the body frame. For example, the splash guard may be supported by a member other than the hanger member. The manner in which the splash guard is supported can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0143] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the vehicle further includes a storage battery having battery terminals on the lower side in the vehicle vertical direction, and the splash guard is disposed lower than the battery terminals in the vehicle vertical direction, but this is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the splash guard may be disposed higher than the battery terminals in the vehicle vertical direction. The arrangement of the splash guard relative to the battery terminals can be changed according to design specifications.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configurations of the embodiments may be applied not only to scooter-type motorcycles but also to various straddle-type vehicles. Saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles on which a rider straddles the body, and include not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1. Saddle-type vehicle 3 rear wheels 5 Body frame 9 Control Device 25 Swing support shaft 50 Electric motor 63 Terminal section 70 rear fender 72 Fender support 80 Splash Guard 90 Hanger parts 100 storage batteries 103 Battery terminal 270 rear fender 290 Hanger parts 291 Cross Pipe 297 Middle support section 350 In-wheel motor (electric motor) J Virtual Line

Claims

1. a swing support shaft (25) that swingably supports a rear wheel (3) of a saddle-ride type vehicle (1) and an electric motor (50) that drives the rear wheel (3) relative to a vehicle body frame (5); a control device (9) that is disposed in front of the swing support shaft (25), has a terminal portion (63) on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and controls the electric motor (50); a rear fender (70, 270) that covers the rear wheel (3) and is fixed to the body frame (5); a splash guard (80, 280) disposed between the rear fender (70, 270) and the control device (9) and extending rearward from below the terminal portion (63), A lower end of the splash guard (80, 280) is disposed lower than the terminal portion (63) in the vehicle vertical direction. Terminal protection structure for saddle-type vehicles.

2. The splash guard (80, 280) blocks an imaginary line (J) connecting the axle of the rear wheel (3) and the center of the terminal portion (63) in a side view of the vehicle. The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1.

3. Further provided is a hanger member (90, 290) for holding the control device (9), The splash guard (80, 280) is supported by the hanger member (90, 290). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle further includes a storage battery (100) having a battery terminal (103) on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, The splash guard (80, 280) is disposed lower than the battery terminal (103) in the vehicle vertical direction. The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The rear fender (70) includes a fender support portion (72) supported by the body frame (5), The front portion of the splash guard (80) is supported by the hanger member (90), The rear portion of the splash guard (80) covers the front end of the rear fender (70) from above and is supported by the fender support portion (72). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 3.

6. The hanger member (290) includes a cross pipe (291) on the upper end side of the hanger member (290) and a middle support portion (297) on the central side of the hanger member (290), The splash guard (280) is suspended from the cross pipe (291) to the central support portion (297). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 3.

7. The splash guard (280) covers the cross pipe (291) from above, A portion of the rear fender (270) extends downward from the center of the cross pipe (291) in a side view of the vehicle, and then bends upward immediately adjacent to the cross pipe (291) to cover the cross pipe (291) from above together with the splash guard (280). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 6.

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