Cover structure

Abstract

To suppress heat damage to peripheral components of a muffler while suppressing intrusion of foreign matter into an air cleaner.SOLUTION: An air cleaner (51) is installed inside a seat frame (55) of a saddle riding type vehicle, and a muffler (47) is installed behind the air cleaner. The cover structure of the saddle-ride type vehicle is provided with a frame cover (61) covering the seat frame from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and a muffler cover (65) covering the muffler below the frame cover. The muffler cover includes a cover body (66) covering the muffler from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and an extension portion (67) extending from the cover body so as to partition between the seat frame and the muffler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in off-road straddle-type vehicles, an air cleaner is installed behind the engine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The air cleaner is installed inside the seat frame, and fittings such as a frame cover and a rear fender are attached near the seat frame. The air cleaner is covered from the sides by the frame cover, and the air cleaner is covered from the rear by the rear fender. In addition, a muffler is positioned to the side of the rear fender, and the muffler is covered from the outside by a muffler cover to prevent the rider from touching the hot surface of the muffler. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5906663 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This type of air cleaner layout has the disadvantage that dust kicked up by the rear wheel can easily be sucked into the air cleaner. To prevent dust from being sucked into the air cleaner, it is desirable to reduce the gap between the seat frame and other fittings, such as the frame cover and rear fender. However, because the area around the muffler mounting point becomes very hot, sufficient gaps must be secured between the seat frame and the fittings. Furthermore, if the gap between the fittings and the seat frame is large, the heat from the muffler can warm the intake air, reducing engine performance and potentially causing thermal damage to components around the muffler.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a cover structure that can prevent foreign matter from entering the air cleaner while suppressing thermal damage to components surrounding the muffler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the cover structure of the present invention is a cover structure for a saddle-type vehicle in which an air cleaner is installed inside a seat frame and a muffler is installed behind the air cleaner, and comprises a frame cover that covers the seat frame from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and a muffler cover that covers the muffler below the frame cover, and the muffler cover has a cover main body that covers the muffler from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and an extension that extends from the cover main body so as to separate the seat frame and the muffler, thereby solving the above-mentioned problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the cover structure of the present invention, the muffler cover is positioned below the frame cover, and the extension of the muffler cover separates the seat frame from the muffler, making it difficult for hot air from the muffler and dust stirred up by the rear wheel to head toward the air cleaner. This prevents hot air and dust from being sucked into the air cleaner, preventing a decrease in engine output. The extension increases the coverage area of ​​the muffler, reducing thermal damage to surrounding components such as the air cleaner. Because the muffler cover is only partially extended, it is possible to cover an appropriate area of ​​the muffler without compromising the freedom of shape of the muffler cover. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the muffler and its surroundings according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the muffler periphery taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the muffler and its surroundings according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-ride type vehicle has an air cleaner installed inside a seat frame and a muffler installed behind the air cleaner. In this cover structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle, the seat frame is covered from the vehicle width direction outer side by a frame cover, and the muffler is covered by a muffler cover below the frame cover. The muffler is covered from the vehicle width direction outer side by a cover main body of the muffler cover, and an extension extending from the cover main body separates the seat frame from the muffler. The extension portion of the muffler cover prevents hot air from the muffler and dust stirred up by the rear wheel from heading toward the air cleaner. This prevents a decrease in engine output by suppressing the intake of hot air and dust into the air cleaner. The extension portion widens the coverage area of ​​the muffler, thereby suppressing thermal damage to surrounding components such as the air cleaner. Because the muffler cover is only partially extended, it is possible to cover an appropriate area of ​​the muffler without compromising the shape flexibility of the muffler cover. [Example]

[0010] A saddle-ride type vehicle provided with an air cleaner of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a right side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle of this embodiment. In the following drawings, arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the saddle-type vehicle 1 is configured by mounting various parts such as an engine 41 and an electrical system on a body frame 10. A pair of main frames 12 extend diagonally downward and rearward from a head pipe 11 of the body frame 10, and the rear portions of the pair of main frames 12 are bent downward to form a pair of body frames 13. A down frame 14 also extends downward from the head pipe 11, and a pair of under loops 15 bent rearward are connected to the lower portions of the down frame 14. The rear ends of the pair of under loops 15 are connected to the lower portions of the pair of body frames 13, so that the body frame 10 is formed into a cradle shape.

[0012] A front fork 21 is steerably supported on the head pipe 11 via a steering shaft (not shown). Handlebars 22 are provided on the upper part of the front fork 21, and a front wheel 23 is rotatably supported on the lower part of the front fork 21. A front fender 24 is provided on the front fork 21, and the front wheel 23 is covered from above by the front fender 24. A fuel tank 25 is placed on the upper part of the pair of main frames 12, and the main frames 12 and the fuel tank 25 are covered from the sides by front side covers 26. A seat 27 is provided behind the fuel tank 25.

[0013] A swing arm 31 is swingably supported by the body frame 13. The swing arm 31 extends rearward from the body frame 13, and a rear wheel 32 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 31. A rear fender 33 is provided behind the seat 27, and covers the rear wheel 32 from above. The engine 41 is a four-stroke single-cylinder engine, and is suspended inside the body frame 10 via multiple suspension brackets. A cylinder assembly, which includes a cylinder 43, a cylinder head 44, and a cylinder head cover 45, is attached to the top of a crankcase 42 of the engine 41.

[0014] An exhaust pipe 46 is connected to the front surface of the cylinder head 44. The exhaust pipe 46 passes to the right of the cylinder 43 and extends rearward, and an up-type muffler 47 that is tilted diagonally upward toward the rear is connected to the downstream end of the exhaust pipe 46. An air cleaner 51 is located below the seat 27, and the muffler 47 is located behind the air cleaner 51. The air cleaner 51 is installed inside a pair of seat frames 55, and the pair of seat frames 55 are covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by a pair of frame covers 61. Below the right frame cover 61, the muffler 47 is covered by a muffler cover 65.

[0015] In a typical off-road straddle-type vehicle, narrowing the gap between the seat frame and fittings such as the frame cover prevents dust kicked up by the rear wheel from reaching the air cleaner. However, the seat frame and fittings become hot due to the heat from the muffler, making it difficult to narrow the gap between the seat frame and fittings. While it would be possible to fill the gap between the seat frame and fittings with heat-resistant parts, this would increase the number of parts. Therefore, in this embodiment, a portion of the muffler cover 65 is extended to ensure dustproofness and protect surrounding components from heat damage.

[0016] The cover structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a right side view of the muffler and its periphery of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the muffler and its periphery taken along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the muffler and its periphery of this embodiment.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of seat frames 55 are attached to the rear of the body frame 13, and the seat 27 is supported from below by the pair of seat frames 55. A pair of frame covers 61 having a generally triangular shape in side view are attached to the pair of seat frames 55. The upper edge of the frame cover 61 extends along the upper seat rail 56 of the seat frame 55, and the lower edge of the frame cover 61 extends along the lower seat rail 57 of the seat frame 55, so that the seat frame 55 is entirely covered by the frame cover 61. Rear side covers 62 are attached to the front outer surfaces of the pair of frame covers 61.

[0018] An air cleaner 51 is installed in the space inside a pair of upper seat rails 56 and a pair of lower seat rails 57. The rear side of the air cleaner 51 is formed by a cleaner case 52, and the front side of the air cleaner 51 is formed by an outlet tube 53. An inlet tube (not shown) is inserted into the top of the cleaner case 52, and air is taken in from the intake port of the inlet tube to the air cleaner 51. The top of the air cleaner 51 is covered by the seat 27, both sides of the air cleaner 51 are covered by a pair of frame covers 61, and the rear of the air cleaner 51 is covered by the rear fender 33.

[0019] An exhaust pipe 46 passes below the air cleaner 51 and extends to the rear of the vehicle, and a muffler 47 at the rear end of the exhaust pipe 46 is positioned behind the air cleaner 51. In a side view, the muffler 47 and air cleaner 51 are lined up in the front and rear with a lower seat rail 57 (seat frame 55) in between. In this case, the rear surface of the cleaner case 52 is inclined along the lower seat rail 57, and the truncated cone-shaped cone portion 48 at the front of the muffler 47 is positioned so as not to interfere with the lower seat rail 57. The top and sides of the muffler 47 are covered by a heat-insulating muffler cover 65, and the top of the muffler cover 65 is covered by the right-side frame cover 61.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, a space surrounded by the seat frame 55, frame cover 61, and muffler cover 65 is formed above the muffler 47, and air is taken into the intake port of the air cleaner 51 through this space 69 above the muffler 47. The muffler 47 is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction and from above by a cover body 66 of the muffler cover 65, and an extension 67 extending from the cover body 66 separates the gap between the muffler 47 and the seat frame 55. The extension 67 fits into the gap between the muffler 47 and the seat frame 55, making it difficult for hot air from the muffler 47 and dust splashed up by the rear wheel 32 (see Figure 1) to travel through the upper space 69 toward the air cleaner 51.

[0021] 3 and 4, the extension 67 of the muffler cover 65 is formed in a canopy shape when viewed from the rear, and the extension 67 covers the inside of the muffler 47 in the vehicle width direction from above. The extension 67 fits below the seat frame 55 and extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame 55. By extending the extension 67 further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame 55, the route that hot air and dust take toward the upper space 69 is complicated. In addition, the extension 67 overlaps the rear fender 33 when viewed from below, and the extension 67 blocks hot air heading from the muffler 47 toward the rear fender 33, thereby reducing heat damage to the rear fender 33.

[0022] In a rear view, the extension 67 of the muffler cover 65 overlaps the rear surface of the air cleaner 51, and in a bottom view, the extension 67 of the muffler cover 65 overlaps the bottom surface of the air cleaner 51. The extension 67 blocks hot air heading from the muffler 47 toward the air cleaner 51, thereby reducing thermal damage to the air cleaner 51. In addition, the extension 67 partially covers the air cleaner 51 from behind and below, making it difficult for hot air and dust to head toward the air cleaner 51. In this way, the extension 67, which is an extended portion of the muffler cover 65, reduces the intake of hot air and dust into the air cleaner 51, preventing a decrease in engine output.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the front part of the muffler 47 is formed by a truncated cone-shaped cone portion 48, and a catalyst 49 is installed inside the cone portion 48. The catalyst 49 is located behind the air cleaner 51. When viewed from below, the catalyst 49 is tilted so that its front part is further inward in the vehicle width direction than its rear part, and the front part of the catalyst 49 is positioned below the seat frame 55. The front part of the cover main body 66 covers the cone portion 48 (catalyst 49), and the extension portion 67 separates the seat frame 55 and the catalyst 49 and extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than the catalyst 49. Covering the catalyst 49 with the extension portion 67 effectively reduces heat damage to surrounding parts.

[0024] The front end of the extension 67 is located forward of the front end of the catalyst 49, and the rear end of the extension 67 is located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction as the rear end of the catalyst 49. As described above, since the air cleaner 51 is located in front of the catalyst 49, the extension 67 extends forward of the catalyst 49, and therefore the extension 67 effectively blocks the hot air from the catalyst 49 heading toward the air cleaner 51. In addition, the rear end of the extension 67 is aligned with the rear end of the catalyst 49, minimizing the coverage area of ​​the extension 67. This shape prevents an increase in weight without compromising the freedom of design of the muffler cover 65.

[0025] Next, a brief explanation will be given of the structure for preventing the intrusion of hot air and dust. As shown in Figure 3, the space 69 above the muffler 47 is connected to the intake port of the air cleaner 51, and the muffler 47 is covered from above by a muffler cover 65. Even if hot air rises from the muffler 47, the insulating muffler cover 65 blocks the hot air from heading toward the upper space 69. Furthermore, although a gap is present between the muffler 47 and the seat frame 55, the extension 67 of the muffler cover 65 fits into the gap, making it difficult for hot air to head toward the intake port through the upper space 69. Because the gap between the extension 67 and the seat frame 55 is narrowed, it is difficult for dust to head toward the intake port from the rear wheel 32 side through the upper space 69.

[0026] As described above, according to the cover structure for the saddle-ride type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the muffler cover 65 is positioned below the frame cover 61, and the extension portion 67 of the muffler cover 65 separates the seat frame 55 and the muffler 47, making it difficult for hot air from the muffler 47 and dust stirred up by the rear wheel 32 to head toward the air cleaner 51. The intake of hot air and dust into the air cleaner 51 is suppressed, preventing a decrease in engine output. The extension portion 67 widens the coverage area of ​​the muffler 47, suppressing thermal damage to peripheral components such as the air cleaner 51. Because the muffler cover 65 is only partially extended, an appropriate range of the muffler 47 can be covered without compromising the degree of freedom in the shape of the muffler cover 65.

[0027] In this embodiment, the muffler cover covers the muffler from above and from the sides, but it is sufficient that the muffler cover covers at least a portion of the muffler.

[0028] In addition, in this embodiment, the extension portion of the muffler cover extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame, but the extension portion does not have to extend further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame as long as it extends to separate the seat frame and the muffler.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, the inlet tube is inserted into the top of the air cleaner, and air is taken in at the top of the air cleaner, but the position of the inlet tube is not particularly limited. For example, the inlet tube may be inserted into the side of the air cleaner, and air may be taken in at the side of the air cleaner.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the catalyst is accommodated in the front portion of the muffler, but the catalyst does not have to be accommodated in the muffler.

[0031] The cover structure of this embodiment is not limited to the saddle-ride type vehicle described above, and may be used in other types of saddle-ride type vehicles. Note that a saddle-ride type vehicle is not limited to all vehicles in which the rider sits astride the seat, but also includes scooter-type vehicles in which the rider does not sit astride the seat.

[0032] As described above, the first aspect is a cover structure for a saddle-type vehicle (1) in which an air cleaner (51) is installed inside a seat frame (55) and a muffler (47) is installed behind the air cleaner. The cover structure includes a frame cover (61) that covers the seat frame from the outside in the vehicle width direction and a muffler cover (65) that covers the muffler below the frame cover. The muffler cover has a cover main body (66) that covers the muffler from the outside in the vehicle width direction and an extension portion (67) that extends from the cover main body to separate the seat frame and the muffler. With this configuration, the muffler cover is located below the frame cover, and the extension portion of the muffler cover separates the seat frame and the muffler, making it difficult for hot air from the muffler and dust stirred up by the rear wheel to flow toward the air cleaner. This reduces the intake of hot air and dust into the air cleaner, preventing a decrease in engine output. The extension portion widens the coverage area of ​​the muffler, thereby reducing thermal damage to peripheral components such as the air cleaner. Since the muffler cover is only partially extended, the muffler can be covered over an appropriate range without impairing the freedom of shape of the muffler cover.

[0033] The second aspect is the first aspect, and further includes a rear fender (33) that covers the rear wheel from above behind the air cleaner, and the extension extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame and overlaps the rear fender in a bottom view. With this configuration, the extension extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame, complicating the route that hot air and dust take toward the air cleaner. In addition, the extension blocks hot air from the muffler toward the rear fender, reducing heat damage to the rear fender.

[0034] In the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the extension overlaps the air cleaner in a rear view. With this configuration, the extension blocks hot air from the muffler toward the air cleaner, reducing thermal damage to the air cleaner. By covering the air cleaner from the rear with the extension, hot air and dust are less likely to be directed toward the air cleaner.

[0035] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the extension overlaps the air cleaner in a bottom view. With this configuration, the extension blocks hot air from the muffler toward the air cleaner, thereby reducing thermal damage to the air cleaner. By covering the air cleaner from below with the extension, hot air and dust are less likely to be directed toward the air cleaner.

[0036] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a catalyst (49) is housed in a front portion of the muffler, and the extension portion separates the seat frame and the catalyst and is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the catalyst. With this configuration, the catalyst, which is a heat source, is covered by the extension portion of the muffler cover, thereby effectively suppressing heat damage to surrounding components.

[0037] In the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the air cleaner is located in front of the catalyst, and the front end of the extension is located forward of the front end of the catalyst, and the rear end of the extension is at the same position as the rear end of the catalyst in the front-to-rear direction. With this configuration, the extension extends forward of the catalyst, effectively blocking hot air from the catalyst toward the air cleaner. Furthermore, by aligning the rear end of the extension with the rear end of the catalyst, the coverage area of ​​the extension is minimized, suppressing weight increase without compromising the flexibility of the shape of the muffler cover.

[0038] Although the present embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be made by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

[0039] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1: Saddle-type vehicle 33: Rear fender 47: Muffler 49: Catalyst 51: Air cleaner 55: Seat frame 61: Frame cover 62: Rear side cover 65: Muffler cover 66: Cover body 67: Extension part 69: Upper space

Claims

1. A cover structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle in which an air cleaner is installed inside a seat frame and a muffler is installed behind the air cleaner, a frame cover that covers the seat frame from the outer side in the vehicle width direction; a muffler cover that covers the muffler below the frame cover, A cover structure characterized in that the muffler cover has a cover main body that covers the muffler from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and an extension portion that extends from the cover main body so as to separate the seat frame and the muffler.

2. a rear fender that covers the rear wheel from above behind the air cleaner; The cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than the seat frame, and the extension portion overlaps the rear fender in a bottom view.

3. 3. The cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension overlaps the air cleaner in a rear view.

4. 3. The cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion overlaps the air cleaner when viewed from below.

5. A catalyst is housed in the front part of the muffler, 3. The cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension separates the seat frame from the catalyst and is positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction than the catalyst.

6. The air cleaner is located in front of the catalyst, 6. The cover structure according to claim 5, wherein the front end of the extension is located forward of the front end of the catalyst, and the rear end of the extension is at the same position as the rear end of the catalyst in the front-to-rear direction.

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