Tail lamp structure for saddle riding vehicle and saddle riding vehicle equipped with same

The tail lamp structure for saddle-riding vehicles addresses the challenge of vertical dimension by using spaced substrates and a central light guide to reduce height while maintaining visibility, resulting in a more compact design.

JP2026034977APending Publication Date: 2026-03-04KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024137694
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-19
Publication Date
2026-03-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing tail lamp units for saddle-riding vehicles, such as motorcycles, face challenges in reducing the vertical dimension due to the placement of the circuit board in the center of the housing, which complicates the design and increases the overall height of the unit.

Method used

A tail lamp structure for saddle-riding vehicles featuring a pair of substrates spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, with tail lamp light sources and a light guide that directs light rearward from the center, reducing the vertical dimension by positioning the light exit portion closer to the center than the substrates and utilizing a single light guide to enhance visibility.

Benefits of technology

The proposed design achieves a reduced vertical dimension without compromising visibility, simplifies the configuration, and allows for a more compact rear end of the vehicle.

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Abstract

A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle that can reduce the vertical dimension, and a saddle-riding vehicle equipped with the same are provided. [Solution] One embodiment of a tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle is a tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle that is arranged at the rear of the saddle-riding vehicle, and includes a pair of substrates arranged at a distance in the vehicle width direction, a pair of tail lamp light sources arranged on each of the pair of substrates, and at least one light guide that guides light emitted by the pair of tail lamp light sources, wherein the at least one light guide includes a pair of light entrance portions that are arranged opposite the pair of tail lamp light sources and into which the light emitted by the pair of tail lamp light sources enters, and at least one light exit portion that extends rearward from the pair of light entrance portions and toward the center in the vehicle width direction, and at least a portion of the light exit portion is located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the substrates.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle and a saddle-riding vehicle including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tail lamp unit for a motorcycle. The tail lamp unit includes a housing and an emission cover. Inside the housing, a circuit board on which a light-emitting element is mounted, a transparent lens, and a light guide are arranged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-231803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the tail lamp unit of Patent Document 1, the circuit board is located in the center of the width of the housing, and the light emitting portion of the light guide extends in the vertical direction above the light emitting element of the circuit board, which makes it difficult to design a tail lamp unit that reduces the vertical dimension of the entire unit.

[0005] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle that can reduce the vertical dimension, and a saddle-riding vehicle including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle that is disposed at the rear of the saddle-riding vehicle, and includes a pair of substrates that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, a pair of tail lamp light sources that are disposed on the pair of substrates, respectively, and at least one light guide that guides light emitted by the pair of tail lamp light sources, wherein the at least one light guide includes a pair of light entrance portions that are disposed opposite the pair of tail lamp light sources, respectively, and into which the light emitted by the pair of tail lamp light sources enters, and at least one light exit portion that extends rearward from the pair of light entrance portions toward the center in the vehicle width direction, and at least a portion of the light exit portion is located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the substrates.

[0007] A saddle-type vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a rear frame and the tail lamp structure supported by the rear frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle that can reduce the vertical dimension, and a saddle-riding vehicle including the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a motorcycle according to one embodiment, as viewed from below and rear left. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rear part of the motorcycle shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the right. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the rear part of the motorcycle shown in FIG. 1 as seen from behind. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially omitted top view of the rear part of the motorcycle shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the tail lamp structure shown in FIG. 1 as seen from above and behind the right side. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view of the tail lamp structure shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Figure 7]2 is a partially enlarged view of the tail lamp structure shown in FIG. 1, excluding the translucent cover and the inner lens, as viewed from the rear. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 2 is a partially enlarged view of the tail lamp structure shown in FIG. 1, excluding the translucent cover, as viewed from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Directions are based on the direction seen by a driver of a saddle riding vehicle. The vehicle length direction corresponds to the front-rear direction, and the vehicle width direction corresponds to the left-right direction. If an imaginary plane that passes through the center of the saddle riding vehicle in the left-right direction and is perpendicular to the left-right direction of the saddle riding vehicle is referred to as a center plane, the center side in the vehicle width direction is the side closer to the center plane, and the outer side in the vehicle width direction is the side farther from the center plane.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the rear portion of a motorcycle 1 according to one embodiment, as seen from below and behind the left. Fig. 2 is a side view of the rear portion of the motorcycle 1 shown in Fig. 1, as seen from the right. Fig. 3 is a rear view of the rear portion of the motorcycle 1 shown in Fig. 1, as seen from the rear. Motorcycle 1 is a type of saddle-ride vehicle that is equipped with a rider's seat 2 on which a rider sits astride. Motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a passenger seat 3 that is disposed behind rider seat 2 and on which a passenger sits astride. Motorcycle 1 may also be equipped with another element, such as a cowl or cover, behind rider seat 2, instead of passenger seat 3.

[0012] The motorcycle 1 includes a rear frame 4 and a rear cowl 6 supported by the rear frame 4. The rear frame 4 is indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 2. The rider's seat 2 is supported by the front portion of the rear frame 4. The passenger's seat 3 is supported by the rear portion of the rear frame 4. The rear frame 4 includes a pair of left and right rear side frames 4a and a connecting frame 4b.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a partially omitted top view of the rear portion of the motorcycle 1 shown in FIG. 1 , excluding the passenger seat 3, as viewed from above. A pair of rear side frames 4a are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each rear side frame 4a is made of, for example, a steel pipe. Each rear side frame 4a extends in the front-to-rear direction. More specifically, each rear side frame 4a extends slightly diagonally upward. That is, each rear side frame 4a extends upward as it extends rearward. As shown in FIG. 2, the front portions of the pair of rear side frames 4a are covered from above by the rider seat 2, and the rear portions of the pair of rear side frames 4a are covered from above by the passenger seat 3.

[0014] The connecting frame 4b is made of steel, for example. As shown in FIG. 4 , the connecting frame 4b connects the rear ends of the pair of rear side frames 4a. When viewed from above, the connecting frame 4b has an arch shape that curves so that the central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes rearward. The left end of the connecting frame 4b is fixed to the rear end of the left rear side frame 4a, and the right end of the connecting frame 4b is fixed to the rear end of the right rear side frame 4a. The connecting frame 4b may be fixed to the pair of rear side frames 4a by welding or with fasteners such as screws.

[0015] A storage space S1 is defined between the pair of left and right rear side frames 4a. In-vehicle devices such as electronic devices equipped on the motorcycle 1 are accommodated in the storage space S1. If the passenger seat 3 is movable relative to the rear frame 4, the storage space S1 may be a space for storing luggage for the driver or passenger. For example, the rear frame 4 may be supported by the pair of left and right rear side frames 4a and have a connecting frame 4c that is recessed downward between the pair of left and right rear side frames 4a, and the connecting frame 4c may be capable of supporting items to be stored in the storage space S1. A tail lamp structure 10, which will be described later, has a shape that makes it easy to ensure the storage space S1 and to avoid the rear frame 4.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the rear cowl 6 covers the rear portions of the pair of rear side frames 4a and the connecting frame 4b from the sides and rear. The rear cowl 6 is made of, for example, resin. The rear cowl 6 does not have to be a single member, but may be configured by connecting multiple parts.

[0017] A tail lamp structure 10 is disposed at the rear of the motorcycle 1. The rear cowl 6 has a lamp opening 6a, and the tail lamp structure 10 is partially exposed rearward from the lamp opening 6a. Specifically, the tail lamp structure 10 has a light-transmitting cover 11, and the light-transmitting cover 11 is partially exposed rearward from the lamp opening 6a.

[0018] The tail lamp structure 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 and the aforementioned FIGS. 1 to 4 as appropriate. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tail lamp structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 , seen from above and rear to the right. FIG. 6 is a top view of the tail lamp structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 . The tail lamp structure 10 has a substantially bilaterally symmetrical configuration. The tail lamp structure 10 includes a translucent cover 11, a housing 12, a pair of substrates 13, a pair of tail lamp light sources 14, a light guide 15, a plurality of stop lamp light sources 16, and a pair of inner lenses 17. The pair of substrates 13, the pair of tail lamp light sources 14, the light guide 15, the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16, and the pair of inner lenses 17 are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 6 . As will be described later, a plurality of stop lamp light sources 16 are arranged on each substrate 13; however, in FIG. 6 , only one stop lamp light source 16 arranged on each substrate 13 is shown for simplicity.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5 , the tail lamp structure 10 is configured as a lamp unit by connecting a translucent cover 11 and a housing 12 to each other. The tail lamp structure 10 as a lamp unit is supported on the rear frame 4 via a support member or the like. The translucent cover 11 has a concave shape that opens forward as a whole in a side view, and the housing 12 has a concave shape that opens rearward as a whole in a side view. An opening edge of the translucent cover 11 and an opening edge of the housing 12 are connected to each other to form an accommodation space S2 surrounded by the translucent cover 11 and the housing 12. Only one of the translucent cover 11 and the housing 12 may have a concave shape as a whole in a side view, and the other may not have a concave shape in a side view. The accommodation space S2 accommodates a pair of substrates 13, a pair of tail lamp light sources 14, a light guide 15, a plurality of stop lamp light sources 16, and a pair of inner lenses 17.

[0020] The light-transmitting cover 11 is a resin member that transmits light. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting cover 11 is an outer lens that functions as a lens. The area of ​​the light-transmitting cover 11 that overlaps with the vicinity of the tail lamp light source 14 when viewed from behind and the area that overlaps with the inner lens 17 are processed to diffuse the received light. The processing to diffuse light is, for example, a graining process.

[0021] 6, the light-transmitting cover 11 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a center plane C, which is an imaginary plane perpendicular to the left-right direction of the motorcycle 1. The light-transmitting cover 11 covers the pair of substrates 13, the pair of tail lamp light sources 14, the light guide 15, the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16, and the pair of inner lenses 17 from the rear.

[0022] The light-transmitting cover 11 includes a pair of a first cover portion 11a and a second cover portion 11b. The first cover portion 11a and the second cover portion 11b each have a recessed shape that opens forward.

[0023] The pair of first cover parts 11a are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. The pair of first cover parts 11a have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the center plane C. The pair of first cover parts 11a are arranged to face the pair of boards 13 in the front-rear direction, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper parts of the first cover parts 11a protrude rearward more than the lower parts of the first cover parts 11a.

[0024] The second cover portion 11b is disposed between the pair of first cover portions 11a in the left-right direction. The second cover portion 11b extends in the left-right direction so as to connect the pair of first cover portions 11a. The second cover portion 11b is disposed opposite the light guide 15 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the second cover portion 11b protrudes obliquely upward and rearward from the lower ends of the pair of first cover portions 11a in a side view.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical dimension of the second cover portion 11b is shorter than the vertical dimension of the first cover portion 11a. Furthermore, the upper end of the second cover portion 11b is located lower than the upper end of the first cover portion 11a. As shown in FIG. 6, at least a portion of the second cover portion 11b is located rearward of the rear end of the first cover portion 11a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the second cover portion 11b in the vehicle width direction decreases toward the rear in a top view. This allows the rear portion of the motorcycle 1 to be made more compact, and also improves the design of the motorcycle 1.

[0026] The housing 12 is an opaque resin member. As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 12 has an arch shape curved so that the central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes rearward when viewed from above. That is, the housing 12 has a shape in which the central portion 12a protrudes rearward compared to the left end portion 12b and the right end portion 12c. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage space S1 is located behind the central portion 12a and between the left end portion 12b and the right end portion 12c in the left-right direction. Because the housing 12 has an arch shape when viewed from above, it is easy to ensure the storage space S1.

[0027] Furthermore, the housing 12 has substantially the same shape as the translucent cover 11 when viewed in the front-rear direction. Just as the upper end of the second cover portion 11b is located lower than the upper end of the first cover portion 11a, the central portion 12a of the housing 12 is located lower than the upper ends of the left end portion 12b and the right end portion 12c. This shape makes it easier for the tail lamp structure 10 to avoid the rear frame 4. The rear end of the rear frame 4 is located above the central portion 12a of the housing 12 and between the left end portion 12b and the right end portion 12c of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the tail lamp structure 10 overlaps with the rear frame 4 in a side view. As shown in FIG. 4, the tail lamp structure 10 overlaps with the rear frame 4 in a top view.

[0028] Returning to Figure 6, the left end 12b and the right end 12c of the housing 12 each have a recessed shape that opens to the rear. A pair of substrates 13 are disposed in the recessed spaces at the left end 12b and the right end 12c of the housing 12, respectively. The housing 12 supports the pair of substrates 13. The method for supporting the substrates 13 will be described later.

[0029] Of the left end 12b and the right end 12c of the housing 12, a power supply port 12d through which wiring for supplying power to the inside of the lamp unit is inserted or connected is disposed only at the right end 12c. The power supply port 12d may be disposed at the left end 12b of the housing 12.

[0030] The pair of boards 13 are arranged with a gap in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. 6, a tail lamp light source 14 is arranged on each board 13. Each board 13 is fixed to the housing 12 so that its main surface is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. A tail lamp light source 14 is arranged on the main surface of each board 13 facing rearward. The tail lamp light source 14 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED).

[0031] The light guide 15 is a resin member that transmits light. When viewed from above, the light guide 15 has an arch shape that is curved so that the central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes rearward. The light guide 15 is rod-shaped. The light guide 15 includes a pair of light entrance portions 15a at both ends thereof, into which light emitted from the pair of tail lamp light sources 14 enters. The light entrance portions 15a may also be referred to as light entrance surfaces. The pair of light entrance portions 15a are arranged opposite the pair of tail lamp light sources 14, respectively. The tail lamp light sources 14 and the light entrance portions 15a face each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0032] The light guide 15 includes a light exit portion 15b that emits light entering through the light entrance portion 15a toward the rear. At least a portion of the light exit portion 15b is located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the substrate 13. The light exit portion 15b extends rearward from the pair of light entrance portions 15a toward the center in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the light exit portion 15b includes a pair of first extension portions 15ba that each extend toward the center and upward in the vehicle width direction as they extend rearward from the pair of light entrance portions 15a, and a second extension portion 15bb that extends in the left-right direction and connects the rear ends of the pair of first extension portions 15ba. Light entering through the light entrance portion 15a at the end of the light guide 15 is repeatedly internally reflected on the inner circumferential surface of the light guide 15 and is guided along the extension direction of the light exit portion 15b.

[0033] The light output portion 15b has a reflective surface portion 15bc on its rear surface. The reflective surface portion 15bc internally reflects a portion of the light passing through the light guide 15 backward, causing the light to exit from the front surface of the light guide 15. The reflective surface portion 15bc is continuous along the extension direction of the light guide 15. The cut surface of the reflective surface portion 15bc along the extension direction of the light guide 15 has, for example, a sawtooth shape. The reflective surface portion 15bc is adjusted so that the desired portion of the light guide 15 to emit light is uniformly emitted along the extension direction when the light guide 15 is viewed from behind.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the tail lamp structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 , excluding the translucent cover 11 and the inner lens 17, as viewed from the rear. While only the left side is shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 (described later), the right side has a similar configuration because the tail lamp structure 10 is substantially symmetrical. In FIG. 7, the reflective surface portion 15bc is indicated by a dashed line. The reflective surface portion 15bc may be formed over the entire length of the light exit portion 15b, i.e., from one of the pair of light entrance portions 15a to the other. Alternatively, the reflective surface portion 15bc may be formed over the entire length of the light exit portion 15b, in a portion located rearward of the notch 17c (described later).

[0035] 7, the light guide 15 has first support portions 15c at both ends and a second support portion 15d in the center. The first support portion 15c and the second support portion 15d are fixed to the housing 12 by fasteners 18 such as screws.

[0036] An example of a method for supporting the light guide 15 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, a boss 12e having a screw hole is disposed at the left end 12b of the housing 12. The board 13 and the first support portion 15c have through holes through which a fastener 18 is inserted. The fastener 18 is inserted through the through holes of the board 13 and the first support portion 15c and fastened to the screw hole of the boss 12e, thereby fixing the board 13 and the light guide 15 to the housing 12. As a result, the tail lamp light source 14 on the board 13 and the light entrance portion 15a of the light guide 15 are positioned to face each other.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 7 , each board 13 is provided with not only the tail lamp light source 14 but also a plurality of stop lamp light sources 16. More specifically, four stop lamp light sources 16 are provided on a main surface of each board 13 facing rearward. The stop lamp light sources 16 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The left board 13 and the right board 13 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction, so that the group of stop lamp light sources 16 on the left board 13 and the group of stop lamp light sources 16 on the right board 13 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , four stop lamp light sources 16 are arranged side by side at intervals in the vertical direction on each board 13. On each board 13, the tail lamp light source 14 is arranged closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16.

[0038] The inner lenses 17 are made of a resin member that transmits light. As shown in FIG. 6 , each inner lens 17 is disposed behind the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16. Each inner lens 17 is disposed opposite each of the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16 in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the light guide 15 is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the pair of inner lenses 17 and rearward than the pair of inner lenses 17.

[0039] Each inner lens 17 includes a first inner diffusing portion 17a and a second inner diffusing portion 17b. The first inner diffusing portion 17a and the second inner diffusing portion 17b of the inner lens 17 are processed to diffuse the received light. The processing to diffuse light is, for example, a graining process.

[0040] The first inner diffusing portion 17a is a cylindrical portion with a bottom and an opening edge that opens forward. The first inner diffusing portion 17a faces the four stop lamp light sources 16 in the front-rear direction. The second inner diffusing portion 17b is plate-shaped. The second inner diffusing portion 17b is disposed on the side closer to the light guide 15 than the first inner diffusing portion 17a. More specifically, the second inner diffusing portion 17b protrudes from the vehicle width direction center portion of the opening edge of the first inner diffusing portion 17a toward the vehicle width direction center.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a partially omitted enlarged view of the tail lamp structure 10 shown in Fig. 1, excluding the translucent cover 11, as seen from the rear. That is, Fig. 9 differs from Fig. 7 in that the inner lens 17 is not omitted. As shown in Fig. 9, the first inner diffusion portion 17a of the inner lens 17 overlaps the four stop lamp light sources 16 when seen from the rear.

[0042] An end 17d of the second inner diffusing portion 17b on the vehicle width direction center side is located closer to the vehicle width direction center than the tail lamp light source 14. The second inner diffusing portion 17b has a notch 17c that allows light to pass through the light guide 15 in the front-to-rear direction. The second inner diffusing portion 17b receives light that is emitted from the tail lamp light source 14 but does not enter the light guide 15, and diffuses the received light. The second inner diffusing portion 17b may have a through hole that allows light to pass through the light guide 15 in the front-to-rear direction instead of the notch 17c.

[0043] The tail lamp light source 14 and the stop lamp light source 16 are supplied with power from the outside through the power supply port 12d of the housing 12. A harness 19 extends from the power supply port 12d to the circuit board 13 located on the opposite side of the center plane C from the side on which the power supply port 12d is located. More specifically, of the left end 12b and the right end 12c of the housing 12, the power supply port 12d is located only on the right end 12c. The circuit board 13 closest to the power supply port 12d, i.e., the circuit board 13 located at the right end 12c of the housing 12, is supplied with power via a short harness extending from the power supply port 12d. On the other hand, the circuit board 13 farthest from the power supply port 12d, i.e., the circuit board 13 located at the left end 12b of the housing 12, is supplied with power via a harness 19 extending from the power supply port 12d in the left-right direction within the housing space S2. The harness 19 intersects the center plane C. The harness 19 may extend directly from the power supply port 12d to the left board 13, or may extend from the power supply port 12d to the right board 13 and then to the left board 13. The harness 19 is also arranged to pass behind the light guide 15 in the housing space S2. This makes the harness 19 less visible from behind.

[0044] The plurality of stop lamp light sources 16 on each board 13 emit light in response to a brake operation by the rider of the motorcycle 1. That is, when the rider brakes the motorcycle 1, the stop lamp light sources 16 are turned on, and when the rider does not brake the motorcycle 1, the stop lamp light sources 16 are turned off. Light emitted from the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16 is received by a first inner diffusing portion 17a behind the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16. The light received by the first inner diffusing portion 17a is diffused by the first inner diffusing portion 17a and then directed toward the translucent cover 11 located further rearward. The light directed toward the translucent cover 11 is diffused by the translucent cover 11, mainly by the first cover portion 11a, and is emitted rearward from the translucent cover 11.

[0045] The tail lamp light sources 14 on each board 13 are constantly emitting light while the power source that generates power to run the motorcycle 1 is operating. In this embodiment, the tail lamp light sources 14 on each board 13 emit light more strongly when the rider brakes the motorcycle 1 than when the rider does not brake the motorcycle 1. The tail lamp light sources 14 also function as light sources for stop lamps.

[0046] Light emitted from the tail lamp light source 14 enters the light guide 15 through the light entrance portion 15a at the end thereof, undergoes repeated internal reflection on the inner peripheral surface of the light guide 15, and is guided along the extension direction of the light guide 15. The light passing through the light guide 15 is internally reflected rearward by the reflecting surface portion 15bc of the light exit portion 15b, and is emitted from the front surface of the light guide 15 and further toward the light-transmitting cover 11 at the rear. The light that has traveled toward the light-transmitting cover 11 is diffused mainly by the second cover portion 11b of the light-transmitting cover 11, and is emitted rearward from the light-transmitting cover 11.

[0047] Furthermore, light that does not enter the light guide 15 from the tail lamp light source 14, and light that enters the light entrance portion 15a and immediately exits the light guide 15 near the tail lamp light source 14, is received by the second inner diffusing portion 17b behind the tail lamp light source 14. The light received by the second inner diffusing portion 17b is diffused by the second inner diffusing portion 17b and travels further rearward toward the translucent cover 11. The light that travels toward the translucent cover 11 is diffused by the translucent cover 11 and is emitted rearward of the translucent cover 11.

[0048] (Action and effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the pair of substrates 13 are arranged with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction, so the vertical dimension of the rear of the vehicle can be made shorter compared to a motorcycle in which the substrates are arranged in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0049] Furthermore, at least a part of the light exit portion 15b of the light guide 15, which extends rearward and toward the center in the vehicle width direction from the light entrance portion 15a arranged opposite the tail lamp light source 14, is located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the substrate 13, so that light can be emitted rearward from the space between the pair of substrates 13 in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient visibility of the tail lamp light from behind the vehicle.

[0050] Therefore, compared to a motorcycle in which the substrate 13 on which the tail lamp light source 14 is arranged is located in the center of the vehicle width direction, it is possible to provide a tail lamp structure 10 that can reduce the vertical dimension without reducing the visibility of the tail lamp light from behind the vehicle.

[0051] In this embodiment, one light guide 15 is configured to include both of the pair of light entrance portions 15a. In other words, one light guide 15 is arranged to pass through a center plane C that is equidistant from the pair of substrates 13 and perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. Therefore, compared to a tail lamp structure in which a separate light guide is arranged for each substrate, it is easier to guide light from the tail lamp light source 14 to the vicinity of the center plane C that is equidistant from the pair of substrates 13.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each substrate 13 is provided with not only the tail lamp light source 14 but also the stop lamp light source 16, which simplifies the overall configuration of the tail lamp structure 10 compared to a configuration in which the tail lamp light source 14 and the stop lamp light source 16 are provided on separate substrates.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tail lamp light source 14 is positioned closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the stop lamp light source 16 on each board 13. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the tail lamp light source 14 is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the stop lamp light source 16 on each board 13, the length of the light guide 15 can be shortened while ensuring visibility of the tail lamp light from behind the vehicle.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner lens 17 not only has the first inner diffusing portion 17a that diffuses light from the stop lamp light source 16, but also has the second inner diffusing portion 17b that has the notch 17c that allows light to pass through the light guide 15. Therefore, the second inner diffusing portion 17b can diffuse light that does not enter the light guide 15 from the tail lamp light source 14, and light that enters from the light entrance portion 15a and immediately exits the light guide 15 near the tail lamp light source 14. This prevents the area near the tail lamp light source 14 from appearing too bright when viewed from behind.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear end of the light guide 15 is positioned closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the pair of inner lenses 17 and further rearward than the pair of inner lenses 17, so the dimension of the tail lamp structure 10 in the vehicle width direction can be made shorter as it goes rearward, making it possible to make the rear end of the motorcycle 1 more compact.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, the vertical dimension of the second cover portion 11b is shorter than the vertical dimension of the first cover portion 11a, so the vertical dimension of the central portion in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the motorcycle 1 can be shortened.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the second cover portion 11b is positioned rearward of the rear end of the first cover portion 11a, and therefore the vehicle width dimension of the tail lamp structure 10 can be made shorter as it moves rearward, thereby making it possible to make the rear end of the motorcycle 1 more compact.

[0058] In this embodiment, the housing 12 has an arch shape in which the central portion in the vehicle width direction in top view is curved so as to protrude rearward, so that the rear end portion of the motorcycle 1 can be made compact.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is a harness 19 that extends within the storage space S2 from the power supply port 12d to the board 13 located on the opposite side of the center plane C from the side on which the power supply port 12d is located, so that only one power supply port 12d is required in the housing 12 for communicating with the pair of boards 13 from the outside.

[0060] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configurations thereof can be changed, added, or deleted.

[0061] Although the motorcycle 1 has been described as an example of a saddle-riding vehicle, the saddle-riding vehicle may be other vehicles, such as a three-wheeled motor vehicle or a four-wheeled motor vehicle.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the tail lamp structure 10 includes one light guide 15 including both of the pair of light entrance portions 15a. However, the tail lamp structure of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the tail lamp structure may include a first light guide including a light entrance portion disposed opposite the tail lamp light source on the right board, and a second light guide including a light entrance portion disposed opposite the tail lamp light source on the left board. In this case, each of the first and second light guides may include a light exit portion extending rearward from the light entrance portion toward the center in the vehicle width direction, and at least a portion of the light exit portion may be located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the corresponding board.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the tail lamp light source 14 and the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16 are arranged on the same substrate 13, but the tail lamp light source 14 and the plurality of stop lamp light sources 16 may be arranged on separate substrates.

[0064] The number and arrangement of the tail lamp light sources and stop lamp light sources are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. Multiple tail lamp light sources may be arranged on each of the left and right boards. The number of stop lamp light sources arranged on each board does not have to be four, and may be, for example, one. The multiple stop lamp light sources arranged on each board do not have to be aligned vertically, and may be aligned horizontally, for example. For example, the tail lamp light sources do not have to be positioned closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the stop lamp light sources. For example, the tail lamp light sources may be positioned equidistant from the center plane C as the stop lamp light sources.

[0065] Although each board 13 is fixed to the housing 12 so that its main surface is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, the orientation of each board 13 is not limited to this. Each board 13 may be disposed so that the direction perpendicular to its main surface forms a slight angle with respect to the front-to-rear direction.

[0066] The structure, shape, arrangement, etc. of various elements that may constitute the tail lamp structure, such as the translucent cover, inner lens, and housing, are not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiments, the translucent cover 11 is an outer lens having a lens function, but the translucent cover does not have to have a lens function and may transmit received light with its original light distribution. The inner lens does not have to include a second inner diffusion portion having a through hole or notch that allows the light guide to pass through in the front-rear direction. The tail lamp structure does not have to include an inner lens. The tail lamp structure does not have to include a stop lamp light source that turns off when the driver does not apply the brakes.

[0067] In the above embodiment, there may not be a harness 19 extending from one of the pair of boards 13 to the other within the storage space S2, and instead, power supply ports 12d may be located at both the left end 12b and the right end 12c of the housing 12.

[0068] Each of the following aspects is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0069] [Aspect 1] A tail lamp structure for a saddle riding vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the saddle riding vehicle, a pair of substrates arranged at an interval in the vehicle width direction; a pair of tail lamp light sources respectively disposed on the pair of substrates; and at least one light guide that guides light emitted from the pair of tail lamp light sources, The at least one light guide a pair of light entrance portions disposed opposite the pair of tail lamp light sources, respectively, into which light emitted from the pair of tail lamp light sources enters; at least one light exit portion extending rearward from the pair of light entrance portions toward the center in the vehicle width direction, A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the light exit portion is located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the base plate.

[0070] According to the first aspect, the pair of base plates are arranged with a gap in the vehicle width direction, so the vertical dimension of the rear of the vehicle can be made shorter than in a saddle-ride vehicle in which the base plate is arranged in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0071] Furthermore, at least a portion of the light exit portion of the light guide, which extends rearward and toward the center of the vehicle width from the light entrance portion disposed opposite the tail lamp light source, is located closer to the center of the vehicle width than the substrate, so that light can be emitted rearward from the space between the pair of substrates in the vehicle width direction, thereby ensuring sufficient visibility of the tail lamp light from behind the vehicle.

[0072] Therefore, compared to a saddle-ride vehicle in which the substrate on which the tail lamp light source is arranged is located in the center of the vehicle width direction, it is possible to provide a tail lamp structure for a saddle-ride vehicle that can reduce the vertical dimension without reducing the visibility of the tail lamp light from behind the vehicle.

[0073] [Aspect 2] Aspect 2. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to aspect 1, wherein the at least one light guide is a single light guide that includes both of the pair of light entrance portions.

[0074] According to the second aspect, one light guide is configured to include both of the pair of light entrance portions. In other words, one light guide is arranged to pass through a central plane that is equidistant from the pair of substrates and perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. Therefore, compared to a tail lamp structure in which a separate light guide is arranged for each substrate, it is easier to guide light from the tail lamp light source to the vicinity of the central plane that is equidistant from the pair of substrates.

[0075] [Aspect 3] 3. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a stop lamp light source is disposed on each of the substrates.

[0076] According to the third aspect, the overall configuration of the tail lamp structure can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the tail lamp light source and the stop lamp light source are arranged on separate substrates.

[0077] [Aspect 4] A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to aspect 3, wherein, on each of the substrates, the tail lamp light source is disposed closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the stop lamp light source.

[0078] According to the fourth aspect, the length of the light guide can be shortened while ensuring visibility of the tail lamp light from behind the vehicle, compared to a configuration in which the tail lamp light source is arranged on each board further outward in the vehicle width direction than the stop lamp light source.

[0079] [Aspect 5] The tail lamp structure includes: a pair of stop lamp light sources arranged at an interval in the vehicle width direction; a pair of inner lenses disposed behind the pair of stop lamp light sources and facing the pair of stop lamp light sources, Each of the inner lenses is a first inner diffusion portion facing the stop lamp light source in the front-rear direction; A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, including a second inner diffusing portion arranged closer to the light guide than the first inner diffusing portion and having a through hole or notch through which the light guide passes in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0080] According to the fifth aspect, the inner lens not only has a first inner diffusing portion that diffuses light from the stop lamp light source, but also a second inner diffusing portion with a through hole or a notch that allows light to pass through the light guide. This allows the second inner diffusing portion to diffuse light that does not enter the light guide from the tail lamp light source, or light that enters the light entrance portion and immediately exits the light guide near the tail lamp light source. This prevents the area near the tail lamp light source from appearing too bright when viewed from behind.

[0081] [Aspect 6] The tail lamp structure includes: a pair of stop lamp light sources arranged at an interval in the vehicle width direction; a pair of inner lenses disposed behind the pair of stop lamp light sources and facing the pair of stop lamp light sources, A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein a rear end portion of the at least one light guide is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the pair of inner lenses and rearward than the pair of inner lenses.

[0082] According to the sixth aspect, the dimension of the tail lamp structure in the vehicle width direction can be made shorter toward the rear, thereby making it possible to make the rear end of the saddle-ride vehicle more compact.

[0083] [Aspect 7] The tail lamp structure further includes a light-transmitting cover that covers the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind, The light-transmitting cover is a pair of first cover portions arranged to face the pair of boards in the front-rear direction, a second cover portion disposed between the pair of first cover portions and facing the at least one light guide in the front-rear direction, Aspect 7. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the second cover portion has a vertical dimension shorter than the vertical dimension of the first cover portion.

[0084] According to the seventh aspect, the vertical dimension of the center portion in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the saddle riding vehicle can be shortened.

[0085] [Aspect 8] The tail lamp structure further includes a light-transmitting cover that covers the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind, The light-transmitting cover is a pair of first cover portions arranged to face the pair of boards in the front-rear direction, a second cover portion disposed between the pair of first cover portions and facing the at least one light guide in the front-rear direction, Aspect 8. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the second cover portion is disposed rearward of a rear end of the first cover portion.

[0086] According to the eighth aspect, the dimension of the tail lamp structure in the vehicle width direction can be made shorter toward the rear, thereby making it possible to make the rear end of the saddle-ride vehicle more compact.

[0087] [Aspect 9] The tail lamp structure includes: a housing supporting the pair of substrates; a light-transmitting cover connected to the housing, the light-transmitting cover covering the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind; Aspect 9. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-ride vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the housing has an arch shape curved so that a central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes rearward in a top view.

[0088] According to the ninth aspect, the rear end portion of the saddle-ride vehicle can be made compact.

[0089] [Aspect 10] The tail lamp structure includes: a housing supporting the pair of boards, the housing having a power supply port on one side of a center plane that is equidistant from the pair of boards and perpendicular to the vehicle width direction; a light-transmitting cover connected to the housing and covering the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind; an accommodation space surrounded by the housing and the light-transmitting cover, in which the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide are accommodated; A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, further comprising: a harness extending in the accommodation space from the power supply port to the board located on the opposite side of the center plane from the side on which the power supply port is located.

[0090] According to the above-mentioned aspect 10, there is a harness that extends within the accommodation space from the power supply port to the board located on the opposite side of the central plane from where the power supply port is located, so that the housing requires only one power supply port for communicating from the outside with the pair of boards.

[0091] [Aspect 11] The rear frame and A saddle-ride vehicle including: the tail lamp structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, supported by the rear frame. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Motorcycle 4: Rear frame 10: Tail lamp structure 11:Translucent cover 11a: First cover part 11b: Second cover part 12: Housing 12d: Power supply port 13: Substrate 14: Tail lamp light source 15: Light guide 15a: Light entrance part 15b: Light output section 16: Stop lamp light source 17: Inner lens 17a: First inner diffusion section 17b: Second inner diffusion section 17c: Notch

Claims

1. A tail lamp structure for a saddle riding vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the saddle riding vehicle, a pair of substrates arranged at an interval in the vehicle width direction; a pair of tail lamp light sources respectively disposed on the pair of substrates; and at least one light guide that guides light emitted from the pair of tail lamp light sources, The at least one light guide a pair of light entrance portions disposed opposite the pair of tail lamp light sources, respectively, into which light emitted from the pair of tail lamp light sources enters; at least one light exit portion extending rearward from the pair of light entrance portions toward the center in the vehicle width direction, A tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the light exit portion is located closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the base plate.

2. 2. The tail lamp structure for a straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light guide is a single light guide that includes both of the pair of light entrance portions.

3. 3. The tail lamp structure for a straddle-ride vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a stop lamp light source is disposed on each of the substrates.

4. 4. The tail lamp structure for a straddle-ride vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, on each of the substrates, the tail lamp light source is disposed closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the stop lamp light source.

5. The tail lamp structure includes: a pair of stop lamp light sources arranged at an interval in the vehicle width direction; a pair of inner lenses disposed behind the pair of stop lamp light sources and facing the pair of stop lamp light sources, Each of the inner lenses is a first inner diffusion portion facing the stop lamp light source in the front-rear direction; 3. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a second inner diffusing portion disposed closer to the light guide than the first inner diffusing portion and having a through hole or notch through which the light guide passes in the fore-and-aft direction.

6. The tail lamp structure includes: a pair of stop lamp light sources arranged at an interval in the vehicle width direction; a pair of inner lenses disposed behind the pair of stop lamp light sources and facing the pair of stop lamp light sources, 3. The tail lamp structure for a straddle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a rear end portion of the at least one light guide is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle width direction than the pair of inner lenses and rearward than the pair of inner lenses.

7. The tail lamp structure further includes a light-transmitting cover that covers the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind, The light-transmitting cover is a pair of first cover portions arranged to face the pair of boards in the front-rear direction, a second cover portion disposed between the pair of first cover portions and facing the at least one light guide in the front-rear direction, 3. The tail lamp structure for a straddle-ride vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a vertical dimension of the second cover portion is shorter than a vertical dimension of the first cover portion.

8. The tail lamp structure further includes a light-transmitting cover that covers the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind, The light-transmitting cover is a pair of first cover portions arranged to face the pair of boards in the front-rear direction, a second cover portion disposed between the pair of first cover portions and facing the at least one light guide in the front-rear direction, 3. The tail lamp structure for a straddle-ride vehicle according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second cover portion is disposed rearward of a rear end of the first cover portion.

9. The tail lamp structure includes: a housing supporting the pair of substrates; a light-transmitting cover connected to the housing, the light-transmitting cover covering the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind; 3. The tail lamp structure for a straddle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an arch shape curved so that a central portion in the vehicle width direction protrudes rearward when viewed from above.

10. The tail lamp structure includes: a housing supporting the pair of boards, the housing having a power supply port on one side of a center plane that is equidistant from the pair of boards and perpendicular to the vehicle width direction; a light-transmitting cover connected to the housing and covering the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide from behind; an accommodation space surrounded by the housing and the light-transmitting cover, in which the pair of substrates and the at least one light guide are accommodated; 3. The tail lamp structure for a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a harness extending in the accommodation space from the power supply port to the board located on an opposite side of the central plane from the side on which the power supply port is located.

11. The rear frame and A saddle-ride vehicle comprising: the tail lamp structure according to claim 1 or 2, supported by the rear frame.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Saddle riding type vehicle

    JP2015231803A