Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that increases the degree of freedom in the position of the frame around the drivetrain components of a saddle-type vehicle. [Solution] The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body frame 12 including a long frame 20, drive system components 57 supported by the vehicle body frame 12, and fastening members 70 fastened to the drive system components 57. The long frame 20 has a through hole 22 that opens in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the long frame 20. The fastening member 70 has a head 71 that is located inside the vehicle 10, relative to the long frame 20, along the axial direction of the through hole 22. The fastening direction of the fastening member 70 is along the axial direction of the through hole 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a straddle-type vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle equipped with a drain plug and an under guard. In the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1, a downwardly inclined receiving port is formed in a portion of the under guard located below the drain plug.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1, the frame is configured not to be located around the outer periphery in the axial direction of the drain plug. This is because if the frame is located around the outer periphery in the axial direction of the drain plug, it becomes difficult to access the drain plug as the frame gets in the way. That is, the position of the frame is restricted depending on the position of the drain plug.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can increase the degree of freedom in the position of the frame around the drive system components of a straddle-type vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The saddle-type vehicle comprises a body frame including a long frame, drive system components supported by the body frame, and fastening members fastened to the drive system components, wherein the long frame has through holes that open in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the long frame, and the fastening members have heads that are located on the vehicle side of the long frame along the axial direction of the through holes, and the fastening direction of the fastening members is along the axial direction of the through holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In a saddle-type vehicle, through-holes are formed in the long frame, allowing access to the heads of fastening members and fastening operations through the through-holes, even if the fastening members are positioned inside the vehicle relative to the long frame. This increases the degree of freedom in the position of the frame around the drivetrain components of the saddle-type vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the underside of a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a bottom view showing the underside of a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the lower part of a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how to remove the fastening member. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating how oil flows out. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of this design.

[0010] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the saddle-type vehicle is a motorcycle. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle that is driven by the user, the driver, while straddling the seat. The saddle-type vehicle may also be a scooter-type vehicle in which the driver places their feet on the footrests while straddling the seat. The saddle-type vehicle may also be an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle).

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment. The overall configuration of the saddle-type vehicle 10 will now be described.

[0012] The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a body frame 12, front wheels 30, rear wheels 31, a steering device 36, and a driver's seat 38.

[0013] In the following description, when referring to up and down, front and back, and left and right, each direction is defined as follows: First, the side of the saddle-type vehicle 10 where the front wheels 30 and rear wheels 31 are in contact with the road surface is down, and the opposite side is up. Also, the direction of travel when the saddle-type vehicle 10 is moving is forward, and the opposite side is backward. Furthermore, with the driver facing forward and seated in the saddle-type vehicle 10, the left and right sides of the saddle-type vehicle 10 are relative to the driver. In this embodiment, the left and right direction may be described as the vehicle width direction. Each figure shows down (LOW), up (UP), front (FRONT), rear (REAR), left (LEFT), and right (RIGHT) corresponding to the above.

[0014] The vehicle body frame 12 is a rigid member formed of metal or the like. The vehicle body frame 12 may be configured by, for example, a pipe frame, a casting frame, or a combination thereof. Usually, the vehicle body frame 12 is formed by integrating a plurality of frames by welding or fastening or the like. The vehicle body frame 12 may have attachment portions for attaching components constituting the saddle-type vehicle 10. The attachment portions may have attachment holes such as screw holes. The attachment portions may have brackets attached to the vehicle body frame 12 by welding or the like. The attachment holes may be formed directly in the vehicle body frame 12 or in the brackets. Here, the vehicle body frame 12 has a head pipe 13, a front frame 14, a down frame 20, an intermediate frame 15, and rear frames 17, 18. One or more of the front frame 14, the down frame 20, the intermediate frame 15, and the rear frames 17, 18 are provided in a pair on the left and right. Note that the specific frame shape of the vehicle body frame 12 can be appropriately changed according to requirements for strength, support locations, or design.

[0015] The head pipe 13 is provided on the front side of the vehicle body frame 12. The head pipe 13 is arranged in a posture inclined forward as it faces downward.

[0016] The front frame 14 extends rearward from an upper portion of the head pipe 13. The front frame 14 faces obliquely downward and rearward from the head pipe 13.

[0017] The intermediate frame 15 extends downward from the rear end portion of the front frame 14. A pivot shaft 16 is supported at an intermediate portion of the intermediate frame 15. The pivot shaft 16 has a central axis extending along the vehicle width direction.

[0018] The rear frame 17 extends obliquely upward from the longitudinal middle of the front frame 14. The rear frame 18 extends obliquely upward from the rear end of the front frame 14 and is connected to the rear frame 17.

[0019] The down frame 20 extends rearward from the lower part of the head pipe 13. The down frame 20 is directed obliquely downward and rearward from the head pipe 13. The front part of the down frame 20 extends parallel to the front frame 14 below the front frame 14. The middle part of the down frame 20 extends downward from the front part. The rear part of the down frame 20 extends rearward from the middle part. The rear part of the down frame 20 is one of the components that constitute the lower part of the saddle-riding type vehicle 10.

[0020] The front frame 14 and the down frame 20 may be connected by at least one connecting frame 19. A plurality of connecting frames 19 may connect the front frame 14 and the down frame 20 so as to form a truss structure.

[0021] The front wheel 30 is supported on the front side of the vehicle body frame 12. Specifically, a steering shaft 32 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 13. An upper bracket 33 and a lower bracket 34 are supported on the steering shaft 32. The front fork 35 is supported by the upper bracket 33 and the lower bracket 34 so as to extend downward. The front wheel 30 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 35. A front suspension device may be incorporated in the front fork 35. Thereby, impacts from the road surface to the vehicle 10 can be absorbed and vibrations of the vehicle 10 can be suppressed.

[0022] The rear wheel 31 is supported on the rear side of the vehicle body frame 12. Specifically, a swing arm 39 is supported on a pivot shaft 16. The swing arm 39 extends obliquely downward from the longitudinal middle part of the intermediate frame 15. The front end part of the swing arm 39 is swingably supported on the pivot shaft 16. The rear wheel 31 is rotatably supported at the rear end part of the swing arm 39. The rear wheel 31 can be vertically displaced by the swing of the swing arm 39. The intermediate frame 15 may be referred to as a pivot bracket.

[0023] The saddle-type vehicle 10 may be equipped with a rear suspension 40. The rear suspension 40 can absorb shocks from the road surface to the vehicle 10 and suppress vibrations of the vehicle 10. The rear suspension 40 may be mounted, for example, interposed between the rear frame 18 and the swing arm 39. The lower part of the rear suspension 40 may be attached to the intermediate frame 15 via a suspension link 41.

[0024] The handlebar assembly 36 is supported by the upper bracket 33. The handlebar assembly 36 comprises a pair of left and right handlebars 37. When the driver steers the pair of handlebars 37, the upper bracket 33, lower bracket 34, and front fork 35 rotate around the central axis of the head pipe 13, and the front wheel 30 also rotates around the central axis of the head pipe 13. This allows the front wheel 30 to change direction by steering the handlebar assembly 36.

[0025] A brake lever is supported on one or both of the pair of handlebars 37. The brake lever is for braking one or both of the front wheel 30 and the rear wheel 31. A meter unit may be supported on the handlebar device 36. The meter unit displays information related to the riding of the saddle-type vehicle 10, such as speed. The meter unit may be supported directly or indirectly on the vehicle frame 12 near the handlebar device 36. Interface devices such as switches for receiving various instructions to the saddle-type vehicle 10 may be provided on the handlebar device 36 and the meter unit.

[0026] The driver's seat 38 is the seat in which the driver sits. The driver's seat 38 may be located above the rear frame 17 and supported by the rear frame 17. A tandem seat may be provided behind the driver's seat 38.

[0027] The vehicle 10 can travel on the road surface by rotating the front wheels 30 and rear wheels 31 while they are in contact with the road surface. The driver can operate the steering wheel 36 while seated in the driver's seat 38. When the steering wheel 36 is rotated, the front wheels 30 rotate around the steering axis. This allows the vehicle 10 to change direction.

[0028] The saddle-type vehicle 10 may be equipped with a side stand device 42 for maintaining the vehicle 10 in a stationary state. The side stand device 42 has a stand bar 43 and a stand bracket 44 that supports the stand bar 43 so as to be angularly displaceable. The stand bracket 44 may be attached to the intermediate frame 15.

[0029] If the saddle-type vehicle 10 is equipped with a side stand, when parked using the side stand, the saddle-type vehicle 10 may be in a tilted parking position (lean position). The parking position is such that the left side is lower than the right side compared to the horizontal position. Unless otherwise specified, the following descriptions refer to the state in which the saddle-type vehicle 10 is in a horizontal position.

[0030] The saddle-type vehicle 10 may be equipped with a cover 45 that covers at least a portion of the vehicle frame 12 from both sides. The cover 45 may be supported in a fixed position by the vehicle frame 12.

[0031] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle 10 is equipped with a drive mechanism 50. The drive mechanism 50 is a mechanism that rotates the wheels 30 and 31 in order to move the saddle-type vehicle 10. The drive mechanism 50 is supported by the vehicle frame 12. The drive mechanism 50 includes a power unit 51 and a transmission unit 60. The power unit 51 generates a driving force that rotates the wheels 30 and 31. The transmission unit 60 transmits the driving force generated by the power unit 51 to the drive wheels (in this case, the rear wheels 31).

[0032] Here, the power unit 51 includes an internal combustion engine 52. The power unit 51 may also include an electric motor. The power unit 51 may be a hybrid type that includes both an internal combustion engine 52 and an electric motor.

[0033] If the power unit 51 includes an internal combustion engine 52, the power unit 51 further includes a fuel tank and a fuel supply device for driving the internal combustion engine 52. The fuel tank is a device that stores fuel for combustion in the internal combustion engine 52. The fuel stored in the fuel tank is supplied to the internal combustion engine 52 via the fuel supply device. The fuel tank is located, for example, in front of the driver's seat 38.

[0034] If the power unit 51 includes an electric motor, the power unit 51 further includes a battery for driving the electric motor and a drive circuit for traction. The battery is a device that stores electrical energy for driving the electric motor. The electrical energy supplied from the battery is supplied to the electric motor via the drive circuit for traction.

[0035] The internal combustion engine 52 comprises a crankcase 53, a cylinder block 55, a cylinder head 56, a cylinder head cover 56a, and an oil pan 57. The crankcase 53 is located on the underside of the vehicle body and houses and supports the crankshaft 54. The cylinder block 55 is located above the crankcase 53. Cylinders are formed inside the cylinder block 55. The cylinder head 56 and cylinder head cover 56a are located above the cylinder block 55. The oil pan 57 is located below the crankcase 53. The oil pan 57 holds oil. This oil is also called engine oil. A drain bolt 70 is fastened to the oil pan 57.

[0036] Furthermore, if the power unit 51 includes an internal combustion engine 52, the power unit 51 has an intake system for supplying air to the internal combustion engine 52 and an exhaust system for discharging gases produced by the combustion of fuel. The intake system may include, for example, an air cleaner for purifying the air supplied to the internal combustion engine 52 and a throttle body for adjusting the amount of air supplied to the internal combustion engine 52. The exhaust system includes, for example, an exhaust pipe, a catalytic converter, and a muffler 58 (see Figure 2). The exhaust pipe extends from the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 52. The catalytic converter is located inside the exhaust pipe. The muffler 58 is connected to the end of the exhaust pipe.

[0037] The rotational driving force of the power unit 51 is transmitted to the drive wheels (in this case, the rear wheels 31) via the transmission unit 60. The transmission unit 60 may have a clutch that connects and disconnects the power transmission path between the internal combustion engine 52 and the drive wheels. The transmission unit 60 may have, for example, a gear provided on the output shaft of the power unit 51, a gear provided on the rear wheels 31, and a chain wrapped around these gears. The transmission unit 60 may also have an annular belt such as a toothed belt.

[0038] The vehicle body frame 12 includes a long frame 20. Through holes 22 are formed in the long frame 20. The through holes 22 open in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the long frame 20. The through holes 22 may be located in the middle of the long frame 20 along its extending direction, or they may be located at the ends.

[0039] The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a drive system component 57 and a fastening member 70. The drive system component 57 is supported by the vehicle frame 12. The fastening member 70 is fastened to the drive system component 57. The fastening member 70 has a head 71. The head 71 is located inside the vehicle 10, beyond the elongated frame 20, along the axial direction of the through hole 22. The fastening direction of the fastening member 70 is along the axial direction of the through hole 22. Therefore, the fastening member 70 is accessible through the through hole 22. The through hole 22 is a path for accessing the fastening member 70.

[0040] The drivetrain component 57 is a component for driving the saddle-type vehicle 10. The drivetrain component 57 is, for example, a component that makes up the drive mechanism 50. The drivetrain component 57 may be a drive source (motor) such as an internal combustion engine 52 or an electric motor. The drivetrain component 57 may also be a component necessary for driving the drive source, such as an oil pan 57.

[0041] Here, the down frame 20 is assumed to be a long frame 20, the oil pan 57 is assumed to be a drivetrain component 57, and the drain bolt 70 fastened to the oil pan 57 is assumed to be a fastening member 70. The long frame 20 may be a frame other than the down frame 20. The drivetrain component 57 may be a component other than the oil pan 57. The fastening member 70 may be a component other than the drain bolt 70.

[0042] The saddle-type vehicle 10 is further equipped with a skid plate 80. The skid plate 80 covers the area below the oil pan 57. The skid plate 80 prevents contact between other components on the underside of the vehicle 10 (such as the power unit 51) and the road surface or flying stones.

[0043] The oil pan 57 and skid plate 80 are located on the underside of the vehicle 10. The underside of the vehicle 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the underside of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Figure 2 is a view of the underside of the saddle-type vehicle 10 from diagonally below. Figure 3 is a bottom view showing the underside of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the underside of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Figure 4 is a view of the cross section cut along line IV-IV in Figure 3, viewed slightly above horizontal.

[0044] Here, a pair of down frames 20 are provided, one on the left and one on the right. The left down frame 20 is a long frame 20 having a through hole 22. Here, the right down frame 20R does not have a through hole 22. The right down frame 20 may also have a through hole 22.

[0045] The elongated frame 20 includes a first pipe section 21, a second pipe section 24, and a third pipe section 25. The first pipe section 21, the second pipe section 24, and the third pipe section 25 are connected along the extending direction of the elongated frame 20. Here, the first pipe section 21 is located in the middle section along the extending direction of the elongated frame 20.

[0046] The axial direction of the first pipe section 21 is aligned with the direction intersecting the extending direction of the long frame 20. Here, the axial direction of the first pipe section 21 is aligned with the left-right direction. The hole in the first pipe section 21 is a through hole 22. Here, the first pipe section 21 is a round pipe. Therefore, here the through hole 22 is a circular hole. The first pipe section 21 may also be a square pipe.

[0047] The right end of the first pipe section 21 is located closer to the fastening member 70 than the left end. As shown in Figure 3, the end face of the left end of the first pipe section 21 is a surface parallel to the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 3, the end face of the right end of the first pipe section 21 is a surface parallel to the direction intersecting the front-rear direction. Here, the rear portion of the right end of the first pipe section 21 protrudes to the right of the vehicle 10 than the front portion.

[0048] A recess 23 is formed in the first pipe section 21. The recess 23 is formed at the end of the through hole 22 on the drain bolt 70 side (in this case, the right end), in the portion of the peripheral wall of the through hole 22 below the central axis. The recess 23 is formed to recess outward in the left-right direction from the right end of the first pipe section 21. The recess 23 is not formed in the front, rear, and upper portions of the right end of the first pipe section 21. As shown in Figure 3, the edge of the recess 23 is arc-shaped when viewed from above. The edge of the recess 23 may have a shape other than an arc when viewed from above.

[0049] The second pipe section 24 extends from the first pipe section 21 to one side along the extending direction of the long frame 20. Here, the second pipe section 24 extends forward from the first pipe section 21. The axial direction of the second pipe section 24 is along the extending direction of the long frame 20. The rear end of the second pipe section 24 is connected to the first pipe section 21. The first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 24 are connected, for example, by welding. The first pipe section 21 may or may not close the rear end of the second pipe section 24. The central axis of the first pipe section 21 may or may not be located on the extension line of the central axis of the second pipe section 24.

[0050] The third pipe section 25 extends from the first pipe section 21 to the other side along the extending direction of the long frame 20. Here, the third pipe section 25 extends rearward from the first pipe section 21. The second pipe section 24 and the third pipe section 25 extend from the first pipe section 21 in opposite directions to each other. The second pipe section 24 and the third pipe section 25 do not necessarily have to extend from the first pipe section 21 in opposite directions to each other. For example, the second pipe section 24 and the third pipe section 25 may extend from the first pipe section 21 in the same direction to each other, or they may extend in directions that intersect each other, such as forward and upward. The first pipe section 21 is a joint for connecting the second pipe section 24 and the third pipe section 25. The third pipe section 25 is shorter than the second pipe section 24. The axial direction of the third pipe section 25 is along the extending direction of the long frame 20. The front end of the third pipe section 25 is connected to the first pipe section 21. The first pipe section 21 and the third pipe section 25 are connected, for example, by welding. The first pipe section 21 may or may not close the front end of the third pipe section 25. The central axis of the third pipe section 25 may or may not be located on the extension line of the central axis of the third pipe section 25.

[0051] The central axis of the first pipe section 21 and the central axis of the fastening member 70 may or may not coincide. When observing the fastening member 70 through the through hole 22 along the axial direction of the through hole 22, it is preferable that the fastening member 70 is positioned so that it is not hidden by the peripheral wall of the through hole 22. When observing the fastening member 70 through the through hole 22 along the axial direction of the through hole 22, it is preferable that the entire outer circumference of the fastening member 70 is observable.

[0052] One of the second pipe section 24 and the third pipe section 25 is a round pipe, and the other is a square pipe. Here, the second pipe section 24 is a round pipe, and the third pipe section 25 is a square pipe. Generally, a square pipe can occupy a smaller volume than a round pipe to achieve the same rigidity. On the other hand, in terms of bendability and cost, a round pipe is superior to a square pipe. Here, the space behind the first pipe section 21 is a relatively cramped space where components such as the side stand device 42 are densely packed. Therefore, by constructing the third pipe section 25 located in this space from a square pipe, it is easier to secure the necessary rigidity for the down frame 20 while also securing space for other components. On the other hand, the space in front of the first pipe section 21 is a relatively spacious space. Therefore, by constructing the second pipe section 24 located in this space from a round pipe, it is easier to reduce the cost of the down frame 20 and to simplify the design of the down frame 20's path.

[0053] Here, the diameter of the second pipe section 24 is smaller than the diameter of the first pipe section 21. This allows the entire rear end surface of the second pipe section 24 to be welded to the outer surface of the first pipe section 21. The diameter of the second pipe section 24 may be the same as or larger than the diameter of the first pipe section 21.

[0054] The third pipe section 25 is a rectangular pipe with a rectangular cross-section. The third pipe section 25 may also be a rectangular pipe with a square cross-section. In this case, the third pipe section 25 is thinner than the first pipe section 21. The longer side of the cross-section of the third pipe section 25 is smaller than the diameter of the first pipe section 21. This allows the entire front end surface of the third pipe section 25 to be welded to the outer surface of the first pipe section 21. The longer side of the cross-section of the third pipe section 25 may be the same as or larger than the diameter of the first pipe section 21.

[0055] The central axis of the rear end of the second pipe section 24 and the central axis of the front end of the third pipe section 25 are eccentric along the axial direction of the first pipe section 21. The central axis of the third pipe section 25 is located further inside the vehicle 10 (left side in Figure 3) than the central axis of the second pipe section 24. As shown in Figure 3, the rear end of the second pipe section 24 extends straight in the front-rear direction when viewed from above. As shown in Figure 3, the front end of the third pipe section 25 extends in a direction that intersects the front-rear and left-right directions when viewed from above. Here, the third pipe section 25 extends outward from the vehicle 10 (left side in this case) as it approaches the front end. The rear portion of the right end of the first pipe section 21 protrudes further to the right than the front portion, making it easy to connect the third pipe section 25 to the right of the second pipe section 24.

[0056] A fixing bracket 26 for securing the down frame 20 to the intermediate frame 15 is provided at the rear end of the third pipe section 25. The fixing bracket 26 is fastened to the lower part of the intermediate frame 15. For example, a suspension link 41 supporting the lower part of the rear suspension 40 may be attached to the lower part of the intermediate frame 15. The fixing bracket 26 may be attached to the intermediate frame 15 below the mounting point of the suspension link 41. A stand bracket 44 for the side stand device 42 may be located on the outside (left side) of the third pipe section 25.

[0057] Here, the length of the second pipe section 24 along the extending direction of the long frame 20 is longer than the length of the first pipe section 21 and the length of the third pipe section 25. In this case, the second pipe section 24 accounts for more than half of the length of the long frame 20 along the extending direction. However, the lengths of each pipe section 21, 24, and 25 along the extending direction of the long frame 20 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0058] The oil pan 57 has a fastening hole 57H. The fastening hole 57H is a hole for draining oil. Inside the oil pan 57 there is a space for holding oil. One end of the fastening hole 57H opens into the space inside the oil pan 57. The other end of the fastening hole 57H opens onto the outside of the oil pan 57. The fastening hole 57H is formed in the lower part of the oil pan 57. A drain bolt 70 is fastened to the fastening hole 57H. When the drain bolt 70 is removed, the fastening hole 57H is opened. As a result, the oil inside the oil pan 57 is discharged to the outside through the fastening hole 57H.

[0059] The fastening direction of the fastening member 70 is aligned with the horizontal direction. Here, the fastening direction is aligned with the left-right direction. When the saddle-type vehicle 10 is not tilted, the fastening direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. In this tilted position, the fastening direction is aligned with a direction that is downward to the left of the horizontal direction.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the fastening member 70 here has a head 71 and a male screw 72. The head 71 is hexagonal in shape. The head 71 is provided at one axial end of the male screw 72. The fastening member 70 is also called a hexagonal screw or hexagonal bolt. Preferably, a female screw that engages with the male screw 72 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fastening hole 57H. Furthermore, the fastening member 70 here has a flange 73. The flange 73 is interposed between the head 71 and the male screw 72. The flange 73 is disc-shaped. The flange 73 protrudes radially outward from the head 71.

[0061] The outer diameter of the fastening member 70 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 22 (the inner diameter of the first pipe section 21). Here, the diameter of the flange 73 is the outer diameter of the fastening member 70. The diameter of the flange 73 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 22. Therefore, the fastening member 70 can pass through the through hole 22. The fastening member 70 may not be able to pass through the through hole 22. The outer diameter of the fastening member 70 may be the same as or larger than the diameter of the through hole 22.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, the fastening member 70 and the through hole 22 are separated along the fastening direction. Here, the fastening member 70 does not fit into the through hole 22 when the vehicle 10 is in motion. When the vehicle 10 is in motion, the through hole 22 is essentially hollow. Here, no other member is placed between the fastening member 70 and the through hole 22. The fastening member 70 can be observed through the through hole 22.

[0063] The skid plate 80 has a bottom plate portion 81, a front plate portion 85, and side plate portions 86. The bottom plate portion 81 is positioned substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The bottom plate portion 81 covers the lower part of the power unit 51 from below. The bottom plate portion 81 covers the rear part of the down frame 20 from below. The front plate portion 85 extends upward from the front edge of the bottom plate portion 81. The front plate portion 85 covers the lower part of the power unit 51 from the front. The front plate portion 85 covers the rear part of the down frame 20 from the front. The side plate portion 86 extends upward from the side edge of the bottom plate portion 81. The side plate portions 86 are provided on both the left and right sides. The side plate portions 86 cover the lower part of the power unit 51 from the sides. The side plate portions 86 cover the rear part of the down frame 20 from the sides.

[0064] A recess 82 is formed in the skid plate 80. The recess 82 is formed in the portion of the skid plate 80 located below the fastening hole 57H. Here, the recess 82 is formed in the bottom plate portion 81. The recess 82 is formed to recess inward in the left-right direction from the left edge of the bottom plate portion 81. The shape of the recess 82 is arbitrary. Here, the recess 82 has a shape that combines a rectangular portion and a semicircular portion. The side plate portion 86 is provided in front of the recess 82 in the bottom plate portion 81. The side plate portion 86 is not provided in the portion of the bottom plate portion 81 behind the recess 82. The side plate portion 86 may also be provided in the portion of the bottom plate portion 81 behind the recess 82.

[0065] The skid plate 80 is supported by the down frame 20. Here, the skid plate 80 is fastened to the down frame 20 at four points separated in the front, rear, left, and right directions. The portion of the skid plate 80 that is fastened to the down frame 20 is called the fastening portion 83. The two fastening portions 83 on the left side are supported by the left down frame 20 at positions separated in the front-rear direction. The two fastening portions 83 on the right side are supported by the right down frame 20R at positions separated in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 4, the down frames 20 and 20R may have support brackets 27 for fastening the skid plate 80. For example, the support bracket 27 may have a pair of side wall portions that protrude laterally from the pipe portion of the down frame 20 and a bottom wall portion that connects the lower ends of the pair of side wall portions. Holes for fastening the fastening portions 83 may be formed in the bottom wall portion. The fastening portions 83 and the down frame 20 may be fastened together by fastening members such as screws S or rivets.

[0066] Here, the lower part of the skid plate 80 serves as the reference for the minimum ground clearance of the saddle-type vehicle 10. In particular, the bottom plate portion 81 of the skid plate 80 or the screws S fastened to the bottom plate portion 81 serve as the reference for the minimum ground clearance of the saddle-type vehicle 10. The skid plate 80 may have a structure that increases the minimum ground clearance of the saddle-type vehicle 10.

[0067] For example, a muffler 58 is positioned above the bottom plate portion 81 of the skid plate 80. The bottom plate portion 81 is required to be positioned slightly apart vertically to avoid interference with the muffler 58. If the vertical distance between the skid plate 80 and the muffler 58 is long, the position of the skid plate 80 will be lower, and the minimum ground clearance will be lower. In this case, a muffler hole 84 is formed in the bottom plate portion 81 of the skid plate 80 in the part corresponding to the muffler 58. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the skid plate 80 and the muffler 58 even if the vertical distance between the skid plate 80 and the muffler 58 is reduced. As a result, the position of the skid plate 80 can be positioned as high as possible, and the minimum ground clearance of the saddle-type vehicle 10 can be increased.

[0068] For example, the head of the screw S that fastens the skid plate 80 to the down frame 20 is located below the bottom plate portion 81 of the skid plate 80. In this case, the portion of the bottom plate portion 81 of the skid plate 80 that is fastened to the down frame 20 is raised higher than the surrounding portion. This allows the position of the screw S head on the skid plate 80 to be raised.

[0069] The through-hole 22 is formed in the middle portion of the elongated frame 20 along its extending direction. The fastening member 70 has a head 71 that is located inside the vehicle 10, relative to the elongated frame 20, along the axial direction of the through-hole 22. The fastening direction of the fastening member 70 is aligned with the axial direction of the through-hole 22.

[0070] <Operation> The process of removing the fastening member 70 will be explained in more detail with further reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the process of removing the fastening member 70. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the process of the oil OL flowing out.

[0071] The fastening member 70 is removed using a tool TL. The tool TL used is appropriate for the fastening member 70. If the fastening member 70 is a bolt having a hexagonal head 71, the tool TL is, for example, a socket wrench. The socket wrench has a socket portion and a handle portion extending from the socket portion. The socket portion has a hole into which the head 71 fits. This hole is usually hexagonal in shape according to the head 71. The outer shape of the socket portion is circular. The socket portion can pass through the through hole 22. The outer diameter of the socket portion is about the same as the outer diameter of the flange 73.

[0072] If the fastening member 70 is a bolt with a hexagonal hole formed in the head 71, the tool TL is, for example, a hexagonal wrench. The tip of the hexagonal wrench has a hexagonal shape that fits into the hexagonal hole of the head 71.

[0073] The tip of the tool TL reaches the head 71 through the through hole 22. The through hole 22 acts as a guide for the tip of the tool TL to reach the head 71. The fastening member 70 can then be removed by the tool TL after passing through the through hole 22. As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 5, the fastening member 70 may be removed together with the tool TL through the through hole 22 after being removed by the tool TL. If the removed fastening member 70 is to be tightened back into the fastening hole 57H, the fastening member 70 may move together with the tool TL through the through hole 22 toward the fastening hole 57H.

[0074] Even if the fastening member 70 does not pass through the through hole 22, it is preferable that the tool TL can access the fastening member 70 through the through hole 22. In this case, it is preferable that the tool TL is thinner than the fastening member 70. Also, it is preferable that the head 71 and the through hole 22 are separated, and that the length of the fastening member 70 is shorter than the distance between the fastening hole 57H and the through hole 22, so that the fastening member 70 can pass through the gap between the fastening hole 57H and the through hole 22. The fastening member 70 does not need to be removed. For example, the fastening member 70 may be a member for adjusting the fastening length, such as an adjustment screw.

[0075] When the fastening member 70, which is the drain bolt 70, is removed, oil OL flows out of the fastening hole 57H of the oil pan 57, as shown in Figure 6. The fastening hole 57H is located at the bottom of the oil pan 57. Therefore, inside the oil pan 57, the oil OL near the fastening hole 57H is subjected to pressure from the oil OL located above it. As a result, oil OL is ejected from the fastening hole 57H. Since the fastening direction is left-right and the external opening of the fastening hole 57H opens to the left, the oil OL flowing out of the fastening hole 57H is ejected to the left, as shown by arrow A2 in Figure 6. The oil OL ejected from the fastening hole 57H is directed downward due to the effect of gravity. Therefore, the oil OL ejected from the fastening hole 57H travels in a parabolic trajectory downward and to the left, as shown by arrow A3 in Figure 6, due to its initial leftward velocity when it leaves the fastening hole 57H and the gravity it experiences after leaving the fastening hole 57H.

[0076] Because the fastening hole 57H and the first pipe section 21 are separated in the fastening direction (left-right direction), oil OL that flows out from the fastening hole 57H is less likely to adhere to the first pipe section 21. In addition, because a recess 23 is formed at the lower right end of the first pipe section 21, oil OL that flows out from the fastening hole 57H is less likely to adhere to the first pipe section 21.

[0077] Here, a skid plate 80 is located below the section between the oil pan 57 and the down frame 20. A recess 82 is formed in the skid plate 80 below the fastening hole 57H. The leaked oil OL travels through the recess 82 in the skid plate 80, from above the skid plate 80 to below the skid plate 80. This makes it difficult for oil OL to adhere to the skid plate 80.

[0078] <Effects, etc.> With the saddle-type vehicle 10 configured as described above, the through-hole 22 is formed in the long frame 20. This allows access to the head 71 of the fastening member 70 and fastening operations of the head 71 through the through-hole 22, even if the fastening member 70 is placed inside the vehicle 10 relative to the long frame 20. This increases the degree of freedom of the position of the frame 20 around the drive system components 57 of the saddle-type vehicle 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the hole in the first pipe section 21 is a through hole 22. This allows the hole in the pipe section 21 to be a through hole 22 by setting the orientation of the pipe section 21 to intersect with the extending direction of the long frame 20.

[0080] Furthermore, the axial direction of the second pipe section 24 and the axial direction of the third pipe section 25 are aligned with the extending direction of the elongated frame 20. This allows the orientation of the pipe section 21 to be changed from that of the other pipe sections 24 and 25 in the intermediate section along the extending direction of the elongated frame 20, which is a pipe frame, and enables the provision of through holes 22.

[0081] Furthermore, one of the second pipe section 24 and the third pipe section 25 is a round pipe, and the other is a square pipe. This allows the first pipe section 21 to be used as a joint for connecting the round pipe and the square pipe.

[0082] Furthermore, the drivetrain component 57 is the oil pan 57, the fastening member 70 is the drain bolt 70, and the long frame 20 is the down frame 20. This allows the position of the down frame 20 to be set regardless of the position of the drain bolt 70.

[0083] Furthermore, the fastening direction of the drain bolt 70 is aligned horizontally, and the fastening hole 57H of the oil pan 57 and the through hole 22 of the long frame 20 are separated along the fastening direction of the drain bolt 70. This prevents oil OL that flows out from the fastening hole 57H of the oil pan 57 when the drain bolt 70 is removed from adhering to the down frame 20.

[0084] At the end of the through-hole 22 on the drain bolt 70 side, a recess 23 is formed in the portion of the peripheral wall of the through-hole 22 below the central axis. This makes it easier to suppress the adhesion of oil OL, which flows out of the oil pan 57 when the drain bolt 70 is removed, to the peripheral wall of the through-hole 22.

[0085] The system further includes a skid plate 80 that covers the lower part of the oil pan 57 and is supported by the down frame 20, with a recess 82 formed in the portion of the skid plate 80 located below the fastening hole 57H. This prevents oil OL that flows out of the oil pan 57 when the drain bolt 70 is removed from adhering to the skid plate 80.

[0086] Furthermore, the fastening direction of the fastening member 70 is aligned with the horizontal direction. This allows the long frame 20 to be positioned outside the fastening member 70 along the horizontal direction.

[0087] Furthermore, the fastening member 70 and the through hole 22 are separated along the fastening direction. Even in this case, the through hole 22 serves as a guide when the tool TL accesses the head 71.

[0088] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the fastening member 70 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 22. This allows the fastening member 70 to pass through the through hole 22. For example, the length of the fastening member 70 can be made longer than the distance between the fastening hole 57H and the through hole 22.

[0089] <Variation> Furthermore, the components described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0090] This specification and drawings disclose the following embodiments.

[0091] The first embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle comprising a vehicle body frame including a long frame, drive system components supported by the vehicle body frame, and fastening members fastened to the drive system components, wherein the long frame has through holes formed in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the long frame, the fastening members have heads located on the vehicle side of the long frame along the axial direction of the through holes, and the fastening direction of the fastening members is along the axial direction of the through holes.

[0092] According to the first embodiment, since through holes are formed in the elongated frame, even if the fastening members are installed on the vehicle side of the elongated frame, access to the heads of the fastening members and fastening operations of the heads can be performed through the through holes. This increases the degree of freedom in the position of the frame around the drive system components of a saddle-type vehicle.

[0093] The second embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to the first embodiment, wherein the elongated frame includes a first pipe section whose axial direction intersects the extending direction, and the holes in the first pipe section are through holes. This makes it possible to make the holes in the pipe section through holes by setting the orientation of the pipe section to intersect the extending direction.

[0094] A third embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to the second embodiment, wherein the elongated frame includes a second pipe section extending from the first pipe section to one side along the extending direction, and a third pipe section extending from the first pipe section to the other side along the extending direction, with the axial direction of the second pipe section and the axial direction of the third pipe section being along the extending direction, respectively. This makes it possible to change the orientation of the pipe section and provide through holes in the intermediate portion of the elongated frame, which is a pipe frame, along the extending direction.

[0095] The fourth embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to the third embodiment, wherein one of the second pipe section and the third pipe section is a round pipe and the other is a square pipe. This allows the first pipe section to be used as a joint for connecting the round pipe and the square pipe.

[0096] The fifth embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle relating to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the drive system component is an oil pan, the fastening member is a drain bolt, and the elongated frame is a down frame. This allows the position of the down frame to be set regardless of the position of the drain bolt.

[0097] The sixth embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the oil pan includes a fastening hole into which the drain bolt is fastened, the fastening direction of the drain bolt is along the horizontal direction, and the fastening hole and the through hole are separated along the fastening direction. This prevents oil that flows out of the fastening hole of the oil pan when the drain bolt is removed from adhering to the down frame.

[0098] The seventh embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to the sixth embodiment, wherein a recess is formed at the end of the through-hole on the drain bolt side, in the portion of the peripheral wall of the through-hole below the central axis. This makes it easier to suppress oil flowing out of the oil pan when the drain bolt is removed from adhering to the peripheral wall of the through-hole.

[0099] The eighth aspect is a saddle-type vehicle according to the sixth or seventh aspect, further comprising a skid plate that covers the lower part of the oil pan and is supported by the down frame, wherein a recess is formed in the portion of the skid plate located below the fastening hole. This prevents oil that flows out of the oil pan when the drain bolt is removed from adhering to the skid plate.

[0100] The ninth embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of the first to eighth embodiments, wherein the fastening direction of the fastening member is along the horizontal direction. This allows a long frame to be positioned outside the fastening member along the horizontal direction.

[0101] The tenth embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle relating to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the fastening member and the through-hole are separated along the fastening direction. In this case as well, the through-hole serves as a guide for the tool to access the head.

[0102] The eleventh embodiment is a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, wherein the outer diameter of the fastening member is smaller than the diameter of the through hole. This allows the fastening member to pass through the through hole.

[0103] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be conceivable without falling outside the scope of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 10. Saddle-type vehicle 12. Body frame 20 Down frame (left side down frame, long frame) 21. First pipe section 22 Through hole 23 Recess 24. Second pipe section 25 Third pipe section 50 Drive mechanism 51 Power Unit 52 Internal Combustion Engine 57 Oil pan (drivetrain component) 57H Fastening hole 60 transmission units 70 Fastening members 71 heads 80 Skid Plate 82 recess TL tools

Claims

1. The vehicle frame, including the long frame, The drivetrain components supported by the aforementioned vehicle frame, A fastening member fastened to the aforementioned drive system component, Equipped with, The long frame has through holes formed in a direction that intersects the extending direction of the long frame. The fastening member has a head that is located on the vehicle side of the long frame, along the axial direction of the through hole, A saddle-type vehicle in which the fastening direction of the fastening member is aligned with the axial direction of the through hole.

2. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, The long frame includes a first pipe section whose axial direction intersects the extension direction, A saddle-type vehicle in which the hole in the first pipe section is the through hole.

3. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, The long frame includes a second pipe section extending from the first pipe section to one side along the extending direction, and a third pipe section extending from the first pipe section to the other side along the extending direction. A saddle-type vehicle in which the axial direction of the second pipe section and the axial direction of the third pipe section are aligned with the aforementioned extension direction.

4. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, A saddle-type vehicle in which one of the second pipe section and the third pipe section is a round pipe and the other is a square pipe.

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned drivetrain component is an oil pan. The fastening member is a drain bolt. The aforementioned long frame is a down-frame, saddle-type vehicle.

6. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 5, The oil pan includes a fastening hole into which the drain bolt is fastened. The fastening direction of the drain bolt is along the horizontal direction, A saddle-type vehicle in which the fastening hole and the through hole are separated along the fastening direction.

7. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, A saddle-type vehicle in which a recess is formed at the end of the through-hole on the drain bolt side, in the portion of the peripheral wall of the through-hole that is below the central axis.

8. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, The following further comprises a skid plate that covers the lower part of the oil pan and is supported by the down frame, A saddle-type vehicle in which a recess is formed in the portion of the skid plate located below the fastening hole.

9. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The fastening direction of the fastening member is along the horizontal direction, in a saddle-type vehicle.

10. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A saddle-type vehicle in which the fastening member and the through hole are separated along the fastening direction.

11. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A saddle-type vehicle in which the outer diameter of the fastening member is smaller than the diameter of the through hole.

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