Saddle-riding vehicles

Abstract

To provide a saddle-type vehicle that ensures the strength of the rear suspension mounting area with a simple structure. [Solution] The saddle vehicle comprises a pair of upper frames extending in the front-rear direction, a pair of pivot frames connected to the rear ends of the pair of upper frames and extending downward, a cross frame extending in the left-right direction and connecting the pair of upper frames or the pair of pivot frames to each other, a swing arm pivotably connected to the pair of pivot frames and supporting the rear wheel of the saddle vehicle, a bracket extending downward from the cross frame, and a rear suspension pivotably connected to the bracket at its upper end and pivotably connected to the swing arm at its lower end. In a side view of the saddle vehicle, a first line extending from the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension to the pivot axis at the lower end of the rear suspension passes through the cross frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to saddle riding vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] The saddle riding vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cross member that connects between left and right pivot frames that swingably support a swing arm, and an upper support portion of the rear suspension is provided at the tip of a bracket that extends forward and downward from the cross member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a rotational moment about the cross member acts on the bracket from the rear suspension that expands and contracts. Since the structure for attaching the bracket to the cross member is required to have strength, there is a possibility that the structure becomes large or complicated.

[0005] Therefore, an aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a saddle riding vehicle that ensures the strength of the attachment portion of the rear suspension with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A saddle vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pair of upper frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the saddle vehicle, a pair of pivot frames connected to the rear ends of the pair of upper frames and extending downward of the saddle vehicle, a cross frame extending in the left-right direction of the saddle vehicle and connecting the pair of upper frames or the pair of pivot frames to each other, a swing arm pivotably connected to the pair of pivot frames and supporting the rear wheel of the saddle vehicle, a bracket extending downward from the cross frame, and a rear suspension pivotably connected at its upper end to the bracket and pivotably connected at its lower end to the swing arm, wherein in a side view of the saddle vehicle, a first line extending from the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension to the pivot axis at the lower end of the rear suspension passes through the cross frame. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a saddle-type vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a left side view of the motorcycle frame shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a right side view of the motorcycle body frame shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the motorcycle body frame shown in Figure 1, viewed from above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the motorcycle frame shown in Figure 1, viewed from the front at an oblique angle. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the motorcycle frame shown in Figure 1, viewed from diagonally below. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a left side view showing an enlarged view of the rear suspension and its surrounding area in the vehicle frame of Figure 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of the motorcycle body frame shown in Figure 1, viewed from below. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a left side view showing the rear suspension and its surrounding components in the same manner as in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. Components in the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept will be described as optional components. The figures in the accompanying drawings are schematic and not necessarily strictly illustrative. In each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified. In the following embodiments, the saddle vehicle will be described as a motorcycle, but it may be a motorcycle tricycle or a buggy.

[0009] A saddle-riding vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the saddle-riding vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the saddle-riding vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is a motorcycle. Hereinafter, "saddle-riding vehicle 1" may be referred to as "motorcycle 1".

[0010] The motorcycle 1 comprises a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a body frame 4, a seat frame 5, a front suspension 6 supporting the front wheel 2, and a rear suspension 7 supporting the rear wheel 3. In this embodiment, the motorcycle 1 integrally includes the body frame 4 and the seat frame 5, and the seat frame 5 is welded to the body frame 4.

[0011] Figures 2 and 3 are left and right side views, respectively, of the body frame 4 of the motorcycle 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the body frame 4 includes a head pipe 4a, a pair of upper main frames 4bL and 4bR, a pair of lower main frames 4cL and 4cR, a pair of down frames 4dL and 4dR, a pair of lower frames 4eL and 4eR, a pair of pivot frames 4fL and 4fR, a plurality of bridge frames 4g, and a cross frame 4h as frame elements. In the body frame 4, at least some of the frame elements are joined to each other by welding.

[0012] Herein, in this specification and claims, the upward, downward, forward, backward, left, and right directions are directions relative to the motorcycle 1 positioned upright on a horizontally extending ground. The upward direction refers to the direction from the ground toward the motorcycle 1, and the downward direction refers to the direction from the motorcycle 1 toward the ground. The forward direction refers to the direction of forward movement of the motorcycle 1. The backward, left, and right directions indicate the corresponding directions, respectively, relative to the driver straddling the motorcycle 1 in an upright position on the ground.

[0013] The head pipe 4a is a cylindrical body having an axis in the vertical direction. The steering shaft 11 of the motorcycle 1 is rotatably inserted through the head pipe 4a.

[0014] Figure 4 is a plan view of the body frame 4 of the motorcycle 1 shown in Figure 1, viewed from above. As shown in Figure 4, the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction. The upper main frame 4bL is positioned to the left of line L, which extends in the front-rear direction of the motorcycle 1 through the head pipe 4a, and the upper main frame 4bR is positioned to the right of line L. In this embodiment, line L passes through the center of the motorcycle 1 in the left-right direction. The upper main frames 4bL and 4bR extend downward and backward from the top of the head pipe 4a, inclined in the rearward direction. The upper main frames 4bL and 4bR extend backward so as they move away from each other in the left-right direction, and then curve toward each other in the left-right direction and extend backward. The rear end 4bLa of the upper main frame 4bL is positioned away from the rear end 4bRa of the upper main frame 4bR in the left-right direction.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction. The lower main frame 4cL is positioned to the left of line L, and the lower main frame 4cR is positioned to the right of line L. The lower main frames 4cL and 4cR extend downward and backward from the bottom of the head pipe 4a, inclined. As the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR move away from the head pipe 4a, they extend backward, moving away from each other in the left-right direction, and then curve toward each other in the left-right direction and extend backward. The lower main frames 4cL and 4cR are positioned below the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR. The rear end 4cLa of the lower main frame 4cL is connected to the pivot frame 4fL, and the rear end 4cRa of the lower main frame 4cR is connected to the pivot frame 4fR.

[0016] The down frames 4dL and 4dR are positioned opposite to each other in the left - right direction. The down frame 4dL is positioned to the left of the line L, and the down frame 4dR is positioned to the right of the line L. The down frames 4dL and 4dR extend downward and rearward while inclining from the lower part of the head pipe 4a. In this embodiment, the down frames 4dL and 4dR are integrated with the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR near the head pipe 4a respectively, and extend from the vicinity of the head pipe 4a in the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR. The down frames 4dL and 4dR extend downward further than the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR. The down frames 4dL and 4dR extend rearward so as to move away from each other in the left - right direction as they move away from the head pipe 4a. The rear end 4dLa of the down frame 4dL is positioned away from the rear end 4dRa of the down frame 4dR in the left - right direction.

[0017] The lower frames 4eL and 4eR are positioned opposite to each other in the left - right direction and are separated from each other in the left - right direction. The lower frame 4eL extends downward from the rear end 4dLa of the down frame 4dL and then curves and extends rearward. The lower frame 4eR extends downward from the rear end 4dRa of the down frame 4dR and then curves and extends rearward. The rear end 4eLa of the lower frame 4eL is positioned away from the rear end 4eRa of the lower frame 4eR in the left - right direction. The rear end 4eLa of the lower frame 4eL is connected to the pivot frame 4fL. The rear end 4eRa of the lower frame 4eR is connected to the pivot frame 4fR. In this embodiment, the joining of the lower frame 4eL and the down frame 4dL, the joining of the lower frame 4eR and the down frame 4dR, the joining of the lower frame 4eL and the pivot frame 4fL, and the joining of the lower frame 4eR and the pivot frame 4fR are all bolt joints, but they may also be welded joints.

[0018] The pivot frames 4fL and 4fR face each other in the left - right direction and are positioned apart from each other in the left - right direction. The pivot frame 4fL is positioned to the left of the line L, and the pivot frame 4fR is positioned to the right of the line L. The pivot frames 4fL and 4fR are positioned apart from each other in the left - right direction and extend in the up - down direction. The upper end 4fLa of the pivot frame 4fL is connected to the rear end 4bLa of the upper main frame 4bL. The upper end 4fRa of the pivot frame 4fR is connected to the rear end 4bRa of the upper main frame 4bR.

[0019] Each of the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR includes a support portion 4fa that rotatably supports a shaft extending in the left - right direction around its axis. The support portion 4fa has a tubular shape and includes a through - hole. The support portion 4fa may include a bearing in the through - hole. Each of the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR includes an upper portion 4fb including a portion extending from the upper ends 4fLa and 4fRa to the support portion 4fa, and a lower portion 4fc extending downward from the upper portion 4fb.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle body frame 4 of the motorcycle 1 of FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from the front. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower portion 4fc of the pivot frame 4fL includes a tubular cylinder portion 4fLb that protrudes rightward toward the pivot frame 4fR. The lower portion 4fc of the pivot frame 4fR includes a tubular cylinder portion 4fRb that protrudes leftward toward the pivot frame 4fL. The cylinder portion 4fLb and the cylinder portion 4fRb are positioned with a gap in the left - right direction. The cylinder portions 4fLb and 4fRb are one of the lower frames.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of bridge frames 4g connect the upper main frame 4bL and the lower main frame 4cL in a truss shape. A plurality of bridge frames 4g connect the upper main frame 4bR and the lower main frame 4cR in a truss shape. The bridge frame 4g connects the lower main frame 4cL and the down frame 4dL. The bridge frame 4g connects the lower main frame 4cR and the down frame 4dR.

[0022] The cross frame 4h extends linearly in the left-right direction. The cross frame 4h connects the connection portion between the upper end 4fLa of the pivot frame 4fL and the rear end 4bLa of the upper main frame 4bL, and the connection portion between the upper end 4fRa of the pivot frame 4fR and the rear end 4bRa of the upper main frame 4bR in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the upper end 4fLa of the pivot frame 4fL and the rear end 4bLa of the upper main frame 4bL are welded to the left end of the cross frame 4h. The upper end 4fRa of the pivot frame 4fR and the rear end 4bRa of the upper main frame 4bR are welded to the right end of the cross frame 4h.

[0023] The seat frame 5 includes, as frame elements, a pair of upper seat frames 5aL and 5aR, a pair of lower seat frames 5bL and 5bR, a plurality of seat bridge frames 5c, and a plurality of seat cross frames 5d. The seat cross frames 5d are shown in Figures 4 and 5. In the seat frame 5, each frame element is joined to each other by welding.

[0024] The upper seat frame 5aL is connected to the rear end 4bLa of the upper main frame 4bL and extends rearward from the rear end 4bLa. The upper seat frame 5aR is connected to the rear end 4bRa of the upper main frame 4bR and extends rearward from the rear end 4bRa. The upper seat frame 5aL is connected to the connection between the rear end 4bLa and the upper end 4fLa of the pivot frame 4fL. The upper seat frame 5aR is connected to the connection between the rear end 4bRa and the upper end 4fRa of the pivot frame 4fR. In this embodiment, the upper seat frame 5aL is welded to the left end of the cross frame 4h, and the upper seat frame 5aR is welded to the right end of the cross frame 4h.

[0025] The lower seat frame 5bL is connected to the pivot frame 4fL and extends while inclined upward and backward. In this embodiment, the lower seat frame 5bL is welded to the support portion 4fa and its surroundings on the pivot frame 4fL. The lower seat frame 5bR is connected to the pivot frame 4fR and extends while inclined upward and backward. In this embodiment, the lower seat frame 5bR is welded to the support portion 4fa and its surroundings on the pivot frame 4fR.

[0026] Multiple seat bridge frames 5c connect the upper seat frame 5aL and the lower seat frame 5bL in a truss-like manner. Multiple seat bridge frames 5c connect the upper seat frame 5aR and the lower seat frame 5bR in a truss-like manner.

[0027] Multiple seat cross frames 5d extend in the left-right direction and connect the upper seat frame 5aL and the upper seat frame 5aR. Multiple seat cross frames 5d extend in the left-right direction and connect the lower seat frame 5bL and the lower seat frame 5bR.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the motorcycle 1 comprises a steering shaft 11 and a handlebar 12, and a pair of front forks 6L and 6R as the front suspension 6. The steering shaft 11 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 4a. The handlebar 12 is mounted on an upper bracket attached to the top of the steering shaft 11. The upper parts of the front forks 6L and 6R are connected to upper and lower brackets attached to the top and bottom of the steering shaft 11, respectively. The front fork 6L is positioned to the left of the steering shaft 11, and the front fork 6R is positioned to the right of the steering shaft 11. The lower parts of the front forks 6L and 6R rotatably support the front wheel 2. The front wheel 2 is steered via the steering shaft 11 and the front forks 6L and 6R by the driver rotating the handlebar 12.

[0029] The motorcycle 1 includes a swingarm 13 extending in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 4, the swingarm 13 includes mounting portions 13L and 13R located apart in the left-right direction at its front portion. The mounting portions 13L and 13R include through holes that support a shaft extending in the left-right direction so as to be rotatable around its axis. The mounting portions 13L and 13R may include bearings in the through holes.

[0030] The mounting portion 13L of the swingarm 13 is attached to the support portion 4fa of the pivot frame 4fL using bolts and nuts. The bolts extend through the through-holes of the mounting portion 13L and the support portion 4fa of the pivot frame 4fL in the left-right direction, and the nuts are tightened onto the bolts from the outside of the mounting portion 13L or the support portion 4fa. The mounting portion 13R of the swingarm 13 is attached to the support portion 4fa of the pivot frame 4fR using bolts and nuts. The bolts extend through the through-holes of the mounting portion 13R and the support portion 4fa of the pivot frame 4fR in the left-right direction, and the nuts are tightened onto the bolts from the outside of the mounting portion 13R or the support portion 4fa. As a result, the front part of the swingarm 13 can pivot relative to the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR with the axis of the through-holes of the mounting portions 13L and 13R or the axis of the support portion 4fa as the pivot axis. The rear part of the swingarm 13 rotatably supports the rear wheel 3, which is the drive wheel.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rear suspension 7 is pivotably connected to the cross frame 4h at its upper end and pivotably connected to the swing arm 13 at its lower end. The motorcycle 1 includes a suspension bracket 4i extending downward from the cross frame 4h. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the motorcycle frame 4 of the motorcycle 1 of Figure 1, viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the suspension bracket 4i is welded to the cross frame 4h. The upper end of the rear suspension 7 is pivotably connected to the suspension bracket 4i.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a link structure 14. The lower end of the rear suspension 7 extends below the position of the swing arm 13. The link structure 14 connects the lower end of the rear suspension 7 to the swing arm 13. Details of the rear suspension 7 and the link structure 14 will be described later.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a fuel tank 21 in the space between the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR. The fuel tank 21 is supported by the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR and protrudes upward from the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR.

[0034] Motorcycle 1 is equipped with a seat 22 behind the fuel tank 21 on which the driver straddles and sits. The seat 22 is supported from below by the upper seat frames 5aL and 5aR of the seat frame 5.

[0035] The motorcycle 1 is equipped with an internal combustion engine E. The internal combustion engine E is located within the space enclosed by the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR, the down frames 4dL and 4dR, the lower frames 4eL and 4eR, and the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR, and is fixed to the vehicle frame 4 in multiple places.

[0036] In this embodiment, the internal combustion engine E is a reciprocating engine. The internal combustion engine E includes a crankcase Ea and a cylinder block Eb extending upward from the top of the crankcase Ea. The cylinder block Eb includes one or more cylinder bores, each housing a piston slidably in each cylinder bore. The crankcase Ea includes a crankshaft connected to the pistons via connecting rods. The internal combustion engine E generates power by repeatedly burning and exploding a mixture of fuel gas and air within the cylinder bores. The internal combustion engine E converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons due to the combustion explosions into rotational motion of the crankshaft, and transmits the rotational power of the crankshaft to the rear wheels 3 via a power transmission member 23 such as a chain or belt.

[0037] Figure 7 is a left side view showing an enlarged view of the rear suspension 7 and its surroundings in the vehicle frame 4 of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 7, the rear suspension 7 comprises a cylindrical case 7a, a piston rod 7b, a spring 7c, spring seats 7d and 7e, and mounts 7f and 7g. The piston rod 7b includes a piston and a rod connected to the piston. The piston and a portion of the rod of the piston rod 7b are housed within the case 7a. The piston rod 7b is slidable relative to the case 7a in the direction of the cylindrical axis of the case 7a, and the rod extends and retracts from the case 7a by sliding.

[0038] The first mount 7f is connected to the end of the case 7a opposite to the end from which the piston rod 7b protrudes. The first mount 7f includes a through hole 7fa that rotatably supports a shaft extending in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the piston rod 7b, in this embodiment, in a direction perpendicular to it, around its axis. The first mount 7f may include a bearing in the through hole 7fa.

[0039] The second mount 7g is connected to the end of the piston rod 7b. The second mount 7g includes a through hole 7ga that rotatably supports a shaft extending in a direction intersecting the sliding direction of the piston rod 7b, in this embodiment, in a direction perpendicular to it. The second mount 7g may include a bearing in the through hole 7ga.

[0040] The first spring seat 7d is attached to the case 7a or the first mount 7f. The first spring seat 7d may be integrated with the case 7a or the first mount 7f, or it may be detachable. The second spring seat 7e is attached to the second mount 7g. The second spring seat 7e may be integrated with the second mount 7g, or it may be detachable. The spring 7c is a coil spring, and the piston rod 7b passes through the inside of the coil, and the spring seat 7d and 7e hold it between them.

[0041] Either mount 7f or 7g is attached to the suspension bracket 4i. In this embodiment, the first mount 7f is attached to the suspension bracket 4i. As shown in Figure 6, the suspension bracket 4i includes a U-shaped outer portion. The suspension bracket 4i includes two plate-like portions that face each other and protrude downward. Each of the two plate-like portions includes a through hole 4ia. The first mount 7f is positioned between the two plate-like portions of the suspension bracket 4i and is attached to the suspension bracket 4i using a bolt and a nut. The bolt extends through the through holes 4ia in the two plate-like portions and the through hole 7fa in the first mount 7f in the left-right direction, and the nut is tightened onto the bolt from the outside of either plate-like portion. As a result, the rear suspension 7 can pivot around the axis of the through hole 7fa or the through hole 4ia as the pivot axis.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the link structure 14 includes a first link 14a and a second link 14b. The first link 14a is pivotably connected to the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR and the lower end of the rear suspension 7. The second link 14b is pivotably connected to the first link 14a and the swing arm 13.

[0043] The first link 14a includes through holes 14a1, 14a2, and 14a3. Each of the through holes 14a1, 14a2, and 14a3 extends in the left-right direction and supports a shaft extending in the left-right direction so as to be rotatable around its axis. The first link 14a may include bearings in the through holes 14a1, 14a2, and 14a3. The through holes 14a1 and 14a2 are located at both ends 14aa and 14ab of the first link 14a, respectively. The through hole 14a3 is located at the bend 14ac of the first link 14a between the ends 14aa and 14ab. The first link 14a has a shape that bends at the location of the bend 14ac. The direction from through hole 14a1 to through hole 14a3 intersects with the direction from through hole 14a2 to through hole 14a3. End 14aa is one of the tubular sections.

[0044] Figure 8 is a plan view of the motorcycle frame 4 of the motorcycle 1 shown in Figure 1, viewed from below. As shown in Figure 8, the end 14aa of the first link 14a is pivotably connected to the cylindrical portion 4fLb of the pivot frame 4fL and the cylindrical portion 4fRb of the pivot frame 4fR. The end 14aa is located in the gap between the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb. The end 14aa is attached to the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb using a bolt 14c and a nut 14d. The bolt 14c extends through the through hole 14a1 of the end 14aa and the interior of the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb in the left-right direction, and the nut 14d is tightened onto the bolt 14c from the outside of the cylindrical portion 4fLb or 4fRb. As a result, the first link 14a can pivot relative to the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb with the axis of the through hole 14a1 in the end portion 14aa or the axis of the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb as the pivot axis. Since the end portion 14aa is located coaxially with the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb, the amount of downward protrusion of the end portion 14aa relative to the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb is suppressed.

[0045] The end 14ab of the first link 14a is pivotably attached to the second mount 7g of the rear suspension 7. The first link 14a is positioned such that the bent portion 14ac protrudes forward. In this embodiment, the second mount 7g includes an end with a U-shaped outer shape, similar to the suspension bracket 4i. The second mount 7g includes two plate-like portions that face each other and protrude in the extension direction of the piston rod 7b. Each of the two plate-like portions includes a through hole 7ga. The end 14ab is positioned between the two plate-like portions of the second mount 7g and is attached to the second mount 7g using a bolt and nut. The bolt extends through the through holes 7ga in the two plate-like portions and the through hole 14a2 in the end 14ab in the left-right direction, and the nut is tightened onto the bolt from the outside of either plate-like portion. This allows the rear suspension 7 and the first link 14a to pivot relative to each other with the axis of the through hole 7ga or 14a2 as the pivot axis.

[0046] The second link 14b includes two link members 14bA and 14bB located on the left and right sides of the first link 14a. Each link member 14bA and 14bB has a through hole 14b1 in one end 14ba and a through hole 14b2 in the other end 14bb. The through holes 14b1 and 14b2 each extend in the left-right direction and support a shaft extending in the left-right direction so as to be rotatable around its axis. The link members 14bA and 14bB may each include bearings in the through holes 14b1 and 14b2. In this embodiment, the link members 14bA and 14bB are plate-shaped members.

[0047] The ends 14ba of the link members 14bA and 14bB are pivotably attached to the bent portion 14ac of the first link 14a. The ends 14ba of the link members 14bA and 14bB are located on both sides of the bent portion 14ac in the left-right direction and are attached to the bent portion 14ac using bolts and nuts. The bolts extend through the through holes 14b1 of the ends 14ba of the link members 14bA and 14bB and the through hole 14a3 of the bent portion 14ac of the first link 14a in the left-right direction, and the nuts are tightened onto the bolts from the outside of the link member 14bA or 14bB. As a result, the link members 14bA and 14bB and the first link 14a can pivot relative to each other with the axis of the through hole 14b1 or 14a3 as the pivot axis.

[0048] The ends 14bb of the link members 14bA and 14bB are pivotably attached to the swingarm 13. The swingarm 13 includes a connecting portion 13a located rearward of the mounting portions 13L and 13R. The connecting portion 13a protrudes downward from the mounting portions 13L and 13R. The connecting portion 13a includes a through hole 13aa extending in the left-right direction. The connecting portion 13a may include a bearing in the through hole 13aa. The ends 14bb of the link members 14bA and 14bB are located on both sides of the connecting portion 13a in the left-right direction and are attached to the connecting portion 13a using bolts and nuts. The bolts extend through the through holes 14b2 of the ends 14bb of the link members 14bA and 14bB and the through holes 13aa of the connecting portion 13a in the left-right direction, and the nuts are tightened onto the bolts from the outside of the link member 14bA or 14bB. As a result, the link members 14bA and 14bB can pivot relative to the swing arm 13 with the axis of the through hole 14b2 or 13aa as the pivot axis.

[0049] The link structure 14 described above can suppress the amount by which the axial direction of the rear suspension 7 is tilted relative to the vertical direction. The axial direction of the rear suspension 7 is the direction of extension and contraction of the piston rod 7b.

[0050] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the oscillation of the swingarm 13 is transmitted to the second mount 7g at the lower end of the rear suspension 7 via the second link 14b and the first link 14a, causing the rear suspension 7 to extend, contract, and oscillate. The connecting portion 13a of the swingarm 13 oscillates on a circumference with radius L1, which is the distance between the support portion 4fa and the connecting portion 13a, around the support portion 4fa of the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR. The second mount 7g of the rear suspension 7 oscillates on a circumference with radius L2, which is the distance between the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb and the through hole 14a2 of the first link 14a, around the cylindrical portions 4fLb and 4fRb of the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR.

[0051] In this embodiment, distance L2 is smaller than distance L1. Therefore, the amount of oscillation of the second mount 7g of the rear suspension 7 can be kept smaller than the amount of oscillation of the connection portion 13a of the swing arm 13. Furthermore, the second link 14b and the first link 14a convert the amount of oscillation of the connection portion 13a into an even smaller amount of oscillation and transmit the oscillation of the connection portion 13a to the second mount 7g. Thus, the change in the axial tilt amount of the rear suspension 7 when the swing arm 13 oscillates is kept small.

[0052] The saddle-type vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, achieves the posture of the rear suspension 7 described below. Figure 9 is a left side view showing the rear suspension 7 and its surrounding configuration in the same way as in Figure 7.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, in a side view of the saddled vehicle 1, the posture of the rear suspension 7 satisfies a first posture in which the line LA extending from the pivot axis of the first mount 7f of the rear suspension 7 to the pivot axis of the second mount 7g passes through the cross frame 4h. The pivot axis of the first mount 7f is the axis of the through hole 7fa of the first mount 7f or the axis of the through hole 4ia of the suspension bracket 4i. The pivot axis of the second mount 7g is the axis of the through hole 7ga of the second mount 7g or the axis of the through hole 14a2 of the end 14ab of the first link 14a.

[0054] In this embodiment, in an unloaded state where the rider is not straddling the seat 22 of the saddle vehicle 1 which is stationary on the ground, the posture of the rear suspension 7 satisfies the first posture. Furthermore, in a 1G state where the rider is straddling the seat 22 of the saddle vehicle 1 which is stationary on the ground, the posture of the rear suspension 7 also satisfies the first posture. The 1G state is a state in which a rider with the average weight of an adult male is straddling the seat 22 with both feet on the ground. An example of the average weight mentioned above is 60 kg. The 1G state is one of the states in which the saddle vehicle 1 is stationary on the ground.

[0055] This reduces the moment acting from the first mount 7f of the rear suspension to the suspension bracket 4i. This moment is a rotational moment about the axis 4ha of the cross frame 4h. Therefore, the strength required to attach the suspension bracket 4i to the cross frame 4h is kept low. The axis 4ha of the cross frame 4h is the central axis of the cross frame 4h that extends linearly in the left-right direction.

[0056] The posture of the rear suspension 7 may satisfy the first posture when the rear suspension 7 extends and retracts. The extension and retraction of the rear suspension 7 includes extension and retraction movements from the fully extended stroke state, which is the most extended state of the rear suspension 7 when mounted on the saddle vehicle 1, to the fully retracted stroke state, which is the most retracted state of the rear suspension 7.

[0057] In this embodiment, in a side view of the saddle vehicle 1, the posture of the rear suspension 7 of the saddle vehicle 1 in a 1G state satisfies a second posture in which the axis 4ha of the cross frame 4h, the pivot axis of the first mount 7f, and the pivot axis of the second mount 7g are aligned in a straight line. As a result, the moment acting from the first mount 7f of the rear suspension to the suspension bracket 4i is kept small.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the rear suspension 7 extends and retracts, in a side view of the saddle vehicle 1, the angle θ between line LB and line LA extending from the axis 4ha of the cross frame 4h to the pivot axis of the first mount 7f of the rear suspension is 20° or less, preferably 15° or less, and more preferably 10° or less. The extension and retraction operation of the rear suspension 7 includes extension and retraction operations from the fully extended stroke state to the fully retracted stroke state of the rear suspension 7 when mounted on the saddle vehicle 1.

[0059] As a result, even when the rear suspension 7 extends and retracts due to the swing arm 13 oscillating, the difference between the direction of line LA and the direction of line LB is small. Therefore, the moment acting from the first mount 7f of the rear suspension to the suspension bracket 4i is kept small.

[0060] [others] While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. That is, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the disclosure. For example, embodiments that have been modified in various ways, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, are also included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] For example, in this embodiment, the cross frame 4h is connected to the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR and the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR, connecting the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR to each other, and also connecting the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR to each other. However, the configuration of the cross frame 4h is not limited to the above. For example, the cross frame 4h may be connected to the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR to connect the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR to each other, but not connected to the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR. The cross frame 4h may be connected to the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR to connect the pivot frames 4fL and 4fR to each other, but not connected to the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR. In addition to or instead of the upper main frames 4bL and 4bR, the cross frame 4h may be connected to the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR, connecting the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR to each other.

[0062] In this embodiment, the motorcycle 1 includes, but is not limited to, upper main frames 4bL and 4bR and lower main frames 4cL and 4cR. For example, the motorcycle 1 may include upper main frames 4bL and 4bR, pivot frames 4fL and 4fR, and cross frame 4h. The upper main frames 4bL and 4bR may be integrated as a single frame. The pivot frames 4fL and 4fR may be integrated as a single frame.

[0063] For example, the motorcycle 1 may not include the lower main frames 4cL and 4cR. The down frames 4dL and 4dR may be integrated as a single frame. The internal combustion engine E may function as a frame structural member of the motorcycle 1. In this case, the motorcycle 1 may not include the lower frames 4eL and 4eR, nor may it include the lower frames 4eL and 4eR and the down frames 4dL and 4dR.

[0064] Examples of each aspect of the technology of the present disclosure are as follows: A saddle vehicle according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pair of upper frames extending in the longitudinal direction of the saddle vehicle, a pair of pivot frames connected to the rear ends of the pair of upper frames and extending downward of the saddle vehicle, a cross frame extending in the lateral direction of the saddle vehicle and connecting the pair of upper frames or the pair of pivot frames to each other, a swing arm pivotably connected to the pair of pivot frames and supporting the rear wheel of the saddle vehicle, a bracket extending downward from the cross frame, and a rear suspension pivotably connected at its upper end to the bracket and pivotably connected at its lower end to the swing arm, wherein in a side view of the saddle vehicle, a first line extending from the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension to the pivot axis at the lower end of the rear suspension passes through the cross frame.

[0065] According to the first embodiment, in a side view of the saddled vehicle, the difference between the direction of the line extending from the axis of the cross frame to the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension and the direction of the first line is small. Therefore, the rotational moment acting from the rear suspension to the bracket around the cross frame is kept small. Thus, even if the structure for attaching the bracket to the cross frame is simple, it can have the strength to support the rear suspension.

[0066] In the first embodiment, a saddle vehicle according to a second aspect of the present disclosure may include a configuration in which, when the saddle vehicle is stationary on the ground, in a side view of the saddle vehicle, the axis of the cross frame, the pivot axis of the upper end of the rear suspension, and the pivot axis of the lower end of the rear suspension are aligned in a straight line.

[0067] According to the second embodiment, the difference between the direction of the line extending from the axis of the cross frame to the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension and the direction of the first line is extremely small. Therefore, the rotational moment acting from the rear suspension to the bracket around the cross frame can be kept small.

[0068] A saddle vehicle according to a third aspect of this disclosure may include, in the first or second aspect, a configuration in which, when the rear suspension extends and retracts, the angle between the second line extending from the axis of the cross frame to the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension and the first line in a side view of the saddle vehicle is 20° or less.

[0069] According to the third embodiment, even when the rear suspension extends and retracts due to the swingarm's oscillation, the difference between the direction of the first line and the direction of the second line is small. Therefore, the rotational moment around the cross frame acting on the bracket from the extending and retracting rear suspension can be kept small.

[0070] A saddle vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the first to third aspects, may include a rear suspension comprising a cylindrical case, a piston rod partially housed within the case and extending and retracting from the case by sliding relative to the case, a first mount at the end of the piston rod, and a second mount at the end of the case, wherein the direction of extension and retraction of the piston rod is along the direction from the first mount to the second mount, and one of the first and second mounts is pivotably connected to the bracket and the other is pivotably connected to the swing arm.

[0071] According to the fourth embodiment, the direction of extension and retraction of the piston rod is along the direction from the first mount to the second mount. Therefore, the direction of extension and retraction of the piston rod is in the direction of the first line or close to that direction. Since the direction of the force acting from the rear suspension on the bracket is the direction of extension and retraction of the rear suspension, the rotational moment acting on the bracket around the cross frame can be kept small.

[0072] A saddle vehicle according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the first to fourth aspects, comprises a seat frame that supports a seat on which a driver sits, the seat frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the saddle vehicle and connected to the pair of upper frames, and the cross frame may be located at the connection portion between the pair of upper frames and the seat frame.

[0073] According to the fifth embodiment, the cross frame can support the upper frame, seat frame, and pivot frame. Such a cross frame has a robust structure. The upper end of the rear suspension is supported by the cross frame via a bracket, thus enabling robust support for the rear suspension.

[0074] A saddle vehicle according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure may include a configuration in any of the first to fifth aspects wherein the lower end of the rear suspension extends to a position lower than the swing arm, and the saddle vehicle is provided with a link structure connecting the lower end of the rear suspension and the swing arm.

[0075] According to the sixth embodiment, the rear suspension is positioned closer to the pivot frame, and the posture of the rear suspension can be made closer to an upright posture. This makes it possible to suppress the amount of change in the posture of the rear suspension when the swingarm swings. Therefore, it becomes easier to configure the first line to pass through the rear suspension even when the rear suspension extends and retracts. Furthermore, since the lower end of the rear suspension extends to a position lower than the swingarm, a rear suspension with a long overall length can be used. A rear suspension with a long overall length can have a large stroke amount, so the rear wheel can follow the unevenness of the ground and make contact with the ground. Therefore, the riding of the saddle vehicle becomes more stable.

[0076] In a saddle vehicle according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in a sixth aspect, the link structure may include a first link pivotably connected to the pivot frame and the lower end of the rear suspension, and a second link pivotably connected to the first link and the swing arm.

[0077] According to the seventh embodiment, the first link defines the movement trajectory of the lower end of the rear suspension, and the second link restricts the range of motion of the first link. This makes it possible to suppress the amount of change in the posture of the rear suspension when the swing arm swings.

[0078] A saddle vehicle according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises, in the seventh aspect, a pair of lower frames projecting toward each other in the lateral direction of the saddle vehicle from each of the pair of pivot frames and being spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, wherein the first link is located between the pair of lower frames and is pivotably connected to the pair of lower frames.

[0079] According to the eighth aspect, the structure for fixing the first link to the pivot frame can be simplified. For example, a bracket for attaching the first link to the pivot frame is not required. Since the first link is located between the pair of lower frames, space can be saved compared to the case where the first link is located radially away from the pair of lower frames.

[0080] A saddle vehicle according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in an eighth aspect, may further include a configuration in which the pair of lower frames are tubular, the first link includes a tubular portion sandwiched between the opposing ends of the pair of lower frames, the saddle vehicle extends through the tubular portion and the pair of lower frames in the left-right direction of the saddle vehicle and pivotably connects the first link to the pair of lower frames, and a nut is tightened on the bolt from the outside of the pair of lower frames in the left-right direction of the saddle vehicle.

[0081] According to the ninth aspect, the first link is pivotably fixed to the pair of lower frames by inserting a bolt through the pair of lower frames and the tubular section between them, and tightening a nut onto the bolt from the outside of the pair of lower frames. Thus, the structure and fixing operation for fixing the first link to the pivot frame can be simplified.

[0082] All ordinal numbers, quantities, and other figures used herein are illustrative to illustrate the technology of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to such illustrative figures. The connections between components are illustrative to illustrate the technology of this disclosure, and the connections that realize the functions of this disclosure are not limited to these.

[0083] This disclosure can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of its essential features, and the scope of this disclosure is defined more by the appended claims than by the description in the specification; therefore, exemplary embodiments and modifications are illustrative and not limiting. All modifications within the claims and their scope, or equivalents within the claims and their scope, are intended to be encompassed by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. Saddle-riding vehicles, motorcycles 4bL, 4bR Upper Mainframe (Upper Frame) 4fL, 4fR Pivot Frame 4fLb, 4fRb cylindrical section (lower frame) 4h Cross Frame 4ha axis 4i Suspension Bracket (Bracket) 5 Seat Frames 7. Rear suspension 7a Case 7b Piston rod 7f Mount 1 7g 2nd mount 13 Swingarm 14 Link Structure 14a Link 1 14aa End section (pipe section) 14b Second Link 14c bolt 14d nut

Claims

1. It is a saddle-type vehicle, A pair of upper frames extending in the front-rear direction of the aforementioned saddle vehicle, A pair of pivot frames connected to the rear ends of the pair of upper frames and extending downwards of the saddled vehicle, A cross frame extending in the left-right direction of the saddle vehicle and connecting the pair of upper frames or the pair of pivot frames to each other, A swing arm that is pivotably connected to the pair of pivot frames and supports the rear wheel of the saddled vehicle, A bracket extending downward from the aforementioned cross frame, The system includes a rear suspension that is pivotably connected to the bracket at its upper end and pivotably connected to the swing arm at its lower end, In a side view of the aforementioned saddle vehicle, the first line extending from the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension to the pivot axis at the lower end of the rear suspension passes through the cross frame. A vehicle with a saddle.

2. When the saddle vehicle is stationary on the ground, in a side view of the saddle vehicle, the axis of the cross frame, the pivot axis of the upper end of the rear suspension, and the pivot axis of the lower end of the rear suspension are aligned in a straight line. A saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1.

3. When the rear suspension extends and retracts, in a side view of the saddled vehicle, the angle between the second line extending from the axis of the cross frame to the pivot axis at the upper end of the rear suspension and the first line is 20° or less. A saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The rear suspension includes a cylindrical case, a piston rod partially housed within the case and extending and retracting from the case by sliding against the case, a first mount at the end of the piston rod, and a second mount at the end of the case. The direction of extension and retraction of the piston rod is along the direction from the first mount toward the second mount, One of the first and second mounts is pivotably connected to the bracket, and the other is pivotably connected to the swing arm. A saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1.

5. A seat frame that supports the seat on which the driver sits, comprising a seat frame that extends in the front-rear direction of the saddle vehicle and is connected to the pair of upper frames, The cross frame is located at the connection point between the pair of upper frames and the seat frame. A saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1.

6. The lower end of the rear suspension extends to a position lower than the swingarm, The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle includes a link structure that connects the lower end of the rear suspension to the swing arm. A saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned link structure is A first link is pivotably connected to the pivot frame and the lower end of the rear suspension, The first link and the second link are pivotably connected to the swing arm. The saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 6.

8. The system further comprises a pair of lower frames, each of the pair of pivot frames, projecting toward each other in the left-right direction of the saddled vehicle and arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction. The first link is located between the pair of lower frames and is pivotably connected to the pair of lower frames. The saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 7.

9. The pair of lower frames are tubular, The first link includes a tubular section sandwiched between the opposing ends of the pair of lower frames, The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle is A bolt extends through the pipe section and the pair of lower frames in the left-right direction of the saddled vehicle, and pivotably connects the first link to the pair of lower frames, The vehicle further comprises nuts that are fastened to the bolts from the outside of the pair of lower frames in the left-right direction of the saddle vehicle. The saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 8.

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