Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a saddle-type vehicle that ensures visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle, suppresses an increase in the size of the area around the headlight, and suppresses an increase in the size of the cover or dummy tank in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front. [Solution] In the saddle-type vehicle 1 of the present invention, the flasher outer lens 51 is provided on the front portion 11 of the cover 10, and in a side view, it is positioned Y2 behind the axis La of the front fork 22 at the neutral position Pn of the handlebars, and at least half of the total vertical length D1 of the flasher outer lens 51 is positioned H1 above the lower end 41a of the headlight outer lens 41 at the neutral position Pn of the handlebars, and the flasher outer lens 51 has a horizontally elongated shape in a front view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a flasher.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been provided a saddle-type vehicle configured such that a headlight moves together with a steering mechanism in accordance with a handle operation. For example, there is a saddle-type vehicle provided with a steering mechanism that is rotatable by a handle operation, in which left and right front forks supporting front wheels are connected to a steering shaft via a lower bracket and an upper bracket, and a handle and the steering shaft are connected. Further, in a saddle-type vehicle in which a steering mechanism including a front fork, a lower bracket, and an upper bracket rotates by such a handle operation, there is a type in which a headlight is attached to the steering mechanism. In such a saddle-type vehicle, there is one configured such that the headlight moves in accordance with a handle operation. As a saddle-type vehicle configured such that the headlight moves in accordance with a handle operation, for example, there is a so-called naked type saddle-type vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, in a saddle-type vehicle configured such that a headlight moves in accordance with a handle operation, there is one in which a flasher is provided so as to move together with the headlight in accordance with a handle operation. For example, there is a flasher of a type (arm type) attached to a headlight via a bracket and provided so as to protrude in the vehicle width direction from the headlight, such as the flasher disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. When an arm-type flasher is provided on a headlight in a saddle-type vehicle configured such that the headlight moves in accordance with a handle operation, since the flasher protrudes to the left and right of the vehicle, the area around the headlight as the range in which the headlight and members (a meter, a front fork, upper and lower brackets, etc.) that rotate together with the headlight in accordance with a handle operation exist becomes larger.

[0004] On the other hand, flashers are sometimes designed to not move with the headlights when the handlebars are turned. For example, in the saddle-type vehicle described in Patent Document 2 below, flashers are provided on the shrouds extending from the side of the tank (built-in type flashers). Also, in the saddle-type vehicle described in Patent Document 2, the flashers are provided in front of the axis of the front fork. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-235881 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-63707 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In a saddle-type vehicle where the steering mechanism, including the front forks, lower bracket, and upper bracket, rotates in response to steering wheel operation, the front forks extend to the position (height) where the headlights are located. Therefore, in a saddle-type vehicle where the steering mechanism, including the front forks, lower bracket, and upper bracket, rotates in response to steering wheel operation, the size of the cover (tank cover, shroud, etc.) that covers at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank in a side view tends to be larger in the vehicle width direction in a front view compared to a saddle-type vehicle where the left and right front forks are connected so as to branch off from the lower end of the steering axis.

[0007] For example, in a saddle-type vehicle like the one described in Patent Document 2, where the steering mechanism including the front fork, lower bracket, and upper bracket rotates due to steering wheel operation, if the shroud extends forward beyond the axis of the front fork, it is necessary to configure the shroud to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction (outward from the range of motion of the front fork) in order to secure the range of motion of the front fork, which increases the size of the shroud in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front. On the other hand, there is a desire to suppress the size of the cover (tank cover, shroud, etc.) that covers at least a part of the side of the fuel tank in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front, as well as the size of the area around the headlights.

[0008] Furthermore, in saddle-type vehicles, it is desirable that the flasher (turn signal) be visible within a predetermined range. For example, it is desirable that the flasher be visible within a range (inner viewing angle) enclosed by a plane where the angle inward of the flasher is a predetermined angle from a vertical plane that includes the center of the flasher and is parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle (front-to-back direction).

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a steering mechanism that allows rotation by steering by steering, in which a front fork supporting the front wheel is connected to the steering shaft via a lower bracket and an upper bracket, and the handle and the steering shaft are connected, thereby ensuring the visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle, and furthermore, while suppressing an increase in the size around the headlight, the design freedom of the flasher layout is improved, and an increase in the size in the vehicle width direction in a front view of a cover or dummy tank that covers at least a part of the side of the fuel tank in a side view is suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The inventors of the present invention investigated a configuration that would suppress an increase in the size of the area around the headlight while ensuring the visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle, and further suppress an increase in the size of the cover or dummy tank (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "cover, etc.") that covers at least a part of the side of the fuel tank in a side view, in the vehicle width direction in a front view. First, the inventors of the present invention investigated a configuration (built-in type) in which the arm-type flasher, which was attached to the headlight, is provided on the vehicle body, such as on a cover that covers the tank or a dummy tank. As a result, the inventors of the present invention found that by providing the flasher on the cover, etc. (vehicle body), it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the area around the headlight.

[0011] Furthermore, when installing a flasher on the vehicle body, it is desirable to position it at approximately the same height as the conventional arm-type flasher (approximately the same height as the headlight). The inventors of this application considered installing the flasher on the front part of a cover, etc., at approximately the same height as the arm-type flasher (approximately the same height as the headlight), and positioned behind the axis of the front fork. However, it was found that if the flasher is at approximately the same height as the headlight and behind the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars, for example, the flasher may be hidden by the headlight or front fork, making it difficult to ensure the visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle. On the other hand, if the cover, etc. is configured to extend forward of the axis of the front fork while ensuring the range of motion of the front fork, and the flasher is installed on the front part of the cover, etc. (extending the flasher forward), the flasher becomes more visible, but the size of the cover, etc. in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front increases. Thus, extending the flasher forward makes it more visible, but it is necessary to avoid interference between the front fork and the cover, etc., so the size of the cover, etc. in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front increases. Furthermore, placing the flasher at the rear can suppress the increase in the size of the cover and other components in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front, but the flasher becomes harder to see.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention then considered the shape of the flasher. Specifically, the inventors of the present invention considered making the outer lens of the flasher horizontally elongated as a shape that would ensure the visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle when the flasher is positioned on the front part of the cover, etc., at about the same height as the headlight and behind the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars. By making the flasher horizontally elongated, a wide range of positions for the flasher that make it visible at the inner viewing angle can be selected. In other words, if the flasher is vertically elongated, the position of the flasher that is at about the same height as the headlight, behind the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars, and where visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle can be ensured must be near the left and right outer edges of the cover, etc. However, if the flasher is horizontally elongated, the degree of design freedom regarding the layout of the flasher is improved compared to the case of a vertically elongated shape.

[0013] For example, with a horizontally elongated outer lens, even when the outer lens is positioned at an angle, the outer edge of the flasher is less likely to be obscured by the headlight or front fork when viewed from the inner viewing angle, making it easier to see. Also, with a horizontally elongated outer lens, a wide range of vertical and horizontal positions can be selected so that at least a portion of the flasher (for example, the edge in the vehicle width direction) is visible when viewed from the inner viewing angle (ensuring a variety of selectable positions).

[0014] Thus, by making the outer lens of the flasher horizontally elongated, the layout flexibility is improved so that at least a part of the flasher (for example, the end in the vehicle width direction) is visible without being obscured by the headlight or front fork when the flasher is viewed from the inside viewing angle, including its orientation, vertical position, and horizontal position. Therefore, for example, with a horizontally elongated flasher, when keeping the size and shape of the cover the same or changing the size and shape of the cover, a wide range of positions can be selected in which the flasher can be positioned at about the same height as the headlight and behind the axis of the front fork, while ensuring visibility of the flasher from the inside viewing angle, thus suppressing an increase in the size of the cover in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front.

[0015] Therefore, if a horizontally elongated flasher is used, positioning it at roughly the same height as the headlight and behind the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars makes it easier to ensure visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle and makes it easier to suppress the size of the cover and other components in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to ensure visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle while suppressing an increase in the size of the cover and other components in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front.

[0016] Based on the above findings, the saddle-type vehicle according to each aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. The saddle-type vehicle of (1) includes a front fork that supports the front wheel, a steering shaft that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the handlebars, an upper bracket and / or lower bracket that connect the front fork and the steering shaft, and a steering mechanism configured to be displaced from the neutral position of the handlebars that causes the vehicle to move straight when the handlebars are operated, a headlight that at least a portion of which is positioned between the lower bracket and the upper bracket and configured to rotate in conjunction with the steering mechanism, a cover or dummy tank that covers at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank in a side view, and a flasher having an outer lens, wherein the outer lens of the flasher is provided on the front of the cover or the dummy tank so as not to move together with the headlight in conjunction with the operation of the handlebars, and in a side view it is positioned behind the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars, and at least half of its vertical length is above the lower end of the outer lens of the headlight in the neutral position of the handlebars, and in a front view the outer lens of the flasher has a horizontally elongated shape in which the horizontal length is greater than the vertical length.

[0017] According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above, the area around the headlight can be made smaller compared to the case where an arm-type flasher is installed on the headlight. In a saddle-type vehicle in which the steering mechanism, including the front fork, lower bracket, and upper bracket, rotates with the operation of the handlebars, the design freedom for the layout of the flasher can be improved so that the outer lens of the flasher is positioned behind the axis of the front fork on the front part of the cover or dummy tank, and more than half of the total length of the outer lens in the vertical direction of the flasher is above the lower end of the outer lens of the headlight, while the outer lens of the flasher has a horizontally elongated shape, so that at least a part of the outer lens of the flasher (for example, the end on the outside in the vehicle width direction) is visible when the flasher is viewed at an inward viewing angle. This makes it possible to make the outer lens of the flasher more visible while suppressing the size in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the cover or dummy tank.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (2) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above, the outer lens of the flasher is provided such that the entire length of the flasher is located above the lower end of the outer lens of the headlight when the handle is in the neutral position.

[0019] In the saddle-type vehicle described in (2) above, the flasher is positioned at the same height as the headlight, thus ensuring good visibility of the flasher.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (3) In the straddle-type vehicle according to the above (1) or (2), the flasher further includes an inner lens and a light source. In the inner lens, light from the light source is incident into the inner lens from the inner end portion in the vehicle width direction of the inner lens, and the light incident on the inner lens is emitted forward of the vehicle.

[0021] In the flasher of the straddle-type vehicle according to the above (3), by making light incident from the inner end portion (left end portion or right end portion) in the vehicle width direction of the inner lens, it becomes easier to emit light widely in the lateral direction, and in addition to the requirement for the inner viewing angle, it also becomes easier to satisfy the requirement for the outer viewing angle. Further, in the above straddle-type vehicle, even with a small number of light sources (for example, one light source), the irradiation portion (the portion through which the light of the light source can pass to the outside) of the inner lens of the flasher can be enlarged, and light can be efficiently emitted.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (4) In the straddle-type vehicle according to the above (3), at least one of the upper and lower portions of the inner lens is provided with an attachment portion.

[0023] According to the straddle-type vehicle according to the above (4), by attaching the inner lens to a member to be attached (for example, a substrate or a housing) above or below, the entire length of the inner lens in the horizontal direction (lateral direction) can be effectively utilized as the irradiation portion, and the irradiation portion can be enlarged while suppressing the size in the width direction of the entire flasher.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (5) In the straddle-type vehicle according to any one of the above (1) to (4), the outer lens of the flasher is configured such that at least a part thereof can be visually recognized when viewed from a specific position when the steering mechanism is at the maximum displacement position.

[0025] According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (5) above, the steering mechanism ensures an inward viewing angle of the flasher in the range from the neutral position of the steering wheel to the maximum displacement position, thereby achieving good visibility of the flasher.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (6) In the saddle-type vehicle described in any of (1) to (4) above, the outer lens of the flasher is configured such that at least a portion of it is visible from a specific position when the steering mechanism is in the neutral position of the steering wheel, while the entire lens is hidden by the headlight when the steering mechanism is in the maximum displacement position when viewed from the specific position.

[0027] According to the above-described saddle-type vehicle, while ensuring an inward viewing angle of the flasher when the steering mechanism is in the neutral position of the handlebars, the degree of freedom in the layout of the flasher can be further increased, thereby further enhancing the effect of suppressing an increase in the size of the cover or dummy tank in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front.

[0028] A "saddle-type vehicle" refers to a vehicle in which the rider sits straddling a saddle. Examples of saddle-type vehicles include mopeds, off-road vehicles, and on-road motorcycles. Furthermore, saddle-type vehicles are not limited to motorcycles, but may also include, for example, four-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles). Three-wheeled vehicles may have two front wheels and one rear wheel, or one front wheel and two rear wheels. The drive wheel of a saddle-type vehicle may be the rear wheel or the front wheel. In addition, the drive wheel of a saddle-type vehicle may be both the rear wheel and the front wheel. Furthermore, a saddle-type vehicle may be configured to turn in a lean position.

[0029] In this specification, the saddle-type vehicle is described in its upright position. Unless otherwise specified, "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle, "front" refers to the front of the saddle-type vehicle, and "rear" refers to the rear of the saddle-type vehicle. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "left-right direction" refers to the left-right direction (the width direction of the vehicle) when viewing the saddle-type vehicle from the front, "left" refers to the left side when viewing the saddle-type vehicle from the front, and "right" refers to the right side when viewing the saddle-type vehicle from the front. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the saddle-type vehicle, "up" refers to the top of the saddle-type vehicle, and "down" refers to the bottom of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0030] In this specification, "central longitudinal section" refers to the vertical plane containing the longitudinal centerline (vehicle centerline) in a plan view of a saddle-type vehicle. In addition, in this specification, when describing the lateral direction of a saddle-type vehicle, the direction closer to the central longitudinal section may be referred to as "inward," and the direction away from the central longitudinal section may be referred to as "outward."

[0031] In this specification, "front view" means the front view of a saddle-type vehicle (front view of the vehicle) unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, "front view of the flasher outer lens," as described later, refers to a view from a different direction or the same direction as the front view of the vehicle.

[0032] The "steering mechanism" controls the direction of travel of the vehicle, for example, through the rider's steering. The steering mechanism includes, for example, a steering shaft, a front fork, an upper bracket, and a lower bracket. The steering mechanism is supported by the vehicle frame, for example, via a head pipe.

[0033] The steering mechanism includes, for example, a handlebar. The handlebar is operable by the rider. The handlebar is connected to, for example, a steering shaft. The steering shaft is inserted into, for example, a head pipe and supported by the vehicle frame so that it can rotate about a central axis. The front forks support the front wheel. The front forks are located on the left and right sides of the front wheel, and they form a pair. The left and right front forks are connected by an upper bracket and a lower bracket. The upper bracket and lower bracket are members that extend from left to right. The upper bracket connects the upper ends of the left and right front forks. The lower bracket connects the left and right front forks below the head pipe. The front forks extend from near the front wheel axle down to the height (vertical position) where the headlights are located.

[0034] Thus, the steering mechanism has a structure in which the handle, steering shaft, front fork, upper bracket, and lower bracket are interconnected. Furthermore, the steering mechanism is operable with respect to the handle, and the steering shaft, front fork, upper bracket, and lower bracket can be displaced integrally by the handle operation. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, when the handle is operated, the front fork, upper bracket, and lower bracket rotate integrally around the steering shaft in accordance with the handle operation. In addition, the posture of the front wheel supported by the front fork changes with the displacement of the front fork. Specifically, the angle of the front wheel with respect to the vehicle's centerline changes. As a result, the saddle-type vehicle can be controlled in terms of the direction of travel. In other words, the saddle-type vehicle can steer the front wheel by operating the handle.

[0035] The steering mechanism may, for example, have a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft, and the steering angle of the steering wheel may be directly transmitted to the steering shaft. Alternatively, the steering mechanism may, for example, transmit the steering angle of the steering wheel to the steering shaft via an actuator.

[0036] Thus, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, the steering mechanism, including the front forks, is displaced by steering wheel operation. Furthermore, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, members attached to the steering mechanism (e.g., headlights) are also displaced along with the displacement of the steering mechanism by steering wheel operation. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, members (e.g., covers) provided around the steering mechanism are configured so as not to interfere with the range of motion of the steering mechanism or members that displace together with the steering mechanism.

[0037] In this specification, the direction of rotation of the steering mechanism, including the handlebars, may be described as "forward direction" when viewed from the perspective of a rider on a saddle-type vehicle, with clockwise rotation being referred to as the "forward direction" and counterclockwise rotation as the "reverse direction."

[0038] "The steering wheel neutral position" refers to, for example, the intermediate position where the steering wheel is not being operated. The steering wheel neutral position is, for example, the position of the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving straight. In the steering wheel neutral position, the front wheels are aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, in the steering wheel neutral position, the front wheels are facing the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the vehicle will move straight when driven.

[0039] When the handlebars are turned in the forward or reverse direction from their neutral position, the steering mechanism, including the front forks, rotates integrally around the steering axis in accordance with the handlebar operation. Furthermore, the displacement of the front forks changes the posture of the front wheels. Specifically, the posture (angle) of the front wheels changes according to the angle of the handlebar operation. As a result, a saddle-type vehicle will move in the direction the front wheels are pointing.

[0040] "When the steering mechanism is in its maximum displacement position" means, for example, when the steering wheel is turned to the position where it can be operated at the maximum angle. Various angles are selectable for when the steering wheel can be operated. In this specification, the position when the steering wheel is turned to the maximum angle at which it can be operated may be simply referred to as the "maximum displacement position."

[0041] A "headlight" illuminates the front of a vehicle. A headlight comprises a light source and an outer lens. A headlight may also have an inner lens. Furthermore, a headlight may include a housing that contains the light source.

[0042] The headlights are mounted on the steering mechanism. Therefore, when the steering mechanism is displaced by steering wheel operation, the headlights also rotate around the steering axis and change position. The headlights are mounted, for example, on the lower bracket. The headlights may also be mounted, for example, on the handlebars. The headlights may also be mounted, for example, on the upper bracket.

[0043] The "headlight area" refers to the area containing the headlight and components that rotate with the headlight in conjunction with handlebar operation. It also includes, for example, components attached directly to the headlight or via other components. Examples of components included in the headlight area include the meter, front fork, and upper and lower brackets.

[0044] The outer lens of a headlight functions, for example, as the surface from which light is emitted. The outer lens of a headlight is, for example, visible from the outside. In other words, the headlight emits light from the part exposed to the outside (the outer lens). The outer lens of a headlight may be integrally formed with the housing that houses the light source, etc. Alternatively, the outer lens of a headlight may be, for example, a separate part from the housing.

[0045] In this specification, "illumination section" refers to, for example, a part that allows light from a light source to pass through to the outside. "Illumination section" refers to, for example, a part of an outer lens component that allows light from a light source to pass through. In other words, a part of an outer lens component that does not transmit light from a light source is not included in the "illumination section." For example, a mounting part of an outer lens component that does not transmit light from a light source, or a part of an outer lens component that functions as a housing but does not transmit light from a light source and therefore does not function as an outer lens, is not included in the "illumination section."

[0046] In this specification, “outer lens of headlight” means, for example, the part that functions as the illumination part. “Outer lens of headlight” means, for example, the part that is visible from the outside. In other words, “outer lens of headlight” in this specification means the “headlight illumination part” that functions as an illumination part from which the light of the light source is visible from the outside.

[0047] For example, if the outer lens of a headlight is part of a headlight outer lens component formed integrally with a housing that contains a light source, and a part of it (e.g., the outer lens portion) is exposed to the outside, while other parts (e.g., the housing portion) are hidden by other components (e.g., a bracket) and not visible from the outside, then "outer lens of the headlight" means the portion that allows the light from the light source to be seen from the outside (the headlight illumination portion), and does not include the portion that does not allow the light from the light source to be seen from the outside.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, if the outer lens of a headlight is part of a headlight outer lens component formed integrally with the housing that houses the light source, and the entire lens is exposed to the outside, but the light from the light source is visible in a part of it (e.g., the outer lens portion) and not in another part (e.g., the housing portion), then "outer lens of the headlight" means the portion from which the light from the light source is visible from the outside (the headlight illumination portion), and does not include the portion from which the light from the light source is not visible from the outside.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, if the outer lens of a headlight is separate from the housing, and a part of it, such as the edge of the outer lens, is hidden by other components (such as the housing) and the light from the light source cannot be seen from the outside, then "the outer lens of the headlight" refers to the part from which the light from the light source can be seen from the outside (the headlight illumination area), and does not include the part from which the light from the light source cannot be seen from the outside.

[0050] In this specification, the outer lens of a headlight may be simply referred to as the "headlight outer lens" or the "headlight illumination section."

[0051] The headlight outer lens (headlight illumination portion) is positioned at a height at least above the front wheel. The headlight outer lens is positioned, for example, below the handlebars. For example, at least a portion of the headlight outer lens is positioned between the lower bracket and the upper bracket. The headlight outer lens may be positioned, for example, so that its lower end is above the upper end of the lower bracket. Alternatively, the headlight outer lens may be positioned, for example, so that a portion of it is below the upper end of the lower bracket.

[0052] A "fuel tank" stores fuel, such as gasoline. The fuel tank is positioned, for example, in front of the rider's seating position (e.g., the seat position). The fuel tank is positioned, for example, above the engine. However, the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention may, for example, not have a fuel tank. For example, the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention may be one that can be driven by an electric motor (an electric motorcycle).

[0053] The "cover" is a component that covers at least a portion of the fuel tank. More specifically, the cover is a component that covers at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank. The cover has an appearance that, for example, bulges outward. Also, at least a portion of the fuel tank is located in front of the seat. That is, at least a portion of the cover is located in front of the seat and on the side of the vehicle (outward to the left and right).

[0054] Examples of covers include tank covers provided to cover fuel tanks. Other examples of covers include shrouds for supplying air to radiators, etc. In other words, a cover may be an exterior part for covering a fuel tank, or an exterior part for transporting air. That is, "cover" as used herein refers to a component that, regardless of its function of covering a fuel tank, is positioned to overlap at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank in a side view.

[0055] A "dummy tank" is used in place of a fuel tank in saddle-type vehicles that do not have a fuel tank, such as electric motorcycles. The dummy tank may, for example, have an interior that can be used as storage space. At least a portion of the dummy tank is positioned in front of the seat and to the side of the vehicle.

[0056] Thus, although the cover and the dummy tank have different functions, at least a portion of both are positioned in front of the seat and to the side of the vehicle. In this specification, the cover and the dummy tank may be collectively referred to as the "cover member." The cover member may, for example, consist of a right-hand portion and a left-hand portion that are separate parts. Alternatively, the cover member may consist of a right-hand portion and a left-hand portion that are integrally formed.

[0057] The cover member is configured, for example, so as not to interfere with the steering mechanism. For example, the cover member is formed to avoid the range of motion of the front fork that constitutes the steering mechanism. The cover member may be configured such that, for example, its front portion is behind the axis of the front fork.

[0058] The "front portion" is the part formed at the front of the cover member (cover or dummy tank). The front portion is, for example, the part of the cover member that is visible when viewed from the front. The front portion is, for example, the part of the cover member that is formed to protrude outward to the left and right, at least the part that is in front of the outer end of the cover member. The front portion does not have to be a flat shape. For example, the front portion may have an opening. Also, for example, the front portion may have a curved shape.

[0059] A "flasher" (turn signal) is provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. The flasher is capable of flashing. More specifically, the flasher is capable of flashing repeatedly, turning on and off. The flasher is provided, for example, on the front of the vehicle so that it is visible from the front. The flasher comprises at least one light source and an outer lens. The flasher may also include, for example, an inner lens. The flasher may also include, for example, a housing.

[0060] Furthermore, saddle-type vehicles are equipped with left and right flashers (rear flashers) located at the rear of the vehicle so that they are visible from behind. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "flasher" refers to the flasher located at the front of the vehicle (front flasher).

[0061] The outer lens of a flasher functions, for example, as the light-emitting part. For example, the outer lens of a flasher is visible from the outside. The outer lens of a flasher may be integrally formed with the housing that houses the light source, etc. Alternatively, the outer lens of a flasher may be separate from the housing, for example.

[0062] In this specification, “outer lens of flasher” means, for example, the part that functions as the illumination part. “Outer lens of flasher” means, for example, the part that is exposed to the outside and visible from the outside. In other words, “outer lens of flasher” in this specification means “flasher illumination part” that functions as an illumination part from which the light of the light source can be seen from the outside.

[0063] For example, if the outer lens of a flasher is part of an outer lens component formed integrally with the housing that contains the light source, and a part of it (e.g., the outer lens portion) is exposed to the outside, while other parts (e.g., the housing portion) are hidden by other components (e.g., the cover component) and not visible from the outside, then "the outer lens of the flasher" means the portion that allows the light from the light source to be seen from the outside (the flasher illumination portion), and does not include the portion that does not allow the light from the light source to be seen from the outside.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, if the outer lens of a flasher is part of an outer lens component integrally formed with the housing that houses the light source, and the entire part is exposed to the outside, but the light from the light source is visible in a part (e.g., the outer lens part) and not in other parts (e.g., the housing part), then "the outer lens of the flasher" means the part that allows the light from the light source to be seen from the outside (the flasher illumination part), and does not include the part that does not allow the light from the light source to be seen from the outside.

[0065] Furthermore, if, for example, the outer lens of a flasher is separate from the housing, and a part of it, such as the edge of the outer lens, is hidden by other components (e.g., a cover component) and the light from the light source cannot be seen from the outside, then "the outer lens of the flasher" refers to the part that allows the light from the light source to be seen from the outside (the flasher illumination part), and does not include the part that does not allow the light from the light source to be seen from the outside.

[0066] In this specification, the outer lens of a flasher may be simply referred to as the "flasher outer lens" or the "flasher illumination part." Furthermore, the part of the flasher that is not exposed to the outside and is not visible may be referred to as the "flasher non-illuminated part."

[0067] [Regarding the position of the flasher] The flasher is located on the front of the cover member. More specifically, the flasher consists of, for example, a flasher outer lens positioned along the front of the cover member, with the light source located inside the cover member. In other words, the flasher in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention is a so-called built-in type, embedded in the cover member. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, the headlight is configured to move in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel, while the flasher outer lens does not move with the headlight in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel.

[0068] The statement "The outer lens of the flasher is positioned behind the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars when viewed from the side" means, for example, that if the axis of the front fork in the neutral position of the handlebars is used as the boundary line separating the forward region (the area in front of the handlebars) and the rear region (the area behind the handlebars) when viewed from the side, then the outer lens of the flasher is positioned in the rear region. A portion of the outer lens of the flasher may be positioned to overlap with the front fork when viewed from the side.

[0069] Next, the vertical position of the flasher outer lens will be described. In this specification, the horizontal plane passing through the lower end of the headlight outer lens (headlight illumination area) may be referred to as the "height reference plane." Also, in this specification, the range from the upper end to the lower end of the flasher outer lens (flasher illumination area) may be referred to as the "flasher vertical range."

[0070] The statement "At least half of the flasher's outer lens is positioned above the lower edge of the headlight's outer lens in the neutral position of the handlebars" means, for example, that at least half of the flasher outer lens (flasher illumination area) is positioned above the height reference plane. The statement "At least half of the flasher's outer lens is positioned above the lower edge of the headlight's outer lens in the neutral position of the handlebars" means, for example, that the flasher outer lens is positioned at a similar vertical position (height) as the headlight outer lens. For example, at least a portion of the flasher outer lens may be positioned above the lower edge of the headlight outer lens. The flasher outer lens may be configured such that, for example, more than half of the flasher's vertical range is positioned above the height reference plane.

[0071] At least a portion of the flasher outer lens may be positioned above, for example, the upper end of the lower bracket. The flasher outer lens may be positioned such that, for example, at least half of its vertical range is above either the upper end of the lower bracket or the lower end of the headlight outer lens in the neutral position of the handlebars. Alternatively, for example, the flasher outer lens may be positioned such that its entire vertical range is above either the upper end of the lower bracket or the lower end of the headlight outer lens in the neutral position of the handlebars.

[0072] The vertical position of the flasher outer lens can be selected as appropriate. For example, the vertical position of the flasher outer lens should be within 350 to 1200 millimeters above the ground.

[0073] [Regarding the shape of the flasher outer lens] Next, the shape of the flasher outer lens of the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention will be described. In the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, the flasher outer lens has a horizontally elongated shape when viewed from the front.

[0074] A "horizontally elongated shape" means that the horizontal (lateral) length is greater than the vertical length. More specifically, a horizontally elongated shape means that the horizontal length from the left end to the right end is greater than the vertical length from the top end to the bottom end.

[0075] "Front view of the flasher outer lens" refers to the view of the flasher outer lens in a direction perpendicular to a vertical plane passing through a virtual line connecting the inner and outer ends of the flasher outer lens when it is installed on a vehicle. In this specification, the direction perpendicular to the vertical plane passing through a virtual line connecting the inner and outer ends of the flasher outer lens may be referred to as the "lens front view direction."

[0076] "The outer lens of a flasher has a horizontally elongated shape when viewed from the front" means, for example, that when the outer lens of a flasher, when installed on a vehicle, is viewed in the direction of the front view of the lens, it has a horizontally elongated shape. "The outer lens of a flasher has a horizontally elongated shape when viewed from the front" means, for example, that when the outer lens of a flasher is viewed from the opposite direction, it has a horizontally elongated shape. "The outer lens of a flasher has a horizontally elongated shape when viewed from the front" means, for example, that when viewed in the direction of the front view of the lens, the horizontal length of the outer lens, from the inner end to the outer end, is greater than the vertical length, from the upper end to the lower end. Therefore, even if the outer lens of a flasher has a horizontally elongated shape when viewed in the direction of the front view of the lens, it may appear to be vertically elongated rather than horizontally elongated when viewed from the front or side of the vehicle.

[0077] Furthermore, the flasher outer lens may have an oblique shape when viewed from the front of the lens or from the front of the vehicle. For example, the flasher outer lens may be configured such that the inner lower end and the outer lower end are at different vertical positions (heights), and the lower and / or upper edges may be inclined when viewed from the front of the lens (a shape that is inclined when viewed from the front of the vehicle). Also, for example, the flasher outer lens may be configured such that the inner end and the outer end are at different positions in the front-to-back direction, and a shape that is inclined from front to rear. In addition, the flasher outer lens may have a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0078] [Regarding the optical system and mounting structure of the flasher] Next, the optical system and mounting structure of the flasher outer lens for the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention will be described.

[0079] The inner lens includes, for example, an incident surface that allows light from a light source to enter the interior of the inner lens. The inner lens also includes, for example, a total reflection surface that causes total internal reflection of the light that has entered the interior of the inner lens. The inner lens also includes, for example, an exit surface that allows light to be emitted from the interior of the inner lens to the outside. The light from the light source is incident on the incident surface along the optical axis. The light that enters from the incident surface is emitted from the exit surface.

[0080] "The inner end of the inner lens in the vehicle width direction" refers to, for example, the left end (left end or right end) of the inner lens in the left-right direction. The inner end of the inner lens refers to, for example, the inner end of the inner lens in the vehicle width direction. For example, in the case of an inner lens of a flasher provided on the left side, the inner end of the inner lens in the vehicle width direction is the right end of the inner lens. For example, in the case of an inner lens provided on a flasher on the right side, the inner end of the inner lens in the vehicle width direction is the left end of the inner lens. In the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, for example, light from a light source may be incident on the inner lenses of each of the left and right flashers from the inner end in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, for example, light may be incident on the inner lens of the left flasher from the right end, and light may be incident on the inner lens of the right flasher from the left end. Furthermore, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, for example, light from a light source may be incident on the inner lenses of each of the left and right flashers from their outer ends. Specifically, for example, light may be incident on the inner lens of the left flasher from its left end, and light may be incident on the inner lens of the right flasher from its right end.

[0081] The statement "In the inner lens, light from a light source enters the inner lens from the inner end in the vehicle width direction, and the light that enters the inner lens is emitted forward of the vehicle" means, for example, that in a flasher, light that enters the inner lens from either the left or right end of the inner lens is reflected inside the inner lens so as to spread out in the left-right direction, and then emitted to the outside of the inner lens.

[0082] The saddle-type vehicle of the present invention may, for example, have an inner lens equipped with two or more total reflection surfaces. For example, the inner lens may be provided with a first total reflection surface and a second total reflection surface, with the first total reflection surface totally reflecting light toward the second total reflection surface, and the second total reflection surface totally reflecting light toward the front. With this configuration, light irradiated from one light source can be spread in the left-right direction of the vehicle by the first total reflection surface and reach the entire left-right area of ​​the second total reflection surface. This allows light from one light source to be diffused in the left-right direction and emitted forward.

[0083] The number of light sources for each inner lens may be one or multiple. For example, one light source may be provided for one inner lens, and an incident surface may be provided at the left or right end of the inner lens. By providing one light source for one inner lens, and having light incident into the interior of the inner lens from either the left or right end, while also forming a total reflection surface over substantially the entire rear portion of the inner lens, light irradiated from a single light source can be spread out to the left and right.

[0084] The phrase "the inner lens is provided with a mounting portion at least on its upper and / or lower side" means that the inner lens is attached to the component to be mounted on at its upper and / or lower side. For example, the inner lens may have mounting portions on both its upper and lower sides. Furthermore, for example, the inner lens may be attached to the component to be mounted on at its upper side only, or at its lower side only. In other words, the inner lens may be cantilevered to the component to be mounted on at its upper or lower side. The object to which the inner lens is attached is not limited. The inner lens may be attached, for example, to the housing or substrate of a flasher, or to a cover component.

[0085] In this case, the substrate on which the light source is mounted may have a resistive element that acts as a heat source. The mounting portion should preferably be positioned to avoid being directly above the resistive element. This configuration prevents the heat from the resistive element from being applied to the mounting portion.

[0086] [Regarding the visibility of the flasher outer lens when viewed from a specific position] Next, we will describe the visibility of the flasher outer lens from specific positions for both the steering wheel neutral position and the maximum displacement position. In this specification, with respect to the rotation direction on the horizontal plane with respect to a vertical plane passing through the center of the flasher and parallel to the direction of vehicle travel (forward and backward direction), the direction approaching the central longitudinal section may be referred to as the "inward direction," and the direction moving away from the central longitudinal section may be referred to as the "outward direction."

[0087] Here, vehicle flashers may be subject to technical standards set by the government or public institutions, depending on the vehicle classification and specifications. For example, the flasher of a motorcycle may be required by technical standards to be visible within a range (inner viewing angle) enclosed by a plane that is at a specific angle inward from a vertical plane passing through the center of the flasher and parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle (front-to-back direction). Also, for example, the flasher of a motorcycle may be required by technical standards to be visible within a range (outer viewing angle) enclosed by a plane that is at a predetermined angle outward from a vertical plane passing through the center of the flasher and parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle (front-to-back direction).

[0088] In this specification, "flasher center" refers to, for example, the position on the flasher outer lens (flasher illumination part) where the luminous intensity is highest. "Flasher center" also refers to, for example, the position through which the strongest light (light of the optical axis) passes when emitted from a light source. "Flasher center" also refers to, for example, the position midway between the left end and the right end, and midway between the top end and the bottom end of the flasher outer lens. In this specification, an axis that passes through the flasher center, is horizontal, and is parallel to the central vertical section may be described as the "flasher reference axis." That is, the flasher reference axis is a horizontal line that passes through the flasher center when the flasher is mounted on a vehicle, and is an axis parallel to the vehicle's centerline. Furthermore, in this specification, a vertical plane that includes the flasher reference axis and is parallel to the central vertical section may be described as the "flasher reference plane." In addition, in this specification, a horizontal plane that includes the flasher center may be described as the "visibility reference plane."

[0089] A "specific angle" refers to, for example, the angle at which the flasher is required to be visible when viewed. A specific angle is, for example, an angle specified according to the vehicle's specifications. A specific angle is, for example, the inward angle relative to the flasher reference plane, with the flasher's center as the starting point. For example, in a vehicle of a certain standard, the specific angle is specified as 15 degrees inward relative to the flasher reference plane.

[0090] A "specific position" refers to a position that forms a specific angle. For example, a specific position is a position on the horizontal plane (visual reference plane) that includes the flasher center, and that forms a specific angle with respect to the flasher reference plane.

[0091] In this specification, a vertical plane that makes a specific angle with respect to the flasher reference plane on the viewing reference plane may be referred to as a "specific angle virtual plane." Furthermore, in this specification, the area enclosed by the flasher reference plane and the specific angle virtual plane may be referred to as the "inner viewing angle."

[0092] In this specification, a surface that has contact with the headlight on the viewing reference plane and is parallel to a specific angled virtual plane may be referred to as the "viewing boundary surface." In other words, the viewing boundary surface can be described as a virtual surface that, for example, defines whether a visible object on the viewing reference plane (e.g., a flasher outer lens) is obscured by the headlight when viewed from a specific position.

[0093] Furthermore, in this specification, the region outside the visibility boundary surface may be referred to as the "outer region," and the region inside the visibility boundary surface may be referred to as the "inner region." In other words, for example, the outer region can be said to be the region in which, when viewed from a specific position, the visible object on the visibility reference surface (e.g., the flasher outer lens) is not obscured by the headlight. Conversely, for example, the inner region can be said to be the region in which, when viewed from a specific position, the visible object on the visibility reference surface (e.g., the flasher outer lens) is obscured by the headlight and cannot be seen.

[0094] When the steering wheel is in the neutral position, at least a portion of the flasher outer lens is visible from a specific viewpoint. In other words, for example, when the steering wheel is in the neutral position, at least a portion of the flasher outer lens is visible at the inner viewing angle. To explain in more detail, for example, when the steering wheel is in the neutral position, all or part of the flasher outer lens is located outside the viewing boundary (outer region). Therefore, when the steering wheel is in the neutral position, all or part of the flasher outer lens is visible from a specific viewpoint.

[0095] The statement "The flasher's outer lens is configured so that at least a portion of it is visible from a specific position when the steering mechanism is in its maximum displacement position" means, for example, that when the steering mechanism is in its maximum displacement position, the flasher's outer lens is partially or entirely visible from a specific position. In other words, for example, when the steering mechanism is in its maximum displacement position, part or all of the flasher's outer lens is visible at the inner viewing angle.

[0096] For example, by configuring the vehicle to have a horizontally elongated outer lens built-in behind the axis of the front fork, interference between the flasher and other components (e.g., headlights) can be suppressed when the steering mechanism is in its maximum displacement position (see Figure 8), good visibility of the flasher can be obtained, and furthermore, an increase in the size of the cover or dummy tank in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front can be suppressed.

[0097] "Partially visible" means, for example, that when viewing the flasher outer lens from a specific position at the maximum displacement, a portion of the flasher outer lens is visible, while the other portion is hidden by the headlight and not visible. "Partially visible" also means, for example, that at the maximum displacement, a portion of the flasher outer lens is located outside the visible boundary (outer region), while the other portion is located inside the visible boundary (inner region).

[0098] "All visible" means, for example, that when viewing the flasher outer lens from a specific position at the maximum displacement, the entire flasher outer lens can be seen. "All visible" also means, for example, that at the maximum displacement, the entire flasher outer lens is located outside the visible boundary (outer region).

[0099] The above-mentioned objectives and other objectives, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of this invention made in reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any or all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. As used herein, the use of the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof, identifies the presence of described features, processes, operations, elements, components and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein. It is understood that numerous techniques and processes are disclosed in this description of the present invention. Each of these has its own individual benefit, and each can be used in conjunction with one or more, or possibly all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, for clarity, this description refrains from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention and claims. In the following description, for explanatory purposes, numerous specific details are given to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. This disclosure should be considered illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown by the following drawings or description. [Effects of the Invention]

[0100] According to the present invention, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a steering mechanism that can be rotated by steering by connecting the handle to the steering shaft, in which the front fork supporting the front wheel is connected to the steering shaft via a lower bracket and an upper bracket, the visibility of the flasher at the inner viewing angle is ensured, and furthermore, while suppressing an increase in the size around the headlight, the design freedom of the flasher layout is improved, and an increase in the size in the vehicle width direction in a front view of a cover or dummy tank that covers at least a part of the side of the fuel tank in a side view can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0101] [Figure 1] (a) is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a front view of the saddle-type vehicle in Figure 1(a), (c) is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 1(b), and (d) is a schematic diagram of the flasher outer lens as viewed from the front of the lens. [Figure 2] (a) is a front view showing the flasher outer lens located on the right side of the saddle-type vehicle in Figure 1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 in Figure 2(a). [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the flasher outer lens of the saddle-type vehicle in Figure 1, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 in Figure 2(a). [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the steering mechanism and the position of the flasher outer lens of a saddle-type vehicle. (a) shows the case where the steering wheel is in the neutral position, and (b) shows the case where it is in the maximum displacement position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a magnified view of the main part. (a) shows the handle in the neutral position, and (b) shows the handle in the maximum displacement position. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the steering mechanism and the position of the flasher outer lens of a modified saddle-type vehicle. (a) shows the case where the steering wheel is in the neutral position, and (b) shows the case where it is in the maximum displacement position. [Figure 7]Figure 1 shows the location of the control unit of the saddle-type vehicle. (a) is a side view, (b) is a schematic diagram in a top view, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each cable at the position of line A3-A3 in Figure 7(a). [Figure 8] This is a reference diagram showing the case where the flasher is located in front of the front fork axis. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0102] The details of the saddle-type vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples. The present invention is not to be interpreted in any way as being limited by the embodiments described below.

[0103] Figure 1(a) is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(b) is a front view of the saddle-type vehicle 1. Figure 1(c) is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 1(b). Figure 1(d) is a schematic diagram of the flasher outer lens 51 as viewed from the front viewing direction B (see Figure 2(b)). Figure 1 shows the case where the handle is in the neutral position Pn.

[0104] As shown in Figure 1(a), the saddle-type vehicle 1 is equipped with front wheels 2, rear wheels 3, a seat 4, a fuel tank 5, a cover 10, a steering mechanism 20, headlights 40, and a flasher 50.

[0105] As shown in Figure 1(a), the front wheels 2 are located at the front of the saddle-type vehicle 1, and the rear wheels 3 are located at the rear of the saddle-type vehicle 1. At least a portion of the fuel tank 5 is located Y1 in front of the seat 4.

[0106] As shown in Figure 1(a), the steering mechanism 20 includes a handle 21, a front fork 22, a steering shaft 23 (see Figure 4), an upper bracket 24, and a lower bracket 25. The steering mechanism 20 is supported by a vehicle frame (not shown) via a head pipe (not shown). The steering mechanism 20 is configured to be displaceable from the neutral handle position Pn, which directs the vehicle straight, by operation of the handle 21 (see Figure 4).

[0107] The handlebars 21 are operable by the rider. The handlebars 21 are connected to the steering shaft 23. The steering shaft 23 is inserted into the head pipe and supported by the vehicle frame so that it can rotate around its central axis. The front forks 22 support the front wheel 2. The front forks 22 are positioned on the left and right sides of the front wheel 2, and they form a pair. The left and right front forks 22 are connected by an upper bracket 24 and a lower bracket 25. The upper bracket 24 and the lower bracket 25 are members that extend to the left and right. The upper bracket 24 connects the upper ends 22a of the left and right front forks 22. The lower bracket 25 connects the left and right front forks 22 below the head pipe H2. The front forks 22 extend from near the axle of the front wheel 2 to the height (vertical position) where the headlight 40 is located.

[0108] The headlight 40 includes a headlight outer lens 41. The headlight 40 also includes a light source (not shown) and a headlight housing 42 (see Figure 1(c)). The headlight 40 is attached to the steering mechanism 20. More specifically, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the headlight 40 is attached to the upper bracket 24 and the lower bracket 25. Therefore, the headlight 40 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the steering mechanism 20.

[0109] As shown in Figure 1(a), at least a portion of the headlight outer lens 41 is positioned between the lower bracket 25 and the upper bracket 24. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1(a), in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the entire headlight outer lens 41 is positioned above the lower bracket 25 H1 and below the upper bracket 24 H2.

[0110] The cover 10 is a component that covers at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank 5 in a side view. As shown in Figure 1(a), the cover 10 is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank 5 in a side view. In the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the cover 10 consists of separate left and right components, which are provided on the left and right sides respectively. As shown in Figure 1(c), the cover 10 has a shape that protrudes outward Z2.

[0111] As shown in Figure 1(c), a front portion 11 is formed on the front part of the cover 10. As shown in Figure 1(c), the front portion 11 is the part of the cover 10 that is visible when the vehicle is viewed from the front. The front portion 11 is the part that is in front Y1 of the outer end 10a (see Figure 4(a)). An opening 12 is formed in the front portion 11.

[0112] The flasher 50 is capable of flashing. As shown in Figure 1(b), the flasher 50 is provided on the left and right sides of the saddle-type vehicle 1, respectively.

[0113] As shown in Figure 2(b), in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the flasher 50 comprises a flasher outer lens 51, an inner lens 52, a light source 53, a substrate 54, and a housing 55.

[0114] As shown in Figure 2(b), in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the housing 55 is composed of a housing component 55a and a closing member 55b. In the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the housing component 55a is provided as part of the outer lens member 59. Also, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the flasher outer lens 51 is provided as part of the outer lens member 59. From another point of view, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the flasher outer lens 51 and the housing component 55a are provided as a single component (outer lens member 59). That is, in the flasher 50 of the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the flasher outer lens 51 and a part of the housing 55 (housing component 55a) are integrally formed. The housing component 55a is formed in a hollow shape capable of accommodating the inner lens 52, and the inner lens 52 and substrate 54 are housed inside. Furthermore, the housing component 55a is closed by the closing member 55b with the inner lens 52 and the like housed inside. In addition, the inner lens 52, light source 53, and substrate 54 are housed inside the housing 55.

[0115] As shown in Figure 2(a), the flasher outer lens 51 is provided on the front portion 11. More specifically, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the flasher outer lens 51 is positioned in the opening 12 of the front portion 11. As described above, the flasher 50 has a configuration in which the inner lens 52, light source 53, and substrate 54 are housed in a housing 55. Furthermore, the housing 55 is housed inside the cover 10. Thus, the flasher 50 of the saddle-type vehicle 1 is a so-called built-in type, provided so as to be embedded in the cover 10 (vehicle body). In other words, the flasher outer lens 51 is provided on the front portion 11 of the cover 10 so as not to move together with the headlight 40 when the handle 21 is operated.

[0116] [Regarding the placement of flashers] Next, the position of the flasher outer lens 51 will be explained. The "height reference plane Fa" is a horizontal plane passing through the lower end 41a of the headlight outer lens 41 (see Figure 1(c)). The "flasher vertical range Rb" is the range from the upper end 51a to the lower end 51b of the flasher outer lens 51 (see Figure 1(d)). Furthermore, the "total vertical length D1" is the total vertical length H of the flasher outer lens 51, which is the length from the upper end 51a to the lower end 51b of the flasher outer lens 51. Furthermore, the "total horizontal length D2" is the length from the inner end 51c (left end in Figure 1(d)) to the outer end 51d (right end in Figure 1(d)) (see Figure 1(d)).

[0117] As shown in Figure 1(a), the flasher outer lens 51 is located Y2 behind the axis La of the front fork 22 in the neutral position Pn of the handlebars when viewed from the side. In other words, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the axis La of the front fork 22 in the neutral position Pn of the handlebars is used as the boundary line between the front region Ra1 and the rear region Ra2 when viewed from the side, the flasher outer lens 51 is located in the rear region Ra2.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(c), at least half of the flasher outer lens 51's total length in the vertical direction H (total vertical length D1) is located above H1 above the lower end 41a of the headlight outer lens 41 in the steering wheel neutral position Pn. More specifically, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the flasher outer lens 51's entire flasher vertical range Rb is located above H1 above the height reference plane Fa. Moreover, as shown in Figure 1(c), the flasher outer lens 51's entire flasher vertical range Rb is located above H1 above the lower end 25a of the lower bracket 25.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1(d), the flasher outer lens 51 has a horizontally elongated shape, where the horizontal length (horizontal length D2) is greater than the vertical length (vertical length D1) when viewed from the front. The lens front viewing direction B is the direction perpendicular to the vertical plane Fc passing through the imaginary line Lc connecting the inner end 51c and the outer end 51d of the flasher outer lens 51 (see Figure 2(b)). To explain in more detail, as shown in Figure 1(d), when the flasher outer lens 51 is viewed in the lens front viewing direction B (front view of the flasher outer lens 51), the flasher outer lens 51 has a horizontally elongated shape, where the horizontal length D2 is greater than the vertical length D1.

[0120] With the above configuration, the saddle-type vehicle 1 can reduce the size of the area around the headlight compared to the case where an arm-type flasher is provided on the headlight. In the saddle-type vehicle 1, where the steering mechanism 20 including the front fork 22, lower bracket 25, and upper bracket 24 rotates when the handle 21 is operated, the flasher outer lens 51 is positioned Y2 behind the axis La of the front fork 22 on the front part 11 of the cover 10, and more than half of the vertical length D1 of the flasher outer lens 51 is positioned H1 above the lower end 41a of the headlight outer lens 41. Because the outer lens 51 has a horizontally elongated shape, it is possible to improve the design freedom regarding the layout of the flasher 50 so that at least a part of the flasher outer lens 51 (for example, the end on the outside in the vehicle width direction) is visible when the flasher 50 is viewed at the inner viewing angle Rx (see Figure 5(a)). This makes it possible to make the flasher outer lens 51 more visible while suppressing the size of the cover 10 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front (cover vehicle width size Dw). Thus, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the flasher 50 at the inner viewing angle Rx while suppressing an increase in the size of the cover 10 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front.

[0121] [Regarding the optical system and mounting structure of the flasher] Next, the optical system and mounting structure of the flasher 50 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2(a) is a front view showing the flasher outer lens 51 provided on the right side of the saddle-type vehicle 1. Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 in Figure 2(a). Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the inner lens 52. Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 in Figure 2(a).

[0122] As shown in Figure 2(b), the inner lens 52 comprises an incident surface 52a, an exit surface 52b, and total reflection surfaces 52c and 52d. The incident surface 52a allows light from the light source 53 to enter the interior of the inner lens 52. The exit surface 52b allows light to exit from the interior of the inner lens 52 to the outside. The total reflection surfaces 52c and 52d cause total internal reflection of light inside the inner lens 52. More specifically, the total reflection surface 52c (first total reflection surface) causes total internal reflection of light that has entered the interior of the inner lens 52 from the incident surface 52a toward the total reflection surface 52d. Furthermore, the total reflection surface 52d causes total internal reflection of the light reflected by the total reflection surface 52c toward the front Y1.

[0123] As shown in Figure 2(b), the light source 53 is provided on the substrate 54. The light source 53 is positioned near the inner end Z1 of the inner lens 52 (the inner end in the vehicle width direction). Therefore, light from the light source 53 enters the inner lens 52 from its inner end. The light that enters the inner lens 52 is then emitted forward Y1.

[0124] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2(b), the light from the light source 53 is incident on the incident surface 52a along the optical axis. The light incident from the incident surface 52a undergoes total internal reflection at the total internal reflection surface 52c and reaches the total internal reflection surface 52d, where it undergoes total internal reflection again and is emitted toward the front Y1. Here, the light incident on the inner lens 52 undergoes total internal reflection at the total internal reflection surface 52c and reaches the total internal reflection surface 52d so as to spread in the left-right direction X. Therefore, in the flasher 50 of the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the light from one light source 53 can be diffused in the left-right direction X and emitted toward the front Y1.

[0125] Next, the mounting structure of the flasher 50 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the inner lens 52 is provided with mounting portions 56 at its upper and lower ends, respectively. More specifically, the inner lens 52 is provided with an upper mounting portion 56a and a lower mounting portion 56b. The mounting portions 56 provided at the upper and lower ends of the inner lens 52 are attached to the housing 55 (closing member 55b) via bolts 58. In other words, the inner lens 52 is attached to the member to which it is attached (in this embodiment, the closing member 55b of the housing 55) at both the upper H1 and lower H2 portions of the inner lens 52. Also, as shown in Figure 3(a), a resistive element 54a is provided on the substrate 54. In the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the mounting portion 56 is provided so as to avoid being directly above the resistive element 54a.

[0126] [Regarding the visibility of the flasher outer lens when viewed from a specific position] Next, the visibility of the flasher outer lens 51 as seen from a specific position Px will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5, for both the handle neutral position Pn and the maximum displacement position Pm.

[0127] Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the steering mechanism 20 and the flasher outer lens 51 when the steering wheel is in the neutral position Pn. Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the steering mechanism 20 and the flasher outer lens 51 when the maximum displacement position Pm. Figure 5(a) is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 4(a). Figure 5(b) is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 4(b). Note that Figures 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional view of the horizontal plane (visual reference plane) including the flasher center 51p.

[0128] As described above, the steering mechanism 20 is displaceable around the steering axis 23. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(a), in the neutral position Pn of the handlebars, the left and right front forks 22 are positioned approximately symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal section Fy. Also, in the neutral position Pn of the handlebars, the headlight 40 is positioned such that its centerline C aligns with the central longitudinal section Fy. As shown in Figure 4(b), when the handlebars 21 are operated in the reverse direction and moved to the maximum displacement position Pm, the headlight 40 is displaced to move closer to the flasher outer lens 51.

[0129] Here, "flasher center 51p" refers to the position of the flasher 50 in the flasher outer lens 51 where the luminous intensity is highest. As shown in Figure 2(b), in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the flasher center 51p is approximately in the center of the flasher outer lens 51 in the left-right direction X. Also, as shown in Figure 4(a), the flasher reference axis Ld is an axis that passes through the flasher center 51p and is parallel to the central vertical section Fy. Furthermore, "flasher reference plane Fd" is a vertical plane that includes the flasher reference axis Ld and is parallel to the central vertical section Fy.

[0130] "Specific angle Gx" refers to the angle at which the flasher outer lens 51 is required to be visible. In this embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle 1 defines the specific angle Gx as 20 degrees inward from the flasher center 51p relative to the flasher reference plane Fd. "Specific angle virtual plane Fx" refers to a plane that makes a specific angle Gx with respect to the flasher reference plane Fd on the visibility reference plane (horizontal plane including the flasher center 51p). "Inner visibility angle Rx" refers to the range enclosed by the flasher reference plane Fd and the specific angle virtual plane Fx. "Specific position Px" refers to a position on the horizontal plane (visibility reference plane) including the flasher center 51p, which makes a specific angle Gx with respect to the flasher reference plane Fd.

[0131] "Visibility boundary surface E" is a surface on the visibility reference surface that has a contact point Pa with the headlight 40 and is parallel to a specific angle virtual surface Fx. "Outer region Rx1" is the region that is Z2 outward from visibility boundary surface E, with visibility boundary surface E as the boundary. "Inner region Rx2" is the region that is Z1 inward from visibility boundary surface E, with visibility boundary surface E as the boundary.

[0132] As shown in Figure 5(a), when the steering mechanism 20 is in the steering wheel neutral position Pn, at least a portion of the flasher outer lens 51 can be seen from a specific position Px. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5(a), in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the steering wheel is in the neutral position Pn, the entire flasher outer lens 51 is located outside the visibility boundary surface E Z2 (outer region Rx1). Therefore, when the flasher outer lens 51 is viewed from a specific position Px in the steering wheel neutral position Pn, the entire flasher outer lens 51 is visible without being obscured by the headlight 40.

[0133] As shown in Figure 5(b), the flasher outer lens 51 is configured such that at least a portion of it is visible from a specific position Px when the steering mechanism 20 is at its maximum displacement position Pm. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the maximum displacement position Pm is reached, a portion of the flasher outer lens 51 is located outward Z2 (outer region Rx1) from the visibility boundary surface E, and the other portion is located inward Z1 (inner region Rx2) from the visibility boundary surface E. Therefore, when the flasher outer lens 51 is viewed from a specific position Px at the maximum displacement position Pm, a portion of the flasher outer lens 51 (the end of the outer Y2) is visible without being obscured by the headlight 40, while the other portion is obscured by the headlight 40 and becomes invisible.

[0134] Here, for example, if the flasher 150, as shown by the dashed line in the reference diagram of Figure 8, is located in front of the axis La of the front fork 22 at Y1, there is a risk that the flasher 150 will interfere with the headlight 40 when the steering mechanism 20 is at its maximum displacement position Pm. In contrast, in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the flasher 50 is located behind the axis La of the front fork 22 at Y2, so that interference between the flasher 50 and the headlight 40 can be suppressed even when the steering mechanism 20 is at its maximum displacement position Pm.

[0135] [Regarding variations] Next, a modified example of the saddle-type vehicle 1, the saddle-type vehicle 100, will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the steering mechanism 20 and the flasher outer lens 51 of the saddle-type vehicle 100, which is a modified example of the saddle-type vehicle 1. (a) shows the case where the handle is in the neutral position Pn, and (b) shows the case where the maximum displacement position Pm is. Note that Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the horizontal plane (visual reference plane) including the flasher center 51p.

[0136] The saddle-type vehicle 100 is equipped with a steering mechanism 20, a cover 10, a flasher 50, etc., similar to the saddle-type vehicle 1. Since the steering mechanism 20, cover 10, and flasher 50 of the saddle-type vehicle 100 have the same configuration as those of the saddle-type vehicle 1, the same reference numerals used in the description of the saddle-type vehicle 1 will be used in this modified example, and detailed explanations of these components will be omitted.

[0137] In the saddle-type vehicle 100, the flasher outer lens 51 is positioned Z1 inward from its position in the saddle-type vehicle 1. As shown in Figure 6(a), when the steering mechanism 20 is in the steering wheel neutral position Pn, at least a portion of the flasher outer lens 51 is visible from a specific position Px. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6(a), in the steering wheel neutral position Pn, the entire flasher outer lens 51 is located Z2 outward (outer region Rx1) from the visibility boundary surface E. Therefore, when the flasher outer lens 51 is viewed from a specific position Px in the steering wheel neutral position Pn, the entire flasher outer lens 51 is visible without being obscured by the headlight 40.

[0138] In the saddle-type vehicle 100, when the steering mechanism 20 is at its maximum displacement position Pm, the flasher outer lens 51 is configured to be completely hidden by the headlight 40 when viewed from a specific position Px. More specifically, as shown in Figure 6(b), at the maximum displacement position Pm, the entire flasher outer lens 51 is located inward Z1 (inward region Rx2) from the visibility boundary surface E. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle 100, when the flasher outer lens 51 is viewed from a specific position Px at the maximum displacement position Pm, the entire flasher outer lens 51 is hidden by the headlight 40 and becomes invisible.

[0139] [Regarding the placement of the control unit and cables] Next, the arrangement of the control unit 60 in the saddle-type vehicle 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7(a) is a side view showing the position of the control unit 60, Figure 7(b) is a schematic diagram in plan view showing the arrangement of the control unit 60, and Figure 7(c) is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of each cable at the position of line A3-A3 in Figure 7(a).

[0140] The saddle-type vehicle 1 includes a control unit 60, upper cables 80 and 81 connected to the control unit 60, and lower cables 82 and 83 (see Figure 7(c)). The lower cables 82 and 83 are, for example, cables connected to electrical components located Y2 behind the control unit 60. The lower cables 82 and 83 are, for example, cables connecting the rear lights to the battery.

[0141] The control unit 60 is, for example, an SGCU (starter generator control unit) that controls the starter generator. The SGCU controls a starter generator (not shown) which functions as a starter motor that rotates the crankshaft to start the engine when the engine is started, and as a generator that is rotated by the crankshaft after the engine has started. For example, the control unit 60 has a dimension D3 in the left-right direction X that is 1 / 2 or more of the distance D4 between the two rear frames 70 and 71 in the left-right direction X.

[0142] As shown in Figure 7(a), in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the control unit 60 is located below H2 (under the seat) of the seat 4. For example, the control unit 60 can be installed in the space below H2 of the passenger seat section 4b within the space below H2 of the seat 4. Also, as shown in Figure 7(b), in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the control unit 60 is positioned such that its longitudinal direction forms an angle with respect to the left-right direction X in a plan view. In other words, the control unit 60 is positioned at an angle. Therefore, the insertion points for the upper cables 80 and 81 into the control unit 60 are not facing the front of the vehicle but are angled, and the upper cables 80 and 81 are positioned to extend at an angle.

[0143] As shown in Figure 7(b), in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the control unit 60 is located between the two rear frames 70 and 71. Also, as shown in Figure 7(c), at least a portion of the control unit 60 is located below the two rear frames 70 and 71 by H2. Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle 1 includes upper cables 80 and 81 connected to the control unit 60, and lower cables 82 and 83 (see Figure 7(c)) arranged along the rear frames 70 and 71 and extending rearward by H1 below the control unit 60 by Y2. In the saddle-type vehicle 1, in at least a portion of the area rearward Y2 from the midpoint Pb in the longitudinal direction Y from the rear end 10b of the fuel tank cover 10 to the rear step 90, the upper cables 80 and 81 are located above the lower cables 82 and 83 by H1 (see Figure 7(c)). In other words, in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the upper cables 80 and 81 and the lower cables 82 and 83 have a two-layer structure in the vertical direction H when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y.

[0144] While hybrid systems (a mechanism that assists the internal combustion engine with an electric motor) are widespread in four-wheeled vehicles, applying a hybrid system to a two-wheeled vehicle requires the installation of both a starter-generator control unit and cables on the vehicle. However, space is limited on two-wheeled vehicles, making it difficult to create a layout that accommodates both the control unit and cables. Specifically, under the seat of a two-wheeled vehicle, there is the seat above and the rear fender (tire) below. Therefore, if the starter-generator control unit is to be placed under the seat, it must be positioned between the two rear frames on the left and right. On the other hand, the space between the two rear frames is used for other electrical components and wires, making it difficult to place an additional control unit 60 flat.

[0145] In contrast, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the upper cables 80, 81 and the lower cables 82, 83 are arranged in the vertical direction H, thereby securing space within the seat 4 and enabling the placement of the control unit 60 under the seat. In other words, in the saddle-type vehicle 1, by arranging the upper cables 80, 81 and the lower cables 82, 83 in the vertical direction H (creating a two-story structure), the space under the seat can be used efficiently, and multiple cables can be routed through it.

[0146] Furthermore, in the saddle-type vehicle 1, the control unit 60 is positioned such that at least a portion of it is below H2 below the rear frame 70, 71. This allows for a greater thickness of the seat 4 (making the seat 4 thicker) and improves the cushioning of the seat 4.

[0147] The saddle-type vehicle 1 may be provided with a cross plate 72, which is a sheet metal member connecting the two rear frames 70 and 71. Alternatively, for example, the saddle-type vehicle 1 may have a control unit 60 placed on the cross plate 72, and a structure in which lower cables 82 and 83 (for example, cables for rear lights) pass through the lower part H2 of the cross plate 72.

[0148] This configuration allows the lower cables 82 and 83 to be connected without the worker having to lift the control unit 60 with one hand during assembly, thus simplifying the connection process. Additionally, the heat from the control unit 60 can be dissipated through the metal cross plate 72. Furthermore, the lower cables 82 and 83 can be positioned using the space under the seat (the space above the rear fender 6, H1), which allows them to be positioned without significant bending and restricts their vertical movement H.

[0149] (Other embodiments) Embodiments and modifications described and illustrated herein are for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of this disclosure and do not limit the spirit of this disclosure. The above embodiments and modifications may be modified and improved without departing from their spirit. This spirit includes equivalent elements, modifications, deletions, combinations (e.g., combinations of features spanning embodiments and modifications), improvements, and changes that can be recognized by a person skilled in the art based on the embodiments disclosed herein. The limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the terms used in those claims and should not be limited to the embodiments and modifications described herein or in the prosecution of this application. Such embodiments and modifications should be interpreted as non-exclusive. For example, in this specification, the terms “preferred” and “good” are non-exclusive and mean “preferred but not limited to” and “good but not limited to.” [Explanation of Symbols]

[0150] 1. Saddle-type vehicle 2 Front wheels 5 Fuel tank 10 Covers 11 Front part 20 Steering mechanism 21 Handle 22 Front Fork 23 Steering axis 24 Upper Bracket 25 Lower Bracket 40 Headlights 41 Headlight outer lens 41a Bottom end 50 Flasher 51 Flasher outer lens 100 Saddle-type vehicle B Lens front view Pm Maximum displacement position Pn Handle neutral position Px Specific location Rb flasher vertical range

Claims

1. A steering mechanism comprising a front fork supporting the front wheel, a steering shaft that rotates in conjunction with the operation of the handlebars, and an upper bracket and / or lower bracket connecting the front fork and the steering shaft, wherein the steering mechanism is configured to be displaced from the neutral position of the handlebars that causes the vehicle to move straight when the handlebars are operated, A headlight, at least a portion of which is positioned between the lower bracket and the upper bracket and configured to rotate in conjunction with the steering mechanism, A cover or dummy tank that covers at least a portion of the side of the fuel tank in a side view, It is equipped with a flasher having an outer lens, A saddle-type vehicle configured such that the outer lens of the flasher is provided on the front of the cover or the dummy tank so as not to move together with the headlight when the handle is operated, and in a side view, it is positioned behind the axis of the front fork at the neutral position of the handle, and at least half of its vertical length is above the lower end of the outer lens of the headlight at the neutral position of the handle, and in a front view of the outer lens of the flasher, it has a horizontally elongated shape in which the horizontal length is greater than the vertical length.

2. In the saddle-type vehicle described in claim 1, A saddle-type vehicle in which the outer lens of the flasher is positioned such that its entire vertical length is above the lower end of the outer lens of the headlight when the handlebars are in the neutral position.

3. In the saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The flasher further comprises an inner lens and a light source. The inner lens is a saddle-type vehicle into which light from the light source enters the interior of the inner lens from the inner end in the vehicle width direction, and the light that enters the inner lens is emitted forward of the vehicle.

4. In the saddle-type vehicle described in claim 3, The inner lens is a saddle-type vehicle in which a mounting portion is provided on at least one of the upper and lower sides.

5. In a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The outer lens of the flasher is configured such that at least a portion of it can be seen from a specific position when the steering mechanism is in its maximum displacement position.

6. In a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The outer lens of the flasher is configured such that at least a portion of it is visible from a specific position when the steering mechanism is in the neutral position of the steering wheel, while the entire lens is hidden by the headlight when the steering mechanism is in the maximum displacement position when viewed from that specific position.

Images