Fenders and vehicles

Abstract

The objective is to improve the strength of the fender. [Solution] The fender 50 is a fender that covers the front wheel 12 supported by the front fork 10, and comprises a rear part 60 and a front part 70 that extends forward of the rear part 60. The front part 70 includes a first overlapping portion 72W, and the rear part 60 includes a second overlapping portion 60W that overlaps the first overlapping portion. At least a portion of the overlapping portion of the first overlapping portion 72W and the second overlapping portion 62W is located forward of the front fork 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fender covering a wheel and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a front fender having a split structure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The fender extends forward while covering the front wheel from above. There is room for improvement in the strength of such a fender.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to improve the strength of the fender.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The fender of this disclosure is a fender covering the front wheel supported by the front fork, and includes a rear component and a front component extending forward of the rear component, the front component includes a first overlapping portion, the rear component includes a second overlapping portion overlapping the first overlapping portion, and at least a part of the overlapping portion of the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion is located in front of the front fork.

[0007] The vehicle of this disclosure is a vehicle including the above fender.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to this disclosure, the strength of the fender is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view showing the fender. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fender. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the fender. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the fastening and fixing structure of the overlapping portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the fastening and fixing structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes a fender according to an embodiment and a vehicle equipped with said fender.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing a vehicle 10 equipped with a fender 50. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the vehicle 10 is a motorcycle. The vehicle 10 may be a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 10 may be a saddle-type vehicle driven by a user, who is a driver, while straddling the seat. The vehicle may also be an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle).

[0012] The vehicle 10 comprises a main frame 30, front wheels 12, rear wheels 14, and a steering device 20.

[0013] In the following description, when referring to up and down, front and back, and left and right, each direction is defined as follows. First, the side on which the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 14 of the vehicle 10 contact the road surface is the bottom, and the opposite side is the top. Also, the traveling direction when the vehicle 10 is traveling is the front, and the opposite side is the back. Further, with the driver facing forward and boarding the vehicle 10, the left and right with respect to the driver are the left and right of the vehicle 10. In the present embodiment, the left-right direction may be referred to as the vehicle width direction or the width direction.

[0014] A steering shaft 32 is rotatably inserted into a head pipe 31 at the front portion of the main frame 30. A pair of upper and lower brackets 34 are supported on the steering shaft 32. By the brackets 34, the left and right front forks 40 are supported so as to extend downward.

[0015] The front wheels 12 are rotatably supported by the front forks 40. The front wheels 12 are located between the left and right front forks 40.

[0016] The front fork 40 is a suspension that absorbs the impact applied to the front wheels 12 by the inner tube moving in and out with respect to the outer tube. The front fork 40 may include a spring that expands and contracts upon receiving an impact. An oil damper that generates a damping resistance force due to the resistance of the working fluid may be incorporated in the front fork 40.

[0017] One of the outer tube and the inner tube is supported by the bracket 34, and the other supports the front wheels 12. Which of the outer tube and the inner tube supports the front wheels 12 is arbitrary.

[0018] The rear wheels 14 are rotatably supported via a swing arm 28 on the rear side of the main frame 30. The handle device 20 is supported on the front side of the main frame 30.

[0019] With the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 14 in contact with the road surface, the vehicle 10 can travel on the road surface by rotating the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 14. When the steering wheel device 20 is rotated, the front wheels 12 rotate around the steering axis. Thereby, the vehicle 10 can change its traveling direction.

[0020] Further, the vehicle 10 includes a motor unit 36. The motor unit 36 is supported by the main frame 30. The motor unit 36 includes a motor 37 for driving the vehicle. The motor 37 may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The motor unit 36 is supported directly or indirectly by the main frame 30.

[0021] The rotational driving force of the motor unit 36 is transmitted to the rear wheels 14 via a transmission mechanism 27. The transmission mechanism 27 may be, for example, a chain wound around a gear provided on the output shaft of the motor unit 36 and a gear provided on the rear wheels 14. As another example, an annular belt such as a toothed belt may be used as the transmission mechanism.

[0022] The vehicle 10 may include an energy storage device 38 for storing energy for driving the motor unit 36. The storage device 38 may be, for example, a tank for storing fuel. The storage device may be, for example, a battery for storing electric energy.

[0023] The vehicle 10 further includes a seat 26 on which the driver sits. The seat 26 is a seat on which the driver sits. The driver can operate the steering wheel device 20 while sitting on the seat 26.

[0024] The vehicle 10 may include a cover. The cover may cover the main frame 30 and the motor unit 36 from the left and right. The cover may cover the steering wheel device 20 from the front.

[0025] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a fender 50 that covers the front wheel 12. The fender 50 serves to prevent mud, sand, or pebbles kicked up by the front wheel 12 from being scattered around. The fender 50 may be a front fender.

[0026] The fender 50 does not need to cover the entire front wheel 12 in a plan view, but only needs to cover at least a portion of the front wheel 12. The fender 50 may also cover the rear of the front wheel 12 in a plan view. The fender 50 may extend in an arc along the outer circumference of the front wheel 12. The fender 50 is supported by the front fork 40 and may move up and down with the front wheel 12 relative to the main frame 30.

[0027] Let's explain fender 50 in more detail. Figure 2 is a side view of fender 50. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of fender 50. Figure 4 is a front view of fender 50. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4 along line VV. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 along line VI-VI.

[0028] The left and right front forks 40 extend diagonally downward and forward from the bracket 34. The left and right front forks 40 extend parallel to each other with a gap between them in the vehicle width direction. Bearing components 42 are attached to the lower ends of the left and right front forks 40.

[0029] The axle shaft 43 of the front wheel 12 is supported between the left and right bearing components 42. As a result, the front wheel 12 is rotatably supported between the left and right front forks 40 by the left and right front forks 40.

[0030] At least a portion of the fender 50 is located between the left and right front forks 40 and overlaps the front wheel 12.

[0031] The fender 50 comprises a rear part 60 and a front part 70. The front part 70 is a part that extends forward from the rear part 60.

[0032] For example, the rear part 60 overlaps the front wheel 12 diagonally above and behind, and the front part 70 overlaps the front wheel 12 above.

[0033] The front component 70 includes a first overlapping portion 72W. The rear component 60 includes a second overlapping portion 62W. On the outer circumference of the front wheel 12, the second overlapping portion 62W overlaps the first overlapping portion 72W.

[0034] The front part 70 extends forward from the overlapping portion of the first overlapping section 72W and the second overlapping section 62W, and covers the front wheel 12.

[0035] At least a portion of the overlapping section between the first overlapping section 72W and the second overlapping section 62W is located in front of the front fork 40.

[0036] For example, the rear component 60 passes between the left and right front forks 40 and extends outwards from the front and rear of the front forks 40. The front component 70 overlaps the rear component 60 in front of the front forks 40 and extends further forward from the rear component 60.

[0037] At least a portion of the fender 50 may overlap at least a portion of the front fork 40. For example, the fender 50 may overlap the front wheel 12 between the front fork 40 and the front wheel 12. For example, the fender 50 may overlap the front fork 40 from the front.

[0038] If the fender 50 comprises a rear part 60 and a front part 70, it offers greater design freedom than if the fender were made from a single piece. For example, if the fender is molded from resin, a single-piece fender may have limited design freedom due to molding constraints. However, if the fender 50 comprises a rear part 60 and a front part 70, the rear part 60 and the front part 70 are molded separately, reducing molding constraints and increasing the design freedom of the fender 50.

[0039] The rear component 60 and the front component 70 will be described in more detail.

[0040] The front component 70 includes a front circumferential portion 72 that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel 12. The front circumferential portion 72 is, for example, the portion of the front wheel 12 that covers the tread surface 12f. For example, the front circumferential portion 72 may be understood as the portion that extends along the outer circumference of the front wheel 12, showing an arc-shaped cross-section that curves convexly outward in a cross-section along the radial direction of the front wheel 12.

[0041] The front circumferential portion 72 may, for example, be located directly above the axle shaft 43 and cover the outer circumference of the front wheel 12 from above. The front circumferential portion 72 may, for example, be located in front of the front fork 40 and cover the outer circumference of the front wheel 12 from above.

[0042] The widest part of the front circumferential portion 72 may be wider than the width of the front wheel 12. For example, the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 may be wider than the width of the front wheel 12. The front circumferential portion 72 may gradually narrow towards the front.

[0043] The rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 is the first overlapping portion 72W. In the front-rear direction, the ratio that the first overlapping portion 72W occupies to the front circumferential portion 72 is arbitrary.

[0044] In the vehicle width direction, the entire rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 may overlap with the rear component 60, or a part of the rear end may overlap with the rear component 60. In this embodiment, the entire widthwise portion of the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 is the first overlapping portion 72W.

[0045] The front component 70 may include a front radial portion 76 that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel 12. The front radial portion 76 is provided on both the left and right sides. The front radial portion 76 may be understood as the portion extending from the right or left end of the front circumferential portion 72 toward the inner circumference of the front wheel 12. The front radial portion 76 may also be understood as the portion extending from the right or left end of the front circumferential portion 72 along the front fork 40 toward the tip of the front fork 40.

[0046] In this embodiment, the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 is located in front of the front fork 40. The front radial portion 76 is located outside the front wheel 12 in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the right or left end of the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72. The front radial portion 76 extends from the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 along the right or left front fork 40 toward the inner circumference of the front wheel 12.

[0047] The front component 70 can be attached to the front fork 40 via the front radial portion 76. The front radial portion 76 can overlap the front fork 40 and protect it.

[0048] The rear component 60 includes a rear circumferential portion 62 that overlaps the outer circumference of the front wheel 12. The rear circumferential portion 62 is, for example, the portion of the front wheel 12 that overlaps the tread surface 12f, similar to the front circumferential portion 72. For example, the rear circumferential portion 62 may be understood as the portion that exhibits an arc-shaped cross-section and extends along the outer circumference of the front wheel 12, similar to the front circumferential portion 72.

[0049] The rear circumferential portion 62 may, for example, be positioned diagonally upward with respect to the axle shaft 43 and cover the outer circumference of the front wheel 12 from above. The rear circumferential portion 62 may, for example, cover the outer circumference of the front wheel 12 from above before and after the point where the front fork 40 and the outer circumference of the front wheel 12 intersect in a side view.

[0050] In this embodiment, the front end of the rear circumferential portion 62 is located in front of the front fork 40, and the rear end of the rear circumferential portion 62 is located behind the front fork 40. The longitudinal middle portion of the rear circumferential portion 62 is located between the left and right front forks 40.

[0051] The front end of the rear circumferential portion 62 is the second overlapping portion 62W. In the front-rear direction, the ratio that the second overlapping portion 62W occupies to the rear circumferential portion 62 is arbitrary.

[0052] The entire front end of the rear circumferential portion 62 in the vehicle width direction may overlap with the front part 70, or a part of the front end in the vehicle width direction may overlap with the front part 70. In this embodiment, the entire front end of the rear circumferential portion 62 in the width direction is the second overlapping portion 62W.

[0053] The rear component 60 may include a rear radial portion 66 that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel 12. The rear radial portion 66 is provided on both the left and right sides. The rear radial portion 66 may be understood as the portion extending from the right or left end of the rear circumferential portion 62 toward the inner circumference of the front wheel 12. The rear radial portion 66 may be understood as the portion extending from the right or left end of the rear circumferential portion 62 along the front fork 40 toward the tip of the front fork 40.

[0054] The rear radial portion 66 is located outside the front wheel 12 in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the right or left end of the longitudinal middle portion of the rear circumferential portion 62. The rear radial portion 66 extends from the longitudinal middle portion of the rear circumferential portion 62 along the right or left front fork 40 toward the inner circumference of the front wheel 12.

[0055] The rear component 60 can be attached to the front fork 40 via a rear radial portion 66. The rear radial portion 66 can overlap the front fork 40 and protect it.

[0056] Here, we compare the inner corner portion 70c of the front part 70 with the inner corner portion 60c of the rear part 60. An inner corner portion is the inner part of the corner between two parts that connect at an angle.

[0057] The inner corner portion 70c of the front part 70 is the portion that, when viewed along the width direction, extends inward from the corner portion with respect to the extension line La of the inner circumferential edge of the front circumferential portion 72 and the extension line Lb of the front radial portion 76.

[0058] The inner corner portion 60c of the rear component 60 is the portion that, when viewed along the width direction, extends inward from the corner portion relative to the extension line Lc of the inner circumferential edge of the rear circumferential portion 62 and the extension line Ld of the rear edge of the rear radial portion 66.

[0059] When viewed along the width direction, the area of ​​the rear corner portion 60c is larger than the area of ​​the front corner portion 70c. For example, when viewed along the width direction, the area of ​​the front part 70 enclosed by extension lines La and Lb is smaller than the area of ​​the rear part 60 enclosed by extension lines Lc and Ld. When viewed along the width direction, the distance between the intersection of the front extension lines La and Lb and the edge of the corner portion 70c is smaller than the distance between the intersection of the rear extension lines Lc and Ld and the edge of the corner portion 60c. Also, the area where the rear circumferential portion 62 and the rear radial portion 66 connect may be wider than the area where the front circumferential portion 72 and the front radial portion 76 connect.

[0060] In this case, the rear circumferential portion 62 is firmly supported by the rear radial portion 66, which is connected to the rear circumferential portion 62 over a wider area. The front circumferential portion 72 is firmly supported by the second overlapping portion 62W and the front radial portion 76.

[0061] Furthermore, the area of ​​the front corner portion 70c is smaller than the area of ​​the rear corner portion 60d. This makes it possible to lighten the front part 70. Also, the front circumferential portion 72 appears to extend outwards in a long, slender manner. Thus, the fender 50 can give a sharp impression.

[0062] The material of the front part 70 and the rear part 60 are arbitrary. For example, the front part 70 and the rear part 60 may be made of resin. The resin may be, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PP (polypropylene), or PE (polyethylene). The resin may also contain reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers.

[0063] The front part 70 and the rear part 60 may be made of different materials. Different materials mean that either of their physical properties is different.

[0064] The front part 70 may be made of a material that has better paint adhesion than the rear part 60. Paint adhesion may be evaluated, for example, by the adhesion (cross-cut method) according to JIS K5600-5-6:1999, based on the paint to be applied to the front part 70. ABS is an example of a resin with good paintability.

[0065] The rear component 60 may have higher strength than the front component 70. For example, the strength may be evaluated using the flexural modulus of elasticity according to JIS K7171:2016 or the tensile modulus of elasticity according to JIS K7161:2014.

[0066] By mixing reinforcing fibers into the resin, high strength can be achieved.

[0067] The front part 70 may be made of ABS and the rear part 60 may be made of PP. If the front part 70 is made of ABS, paintability, such as paint adhesion, can be improved. The front part 70 of the fender 50 is easily visible on the vehicle 10 as a whole. Making it easy to paint the easily visible front part 70 makes it easier to improve the appearance of the vehicle 10 and increase the variety of designs.

[0068] Furthermore, using PP (polypropylene) for the rear part 60 makes it easier to reduce weight. In other words, if the front part 70 is made of ABS and the rear part 60 is made of PP, it is easier to reduce the overall weight of the fender 50 while improving its design.

[0069] The overlapping portion between the first overlapping section 72W and the second overlapping section 62W will be explained in more detail.

[0070] The first overlapping portion 72W is located at the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72. The first overlapping portion 72W may be wider than the portion of the front circumferential portion 72 that is in front of the first overlapping portion 72W. The rear end edge of the first overlapping portion 72W may be formed in a shape that is recessed toward the front.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first overlapping portion 72W extends at the rear end of the front circumferential portion 72 such that the portions on both sides in the width direction are located further back than the central portion in the width direction.

[0072] The second overlapping portion 62W is located at the front end of the rear circumferential portion 62. The second overlapping portion 62W may be wider than the portion of the rear circumferential portion 62 that is further rear than the second overlapping portion 62W. The second overlapping portion 62W may protrude further away from the axle shaft 43 than the portion of the rear circumferential portion 62 that is further rear than the second overlapping portion 62W.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second overlapping portion 62W protrudes outward from the rear circumferential portion 62 compared to the other portions, and widens so that both sides in the width direction are located further rearward than the central portion in the width direction.

[0074] The first overlapping portion 72W and the second overlapping portion 62W overlap along the radial direction of the front wheel 12. In this embodiment, with respect to the vertical direction, which is the direction of gravity, the first overlapping portion 72W overlaps the upper side of the second overlapping portion 62W.

[0075] The front circumferential portion 72 extends further forward from the first overlapping portion 72W which overlaps the second overlapping portion 62W. Therefore, the front circumferential portion 72 extends forward while being supported from below by the second overlapping portion 62W.

[0076] Furthermore, since the first overlapping portion 72W is positioned over the second overlapping portion 62W, the second overlapping portion 62W is hidden by the first overlapping portion 72W, and the first overlapping portion 72W is largely exposed. As a result, the front circumferential portion 72 having the first overlapping portion 72W becomes more conspicuous.

[0077] At least a portion of the overlapping portion of the first overlapping portion 72W and the second overlapping portion 62W may be located forward of the extension line Lb of the front radial portion 76. The front radial portion 76 may be the portion of the front part of the front radial portion 76 that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel 12 and is furthest from the center of the front wheel 12, or the portion closer to the center of the front wheel 12 than the inner corner portion 70c.

[0078] At least a portion of the overlapping portion may be located in front of the angle-changing portion of the front radial portion 76 that is connected to the front circumferential portion 72 and changes angle.

[0079] The above configuration can be easily realized if the second overlapping portion 62W protrudes forward of the rear radial portion 66.

[0080] The entire overlapping portion may be located forward of the extension line Lb of the front edge of the front radial portion 76. The entire overlapping portion may be located forward of the front fork 40. The entire overlapping portion may be located forward of the angle-bending portion.

[0081] The first overlapping section 72W and the second overlapping section 62W may be kept in an overlapping state by the following configuration.

[0082] That is, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 7, the first overlapping portion 72W has a protruding fixing portion 73. The protruding fixing portion 73 is a portion that protrudes toward the second overlapping portion 62W. In this embodiment, the protruding fixing portion 73 protrudes partially downward from the curved first overlapping portion 72W. The protruding fixing portion 73 is a platform-shaped protruding portion with at least one opening. Here, the protruding fixing portion 73 opens toward the rear. Because the protruding fixing portion 73 has an opening, it is easy to mold the protruding fixing portion 73 onto the front part 70. Also, space for fastening and fixing is easily secured within the protruding fixing portion 73. The protruding fixing portion 73 supports the support plate 73p at a position away from the curved first overlapping portion 72W. Screw insertion holes are formed in the support plate 73p.

[0083] A clip nut 74 is attached to the protruding fixing part 73. The clip nut 74 is a component that combines a clip that clamps the plate and a nut N.

[0084] The clip nut 74 clamps the support plate 73p. As a result, the nut N of the clip nut 74 is supported in a fixed position relative to the support plate 73p.

[0085] The second overlapping portion 62W has a concave fixing portion 63. The concave fixing portion 63 has a recess in which the protruding fixing portion 73 can be positioned. In this embodiment, the concave fixing portion 63 is formed at a position facing the protruding fixing portion 73 below. The concave fixing portion 63 has a recess that opens upward. The recess is formed in a shape in which the concave fixing portion 63 can be positioned. Screw insertion holes are formed in the bottom plate of the concave fixing portion 63. In addition to the screw insertion holes, drainage holes may be formed in the bottom plate of the concave fixing portion 63.

[0086] With the first overlapping portion 72W and the second overlapping portion 62W superimposed, the protruding fixing portion 73 is positioned within the concave fixing portion 63. In this state, the nut N supported by the protruding fixing portion 73 is positioned opposite the screw insertion hole of the concave fixing portion 63.

[0087] The screw S passes through the screw insertion hole of the concave fixing part 63 and is screwed into the nut N supported by the protruding fixing part 73. As a result, the protruding fixing part 73 is fastened and fixed to the concave fixing part 63 while positioned within the concave fixing part 63. Thus, the first overlapping part 72W and the second overlapping part 62W are kept in an overlapping state.

[0088] Since the screw S and nut N are located inside the curved outer surface of the first overlapping portion 72W, the fastening structure is not easily noticeable.

[0089] The above fastening and securing may be achieved not by a combination of screws and nuts, but by other fastening components such as rivets.

[0090] The fastening and fixing portion between the protruding fixing portion 73 and the concave fixing portion 63 may be located in front of the front fork 40.

[0091] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the relationship between the front radial portion 76 and the front fork 40, and the relationship between the rear radial portion 66 and the front fork 40 will be explained.

[0092] The front radial portion 76 and the rear radial portion 66 are attached to the front fork 40 via brackets 44 and 46. The front radial portion 76 and the rear radial portion 66 overlap the front fork 40. The front radial portion 76 and the rear radial portion 66, when combined, protect the front fork 40.

[0093] Focusing on the front radial portion 76, at least a part of the front radial portion 76 overlaps the front and outer sides of the front fork 40.

[0094] More specifically, the front radial portion 76 has a curved shape that extends from the front of the front fork 40 toward the right outer or left outer side of the front fork 40. The front radial portion 76 may also have a shape like a leg guard that protects the shin.

[0095] Furthermore, when viewed from the side, the entire front fork 40 does not need to be protected by the front radial portion 76. Also, when viewed from the front, the entire front fork 40 does not need to be protected by the front radial portion 76.

[0096] At least one screw-fastening portion 78 is formed in the longitudinal middle of the front radial portion 76. The screw-fastening portion 78 is a portion that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction in the longitudinal middle of the front radial portion 76. A screw insertion hole is formed in the bottom portion 78b of the screw-fastening portion 78 on the inward side in the vehicle width direction.

[0097] In this embodiment, multiple screw fastening portions 78 are formed in the longitudinal middle portion of the front radial portion 76, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction; in this case, two screw fastening portions 78 are formed.

[0098] A bracket 44 is supported on the front fork 40. For example, the bracket 44 is supported so as to extend upward from the lower end of the front fork 40.

[0099] A screw-fastening portion 78 is positioned on the outer side of the bracket 44 in the vehicle width direction. The screw-fastening portion 78 is fastened and secured to the bracket 44 by a screw S and a nut N. As a result, the front radial portion 76 is fixed to the front fork 40 via the bracket 44.

[0100] The front radial portion 76 may cover and protect the portion of the front fork 40 that is not part of it. In this embodiment, the left front radial portion 76 includes a curved portion 77 that covers the wheel speed sensor 90.

[0101] Specifically, the wheel speed sensor 90 is supported near the lower end of the left front fork 40. The wheel speed sensor 90 is a sensor that detects the rotational speed of the front wheel 12. The wheel speed sensor 90 is located on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the lower end of the front radial portion 76. A brake pad may be located on the left side of the front wheel 12.

[0102] The lower part of the left front radial portion 76 bulges outward in the vehicle width direction more than the lower end of the right front radial portion 76, and its lower end curves inward and downward so as to cover the area below the wheel speed sensor 90. The curved portion 77 is the part that covers the wheel speed sensor 90 from the outside, front, and bottom in the vehicle width direction.

[0103] A wheel speed sensor 90 is not located on the right side. Therefore, the front radial portion 76 on the right side has a different shape from the front radial portion 76 on the left side. For example, the lower end of the front radial portion 76 on the right side opens directly downwards, unlike the front radial portion 76 on the left side.

[0104] By making the right front radial portion 76 a different shape from the left front radial portion 76, it is easier to improve maintainability and other aspects. For example, the right front radial portion 76 can be easily formed into a shape that provides a large opening around the axle shaft 43.

[0105] At least a portion of the rear radial portion 66 is located between the front fork 40 and the front wheel 12. This protects the front fork 40 from the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0106] At least a portion of the rear radial portion 66 may overlap the front fork 40 when viewed from the front.

[0107] For example, the rear radial portion 66 includes a wall portion 66a and a curved wall portion 66b. The wall portion 66a extends from the longitudinal middle portion of the rear radial portion 66 toward the axle shaft 43 in a position perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. For example, in a side view, the wall portion 66a includes a portion that becomes thinner as it moves away from the rear radial portion 66.

[0108] The curved wall portion 66b is formed at the front end of the wall portion 66a in a curved shape that extends outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0109] An extension wall portion 66c may be attached to the front end of the bent wall portion 66b. The extension wall portion 66c is the portion that extends forward from the front end of the bent wall portion 66b and is superimposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the screw fastening portion 78 of the front radial portion 76.

[0110] The above-mentioned wall portion 66a is the part located on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the front fork 40. The wall portion 66a is the part located between the front fork 40 and the front wheel 12.

[0111] The curved wall portion 66b extends from the front of the wall portion 66a and surrounds the front inner portion and the front portion of the front fork 40. The curved wall portion 66b also protects the front fork 40 from the front, and in particular from the front side near the front wheel 12.

[0112] The extended wall portion 66c is located on the front side of the front fork 40 and overlaps with the front radial portion 76.

[0113] In other words, the rear radial portion 66 is superimposed on the front radial portion 76 via the space between the front fork 40 and the front wheel 12.

[0114] A screw insertion hole is formed in the extension wall portion 66c at a position corresponding to the screw fastening portion 78. The extension wall portion 66c is placed between the screw fastening portion 78 and the bracket 44, overlapping with the screw fastening portion 78. The screw S passes through the screw fastening portion 78, the extension wall portion 66c, and the bracket 44 and is screwed into the nut N.

[0115] Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of the screw fastening location. A flanged collar 92 may be fitted into the screw insertion hole 93 of the screw fastening portion 78 and the extension wall portion 66c.

[0116] The flanged collar 92 is a component made of metal or the like, with an annular flange formed at one end of its tubular portion. By inserting the flanged collar 92 into the screw insertion hole 93 of the screw fastening portion 78 and the extension wall portion 66c, excessive deformation of the screw fastening portion 78 and the extension wall portion 66c is suppressed when the screw S is tightened.

[0117] With the flanged collar 92 inserted into the screw insertion hole 93 of the screw fastening portion 78 and the extension wall portion 66c, a rib 93a may be formed in the screw insertion hole 93 to prevent the flanged collar 92 from falling out. The rib 93a is a portion that partially protrudes in the circumferential direction from the inner surface of the screw insertion hole 93. By setting the flanged collar 92 to be press-fitted into the screw insertion hole 93 having the rib 93a, the detachment of the flanged collar 92 before tightening the screw S can be suppressed.

[0118] As a result, the overlapping portion of the rear radial portion 66 and the front radial portion 76 is fastened and fixed to the bracket 44, which serves as a fender support component. Note that the fastening and fixing here may be done by rivets or the like, rather than by screws.

[0119] The rear radial portion 66 may be attached to the front fork 40 at the rear of the front fork 40 via a bracket 46. In this embodiment, the bracket 46 is supported so as to extend diagonally upward and rearward from the lower end of the front fork 40.

[0120] The rearmost tip of the rear radial portion 66 is positioned on the outer side of the bracket 46 in the vehicle width direction. The rear radial portion 66 is fastened and fixed to the bracket 46 by screws S and nuts N. In this way, the rear radial portion 66 is fixed to the front fork 40 via brackets 44 and 46.

[0121] In other words, in this embodiment, the front part 70 and the rear part 60 are fixed to the front of the front fork 40 via a bracket 44. The rear part 60 is fixed to the rear of the front fork 40 via a bracket 46. Furthermore, the front part 70 is fixed by overlapping it with the front of the rear circumferential portion 62 of the rear part 60.

[0122] In this way, since the front part 70 and the rear part 60 are fixed to the bracket 44 at the same point, and the overlapping portion of the front part 70 and the rear part 60 are also fixed, the number of mounting points for the fender 50 on the front fork 40 is reduced, while the fender 50 is more easily supported by the front fork 40.

[0123] With the fender 50 and vehicle 10 configured as described above, the degree of freedom in shape is improved compared to when the fender is composed of a single part integrally molded in a mold, by configuring the fender 50 to include a front part 70 and a rear part 60.

[0124] Furthermore, at least a portion of the overlapping section between the first overlapping section 72W and the second overlapping section 62W is located in front of the front fork 40. The front part 70 can extend in front of the front fork 40 and in front of the overlapping section. This reduces the length of the front part 70 that extends independently, improving the strength of the fender 50.

[0125] Furthermore, at least a portion of the overlapping portion is located forward of the front edge extension line Lb of the front radial portion 76. This reduces the length of the front component 70 that extends independently, thereby improving the strength of the fender 50.

[0126] Furthermore, by reducing the spread of the inner corner portion 70c between the front circumferential portion 72 and the front radial portion 76, weight reduction becomes possible. Also, by increasing the spread of the inner corner portion 60c between the rear circumferential portion 62 and the rear radial portion 66, the rear circumferential portion 62 is firmly supported by the rear radial portion 66. In addition, because the rear circumferential portion 62 that supports the front component 70 is firmly supported by the rear radial portion 66, the front component 70 is firmly supported by the rear component 60.

[0127] Furthermore, since the front radial portion 76 and the rear radial portion 66 overlap the front fork 40, the combination of the front radial portion 76 and the rear radial portion 66 can protect a large portion of the front fork 40.

[0128] Furthermore, at least a portion of the front radial portion 76 overlaps the front and outer sides of the front fork 40, and at least a portion of the rear radial portion 66 is located between the front fork 40 and the front wheel 12. Therefore, the front fork 40 can be protected from the front, the outer side, and the inner side.

[0129] Furthermore, at least a portion of the rear radial portion 66 overlaps the front fork 40 when viewed from the front. Therefore, the rear component 60 can protect the front fork 40.

[0130] Furthermore, the rear radial portion 66 is superimposed on the front radial portion 76 via the space between the front fork 40 and the front wheel 12, and the superimposed portion is fixed to the bracket 44. As a result, the superimposed portion of the rear radial portion 66 and the front radial portion 76 is securely fixed to the bracket 44. In addition, since the fixing points are shared, the installation work is simplified.

[0131] Furthermore, if the front part 70 and the rear part 60 are made of different materials, the fender 50 can be constructed by combining parts made of materials suitable for each of the front part 70 and the rear part 60.

[0132] Furthermore, when the first overlapping portion 72W is positioned above the second overlapping portion 62W, the first overlapping portion 72W of the front component 70 can be supported from below. This makes it easier for the front component 70 to be firmly supported.

[0133] Furthermore, since the protruding fixing portion 73 is positioned within the concave fixing portion 63 and fastened to the concave fixing portion 63, the first overlapping portion 72W can be securely fixed to the second overlapping portion 62W.

[0134] Furthermore, since the front radial portion 76 of the left front component 70 includes a curved portion 77 that covers the wheel speed sensor 90, the wheel speed sensor 90 is protected.

[0135] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0136] This specification and drawings disclose the following embodiments.

[0137] The first embodiment is a fender that covers a front wheel supported by a front fork, comprising a rear part and a front part extending forward of the rear part, wherein the front part includes a first overlapping portion and the rear part includes a second overlapping portion that overlaps the first overlapping portion, and at least a portion of the overlapping portion of the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion is located forward of the front fork.

[0138] According to this fender, at least a portion of the overlap between the first and second overlap sections is located in front of the front fork. The front component can extend in front of the front fork and beyond the overlap section. This reduces the length of the front component that extends independently, improving the strength of the fender.

[0139] A second embodiment is a fender according to the first embodiment, wherein the front part includes a front circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a front radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel, and at least a portion of the overlapping portion is located forward of the extension of the front edge of the front radial portion.

[0140] In this case, the length of the front component that extends independently becomes shorter, and the strength of the fender is further improved.

[0141] A third embodiment is a fender according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the front part includes a front circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a front radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel, and the rear part includes a rear circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a rear radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel, and the inside corner portion between the rear circumferential portion and the rear radial portion may be larger than the inside corner portion between the front circumferential portion and the front radial portion when viewed along the width direction.

[0142] In this way, reducing the spread of the corner between the front circumferential portion and the front radial portion makes it possible to reduce weight. By increasing the spread of the corner between the rear circumferential portion and the rear radial portion, the rear circumferential portion is firmly supported by the rear radial portion.

[0143] A fourth embodiment is a fender according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the front part includes a front circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a front radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel, and the rear part includes a rear circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a rear radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel, and the front radial portion and the rear radial portion may cover the front fork.

[0144] This allows the front radial portion and the rear radial portion to be combined, potentially protecting a large portion of the front fork.

[0145] A fifth embodiment is a fender according to the fourth embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the front radial portion overlaps the front and outward sides of the front fork, and at least a portion of the rear radial portion may be located between the front fork and the front wheel.

[0146] This allows the front fork to be protected from the front, the outside, and the inside.

[0147] The sixth embodiment is a fender according to the fourth or fifth embodiment, wherein at least a portion of the rear radial portion overlaps the front fork when viewed from the front.

[0148] This allows the rear components to protect the front fork.

[0149] A seventh embodiment is a fender according to the fifth or sixth embodiment, wherein the rear radial portion is superimposed on the front radial portion via the space between the front fork and the front wheel, and the superimposed portion of the rear radial portion and the front radial portion may be fixed to a fender support component.

[0150] This ensures that the overlapping portion of the rear radial section and the front radial section is securely fixed to the fender support component.

[0151] The eighth aspect is a fender according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the front part and the rear part may be made of different materials.

[0152] This allows the fender to be constructed by combining parts made of materials suitable for the front and rear components, respectively.

[0153] The ninth aspect is a fender according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first overlapping portion overlaps the upper side of the second overlapping portion.

[0154] This allows the second overlapping section of the rear component to support the first overlapping section of the front component from below. As a result, the front component is more easily supported.

[0155] The tenth aspect is a fender according to the ninth aspect, wherein the first overlapping portion has a protruding fixing portion that protrudes toward the second overlapping portion, the second overlapping portion has a concave fixing portion in which the protruding fixing portion can be positioned, and the protruding fixing portion is fastened and fixed to the concave fixing portion while positioned within the concave fixing portion.

[0156] In this way, by incorporating a fastening and fixing structure into the protruding and recessed fixing parts, the first overlapping part can be securely fixed to the second overlapping part.

[0157] The eleventh aspect is a fender according to the first to tenth aspects, wherein the front component includes a curved portion that covers a wheel speed sensor.

[0158] In this way, the curved section covers the wheel speed sensor, thereby protecting it.

[0159] The twelfth embodiment is a vehicle equipped with a fender according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments.

[0160] This improves the strength of the fenders on the vehicle.

[0161] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be conceivable without falling outside the scope of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 10 vehicles 12 Front wheels 40 Front Fork 44, 46 brackets 50 Fender 60 Rear parts 60c inside corner part 62 Rear circumferential part 62W Second overlapping section 63 Concave fixing part 66 Posterior radial section 66a Wall section 66b Bent wall section 66c extension wall 70 Front parts 70c corner 72 Front circumferential part 72W First overlapping section 73 Protruding fixed part 76 Front radial section 77 Curved section 78 Screw fastening part 90 Wheel speed sensor N Nut S screw

Claims

1. A fender that covers the front wheel, which is supported by the front fork, Rear parts and A front part that extends forward of the aforementioned rear part, Equipped with, The aforementioned front component includes a first overlapping portion, The rear component includes a second overlapping portion that overlaps the first overlapping portion, A fender in which at least a portion of the overlapping portion between the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion is located in front of the front fork.

2. A fender according to claim 1, The front component includes a front circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a front radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel. A fender in which at least a portion of the overlapping portion is located forward of the extension of the front edge of the front radial portion.

3. A fender according to claim 1, The front component includes a front circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a front radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel. The rear component includes a rear circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a rear radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel. A fender in which, when viewed along the width direction, the in-corner portion between the rear circumferential portion and the rear radial portion is wider than the in-corner portion between the front circumferential portion and the front radial portion.

4. A fender according to claim 1, The front component includes a front circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a front radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel. The rear component includes a rear circumferential portion that covers the outer circumference of the front wheel and a rear radial portion that extends along the radial direction of the front wheel. A fender in which the front radial portion and the rear radial portion overlap the front fork.

5. A fender according to claim 4, At least a portion of the aforementioned front radial portion overlaps the front and outward sides of the front fork. At least a portion of the rear radial portion is located between the front fork and the front wheel, and is a fender.

6. A fender according to claim 4, At least a portion of the rear radial portion is a fender that overlaps the front fork when viewed from the front.

7. A fender according to claim 5 or claim 6, The rear radial portion is superimposed on the front radial portion via the space between the front fork and the front wheel. A fender in which the overlapping portion of the rear radial portion and the front radial portion is fixed to a fender support component.

8. A fender according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A fender in which the front part and the rear part are made of different materials.

9. A fender according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A fender in which the first overlapping portion overlaps the upper side of the second overlapping portion.

10. A fender according to claim 9, The first overlapping portion has a protruding fixing portion that protrudes toward the second overlapping portion, The second overlapping portion has a concave fixing portion on which the protruding fixing portion can be positioned. A fender in which the protruding fixing portion is positioned within the concave fixing portion and fastened to the concave fixing portion.

11. A fender according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned front component is a fender, which includes a curved portion that covers the wheel speed sensor.

12. A vehicle comprising a fender according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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