Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The objective is to provide a saddle-type vehicle that improves the freedom of foot placement for the main rider while driving, enhances the main rider's ability to put their feet down, and further improves the main rider's visibility of the area around their feet. [Solution] The saddle-type vehicle is equipped with a pair of retractable footboards. The pair of retractable footboards are positioned in front of the pair of main feet and are separate components from the pair of main feet, and are configured so that the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle can place their feet on them instead of the pair of main feet while seated in the main rider seat. Each of the pair of retractable footboards includes a main rider footrest surface configured so that the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle can place their feet on it while seated in the main rider seat, and is configured to maintain two stable stationary states.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle, and more particularly to a saddle-type vehicle provided with a pair of retractable footboards in front of a pair of main footrests on the left and right.

Background Art

[0002] When operating a saddle-type vehicle, the main rider places their feet on a pair of main footrests on the left and right while sitting on the main rider seat. In recent years, it has been proposed to improve the degree of freedom of the footrest positions on the pair of main footrests on the left and right of the main rider when the main rider is operating a saddle-type vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In the saddle-type vehicle described in Patent Document 1 below, each of the pair of footboards as the pair of main footrests on the left and right includes a step floor portion and a footrest portion that is inclined and continuous in front of the step floor portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the saddle-type vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the length of each of the pair of footboards as the pair of main footrests on the left and right in the vehicle front-rear direction is long. Therefore, the footing performance of the main rider deteriorates.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can improve the degree of freedom of the footrest position of the main rider when operating the saddle-type vehicle, improve the footing performance of the main rider, and further improve the visibility under the feet of the main rider.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inventors investigated measures to achieve the above objective. As a result, they obtained the following findings. To improve the main rider's ability to put their feet down, one might consider dividing the pair of footrests on the main rider's seat, where the rider places their feet while seated, in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. However, considering the visibility of the main rider's feet, simply dividing the footrests in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is insufficient. Therefore, the inventors conducted further studies from the perspective of improving the main rider's ability to put their feet down and improving the visibility of the area around the main rider's feet. As a result, they obtained the following findings. Each of the pair of footrests on the main rider's seat consists of a front footrest and a rear footrest. In this case, the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle may place their feet on either the front footrests or the rear footrests while seated on the main rider's seat. After examining the difference, it was found that the riding scenarios differ depending on whether the main rider places their feet on the front footrests or the rear footrests. For example, when riding in the city and wanting to see small bumps, or when riding on unpaved roads, the rider places their feet on the rear footrests so they can see things close by. In contrast, when riding on a highway for extended periods, for example, the rider places their feet on the front footrests so they can see things far away. Therefore, by using a pair of rear footrests as a pair of main feet and a pair of retractable footboards positioned in front of the main feet, the rider's foot placement can be changed according to the riding situation, while also improving visibility of the rider's feet. Specifically, when the rider places their feet on the pair of main feet, each of the retractable footboards can be retracted to improve visibility of the rider's feet. In addition, since the pair of main feet and the pair of retractable footboards are separated in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, the rider's ability to put their feet down can be improved. This invention was completed based on such findings. This invention adopts the following configuration.

[0007] (1) A saddle-type vehicle, A main rider seat in which the main rider who drives the saddle-type vehicle sits while driving the saddle-type vehicle, A pair of left and right main feet are provided, configured so that the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, can rest his feet on the main rider seat while seated. The vehicle comprises a pair of retractable footboards positioned in front of the pair of main feet, which are separate components from the pair of main feet, and which allow the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, to rest their feet on the main rider seat instead of the pair of main feet, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, The vehicle includes a main rider footrest surface configured so that the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, can rest their feet on it while seated in the main rider seat, and is configured to maintain two stable stationary states. The two stable resting states mentioned above are, In a non-stowed state, the vehicle is configured such that the main rider can place their feet on the main rider footrest while seated in the main rider seat, and the main rider footrest is visible in a plan view of the vehicle. A saddle-type vehicle in which, in a stowed state, the main rider is configured such that the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, cannot place his feet on the main rider's footrest while seated on the main rider's seat, and the main rider's footrest is not visible from a plan view of the saddle-type vehicle compared to the non-stowed state.

[0008] (1) The saddle-type vehicle improves the freedom of the main rider's foot placement while driving the saddle-type vehicle, improves the main rider's ability to put their feet down, and also improves the main rider's visibility of the area around their feet. More details are as follows. In the saddle-type vehicle of (1), in addition to a pair of main feet on the left and right, a pair of retractable footboards on the left and right are provided. This improves the degree of freedom of the main rider's foot placement when driving the saddle-type vehicle. A pair of retractable footboards, separate from the pair of main feet, are positioned away from the main feet in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. This improves the rider's ability to put their feet down. When the main rider places their feet on the pair of main feet, the pair of retractable footboards can be retracted to improve visibility of the rider's feet.

[0009] A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a saddle-type seat. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle configured in which the main rider rides in a position similar to straddling a saddle. A saddle-type vehicle comprises, for example, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. A saddle-type vehicle is not limited to a motorcycle, and may be a motorcycle tricycle with either a front or rear wheel consisting of a pair of left and right wheels, or a motorcycle quadruple-wheeled vehicle with both front and rear wheels consisting of a pair of left and right wheels. A saddle-type vehicle may be configured to turn in a lean position toward the inside of a curve. When a saddle-type vehicle turns in a lean position toward the inside of a curve, at least one of the front and rear wheels of the saddle-type vehicle may be tilted toward the inside of the curve. A saddle-type vehicle does not necessarily have to have pedals that the main rider operates with their feet while driving it. A saddle-type vehicle does not necessarily have to have a shift pedal and / or brake pedal. A shift pedal is a pedal that the main rider operates with their foot when shifting gears. A brake pedal is a pedal that the main rider operates with their foot when braking. For example, if a saddle-type vehicle does not have a shift pedal and / or brake pedal, the main rider does not need to change their foot position when shifting gears and / or braking. A saddle-type vehicle may be equipped with a fairing. The fairing is configured, for example, to reduce the amount of wind hitting the main rider's upper body while the vehicle is in motion.

[0010] The main rider seat is configured, for example, to satisfy at least one of the following conditions (i) to (iv): (i) At least a portion of it is located in front of or behind each of the pair of main feet when viewed from the side of the vehicle. (ii) The front end is located in front of the front end of each of the left and right main feet when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the rear end is located behind the rear end of each of the left and right main feet when viewed from the side of the vehicle. (iii) In a side view of the vehicle, the front end is located in front of the front ends of each of the pair of main feet and behind the rear ends of each of the pair of retractable footboards. (iv) It is located below or behind the handlebars that are in the neutral position when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The neutral position of the handlebars is, for example, the position of the handlebars when a saddle-type vehicle is moving straight. The handlebars are configured so that the main rider operating the saddle-type vehicle can operate them with their hands while seated in the main rider seat. The handlebars may be, for example, a single handlebar extending continuously in the width direction of the saddle-type vehicle, or they may include a left handlebar and a right handlebar positioned apart in the width direction of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0011] Of the pair of main feet, the main rider places their left foot on the left main foot, and their right foot on the right main foot. The pair of left and right main feet may be arranged symmetrically, for example, in a front view of the vehicle and / or a top view of the vehicle, or they may not be arranged symmetrically. The pair of left and right main feet may have the same structure, or they may have different structures. Each of the left and right main feet is provided, for example, on a component of the vehicle body. This component includes, for example, the vehicle body frame or a component provided on the vehicle body frame. Each of the left and right main feet is provided, for example, to constitute a part of the vehicle body. Each of the left and right main feet is provided, for example, to be visible in a side view of the vehicle. Each of the pair of main feet may be, for example, a foot peg or a foot board. A foot peg is configured to extend outward in the width direction from the body of a saddle-type vehicle. A foot board is configured to extend in both the longitudinal and width directions of a saddle-type vehicle on the side of the vehicle body. A foot board may be configured so that a portion of it is inclined relative to the rest. Each of the pair of main feet has a footrest surface on which the main rider, for example, sits while driving a saddle-type vehicle, places their feet. The footrest surface is designed appropriately according to, for example, the shape of the main foot. For example, if the main foot is a foot peg, at least a portion of the cylindrical surface of the foot peg corresponds to the footrest surface. For example, if the main foot is a footboard, at least a portion of the upper surface of the footboard corresponds to the footrest surface. The footrest surface of a footboard may be configured such that, for example, a portion of it is inclined relative to the rest. The footrest surface of a footboard may be configured such that, for example, the front portion is inclined relative to the rear portion. Each of the left and right main feet may be foldable or not. A foldable main foot is configured to rotate around its base end (inner end in the vehicle width direction) when an external force acts on it in the upward direction of the vehicle. A foldable main foot is configured to return to its original position when the external force is no longer acting, for example, by a biasing means such as a spring. A non-foldable main foot is configured not to rotate around its base end even when an external force acts on it in the upward direction of the vehicle. Each of the left and right main feet is configured to satisfy, for example, at least one of the following conditions (i) to (iii): (i) At least part or all of it is located behind the front end of the main rider seat, or in front of the rear end of the main rider seat, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. (ii) When viewed from the side of the vehicle, it is located behind the front edge of the main rider seat and in front of the rear edge of the main rider seat. (iii) It is located below the main rider seat in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0012] Of the pair of retractable footboards, the main rider places their left foot on the left retractable footboard, and their right foot on the right retractable footboard. The pair of left and right retractable footboards may be provided symmetrically with respect to the left and right in, for example, a front view of the vehicle and / or a plan view of the vehicle, or may not be provided symmetrically. The pair of left and right retractable footboards may, for example, have the same structure as each other or may have different structures from each other. Each of the pair of left and right retractable footboards is provided, for example, on a member constituting the vehicle body. The member includes, for example, a vehicle body frame or a member provided on the vehicle body frame. Each of the pair of left and right retractable footboards is provided so as to constitute a part of the vehicle body, for example. Each of the pair of left and right retractable footboards is configured to have an outer surface on the outer side in the vehicle width direction in the stored state, for example. The outer surface in the vehicle width direction may be, for example, an inclined side surface configured such that the rear end is located outward in the vehicle width direction than the front end.

[0013] Regarding the position in the vehicle front-rear direction, each of the pair of left and right retractable footboards is configured to satisfy at least one of the following (i) to (iv) in either the stored state or the non-stored use state, for example. (i) At least a part or all of it is located forward of the front end of the main rider seat, the output shaft provided on the power source of the saddle-type vehicle, or the rear end of the fuel tank or the tank cover in a side view of the vehicle. The power source may be, for example, an engine, an electric motor, or both. The engine is configured such that the power generated by the combustion of the air-fuel mixture is output via the crankshaft. When the power source is an engine, the crankshaft corresponds to the output shaft. When the power source is an electric motor, the rotor output shaft corresponds to the output shaft. The fuel tank is configured to store fuel supplied to the engine as the power source of the saddle-type vehicle. The tank cover has an appearance like that of a fuel tank and is provided in place of the fuel tank. For example, when the power source of the saddle-type vehicle is an electric motor, the saddle-type vehicle is provided with a tank cover. (ii) The front end is located rearward of the rear end of the front wheel or the front fender in a side view of the vehicle. The front fender is configured to cover at least a part of the front wheel in a plan view of the vehicle, for example. (iii) At least a part or all of it is located in front of or behind the front end of the fuel tank or the tank cover in a side view of the vehicle. (iv) At least a part of it is located in front of or behind the bar handle present in the handle neutral position in a side view of the vehicle.

[0014] Regarding the position in the vertical direction of the vehicle, each of the pair of left and right retractable footboards is configured to satisfy at least one of the following (i) to (iii) in either the stored state or the non-stored use state, for example. (i) At least a part or all of it is located above the output shaft provided in the power source of the saddle-type vehicle, the rotation center axis of the front wheel, or the corresponding main foot among the pair of left and right main feet in a side view of the vehicle. The corresponding main foot among the pair of left and right main feet means, for example, the left main foot corresponds to the left retractable footboard, and the right main foot corresponds to the right retractable footboard. (ii) It is located below the upper end of the main rider seat, the front wheel or the front fender, or the upper end of the power source of the saddle-type vehicle in a side view of the vehicle. When the power source is an engine, the upper end of the power source is, for example, the upper end of the cylinder head cover. (iii) At least a part or all of it is located below a specific point on the line segment that extends vertically and defines the shortest distance from the main rider seat to the corresponding main foot among the pair of left and right main feet in a side view of the vehicle. One end of the line segment is, for example, the point where the vertical line intersects the upper end of the corresponding main foot of a pair of main feet in a side view of the vehicle. The other end of the line segment is, for example, the point where the vertical line intersects the lower end of the main rider seat in a side view of the vehicle. The vertical line passes through the center of the outer shape of the corresponding main foot of a pair of main feet in a side view of the vehicle. The specific point is, for example, the midpoint of the line segment. The specific point is, for example, the point that defines the upper end of the lower segment when the line segment is divided into three equal parts: the upper segment, the middle segment, and the lower segment.

[0015] With respect to the position in the vehicle width direction, each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured to satisfy at least one of the following conditions (i) to (iv) in either the retracted state or the unretracted use state. (i) At least part or all of the following is located outward in the width direction from the main rider seat, the power source of the saddle-type vehicle, the vehicle frame, the front forks, the handlebars in the neutral position, or the fuel tank or tank cover of the saddle-type vehicle, when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The front fork is configured to rotatably support, for example, the front wheel of a saddle-type vehicle. (ii) At least part or all of it is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the handlebars when the handlebars are in the neutral position, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. (iii) At least a portion of it is located, in a front view of the vehicle, outward or inward in the width direction of the vehicle than the outer edge in the width direction of the corresponding main foot of the pair of left and right main feet. (iv) At least part or all of it overlaps with the corresponding main foot of a pair of main feet when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0016] Each of the pair of retractable footboards may be configured such that, for example, the main rider footrest surface is visible in a top view of the vehicle when retracted, but it is not possible to place a foot on the main rider footrest surface. In this case, the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when retracted is smaller than the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when not retracted. The statement that the main rider footrest surface is less visible in a top-down view of the vehicle when the footrest is retracted than when it is not retracted includes, for example, not only cases where the retractable footboard is located to the side of the vehicle when it is not retracted but not when it is retracted, but also cases where the retractable footboard is located to the side of the vehicle in both the not-retracted and retracted states, but the main rider footrest surface is smaller in a top-down view of the vehicle when the footrest is retracted than when it is not retracted. The statement that the main rider footrest surface is smaller in a top-down view of the vehicle when the footrest is retracted than when it is not retracted includes, for example, cases where the vertical projected area of ​​the main rider footrest surface in the retracted state is smaller than the vertical projected area of ​​the main rider footrest surface in the not-retracted state. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be located to the side of the vehicle when retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be located outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle frame when retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be visible in a side view of the vehicle when retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be located in front of the down frame portion of the vehicle frame that extends from the head pipe toward the rear and downward of the vehicle when at least a portion of it is retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be located inward in the vehicle width direction from the down frame portion of the vehicle frame that extends from the head pipe toward the rear and downward of the vehicle when at least a portion of it is retracted.

[0017] Each of the left and right retractable footboards should be configured such that the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when not retracted is larger than the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when retracted. Visibility of the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when not retracted includes the fact that the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when not retracted is larger than the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when retracted. Visibility of the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when not retracted includes, for example, the retractable footboard being positioned to the side of the vehicle when not retracted, thereby making the main rider footrest surface visible in a top view of the vehicle. A larger main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when retracted than when not retracted includes, for example, the vertical projected area of ​​the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when not retracted is larger than the vertical projected area of ​​the main rider footrest surface in a top view of the vehicle when retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be located to the side of the vehicle when not retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be located outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle frame when not retracted. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured, for example, to be visible in a side view of the vehicle when at least not retracted.

[0018] Each of the pair of retractable footboards can assume two stable stationary states: a retracted state and an unretracted, operational state. The main rider operating the saddle-type vehicle can change their foot placement depending on the driving conditions. Depending on the driving conditions, the main rider operating the saddle-type vehicle may not place their feet on either of the pair of retractable footboards. Each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured to be operated with the feet of the main rider while seated in the main rider seat, for example, when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state and / or when transitioning from the unretracted state to the retracted state. In this case, each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured to have a state transition operation surface or state transition operation part for operation with the feet of the main rider while seated in the main rider seat. Each of the left and right retractable footboards may be configured to utilize the power of an actuator when transitioning from a retracted state to an unretracted, operational state, and / or from an unretracted, operational state to a retracted state. The actuator is, for example, an electric motor. The actuator is driven, for example, when an operating switch provided on the bar handle is operated. The ability to maintain two stable, stationary states means that, for example, the same state can be sustained unless a state-transition force acts to move from one state to the other. To maintain two stable, stationary states, the biasing force of a biasing means such as a spring may be used. A retractable design differs from a foldable design in that it returns to its original position when no external force is applied, or its state temporarily changes when an external force is applied. A retractable design can have two stable resting states, while a foldable design can only have one stable resting state. Each of a pair of retractable footboards is configured to rotate around a predetermined axis of rotation when transitioning, for example, from a retracted state to an unretracted, operational state. Rotation of the retractable footboard around the axis of rotation includes, for example, rotation so that the retractable footboard can reciprocate between the retracted state and the unretracted, operational state. The retractable footboard only needs to be able to reciprocate between the retracted state and the unretracted, operational state; it does not need to be able to rotate around the entire circumference of the axis of rotation. Each of the left and right retractable footboards may be configured to move or extend in the vehicle width direction when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state.

[0019] The main rider footrest surface may be horizontal or inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, for example, when the retractable footboard is not retracted. The inclination of the main rider footrest surface with respect to the horizontal plane includes, for example, the front end of the main rider footrest surface being positioned above the rear end of the main rider footrest surface, thereby causing the main rider footrest surface to inclined toward the front of the vehicle. The main rider footrest surface is provided, for example, on one end face in the thickness direction of the retractable footboard. The main rider footrest surface may be formed, for example, on a sheet-like member provided on one end face in the thickness direction of the retractable footboard. The sheet-like member is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The shape of the main rider footrest surface is not particularly limited. For example, if each of a pair of retractable footboards is located to the side of the vehicle when retracted and has an outer surface in the vehicle width direction and an inner surface in the vehicle width direction, the main rider footrest surface is provided on the inner surface in the vehicle width direction. Providing the main rider footrest surface on the inner surface in the vehicle width direction includes, for example, forming the main rider footrest surface on a sheet-like member provided on the inner surface in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (2)(1) A saddle-type vehicle as described above, Each of the pair of retractable footboards is located on the side of the vehicle, at least in the non-retracted state, in a saddle-type vehicle.

[0021] (2) With the saddle-type vehicle, the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle can easily place their feet on the main rider footrest while seated in the main rider seat.

[0022] The positioning of each of the left and right retractable footboards to the side of the vehicle includes, for example, that each of the left and right retractable footboards is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle frame, or that each of the left and right retractable footboards is visible in a side view of the vehicle.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (3) A saddle-type vehicle as described in (1) or (2), A saddle-type vehicle in which each of the pair of retractable footboards is located on the side of the vehicle in both the non-retracted and retracted states.

[0024] (3) With the saddle-type vehicle, the distance or time required for the retractable footboard to transition between the retracted state and the unretracted state is shortened, and the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle can easily place their feet on the main rider footrest while seated in the main rider seat.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (4) A saddle-type vehicle as described in any of (1) to (3), Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, In the aforementioned non-storage state, the main rider footrest surface is configured to face upwards on the vehicle. In the aforementioned stowed state, the main rider's footrest surface is configured to face inward, in a saddle-type vehicle.

[0026] (4) According to the saddle-type vehicle, for example, the retractable footboard can be made unstowed and ready for use by tilting the retractable footboard outward in the vehicle width direction. This shortens the travel distance or travel time required when the retractable footboard transitions between the retracted and unstowed states, while making it easier for the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle to place their feet on the main rider footrest while seated in the main rider seat.

[0027] When the main rider footrest is positioned upwards on the vehicle, it means not only that the main rider footrest is facing directly above the vehicle, but also that it is facing both upwards and backwards on the vehicle. When the main rider footrest is facing directly above the vehicle, for example, it means that the main rider footrest is horizontal. When the main rider footrest is facing both upwards and backwards on the vehicle, for example, it means that the main rider footrest is inclined toward the front of the vehicle such that its front end is higher than its rear end. For example, if the angle of inclination of the main rider footrest with respect to the horizontal plane is less than 45 degrees, the main rider footrest will be positioned upwards on the vehicle. When the main rider footrest surface faces inward in the vehicle width direction, it includes not only the case that the main rider footrest surface faces directly sideways, but also the case that the main rider footrest surface faces inward in the vehicle width direction while also facing upward on the vehicle. When the main rider footrest surface faces directly sideways, it means that the main rider footrest surface is vertical. When the main rider footrest surface faces inward in the vehicle width direction while also facing upward on the vehicle, it means that the main rider footrest surface is inclined such that, for example, its upper end is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than its lower end. For example, if the inclination angle of the main rider footrest surface with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than 45 degrees, the main rider footrest surface will face inward in the vehicle width direction. Each of the left and right retractable footboards includes, for example, an outer surface in the vehicle width direction that is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the main rider footrest surface when in the retracted state. For example, the shape of the outer surface in the vehicle width direction may be appropriately designed to obtain the aerodynamic effect described later.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (5) A saddle-type vehicle as described in any of (1) to (4), Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, A footboard body having the main rider footrest surface on one end face in the thickness direction, It includes a mountain-shaped projection that, when in the aforementioned stored state, is provided to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface in the vehicle width direction formed by the other end face in the thickness direction of the footboard body, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is In the aforementioned storage state, the ridge portion extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, A saddle-type vehicle in the aforementioned storage state, wherein the ridge portion is formed to extend in the direction in which it extends and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the rear end is higher in height from the other end surface in the thickness direction than the front end in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends, and the rear end in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends includes a forward sloping surface to which the front end of the ridge portion is connected.

[0029] In the case of the saddle-type vehicle described in (5), by utilizing the mountain-shaped protrusions (more specifically, the forward-sloping surface of the mountain-shaped protrusions), when the retractable footboards are in the retracted state, a rectifying effect can be achieved (for example, the effect of suppressing the airflow hitting the lower part of the legs of the main rider who is driving the saddle-type vehicle), and when the retractable footboards are not in the retracted state, water and mud splashed up during vehicle operation can be suppressed from hitting the main rider. Furthermore, the lower leg portion of the main rider's leg can be any part below the knee, including, for example, the shin of the main rider's leg.

[0030] The footboard body includes one end face in the thickness direction and the other end face in the thickness direction. The other end face in the thickness direction is the side of the footboard body opposite to the one end face in the thickness direction. Having a main rider mounting surface on one end face in the thickness direction includes not only the case where one end face in the thickness direction includes the main rider mounting surface, but also the case where a sheet-like member provided on one end face in the thickness direction has a main rider mounting surface. Having a main rider mounting surface on a sheet-like member includes, for example, the formation of a main rider mounting surface on the sheet-like member.

[0031] The mountain-shaped protrusions may be provided integrally with the footboard body. For example, the mountain-shaped protrusions may be formed integrally with the footboard body, or they may be formed by a separate component from the footboard body. The mountain-shaped protrusion is provided, for example, on the rear half of the footboard body, which is the outer surface in the width direction of the vehicle when the retractable footboard is in the retracted state, when the footboard body is divided into two equal parts in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The statement that a ridge extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle includes, for example, not only cases where the ridge extends in the vertical direction, but also cases where the ridge extends in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction. If the angle between the straight line extending in the inclined direction and the straight line extending in the vertical direction is less than 45 degrees, then this embodiment is included in the statement that a ridge extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The front inclined surface, for example, when the retractable footboard is in the retracted position, has its front end connected to the other end surface in the thickness direction of the footboard body (i.e., the outer surface in the vehicle width direction) and its rear end connected to the front end of the ridge, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends. As a result, the rear end of the front inclined surface is higher than the front end, relative to the other end surface in the thickness direction of the footboard body (i.e., the outer surface in the vehicle width direction when the retractable footboard is in the retracted position). The front end of the front inclined surface is, for example, the edge located in front of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends. The rear end of the front inclined surface is, for example, the edge located in rear of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends.

[0032] The mountain-shaped protrusions are provided, for example, to form part of a retractable footboard, and are configured to streamline the airflow when the retractable footboard is in the retracted position. Rectifying the airflow while driving includes, for example, using the mountain-shaped protrusions (more specifically, the forward-sloping surface of the mountain-shaped protrusions) to cause the airflow that flows from the front to the rear of the vehicle along the other end surface in the thickness direction of the footboard body (the outer surface in the width direction of the vehicle when the retractable footboard is in the retracted state) to flow from the inside to the outside in the width direction of the vehicle. Streamlining the airflow during driving includes, for example, using mountain-shaped protrusions (more specifically, the forward-sloping surface of the mountain-shaped protrusions) to direct the airflow that flows from the front to the rear of the vehicle along the other end surface in the thickness direction of the footboard body (the outer surface in the width direction of the vehicle when the retractable footboard is in the retracted state) from the front to the rear of the vehicle, thereby suppressing the airflow from hitting the lower part of the legs of the main rider driving a saddle-type vehicle. In order to suppress the airflow from hitting the lower part of the legs of the main rider driving a saddle-type vehicle, for example, the relative positional relationship between the retractable footboard and the main foot when it is in the retracted state, as well as the position, shape, and size of the mountain-shaped protrusions, are designed appropriately.

[0033] Each of the pair of retractable footboards is configured to have a mountain-shaped projection that protrudes outward from the outer side in the vehicle width direction when retracted, thereby preventing wind from hitting the lower part of the legs of the main rider who is driving the saddle-type vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. Regarding the position of the mountain-shaped protrusions, each of the left and right retractable footboards is configured such that, when retracted, it satisfies at least one of the following conditions (i) to (vi). (i) At least part or all of the mountain-shaped protrusion is located above, in a side view of the vehicle, the output shaft provided on the power source of the saddle-type vehicle, the rotational axis of the front wheel, the lower end of the footboard body, or the corresponding main foot of the pair of left and right main feet. The lower edge of the footboard itself is the lowest point of the footboard when viewed from the side of the vehicle. (ii) At least part or all of the mountain-shaped protrusion is located below, in a side view of the vehicle, the main rider seat, the upper end of the front wheel or front fender, the upper end of the footboard body, the output shaft provided on the power source of the saddle-type vehicle, or the upper end of the power source of the saddle-type vehicle. The top edge of the footboard itself is the highest point of the footboard when viewed from the side of the vehicle. (iii) At least part or all of it is located below a specific point on a line segment that extends vertically in a side view of the vehicle and defines the shortest distance from the main rider seat to the corresponding main foot of a pair of main feet. (iv) The mountain-shaped protrusions are positioned in front of the lower leg portion of the main rider's legs when seated on the main rider seat and with their feet on each of the pair of main feet, as viewed from the side of the vehicle. (v) At least part or all of the mountain-shaped protrusions overlap the lower part of the legs of the main rider who is seated on the main rider seat and has his feet on each of the pair of main feet when viewed from the front of the vehicle. (vi) When the main rider is seated in the main rider seat and has his feet on each of the pair of main feet, at least a portion of the lower part of the knees of the main rider's legs is located outward in the vehicle width direction of the mountain-shaped protrusion when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (6)(5) A saddle-type vehicle as described above, In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projections are further, In the aforementioned storage state, its front end includes a rear end surface that is connected to the rear end of the ridge portion, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in the aforementioned storage state, the length of the front inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, as viewed from the side of the vehicle, is longer than the length of the rear end surface in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

[0035] In the saddle-type vehicle of (6), when the retractable footboard is in the retracted state, the rear end surface expands in the vertical and horizontal directions of the vehicle. When transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state, the rear end surface can be used as a transition operation surface for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their feet. When transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state, it becomes easier for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their feet. The operability when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state can be improved. In addition, the mountain-shaped projection, which has a rear end surface that can be used as a state transition operation surface as described above, has a forward-sloping surface. With the saddle-type vehicle of (6), it is possible to improve the operability of the retractable footboard when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted use state while obtaining a rectifying effect.

[0036] The rear end surface, for example, when the retractable footboard is in the retracted position, has its front end connected to the rear end of the ridge and its rear end connected to the footboard body, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends. The front end of the rear end surface is, for example, the edge located in front of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends. The rear end of the rear end surface is, for example, the edge located in rear of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the length of the front inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends is longer than the length of the rear end surface in a direction perpendicular to the said extension, for example, includes the case where the inclination angle of the front inclined surface with respect to the other end surface in the thickness direction of the footboard body (the outer surface in the width direction of the vehicle when the retractable footboard is in the retracted state) is smaller than the inclination angle of the rear end surface with respect to the other end surface in the thickness direction. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the length of the front inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ridge extends is longer than the length of the rear end surface in a direction perpendicular to the said extension, for example, includes the case where the front inclined surface is visible in a side view of the vehicle, but the rear end surface is not.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (7)(5) or (6) a saddle-type vehicle, In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The footboard body further comprises, Including a side surface connecting the aforementioned end face in the thickness direction and the aforementioned end face in the thickness direction, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projections are further, In the aforementioned storage state, its front end includes a rear end surface that is connected to the rear end of the ridge portion, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in the aforementioned storage state, the rear end face is connected to at least a portion of the side surface of the footboard body without passing through the other end face in the thickness direction.

[0038] (7) With the saddle-type vehicle, the side surface of the footboard body can be partially widened by utilizing the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped protrusion. When transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state, the partially widened side surface of the footboard body can be used as a transition operation surface for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their feet. This makes it easier for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their feet when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state. This improves the operability when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state. In addition, the mountain-shaped projection, which has a rear end surface that contributes to partially widening the side surface of the footboard body as described above, has a forward-sloping surface. According to the saddle-type vehicle of (7), it is possible to improve the operability of the retractable footboard when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state while obtaining a rectifying effect.

[0039] Connecting one end face in the thickness direction to the other end face in the thickness direction includes, for example, connecting the periphery of one end face in the thickness direction to the periphery of the other end face in the thickness direction. Connecting one end face in the thickness direction to the other end face in the thickness direction also includes, for example, connecting one end face in the thickness direction to the other end face in the thickness direction along the entire circumference. The connection of the rear end face to at least a portion of the side surface of the footboard body without passing through the other end face in the thickness direction includes, for example, the direct connection of the rear end face to at least a portion of the side surface of the footboard body, the smooth connection of the rear end face to at least a portion of the side surface of the footboard body, and furthermore, the fact that the rear end face and at least a portion of the side surface of the footboard body are flush.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (8)(6) or (7) a saddle-type vehicle, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, A saddle-type vehicle in which, in the aforementioned stowed state, the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection is inclined toward the front of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and thereby the upper end of the rear end surface is located in front of the vehicle, relative to the lower end of the rear end surface.

[0041] In the saddle-type vehicle of (8), the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped protrusion, which can be used as a state transition operation surface for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their feet when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state, can be tilted toward the front of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle. This makes it easier for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their feet when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state. This improves the operability when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state. In addition, the mountain-shaped projection, which has a rear end surface that can be used as a state transition operation surface as described above, has a forward-sloping surface. With the saddle-type vehicle of (8), it is possible to improve the operability of the retractable footboard when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted use state while obtaining a rectifying effect.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. A saddle-type vehicle as described in any of (9), (6), or (8), Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, The footboard body is configured to rotate around a rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thereby enabling it to assume the retracted state and the unretracted, in-use state. The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in the stored state, the rear end surface extends in a direction inclined with respect to the rotation center axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and / or the rear end surface is located above the rotation center axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0043] In the saddle-type vehicle of (9), when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state, the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection, which can be used as a state transition operation surface for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their foot, can be inclined with respect to the rotational axis of the footboard body when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Alternatively, the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection can be positioned above the rotational axis of the footboard body when viewed from the side of the vehicle. When the main rider operates the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection, which serves as a state transition operation surface, with their foot to transition the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state, it becomes easier to rotate the retractable footboard around the rotational axis of the footboard body. This improves the operability when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state. In addition, the mountain-shaped projection, which has a rear end surface that can be used as a state transition operation surface as described above, has a forward-sloping surface. With the saddle-type vehicle of (9), it is possible to improve the operability of the retractable footboard when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state while obtaining a rectifying effect.

[0044] The statement that the rotational axis of the footboard body extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle includes, for example, the case where the rotational axis of the footboard body extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, if the angle between the rotational axis of the footboard body and a horizontally extending straight line in a side view of the vehicle is less than 45 degrees, then this embodiment includes the statement that the rotational axis of the footboard body extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0045] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. A saddle-type vehicle as described in any of (10)(6)~(9), In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle in which the rear end surface is configured to be concave toward the front of the vehicle.

[0046] In the saddle-type vehicle of (10), the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped protrusion, which can be used as a state transition operation surface for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their foot when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state, can be recessed toward the front of the vehicle. This makes it easier for the main rider to operate the retractable footboard with their foot when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state. This improves the operability when transitioning the retractable footboard from the retracted state to the unretracted state. In addition, the mountain-shaped projection, which has a rear end surface that can be used as a state transition operation surface as described above, has a forward-sloping surface. With the saddle-type vehicle of (10), it is possible to improve the operability of the retractable footboard when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted use state while obtaining a rectifying effect.

[0047] The rear end surface being concave toward the front of the vehicle includes, for example, a concave curved surface that is concave toward the front of the vehicle. This concave curved surface is concave toward the front of the vehicle, for example, such that when the retractable footboard is in the retracted position, the center in the vehicle width direction is located furthest forward of the vehicle.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (11) A saddle-type vehicle as described in any of (1) to (10), In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The aforementioned main rider footrest surface is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in a side view of the vehicle, at least a portion of it is located above the corresponding main foot of the pair of left and right main feet, and / or below the main rider seat.

[0049] According to the saddle-type vehicle of (11), the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle can easily place their feet on the main rider footrest surface while seated in the main rider seat. In addition, when the vehicle is equipped with the configuration of the saddle-type vehicle described in (5), when the retractable footboard is in the retracted state, it is possible to suppress the airflow from hitting the lower part of the legs of the main rider who is driving the saddle-type vehicle while the vehicle is in motion, and when the retractable footboard is not in the retracted state, it is possible to suppress the water and mud splashed up while the vehicle is in motion from hitting the main rider.

[0050] According to one aspect of the present invention, the saddle-type vehicle can adopt the following configuration. (12) A saddle-type vehicle as described in any of (1) to (11), Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, A saddle-type vehicle configured such that its widthwise length in the non-stowed state is longer than its widthwise length in the stowed state.

[0051] According to the saddle-type vehicle of (11), when not in storage use, it is possible to make it easier for the main rider to place their feet on the main rider footrest surface, and when in storage, it is possible to improve the visibility of the area under the main rider's feet. In addition, when the vehicle is equipped with the configuration of the saddle-type vehicle described in (5), the range over which the airflow straightening effect can be obtained can be expanded in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the retractable footboards are retracted. The airflow straightening effect can be obtained over a wider range in the vertical direction of the vehicle. When the retractable footboards are not retracted, the range over which the effect of suppressing splashes of water and mud during vehicle operation from hitting the main rider can be obtained can be expanded in the width direction of the vehicle. This effect can be obtained over a wider range in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0052] The vehicle width direction length of a retractable footboard in its non-retracted state is, for example, the maximum length in the vehicle width direction when the retractable footboard is not retracted. The vehicle width direction length of a retractable footboard in its retracted state is, for example, the maximum length in the vehicle width direction when the retractable footboard is retracted.

[0053] 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]

[0054] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the main rider's foot placement when driving a saddle-type vehicle, improve the main rider's ability to put their feet down, and further improve the visibility of the area around the main rider's feet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a schematic diagram showing the saddle-type vehicle in a side view, (B) is a schematic diagram showing the saddle-type vehicle in a front view, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle has his feet on the main foot and the state in which he has his feet on the retractable footboard. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a schematic diagram showing a saddle-type vehicle in a side view, (B) is a schematic diagram showing a retractable footboard in a side view, (C) is a schematic diagram showing a mountain-shaped protrusion viewed from the direction of arrow C, and (D) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle has their feet on the main foot. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a variation of the saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A1) and (A2) are schematic diagrams showing the case where the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection is recessed toward the front of the vehicle, (B1) and (B2) are schematic diagrams showing the case where the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection is formed flush with the side surface of the footboard body, and (C1) and (C2) are schematic diagrams showing the case where the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection is connected to the other end surface in the thickness direction of the footboard body. [Figure 4]This diagram illustrates an example of the operational variations of a pair of retractable footboards provided in a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a schematic diagram showing the case in which the retractable footboards move from below to above the vehicle when transitioning from a retracted state to an unretracted state, (B) is a schematic diagram showing the case in which the retractable footboards are located to the side of the vehicle when in an unretracted state and at least a portion of them are located further forward of the vehicle when in a retracted state than when in an unretracted state, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing the case in which the retractable footboards are located to the side of the vehicle when in an unretracted state and at least a portion of them are located further inward of the vehicle when in a retracted state than when in an unretracted state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] 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.

[0057] A saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a main rider seat 20, a pair of left and right main feet 30, and a pair of left and right retractable footboards 40.

[0058] The main rider seat 20 is configured to allow the main rider who is driving the saddle-type vehicle 10 to sit while driving the vehicle. The pair of main feet 30 on the left and right are configured so that the main rider who is driving the saddle-type vehicle 10 can rest their feet on the main rider seat 20 while seated. The left and right retractable footboards 40 are positioned in front of the left and right main feet 30. The left and right retractable footboards 40 are separate components from the left and right main feet 30. The left and right retractable footboards 40 are configured so that the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle 10 can rest their feet on the left and right retractable footboards 40 in place of the left and right main feet 30 while seated in the main rider seat 20.

[0059] Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 includes a main rider footrest surface 44. The main rider footrest surface 44 is configured so that the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle 10 can place their feet on it while seated on the main rider seat 20. Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 is configured to maintain two stable stationary states. The two stable stationary states are the non-retracted / used state and the retracted state. In the non-retracted / used state, the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle 10 can place their feet on the main rider footrest surface 44 while seated on the main rider seat 20. In a plan view of the saddle-type vehicle 10, the main rider footrest surface 44 is visible. In the retracted state, the main rider driving the saddle-type vehicle 10 cannot place their feet on the main rider footrest surface 44 while seated on the main rider seat 20. In the retracted state, the main rider footrest surface 44 is less visible in a plan view of the saddle-type vehicle 10 than in the non-retracted / used state. In the example shown in Figure 1, the retractable footboard 40 in the retracted state is shown by a dashed line, and the retractable footboard 40 in the unretracted, in-use state is shown by a solid line. In the example shown in Figure 1, when the retractable footboard 40 transitions from the retracted state to the unretracted, in-use state, it moves from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.

[0060] The saddle-type vehicle 10 improves the freedom of the main rider's foot placement while driving the saddle-type vehicle 10, improves the main rider's ability to put their feet down, and further improves the main rider's visibility of the area around their feet.

[0061] For example, as shown in Figure 1, each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 may be configured such that, in the non-retracted state, the main rider footrest surface 44 faces upward towards the vehicle, and in the retracted state, the main rider footrest surface 44 faces inward towards the vehicle. In the example shown in Figure 1, each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 is configured such that, in the non-retracted state, the main rider footrest surface 44 faces upward and rearward towards the vehicle. Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 may be located to the side of the vehicle, at least in the non-retracted state. Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 may be located to the side of the vehicle in both the non-retracted state and the retracted state. The main rider footrest surface 44 may be configured such that, in a side view of the vehicle, at least a portion of it is located above the corresponding main foot 30 of the left and right main foot 30, and below the main rider seat 30. Furthermore, the main rider footrest surface 44 may be configured such that, in a side view of the vehicle, at least a portion of it is located above the corresponding main foot 30 of the pair of left and right main feet 30, or below the main rider seat 30. Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 may be configured such that its length in the vehicle width direction when not retracted is longer than its length in the vehicle width direction when retracted.

[0062] For example, as shown in Figure 2, each of a pair of retractable footboards 40 may include a footboard body 42 and a mountain-shaped projection 46. The footboard body 42 has a main rider footrest surface 44 on one end face 421 in the thickness direction. The mountain-shaped projection 46 is provided so as to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface 4221 in the vehicle width direction, which is formed by the other end face 422 in the thickness direction of the footboard body 42 when it is retracted. The mountain-shaped projection 46 may include a ridge portion 461 and a front inclined surface 462. The ridge portion 461 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when it is retracted. The front inclined surface 462 is formed so as to spread in the direction D1 in which the ridge portion 461 extends and in the direction D2 perpendicular to that direction D1 when viewed from the side of the vehicle when it is retracted, with the rear end being higher in height from the other end face 422 in the thickness direction than the front end in direction D2, and the rear end in direction D2 connecting to the front end of the ridge portion 461.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 2, by utilizing the mountain-shaped protrusion 46 (more specifically, the forward inclined surface 462 of the mountain-shaped protrusion 46), when the retractable footboard 40 is in the retracted state, a rectifying effect can be achieved (for example, the effect of suppressing the airflow hitting the lower part of the legs of the main rider who is driving the saddle-type vehicle 10), and when the retractable footboard 40 is not in the retracted state, water and mud splashed up during vehicle operation can be suppressed from hitting the main rider.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the mountain-shaped projection 46 may further include a rear end surface 463. In the retracted state, the front end of the rear end surface 463 is connected to the rear end of the ridge portion 461. The mountain-shaped projection 46 may be configured such that, in the retracted state, the length of the front inclined surface 462 in direction D2 is longer than the length of the rear end surface 463 in direction D2 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The footboard body 42 may further include a side surface 423. The side surface 423 connects one end surface 421 in the thickness direction to the other end surface 422 in the thickness direction. The mountain-shaped projection 46 may be configured such that, in the retracted state, the rear end surface 463 is connected to at least a portion of the side surface 423 without going through the other end surface 422 in the thickness direction. Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 may be configured such that, in the retracted state, the rear end surface 463 is inclined toward the front of the vehicle in a side view of the vehicle, and thereby the upper end of the rear end surface 463 is positioned further forward than the lower end of the rear end surface 463. Each of the left and right retractable footboards 40 may be configured such that the footboard body 42 rotates around a rotational axis L1 extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thereby enabling it to take on a retracted state and an unretracted state. The mountain-shaped projection 46 may be configured such that, in the retracted state, the rear end surface 463 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the rotational axis L1 in a side view of the vehicle, and the rear end surface 463 is positioned above the rotational axis L1 in a side view of the vehicle. Furthermore, the mountain-shaped projection 46 may be configured such that, in the retracted state, its rear end surface 463 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the rotational axis L1 when viewed from the side of the vehicle, or the rear end surface 463 is located above the rotational axis L1 when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0065] For example, as shown in Figures 3(A1) and (A2), the rear end surface 463 of the mountain-shaped projection 46 may be recessed toward the front of the vehicle. Figure 3(A1) is a schematic diagram showing the retractable footboard 40 in a side view, and Figure 3(A2) is a schematic diagram showing the mountain-shaped projection 46 as seen from the direction of arrow A2 shown in Figure 3(A1). For example, as shown in Figures 3(B1) and (B2), the rear end surface 463 of the mountain-shaped projection 46 may be formed flush with at least a portion of the side surface 423 of the footboard body 42. Figure 3(B1) is a schematic diagram showing the retractable footboard 40 in a side view, and Figure 3(B2) is a schematic diagram showing the mountain-shaped projection 46 as seen from the direction of arrow B2 shown in Figure 3(B1). For example, as shown in Figures 3(C1) and (C2), the rear end surface 463 of the mountain-shaped projection 46 may be connected to the other end surface 422 in the thickness direction (outer surface surface 4221 in the vehicle width direction) of the footboard body 42. Figure 3(C1) is a schematic diagram showing the retractable footboard 40 in a side view, and Figure 3(C2) is a schematic diagram showing the mountain-shaped projection 46 as seen from the direction of arrow C2 shown in Figure 3(C1).

[0066] For example, as shown in Figure 4(A), the retractable footboard 40 may move from the bottom to the top of the vehicle when transitioning from the retracted state to the unretracted state. For example, as shown in Figure 4(B), the retractable footboard 40 may rotate around a predetermined rotational axis such that when it is in the non-retracted state, it is located to the side of the vehicle, and when it is in the retracted state, at least a portion of it is located further forward of the vehicle than when it is in the non-retracted state (for example, further forward than the down frame portion of the vehicle frame that extends from the head pipe toward the rear and downward of the vehicle). For example, as shown in Figure 4(C), the retractable footboard 40 may be located to the side of the vehicle when not retracted, and when retracted, at least a portion of it may be located further inward in the vehicle than when it is in the unretracted state (for example, further inward in the vehicle width direction than the down frame portion of the vehicle frame that extends from the head pipe toward the rear and downward of the vehicle). Alternatively, instead of moving the retractable footboard 40 in the vehicle width direction, the retractable footboard 40 may be made to extend and retract in the vehicle width direction.

[0067] (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]

[0068] 10. Saddle-type vehicle 20 Main Rider Seat 30. A pair of main feet (left and right) 40. Retractable footboards (pair, left and right) 42 Footboard body 421 One end face in the thickness direction 422 Other end face in the thickness direction 4221 Outer side in the width direction of the vehicle 423 Side view 44 Main rider foot mount 46 Mountain-like process 461 Ridge section 462 Front slope 463 Rear end surface L1 Rotational center axis

Claims

1. It is a saddle-type vehicle, A main rider seat in which the main rider who drives the saddle-type vehicle sits while driving the saddle-type vehicle, A pair of left and right main feet are provided, configured so that the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, can rest his feet on the main rider seat while seated. The vehicle comprises a pair of retractable footboards positioned in front of the pair of main feet, which are separate components from the pair of main feet, and which allow the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, to rest their feet on the main rider seat instead of the pair of main feet, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, The vehicle includes a main rider footrest surface configured so that the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, can rest their feet on it while seated in the main rider seat, and is configured to maintain two stable stationary states. The two stable resting states mentioned above are, In a non-stowed state, the vehicle is configured such that the main rider can place their feet on the main rider footrest while seated in the main rider seat, and the main rider footrest is visible in a plan view of the vehicle. A saddle-type vehicle in which, in a stowed state, the main rider is configured such that the main rider, who is driving the saddle-type vehicle, cannot place his feet on the main rider's footrest while seated on the main rider's seat, and the main rider's footrest is not visible from a plan view of the saddle-type vehicle compared to the non-stowed state.

2. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, Each of the pair of retractable footboards is located on the side of the vehicle, at least in the non-retracted state, in a saddle-type vehicle.

3. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, A saddle-type vehicle in which each of the pair of retractable footboards is located on the side of the vehicle in both the non-retracted and retracted states.

4. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, In the aforementioned non-storage state, the main rider footrest surface is configured to face upwards on the vehicle. In the aforementioned stowed state, the main rider's footrest surface is configured to face inward, in a saddle-type vehicle.

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, A footboard body having the main rider footrest surface on one end face in the thickness direction, It includes a mountain-shaped projection that, when in the aforementioned stored state, is provided to protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface in the vehicle width direction formed by the other end face in the thickness direction of the footboard body, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is In the aforementioned storage state, the ridge portion extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, A saddle-type vehicle in the aforementioned storage state, wherein the ridge portion is formed to extend in the direction in which it extends and in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the rear end is higher in height from the other end surface in the thickness direction than the front end in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends, and the rear end in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which it extends includes a forward sloping surface to which the front end of the ridge portion is connected.

6. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 5, In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projections are further, In the aforementioned storage state, its front end includes a rear end surface that is connected to the rear end of the ridge portion, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in the aforementioned storage state, the length of the front inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, as viewed from the side of the vehicle, is longer than the length of the rear end surface in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

7. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The footboard body further comprises, Including a side surface connecting the aforementioned end face in the thickness direction and the aforementioned end face in the thickness direction, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projections are further, In the aforementioned storage state, its front end includes a rear end surface that is connected to the rear end of the ridge portion, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in the aforementioned storage state, the rear end face is connected to at least a portion of the side surface of the footboard body without passing through the other end face in the thickness direction.

8. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, A saddle-type vehicle in which, in the aforementioned stowed state, the rear end surface of the mountain-shaped projection is inclined toward the front of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and thereby the upper end of the rear end surface is located in front of the vehicle, relative to the lower end of the rear end surface.

9. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, The footboard body is configured to rotate around a rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thereby enabling it to assume the retracted state and the unretracted, in-use state. The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in the stored state, the rear end surface extends in a direction inclined with respect to the rotation center axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and / or the rear end surface is located above the rotation center axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

10. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 9, In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The aforementioned mountain-shaped projection is A saddle-type vehicle in which the rear end surface is configured to be concave toward the front of the vehicle.

11. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, In each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards, The aforementioned main rider footrest surface is A saddle-type vehicle configured such that, in a side view of the vehicle, at least a portion of it is located above the corresponding main foot of the pair of left and right main feet, and / or below the main rider seat.

12. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Each of the aforementioned pair of retractable footboards is, A saddle-type vehicle configured such that its widthwise length in the non-stowed state is longer than its widthwise length in the stowed state.

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