Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a saddle-type vehicle that can achieve good weight balance while incorporating both a clutch actuator and a brake modulator. [Solution] In a saddle-type vehicle (1) having a power unit (P) supported by a vehicle frame (F), the power unit (P) includes a clutch device (CL) for engaging and disengaging the driving force, a case body (K) housing the clutch device (CL), and a clutch actuator (80) for driving the clutch device (CL), and a brake modulator (50) that supplies hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic brake device (BF, BR). The brake modulator (50) is positioned between the front end (PF) of the power unit (P) and the pivot (14), on one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width center line (O), and the clutch actuator (80) is provided on the case body (K) on the other side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width center line (O).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle, and more particularly to a saddle-ride type vehicle having a brake modulator that drives a brake device and a clutch actuator that drives a clutch device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a saddle-ride type vehicle is known that has a brake modulator that generates hydraulic pressure to be supplied to a hydraulic brake device and also incorporates an ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) that prevents wheel locking.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle in which a power unit is supported below a pair of left and right main frames connected to a rear portion of a head pipe, wherein a brake modulator is disposed at a position between the power unit and the main frame on the left side in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, accessibility to the brake modulator can be improved and mass concentration can be achieved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, among saddle-ride type vehicles such as motorcycles, vehicles equipped with a clutch actuator for driving and controlling a clutch device disposed on a transmission path of driving force generated by a power source by a motor or the like are increasing. Since both the clutch actuator and the aforementioned brake modulator are heavy objects having a predetermined volume, there is room for improvement in the arrangement layout in order to obtain a good weight balance and the like while including both of them.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above and to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can achieve good weight balance and the like while being equipped with both a clutch actuator and a brake modulator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle (1) having a vehicle frame (F) having a head pipe (F1) and a main frame (F2) extending rearward and downward from the head pipe (F1), a pivot (14) that pivotably supports a swing arm (20) that rotatably supports a rear wheel (WR) with respect to the vehicle frame (F), and a power unit (P) supported by the vehicle frame (F), wherein the power unit (P) includes a clutch device (CL) that engages and disengages the driving force and a case that houses the clutch device (CL). The first feature is that the device comprises a case body (K) and a clutch actuator (80) that drives the clutch device (CL), and a brake modulator (50) that supplies hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic brake device (BF,BR), wherein the brake modulator (50) is positioned between the front end (PF) of the power unit (P) and the pivot (14), on one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width center line (O), and the clutch actuator (80) is provided on the case body (K) on the other side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width center line (O).

[0008] Furthermore, the vehicle frame (F) has a pair of left and right main frames (F2) extending downward and rearward from the head pipe (F1), and a pivot frame (F6) extending downward from the rear end of the main frame (F2) to support the pivot (14). The power unit (P) is supported on the vehicle frame (F) at a position below the main frame (F2) and in front of the pivot frame (F6). The brake modulator (50) is positioned vertically between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K). The clutch actuator (80) is provided on the case body (K) at a position below the main frame (F2).

[0009] Furthermore, a third feature is that the brake modulator (50) and the clutch actuator (80) are positioned to overlap when viewed from the side of the vehicle body.

[0010] Furthermore, a fourth feature is that the brake modulator (50) is positioned inward from the outermost part (G) in the vehicle width direction of the main frame (F2) in a plan view of the vehicle body, and at least a portion of the clutch actuator (80) is positioned outward from the outermost part (G) in the vehicle width direction in a plan view of the vehicle body.

[0011] Furthermore, the fifth feature is that the case body (K) is provided in the front and lower part of the pivot frame (F6), the power unit (P) has a cylinder (71) extending forward and upward from the upper part of the case body (K), the brake modulator (50) is disposed behind the cylinder (71) between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K), and in a plan view of the vehicle body, a vehicle body component (36) is disposed between the brake modulator (50) and the clutch actuator (80).

[0012] Furthermore, the vehicle body component (36) has a sixth feature in that it is a clutch control device that controls the clutch actuator (80).

[0013] Furthermore, a seventh feature is that the case body (K) is disposed in front of and below the pivot frame (F6), the power unit (P) has a cylinder (71) extending forward and upward from the top of the case body (K), and the brake modulator (50) is disposed in a position behind the cylinder (71) and between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K) in a side view of the vehicle body, inclined downward and backward in a direction (D3) different from the inclination direction (D1) of the cylinder (71) and the inclination direction (D2) of the main frame (F2). [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the first feature, in a saddle-type vehicle (1) having a vehicle frame (F) having a head pipe (F1) and a main frame (F2) extending rearward and downward from the head pipe (F1), a pivot (14) that pivotably supports a swing arm (20) that rotatably supports a rear wheel (WR) relative to the vehicle frame (F), and a power unit (P) supported by the vehicle frame (F), the power unit (P) comprises a clutch device (CL) for disconnecting and reconnecting the driving force, a case body (K) housing the clutch device (CL), and a clutch actuator (80) for driving the clutch device (CL). The vehicle has a brake modulator (50) that supplies hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic brake system (BF, BR), and the brake modulator (50) is positioned between the front end (PF) of the power unit (P) and the pivot (14), on one side in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle width centerline (O), and the clutch actuator (80) is provided on the case body (K) on the other side in the vehicle width direction relative to the vehicle width centerline (O). By distributing the heavy brake modulator and clutch actuator to the left and right sides of the vehicle width centerline, it is possible to maintain the balance of the center of gravity in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, by positioning the brake modulator and clutch actuator within the front-to-rear dimensions of the power unit, mass concentration can be achieved.

[0015] According to the second feature, the vehicle frame (F) has a pair of left and right main frames (F2) extending downward and rearward from the head pipe (F1), and a pivot frame (F6) extending downward from the rear end of the main frame (F2) and supporting the pivot (14). The power unit (P) is supported on the vehicle frame (F) at a position below the main frame (F2) and in front of the pivot frame (F6). The brake modulator (50) is positioned vertically between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K). The clutch actuator (80) is provided on the case body (K) at a position below the main frame (F2). By positioning the brake modulator and clutch actuator closer to the center of the power unit, mass concentration can be achieved.

[0016] According to the third feature, since the brake modulator (50) and the clutch actuator (80) are positioned to overlap when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, the positioning of the brake modulator and clutch actuator to overlap when viewed from the side of the vehicle body makes it possible to balance the center of gravity on the left and right sides of the vehicle body.

[0017] According to the fourth feature, the brake modulator (50) is positioned inward from the outermost part (G) in the vehicle width direction of the main frame (F2) in a plan view of the vehicle body, and at least a part of the clutch actuator (80) is positioned outward from the outermost part (G) in the vehicle width direction in a plan view of the vehicle body. Therefore, the brake modulator, which does not require adjustment by the user, is positioned inside the main frame to concentrate mass, while the clutch actuator, which may be adjusted by the user, is positioned outside the main frame in the vehicle width direction to improve accessibility.

[0018] According to the fifth feature, the case body (K) is provided in the front and lower part of the pivot frame (F6), the power unit (P) has a cylinder (71) extending forward and upward from the upper part of the case body (K), the brake modulator (50) is disposed behind the cylinder (71) between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K), and in a plan view of the vehicle body, the vehicle body component (36) is disposed between the brake modulator (50) and the clutch actuator (80), so that the space between the brake modulator and the clutch actuator can be effectively utilized to arrange the vehicle body component.

[0019] According to the sixth feature, since the vehicle body component (36) is a clutch control device that controls the clutch actuator (80), by arranging the clutch control device near the clutch actuator, related components can be consolidated and maintenance can be improved.

[0020] According to the seventh feature, the case body (K) is disposed in front of and below the pivot frame (F6), the power unit (P) has a cylinder (71) extending forward and upward from the top of the case body (K), and the brake modulator (50) is disposed in a position behind the cylinder (71) and between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K) in a side view of the vehicle body, inclined downward and backward in a direction (D3) different from the inclination direction (D1) of the cylinder (71) and the inclination direction (D2) of the main frame (F2). Therefore, the brake modulator can be efficiently disposed in the area surrounded by the cylinder, crankcase, main frame and pivot frame. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of the motorcycle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a right-side view of a motorcycle. [Figure 3]It is a perspective view of the brake modulator as viewed from the upper left front side. [Figure 4] It is a left side view of the brake modulator. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the brake modulator. [Figure 6] It is a right side view of the brake modulator. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of the motorcycle in a state where a fuel tank and the like are removed. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the motorcycle of Fig. 7 as viewed from the upper left front side. [Figure 9] It is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 1. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of Fig. 9. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of Fig. 9. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of Fig. 9. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a left side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a right side view of the motorcycle 1. The motorcycle 1 is a saddle-type vehicle that travels by transmitting rotational power of a power unit P to a rear wheel WR via a drive chain 21. A head pipe F1 that rotatably supports a steering stem (not shown) is connected to front end portions of a pair of left and right main frames F2 constituting a vehicle body frame F. A top bridge 3 and a bottom bridge 7 that support a pair of left and right front forks 10 are respectively fixed to upper and lower end portions of the steering stem.

[0023] A steering handle 2 for steering the front wheel WF is fixed to the upper part of the top bridge 3. A brake lever 39 for operating the brake system of the front wheel WF is attached to the steering handle 2 on the right side in the vehicle width direction. The front wheel WF is pivotally supported at the lower end of the front fork 10. A front fender 9 covering the upper part of the front wheel WF is attached to the front fork 10. A front cowl 6 supporting the meter unit 4, headlight 8, and a pair of front flasher lamps 5 is positioned in front of the head pipe F1. A pair of hydraulic front brake calipers BF for braking the front brake disc DF are attached to the front fork 10. A hydraulic rear brake caliper BR for braking the rear brake disc DR is attached to the right side arm member in the vehicle width direction that constitutes the swingarm 20.

[0024] At the rear end of the main frame F2 are connected a pair of left and right pivot frames F6 that support a pivot 14 that pivots the swingarm 20 so that it can swing up and down. The pivot frames F6, which have a hollow structure by welding two cast parts together, are shaped to bend and extend downward at a position further rear and below the connection point with the main frame F2. At the upper rear of the pivot frames F6 are connected a pair of left and right upper rear frames F7 and lower rear frames F8 that extend upward and rearward. At the lower rear of the pivot frames F6 are attached a pair of left and right step bars 18 on which the driver places their feet. At the lower part of the lower rear frame F8 are attached a pair of left and right tandem steps 27 on which the passenger places their feet. Near the step bar 18 on the right side in the vehicle width direction is a brake pedal 31 that operates the brake device of the rear wheel WR. In front of the step bar 18 on the left side in the vehicle width direction is a shift pedal 16 that operates the transmission of the power unit P.

[0025] A power unit P, which integrates a parallel four-cylinder internal combustion engine and a transmission, is supported in front of the pivot frame F6 and below the main frame F2. The combustion gases from the power unit P are introduced into a catalytic converter 15 via the exhaust pipe 11 and led to a muffler 22 on the right side in the vehicle width direction. The rear end of the swing arm 20 is pivotally supported by a rear wheel WR, which serves as the drive wheel. The front part of the swing arm 20 is supported by the pivot frame F6 via a link mechanism L and a rear cushion 19. A side stand 17 is pivotably attached to the lower end of the pivot frame F6 on the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] The power unit P has a case body K that houses components such as the transmission and power components. The case body K has a configuration in which a cylinder 71 is attached to the front upper part of a crankcase 12 that houses the crankshaft CS, and a cylinder head 32 that houses the valve train is attached to the upper part of the cylinder 71. A fuel injector 45 connected to the lower part of an air cleaner box 49 is attached to the intake port provided on the rear surface of the cylinder head 32.

[0027] The left side of the crankcase 12 has a generator cover 13 that covers the generator attached to the left end of the crankshaft CS, and the right side of the crankcase 12 has a clutch cover 70 that covers the clutch device that connects and disconnects the transmission of driving force to the power unit P. An oil pan 30 is attached to the lower part of the crankcase 12. The power unit P is supported by the vehicle frame F by a front engine hanger 48 that supports the cylinder 71, a rear first engine hanger 46 that supports the upper rear end of the crankcase 12, and a rear second engine hanger 47 that supports the lower rear end of the crankcase 12.

[0028] A pair of left and right main frames F2, connected to the rear of the head pipe F1, extend downward and rearward, widening the gap in the vehicle width direction towards the rear of the cylinder head 32, and then narrowing the gap in the vehicle width direction as they connect to the front of the pivot frame F6. A pair of left and right gusset pipes F3, extending upward and rearward and connecting to the lower part of the main frame F2, are connected to the lower rear of the head pipe F1. A lower pipe F4, extending downward and supporting the front engine hanger 48, is connected to the lower part of the gusset pipes F3. A gusset plate F5 is placed between the gusset pipes F3 and the lower pipes F4 to increase rigidity.

[0029] A cross pipe F9 is provided between the left and right pivot frames F6, extending in the vehicle width direction and connecting the left and right pivot frames F6. The front of the cross pipe F9 is connected to the rear first engine hanger 46, and the rear of the cross pipe F9 is connected to the rear cushion support portion 78, which supports the upper end of the rear cushion 19. The rear second engine hanger 47 is provided at the front of the lower end of the pivot frame F6.

[0030] Above the main frame F2 is a fuel tank 29 having an inner wall shaped to cover the air cleaner box 49. Behind the fuel tank 29 is a front seat 28 where the driver sits, and behind the front seat 28 is a rear seat 26 where a passenger sits. A taillight device 25 is attached to the rear of a seat cowl 77 that covers the lower side of the rear seat 26. A rear fender 23 is attached to the lower part of the seat cowl 77, which supports a pair of rear flasher lamps 24 on the left and right sides and covers the rear upper part of the rear wheel WR.

[0031] A brake modulator 50 is positioned behind the cylinder head 32, slightly to the left in the vehicle width direction, which supplies hydraulic pressure to the front brake caliper BF and the rear brake caliper BR, and also incorporates an ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) to prevent the front and rear wheels from locking up. On the other hand, a clutch actuator 80, which enables the clutch device to be driven by a motor, is mounted on the crankcase 12 on the right side in the vehicle width direction, in front of the clutch cover 70. The case body K has a clutch cover 70 and a generator cover 13, and the clutch actuator 80 is attached to the clutch cover 70.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the brake modulator 50 from the upper left front. Figure 4 is a left side view of the brake modulator 50, Figure 5 is a front view, and Figure 6 is a right side view. The brake modulator 50, which houses the motor that generates hydraulic pressure, is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with its front-to-rear dimension being the largest and its width being smaller than its height. The brake modulator 50 is mounted on the main frame F2 on the left side in the vehicle width direction with its left side 50e exposed on the left side in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The bottom surface 50c of the brake modulator 50 is supported by a vibration-damping structure via three rubber members 55 to a base plate 65 that constitutes a bracket 60 supported by the main frame F2 on the left side in the vehicle width direction. The bracket 60 has a front extension 62 that extends upward along the front surface 50b of the brake modulator 50, an inner extension 63 that extends from the base plate 65 and extends upward along the right side surface 50f, a connecting portion 61 that extends from the front extension 62 to the right in the vehicle width direction and connects to the inner extension 63, and a rear extension 64 that is connected to the rear of the base plate 65 and extends upward behind the rear surface 50d of the brake modulator 50. A stay 66 for attaching a cover member is provided on the rear extension 64.

[0034] From the upper surface 50a of the brake modulator 50, a primary front brake pipe 52 connected to the front wheel hydraulic master cylinder driven by the brake lever 39 and a primary rear brake pipe 51 connected to the rear wheel master cylinder driven by the brake pedal 31 extend outwards. Additionally, from the right side surface 50f of the brake modulator 50, a secondary front brake pipe 53 connected to the front wheel brake caliper BF and a secondary rear brake pipe 54 connected to the rear wheel brake caliper BR extend outwards.

[0035] Figure 7 is a plan view of the motorcycle 1 with the fuel tank 29 and other components removed. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the motorcycle 1 of Figure 7, viewed from the upper left front. The same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent parts. The cylinder head 32, which has four intake ports 33 arranged in the vehicle width direction, is housed within the width of the left and right main frames F2 in a plan view of the vehicle body. A cylinder head cover 32a is attached to the top of the cylinder head 32. The main frame F2 extends downward and rearward from the rear of the head pipe F1 to the rear of the cylinder head 32, widening the gap in the vehicle width direction, and then bends inward in the vehicle width direction at the outermost G in the vehicle width direction, narrowing the gap in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward.

[0036] The bracket 60 supporting the brake modulator 50 is attached to the front frame stay 38 and rear frame stay 38a, which are welded to the inside of the main frame F2 on the left side in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the upper parts of the front extension 62 and the inner extension 63 of the bracket 60 are attached to the front frame stay 38, and the upper part of the rear extension 64 is attached to the rear frame stay 38a. As a result, the brake modulator 50 is positioned to the left of the center line O in the vehicle width direction, and inside the vehicle width from the outermost part G in the vehicle width direction. A portion of the brake modulator 50 overlaps with the main frame F2 on the left side in the vehicle width direction in a plan view of the vehicle body.

[0037] The clutch actuator 80, which is positioned adjacent to the front of the clutch cover 70 and attached to the crankcase 12, is positioned to the right of the center line O in the vehicle width direction. In a plan view of the vehicle body, the clutch actuator 80 is positioned almost entirely outside the main frame F2 and outside the outermost G in the vehicle width direction. According to the arrangement structure of the brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 in this embodiment, by distributing the two heavy objects to the left and right with the center line O in the vehicle width direction in between, it is possible to maintain the balance of the center of gravity in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, by positioning the brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 within the front-to-rear dimensions of the power unit P, mass concentration can be achieved.

[0038] Furthermore, the brake modulator 50 is positioned inward from the outermost G in the vehicle width direction of the main frame F2 in a plan view of the vehicle body, and at least a portion of the clutch actuator 80 is positioned outward from the outermost G in the vehicle width direction in a plan view of the vehicle body. This allows for the concentration of mass by positioning the brake modulator 50, which does not require user adjustment, inside the main frame F2, while improving accessibility by positioning the clutch actuator 80, which may require user adjustment, in a position extending outward from the main frame F2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] A tray 34 capable of accommodating multiple vehicle body components is provided at the center of the vehicle width direction, behind the cylinder head 32. The tray 34 supports vehicle body components such as a clutch control device 36 that controls the clutch actuator 80. A support projection 34a for supporting relays and the like is provided on the right front of the tray 34. A notch 34b is formed on the left front of the tray 34 to allow the attachment and detachment of the brake modulator 50 when the tray 34 is installed in a predetermined position. The brake modulator 50 can be removed from the inside in the vehicle width direction by removing the fastening member 60a that fixes the bracket 60 to the front frame stay 38 and the rear frame stay 38a. This structure facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the brake modulator 50. Furthermore, the tray 34 may be a combination of multiple trays. For example, it may include a tray for accommodating fuel system components such as a canister (described later) and a tray for accommodating electrical components that can be attached to the aforementioned tray. This configuration allows for small-scale assembly according to the vehicle body components.

[0040] The brake modulator 50 is positioned behind the cylinder 71, between the main frame F2 and the crankcase 12 in the vertical direction. The clutch control device 36 is positioned between the brake modulator 50 and the clutch actuator 80, allowing for efficient use of the space between them. Furthermore, positioning the clutch control device 36 near the clutch actuator 80 allows for the centralized placement of related components, improving maintainability.

[0041] The primary front brake pipe 52 and secondary front brake pipe 53 extending from the brake modulator 50 are routed to the right in the vehicle width direction at a position forward of the tray 34. The primary rear brake pipe 51 and secondary rear brake pipe 54 are routed to the right in the vehicle width direction, passing over the tray 34 and the control device 36.

[0042] A rear tray 44, located behind tray 34, supports a bank angle sensor 37 and a purge valve 43. Behind the purge valve 43, a canister 35 for storing vaporized fuel is provided. Below the rear brake primary piping 51 and the rear brake secondary piping 54, a purge hose 42, supported by tray 34, is routed in the front-rear direction. The rear brake primary piping 51 and the rear brake secondary piping 54 are provided with relief sections that curve to straddle the purge hose 42.

[0043] In this embodiment, the clutch actuator 80 is heavier than the brake modulator 50, and its offset amount outward in the vehicle width direction is also set to be larger. As a result, the center of gravity is slightly offset to the right in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 1. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line XX of Figure 9, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of Figure 9, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII of Figure 9. The same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent parts. The power unit P has a crankcase 12 that extends from the front of the pivot 14 to the lower end of the lower frame F4, and a cylinder 71 that extends inclined from the front upper part of the crankcase 12 toward the front and upward. As a result, in a side view of the vehicle body, a roughly triangular space is formed between the rear of the cylinder 71, above the crankcase 12, in front of the pivot frame F6, and below the main frame F2.

[0045] The brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 are housed in a roughly triangular space, as described above, when viewed from the side of the vehicle body. This allows for mass concentration by positioning the brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 closer to the center of the power unit P. Furthermore, the brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 are positioned to overlap when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, thereby aligning the center of gravity on both sides of the vehicle body. A cover member 79 is attached to the left side of the bracket 60 that holds the brake modulator 50.

[0046] A primary shaft PS (center height Pc) is positioned above and rear of the crankshaft CS (center height Cc) of the power unit P, and a secondary shaft SS (center height Sc), which serves as the output shaft, is positioned below and rear of the primary shaft PS. The transmission TM, which is operated by the shift pedal 16, consists of multiple gear trains supported by the primary shaft PS and the secondary shaft SS. A clutch device CL, which engages and disengages the driving force transmitted from the crankshaft CS, is provided at the right end of the primary shaft PS. A primary driven gear PG, which transmits the driving force of the crankshaft CS, is mounted on a clutch case 93 that houses multiple clutch plates 92.

[0047] On the inner side of the brake modulator 50 in the vehicle width direction, and behind the cylinder 71, is a thermostat case 41 to which a water hose 40 carrying coolant is connected. The generator 90, covered by the generator cover 13, is mounted on the left end of the crankshaft CS. The starter motor 91, which rotates the crankshaft CS when starting the power unit P, is mounted on the crankcase 12 at a position above and behind the crankshaft CS.

[0048] The brake modulator 50 is positioned between the front end DF of the power unit P and the secondary shaft SS, on one side in the vehicle width direction from the center line O in the vehicle width direction, and in a side view of the vehicle body, it is positioned from directly above the main shaft MS to directly above the crankshaft CS. More specifically, in a side view of the vehicle body, the brake modulator 50 is positioned behind the cylinder 71 and between the main frame F2 and the crankcase 12, and is positioned in a downward-sloping direction D3 that is different from the downward-sloping direction D1 of the cylinder 71 and the downward-sloping direction D2 of the main frame F2. Specifically, the brake modulator 50 is positioned in an inclination direction D3 that is a gentler angle than the inclination direction D1 of the cylinder 71 and the inclination direction D2 of the main frame F2. As a result, the brake modulator 50, which has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, is positioned in the area surrounded by the cylinder 71, crankcase 12, main frame F2, and pivot frame F6, avoiding each of them, thus enabling efficient placement.

[0049] The clutch actuator 80 is positioned in the area from in front of the crankshaft CS, across the crankshaft CS, to directly above the primary shaft CP. Furthermore, at least a portion of the clutch actuator 80 is located above the crankshaft CS. As a result, the clutch actuator 80 and the brake modulator 50 are concentrated in a concentrated area, overlapping at least partially, from the rear of the crankshaft CS to the front of the primary shaft PS, when viewed from the side of the vehicle body.

[0050] As described above, according to the arrangement structure of the brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 of the present invention, the power unit P has a clutch device CL that disconnects and reconnects the driving force transmitted to the secondary shaft SS, a crankcase 12 that houses the clutch device CL, and a clutch actuator 80 that drives the clutch device CL, and is equipped with a brake modulator 50 that supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic front wheel brake caliper BF and rear wheel brake caliper BR, the brake modulator 50 is arranged between the front end PF of the power unit P and the secondary shaft SS, on one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the center line O in the vehicle width direction, and the clutch actuator 80 is provided on the crankcase 12 on the other side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the center line O in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, by distributing the heavy brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 to the left and right sides with respect to the center line in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to maintain the balance of the center of gravity in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, by arranging the brake modulator 50 and clutch actuator 80 within the front-rear dimensions of the power unit P, mass concentration can be achieved.

[0051] The form of the motorcycle, the shape and structure of the body frame, the shape and structure of the brake modulator, the shape and structure of the clutch actuator, the arrangement of the brake modulator and clutch actuator, the structure of the clutch device, the structure of the brake device, etc., are not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways. For example, the power unit may be powered by an electric motor. Alternatively, the brake modulator may be arranged on the right side in the vehicle width direction and the clutch actuator on the left side in the vehicle width direction. The airflow guide structure according to this embodiment is not limited to motorcycles but can be applied to various vehicles such as saddle-type tricycles and four-wheeled vehicles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1...Motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle), 12...Crankcase, K...Case body, 14...Pivot, 20...Swing arm, 36...Clutch control device (vehicle body component), 50...Brake modulator, 71...Cylinder, 80...Clutch actuator, F...Vehicle frame, F1...Head pipe, F2...Main frame, F6...Pivot frame, P...Power unit, PF...Front end of power unit, SS...Secondary shaft (output shaft), WR...Rear wheel, O...Center line in the vehicle width direction, G...Outermost part of the main frame in the vehicle width direction, BF...Front wheel brake caliper (brake device), BR...Rear wheel brake caliper (brake device), CL...Clutch device, D1...Inclination direction of cylinder, D2...Inclination direction of main frame, D3...Inclination direction of brake modulator

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle (1) having a vehicle frame (F) having a head pipe (F1) and a main frame (F2) extending rearward and downward from the head pipe (F1), a pivot (14) that pivotably supports a swing arm (20) that rotatably supports the rear wheel (WR) relative to the vehicle frame (F), and a power unit (P) supported by the vehicle frame (F), The power unit (P) includes a clutch device (CL) for disconnecting and reconnecting the driving force, a case body (K) for housing the clutch device (CL), and a clutch actuator (80) for driving the clutch device (CL). The system includes a brake modulator (50) that supplies hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic brake system (BF, BR), The brake modulator (50) is positioned between the front end (PF) of the power unit (P) and the pivot (14), on one side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width center line (O). The saddle-type vehicle is characterized in that the clutch actuator (80) is provided on the case body (K) on the other side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle width direction center line (O).

2. The vehicle body frame (F) comprises a pair of left and right main frames (F2) extending downward and rearward from the head pipe (F1), and a pivot frame (F6) extending downward from the rear end of the main frame (F2) to support the pivot (14). The power unit (P) is supported by the vehicle body frame (F) at a position below the main frame (F2) and in front of the pivot frame (F6). The brake modulator (50) is positioned in the vertical direction between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K). The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the clutch actuator (80) is provided in the case body (K) at a position below the main frame (F2).

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the brake modulator (50) and the clutch actuator (80) are arranged in positions that overlap when viewed from the side of the vehicle body.

4. The brake modulator (50) is positioned inward from the outermost part (G) in the vehicle width direction of the main frame (F2) in a plan view of the vehicle body. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a portion of the clutch actuator (80) is arranged outside the outermost part (G) in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above.

5. The case body (K) is provided in the front and lower part of the pivot frame (F6), The power unit (P) has a cylinder (71) that extends forward and upward from the upper part of the case body (K), The brake modulator (50) is located behind the cylinder (71) and between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K). The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, in a plan view of the vehicle body, a vehicle body component (36) is positioned between the brake modulator (50) and the clutch actuator (80).

6. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the vehicle body component (36) is a clutch control device that controls the clutch actuator (80).

7. The case body (K) is positioned in front of and below the pivot frame (F6), The power unit (P) has a cylinder (71) that extends forward and upward from the upper part of the case body (K), The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brake modulator (50) is arranged in a position behind the cylinder (71) and between the main frame (F2) and the case body (K) in a side view of the vehicle body, and is inclined downward and backward in a direction of inclination (D3) different from the inclination direction (D1) of the cylinder (71) and the inclination direction (D2) of the main frame (F2).

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