Saddle-type vehicles

Abstract

To enable a sensor to be easily maintained with a simple structure in a vehicle provided with the sensor.SOLUTION: A straddle-type vehicle includes: a sensor 40 that is assembled in the straddle-type vehicle to detect an outside environment of the straddle-type vehicle; and a sensor protection cover 50 that includes a window portion 60 covering a detection surface 43 of the sensor 40 and a portion outer frame 52 corresponding to a portion of an outer frame of the straddle-type vehicle and supporting the window portion 60. The sensor protection cover 50 is detachably disposed to components of the straddle-type vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle equipped with sensors for detecting an external environment. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that in a structure in which an imaging unit is covered with a windscreen, the imaging unit is wiped by displacing the windscreen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 224958 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To make the windscreen displaceable, a structure for movably supporting the windscreen and a drive source for the windscreen are required, which complicates the structure of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable maintenance of a sensor in a vehicle having a sensor with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the saddle-ride type vehicle is equipped with a sensor that is incorporated into the saddle-ride type vehicle and detects the external environment of the saddle-ride type vehicle, a window portion that covers the detection surface of the sensor, and a sensor protection cover that is part of the outer shell of the saddle-ride type vehicle and includes a partial outer shell portion that supports the window portion, and the sensor protection cover is detachable from the constituent parts of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0007] According to this saddle-type vehicle, the sensor can be protected by the window of the sensor protection cover. The window is removable together with the partial outer shell, which allows for simple maintenance of the sensor.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the sensor support structure is a sensor support structure that is incorporated into a vehicle and supports a sensor that detects the external environment, and includes a sensor support bracket that is fixed to a vehicle frame and supports the sensor, a window portion that covers the detection surface of the sensor, and a partial outer shell portion that supports the window portion and is arranged around the window portion to form part of the vehicle outer shell, and further is detachable from the component parts of the vehicle and supported by the sensor support bracket.

[0009] According to this sensor support structure, the sensor can be protected by the window. Furthermore, the window is removed together with the partial outer shell, which allows for simple maintenance of the sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to this saddle-type vehicle or sensor support structure, in a vehicle having a sensor, maintenance of the sensor can be performed with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view showing a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a support portion of a sensor in a saddle-type vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a support portion of a sensor in a saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a support portion of a sensor in a saddle-type vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A saddle-type vehicle and a sensor support structure according to an embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, an example in which the sensor support structure is applied to a saddle-type vehicle will be described. A saddle-type vehicle is a vehicle that is driven by a driver straddling a seat. Examples of saddle-type vehicles include motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles).

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a saddle-ride type vehicle. In this embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is assumed to be a motorcycle. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 includes a main frame 110, a front wheel 120, a rear wheel 130, a handlebar 140, and an engine 150. In the following description, when referring to up / down, front / rear, and left / right, each direction is defined as follows. The side of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 where the two wheels 120, 130 come into contact with the road surface is the bottom, and the opposite side is the top. In addition, the direction of travel when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 travels is the front, and the opposite side is the rear. Furthermore, the left and right are defined with the driver as the reference, in a driving position where the driver straddles the driver's seat.

[0014] A steering shaft 112 is rotatably inserted through a head pipe 111 provided in the front of the main frame 110. A front fork 114 is supported on this steering shaft 112 via a bracket 113. A front wheel 120 is rotatably supported on the lower end of the front fork 114.

[0015] A handlebar 140 is fixed to the steering shaft 112 via a bracket 113. When the rider operates the handlebar 140 to change the angle around the axis of the steering shaft 112, the front wheel 120 rotates together with the front fork 114, and the saddle-type vehicle 10 is steered.

[0016] The main frame 110 extends rearward from the head pipe 111. The main frame 110 supports a fuel tank 151, a seat 163, the engine 150, and a swing arm 118.

[0017] The swing arm 118 extends rearward from the engine 150. A rear portion of the swing arm 118 rotatably supports the rear wheel 130. The driving force of the engine 150 is transmitted to the rear wheel 130 via a transmission and a driving force transmission mechanism including a chain, a belt, or the like, thereby driving and rotating the rear wheel 130.

[0018] A fuel tank 151 and a seat 163 are supported on the upper part of the main frame 110. The seat 163 is located behind the fuel tank 151. The seat 163 is a seat on which a driver sits. In the driving position, the driver sits astride the seat 163. In this state, the upper body is upright or leans forward, and the handlebars 140 are gripped with both hands. The driver's face is located above the seat 163 or the fuel tank 151. A windshield 32 is provided in front of the driver's face.

[0019] A cover made of resin or the like is attached to the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Here, the covers attached to the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 include a front cowl 20, a side cover 170, and a rear cover 174. The side cover 170 and the rear cover 174 are attached to the main frame 110 via brackets or the like.

[0020] The front cowl 20 is attached to the front of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Here, the front cowl 20 is supported directly or indirectly on the main frame 110, and does not turn together with the handlebars 140. As another example, the front cowl 20 may be supported directly or indirectly on a bracket 113 or the like, and may turn together with the handlebars 140. A headlight 22 is built into the front cowl 20.

[0021] The front cowl 20 is formed in a partial spindle shape that gradually widens from the front to the rear with respect to the head pipe 111. The front cowl 20 covers a meter unit 26 such as a speedometer, the head pipe 111, a bracket 113, etc. The front cowl 20 may be formed of one member, or may be formed of a combination of multiple members.

[0022] The widthwise middle part of the upper part of the front cowl 20 is recessed in a U-shape that opens toward the rear, and an outer shell part 30 including a windshield 32 is provided in this part. The windshield 32 extends diagonally rearward from the U-shaped recessed part of the front cowl 20. When viewed from the front, the upper part of the outer shell part 30 is located above the widthwise center part of the handlebar 140. The outer shell part 30 is formed in a shape that gradually extends diagonally downward and rearward in both directions. The windshield 32 is a transparent plate-like part that is located in front of the driver, particularly in front of the driver's face, and plays a role in directing the wind toward the driver's face upward or to the left and right during driving. The meter unit 26 is provided inside the windshield 32.

[0023] The outer shell portion is an outer cover that covers and protects the components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Here, an example is shown in which the outer shell portion 30 is an outer cover that covers a widthwise intermediate portion above the front cowl 20. A part of the outer shell portion 30 is a sensor protection cover 50 described below, and the remaining part is the windshield 32. The sensor protection cover 50, which is a part of the outer shell portion 30, and the windshield 32 may be continuous with each other such that their outer surfaces are located on an extension of each other.

[0024] The sensor 40 is incorporated into the saddle-type vehicle 10 so as to be located inside the outer shell portion 30. The position at which the sensor 40 is incorporated is, for example, a position above the headlights 22. The sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the external environment of the saddle-type vehicle 10. The sensor 40 may be, for example, a camera. The sensor 40 may also be an illuminance sensor, a distance sensor, or the like. By incorporating the sensor 40 into the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle 10, the external environment in front of the saddle-type vehicle 10 can be detected well while traveling.

[0025] A window portion 60 (see Figs. 2 to 4) that covers the sensor 40 is supported on the sensor protection cover 50. The sensor protection cover 50 is removably attached to the components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 so as to become part of the outer shell portion 30. In this state, the sensor 40 is protected by the window portion 60. Furthermore, by removing the sensor protection cover 50 together with the window portion 60 from the components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the sensor 40 is exposed to the outside through the space where the sensor protection cover 50 was previously present. In this state, maintenance of the sensor 40 can be easily performed.

[0026] The structural portion of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 that supports the sensor 40 will now be described in more detail. Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the sensor support portion of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Fig. 3 is a view showing the partially cutaway perspective view of Fig. 2 with the sensor protection cover 50 removed. Figs. 2 and 3 show views in which the front cowl 20, windshield 32, and sensor protection cover 50 are cut along a plane passing through the center in the width direction. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor support portion of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10.

[0027] The saddle-type vehicle 10 includes a sensor 40 and a sensor protection cover 50 .

[0028] The sensor 40 has a detection surface 43. In this example, the sensor 40 includes a sensor body 41 and a protruding portion 42. The sensor body 41 is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protruding portion 42 protrudes from one main surface of the sensor body 41. The protruding portion 42 may be rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical. The detection surface 43 is formed at the tip of the protruding portion 42. If the sensor 40 is a camera as an example, the sensor body 41 is a case with an image sensor built in, and the protruding portion 42 is an optical system having a lens or the like that guides light from the outside to the image sensor. The detection surface 43 that guides light from the outside into the sensor is provided on the surface on the tip side of the protruding portion 42. The detection surface 43 is the outward surface of a lens, or the outward surface of a cover made of glass or resin. The detection surface 43 may be rectangular or circular.

[0029] The sensor may be formed in a shape other than the above, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0030] The sensor 40 is attached to a component of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, and thereby incorporated into the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. An example of a mounting structure for the sensor 40 will be described.

[0031] For example, a front horizontal frame 142 is provided at a position closer to the front of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The front horizontal frame 142 has a portion extending in the width direction at an inner position of a lower portion of the outer shell portion 30. The front horizontal frame 142 is a part forming a part of the frame, and is supported by the main frame 110 or the like via a bracket B or the like. The front horizontal frame 142 includes a base portion 143 for supporting the sensor 40. The base portion 143 includes a support plate portion 144 having a support surface, and a fixing piece 145. A pair of fixing pieces 145 extend from both sides of the support plate portion 144. The fixing piece 145 is fixed to the rod-shaped portion of the front horizontal frame 142 by welding, screwing, riveting, or the like with the support surface facing upward. In Figs. 2 and 3, an example is shown in which two base portions 143 are provided at an interval in the width direction with respect to the rod-shaped portion of the front horizontal frame 142. The number of base portions 143 may be one.

[0032] The sensor 40 is fixed to the front horizontal frame 142 via a sensor support bracket 44. The sensor support bracket 44 includes a portion that supports the sensor 40 and a portion that is fixed to the front horizontal frame 142. Here, the sensor support bracket 44 includes a first bracket portion 45 and a second bracket portion 46. The first bracket portion 45 and the second bracket portion 46 are formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate.

[0033] The first bracket portion 45 includes a first pressing portion 45a and a fixing portion 45b. The first pressing portion 45a includes an enclosure portion that surrounds the upper surface and both sides of the sensor main body 41, and a front side pressing portion that presses both sides of the front surface of the sensor main body 41. A pair of fixing portions 45b protrude outward from both lower end portions of the first pressing portion 45a. The pair of fixing portions 45b are arranged on the support surface of the base portion 143. The second bracket portion 46 includes a second pressing portion 46a and a fixing portion 46b. The second pressing portion 46a includes a rear side pressing portion that presses the rear side of the sensor main body 41, and a bottom surface support portion that supports the bottom surface of the sensor main body 41. A pair of fixing portions 46b extend outward from both lower end portions of the second pressing portion 46a. The pair of fixing portions 46b are also arranged on the support surface of the base portion 143.

[0034] Then, a pair of fixing parts 45b of the first bracket part 45 and a pair of fixing parts 46b of the second bracket part 46 are fixed to the pair of pedestal parts 143. For example, the fixing parts 46b and 45b are stacked in this order on the support surface of the pedestal part 143, and fasteners such as screws or rivets that penetrate them fasten and fix them. In this state, the upper and lower surfaces and both side surfaces of the sensor main body 41 are surrounded by the surrounding part of the first pressing part 45a and the bottom support part of the second pressing part 46a, and the sensor 40 is positioned in the up-down and left-right directions. In addition, the front surface of the sensor main body 41 is pressed by the front pressing part of the first pressing part 45a, and the rear surface of the sensor main body 41 is pressed by the rear pressing surface of the second pressing part 46a. As a result, the sensor 40 is also positioned in the front-rear direction. As a result, the sensor support bracket 44 supports the sensor 40 at a fixed position and in a fixed attitude relative to the front horizontal frame 142. In this embodiment, the sensor 40 is supported below the windshield 32.

[0035] A meter cover 90 is provided below the windshield 32. The meter cover 90 extends gradually upward from an upper portion of the sensor 40 toward the rear, and covers the upper portion of the meter unit 26 in front of the handle 140. The meter cover 90 is opaque and may be used as a sunshade.

[0036] The sensor 40 may be supported by the sensor support bracket 44 while being covered by an elastic cover. The elastic cover is a member formed of an elastic member such as rubber, and is a cover that covers the periphery of the sensor main body 41. By the sensor support bracket 44 supporting the sensor 40 via the elastic cover, vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the sensor 40, and friction between the sensor support bracket 44 and the sensor 40 is suppressed. The sensor support bracket 44 may support the sensor 40 while being in direct contact with the sensor 40.

[0037] The first bracket portion 45 and the second bracket portion 46 have overlapping pieces 45p, 46p. When the sensor support bracket 44 supports the sensor 40, the overlapping pieces 45p, 46p are overlapped with each other, and the overlapping state is maintained by fasteners such as screws, rivets, etc.

[0038] The configuration of the sensor support bracket 44 is not limited to the above example. For example, the sensor support bracket may be fixed by a single part. The sensor support bracket may be fixed to the sensor 40 by screws, latches, or rivets.

[0039] The sensor protective cover 50 includes a window portion 60 and a partial outer shell portion 52 .

[0040] The window portion 60 is a portion that covers the detection surface 43 of the sensor 40. The window portion 60 is formed, for example, by a transparent resin plate (for example, polycarbonate) or a glass plate. The window portion 60 may have a shape that is larger than the detection surface 43. Here, the window portion 60 is formed in a plate shape that is larger than the detection surface 43. Both sides of the window portion 60 protrude more than other parts, and fastening holes are formed in these parts. Note that the degree of transparency here may be such that it does not interfere with the detection by the sensor 40. The window portion 60 may be provided with an anti-fog film 30F. The anti-fog film is a film that suppresses fogging by absorbing moisture by the film and by the hydrophilicity of the film surface. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the anti-fog film 30F is provided on the surface of the window portion 60 on the sensor 40 side.

[0041] The partial outer shell portion 52 is a portion that forms part of the outer shell portion 30, and is a portion that supports the window portion 60. Here, the partial outer shell portion 52 includes a partial outer shell main body portion 54 and a tubular portion 56. The partial outer shell main body portion 54 and the tubular portion 56 are integrally formed by a mold using resin or the like. The partial outer shell portion 52 may be formed from a resin that is more opaque than the window portion 60. The partial outer shell main body portion 54 and the tubular portion 56 may be separately formed parts that are joined together using screws, adhesives, a locking structure, or the like.

[0042] The partial outer shell body 54 is formed in a semi-spindle shape that gradually bulges rearward from the front opening 54h. The partial outer shell body 54 extends rearward more as it goes upward. The upper part of the outward surface of the partial outer shell body 54 is adjacent to and connected to the outward surface of the windshield 32 below the windshield 32. Here, the fact that the two outward surfaces are adjacent to and connected to each other includes the case where an unavoidable gap is interposed between them for absorbing errors between the two members. The outward surface of the partial outer shell body 54 and the outward surface of the windshield 32 may be continuous without a step in a direction perpendicular to those surfaces. The outward surface of the partial outer shell body 54 and the outward surface of the windshield 32 may be continuous without forming an angle, forming a flat or curved surface. The windshield 32 is an example of an adjacent outer shell part provided next to the outward surface of the partial outer shell part 52.

[0043] The lower part of the outward surface of the partial outer shell main body portion 54 is continuous with the front cowl 20. Therefore, the windshield 32, the front cowl 20, and the partial outer shell main body portion 54 may be understood as the outer shell portion, and the windshield 32 and the front cowl 20 as the remaining outer shell portion relative to the partial outer shell main body portion 54. The outward surface of the partial outer shell main body portion 54 and the outward surface of the front cowl 20 may be continuous without a step in a direction perpendicular to those surfaces. The outward surface of the partial outer shell main body portion 54 and the outward surface of the front cowl 20 may be continuous without forming an angle, forming a flat or curved surface.

[0044] The window portion 60 is supported by the partial outer shell main body portion 54. Here, the window portion 60 is supported by the tube portion 56. That is, the tube portion 56 extends from the outward surface of the partial outer shell main body portion 54 toward the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Here, the tube portion 56 is provided so as to face inward from the opening 54h. The tube portion 56 may be formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In this example, when viewed from the front, the opening 54h is formed in a vertically long rectangle. The tube portion 56 may be formed in a shape in which the front view shape of the opening 54h gradually narrows toward the inside. If the tube portion 56 gradually narrows toward the inside, the sensor 40 can be assumed to be a camera and the shape can be made to match the angle of view of the camera.

[0045] The opening edge of the tubular portion 56 on the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is formed in an edge portion 56a that protrudes toward the inner circumference of the tubular portion 56. The window portion 60 is provided in the portion of the tubular portion 56 that faces the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, i.e., in the portion of the edge portion 56a that faces the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10.

[0046] In this way, when the window portion 60 is provided in the tube portion 56 and viewed from the front, at least a part of the window portion 60, here the periphery, is covered by the edge portion 56a of the tube portion 56. Therefore, even if the entire window portion 60 is transparent, the components inside the window portion 60 are difficult to observe from the outside through the entire window portion 60. The tube portion 56 may cover the window portion 60 outside the area of ​​the window portion 60 that is necessary for detection by the detection surface 43. For example, since the window portion 60 is located at a position away from the outside of the detection surface 43, it is preferable that the transparency is maintained in an area of ​​the window portion 60 that is larger than the detection surface 43 when adjusted to the angle of view of the sensor 40. Therefore, the area surrounded by the edge portion 56a is larger than the detection surface 43.

[0047] The support structure of the window portion 60 by the tube portion 56 is arbitrary. For example, a joining member 56t such as double-sided tape, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or an adhesive is provided at the opposing portion between the tube portion 56 and the edge portion 56a. The window portion 60 is joined to the tube portion 56 by this joining member. Also, for example, a fastening member 57 such as a rivet or a screw is passed through a through hole of the window portion 60, and the fastening member is attached to a fastening recess provided in the tube portion 56. The window portion 60 may be fixed to the tube portion 56 by other means such as a fitting structure or welding. The above fixing structures may be combined. The window portion 60 may be molded integrally with the partial outer shell main body portion 54 by two-color molding or the like.

[0048] The sensor protection cover 50 is configured to be detachable from a component part of the saddle riding type vehicle 10. The component part of the saddle riding type vehicle 10 may be the main frame 110, the front side lateral frame 142, the front cowl 20, or the windshield 32. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the sensor protection cover 50 is positioned and supported by a sensor support bracket 44 that supports the sensor 40.

[0049] That is, the additional bracket 70 is supported by the sensor support bracket 44. The sensor protection cover 50 is positioned and supported by the sensor support bracket 44 via the additional bracket 70. More specifically, the additional bracket 70 is formed in a plate shape with downward extension pieces formed from both ends of a central piece extending along the width direction. The additional bracket 70 is formed from a metal plate or the like. A boss portion that protrudes forward is formed on the front pressing portion of the first bracket portion 45 of the sensor support bracket 44. Both ends of the additional bracket 70 are fixed to the ends of the boss portion by fasteners such as screws or rivets.

[0050] A screw fastening portion 72 is formed on the additional bracket 70. The screw fastening portion 72 is provided, for example, at a corner portion where a central piece and an extension piece of the additional bracket 70 intersect. The screw fastening portion 72 is a portion into which a screw S can be screwed. For example, the screw fastening portion 72 may be a rubber nut fitted into a hole in the additional bracket 70. The screw fastening portion 72 may be a portion having a screw hole formed in the additional bracket 70. Two screw fastening portions 72 are provided at a position above the upper edge portion of the detection surface 43, spaced apart in the width direction.

[0051] With the sensor protection cover 50 assembled in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the screw insertion holes 54a are formed in the partial outer shell portion 52 at positions corresponding to the screw fastening portions 72. More specifically, the screw insertion holes 54a are formed in the upper portions on both sides of the tubular portion 56 of the partial outer shell main body portion 54. The screw insertion holes 54a are arranged so as to face the screw fastening portions 72. Then, with the partial outer shell main body portion 54 arranged so as to be positioned on an extension of the windshield 32, the screw S is inserted through the screw insertion hole 54a and screw-fastened to the screw fastening portions 72. As a result, the sensor protection cover 50 is positioned and supported on the sensor support bracket 44 via the additional bracket 70. The screw S is an example of a detachable fastener. The screw S may be directly screwed into the sensor support bracket 44. The sensor protection cover 50 is removed from the sensor support bracket 44 by loosening and removing the screw S from the screw fastening portions 72. Therefore, the sensor protection cover 50 is detachable from the front lateral frame 142 or the sensor support bracket 44 which are components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 .

[0052] The sensor protection cover 50 is also positioned by the hook portion 80. That is, the hook portion 80 is hooked on a portion of the sensor protection cover 50 other than the portion fastened by the screw S (i.e., the portion where the screw insertion hole 54a is formed) from the opposite side to the sensor 40.

[0053] More specifically, a receiving piece 55 is formed in the width direction center of the lower part of the partial outer shell main body part 54 of the sensor protection cover 50. The receiving piece 55 has a recessed portion recessed toward the sensor 40 side in a side view. In addition, a hook part 80 is supported by the sensor support bracket 44. The hook part 80 extends from the sensor support bracket 44 toward the lower side of the width direction center of the lower part of the partial outer shell main body part 54. The hook part 80 is formed in a V shape. For example, the hook part 80 is formed by bending a long and thin metal member. Both ends of the hook part 80 are fixed to the sensor support bracket 44 by welding, screwing, or the like. Here, both ends of the hook part 80 are fixed to the boundary part between the first pressing part 45a and the fixing part 45b of the first bracket part 45 by welding, or the like. The middle part of the hook part 80 extends from the fixing part of the end part toward the center in the width direction toward the front. The central portion of the hook portion 80 extends in the vehicle width direction below the center in the width direction of the lower end portion of the partial outer shell main body portion 54. The central portion of the hook portion 80 can be hooked onto the recess in the receiving piece of the partial outer shell main body portion 54 so as to come into contact with the side opposite to the sensor 40.

[0054] When the sensor protection cover 50 is assembled into the saddle-type vehicle 10, the portion where the screw insertion hole 54a is formed is opposed to the screw fastening portion 72 with the receiving piece 55 in contact with the center portion of the hook portion 80 from the sensor 40 side. In this state, the screw S is inserted through the screw insertion hole 54a and screwed into the screw fastening portion 72. As a result, the sensor protection cover 50 is positioned and held on the sensor support bracket 44 via the additional bracket 70 by the screw S, and is also held in a state where it is positioned relative to the sensor support bracket 44 via the receiving piece 55 and the hook portion 80.

[0055] In this way, by using the hook parts 80 in combination with a fixing structure using the screws S, the number of fixing points using the screws S can be reduced as much as possible, while the sensor protection cover 50 can be easily attached and detached. Note that it is not essential to provide the hook parts 80. Instead of the hook parts 80, a screw fastening structure may be adopted.

[0056] With the sensor protective cover 50 attached, the window 60 may be supported at a position spaced apart from the outside of the detection surface 43 of the sensor 40. In this case, the window 60 may be supported in a parallel position to the detection surface 43. If a gap is provided between the window 60 and the detection surface 43, air passing through the gap can easily remove cloudiness on the detection surface 43 or the inner surface of the window 60. Furthermore, even if an assembly error or the like occurs, the sensor 40 and the window 60 are prevented from coming into contact with each other with a strong force.

[0057] In addition, a groove structure is provided in at least one of the partial outer shell part 52 and the windshield 32, which is an example of an adjacent outer shell part. In this embodiment, the extended edge 33 of the windshield 32 on the partial outer shell part 52 side enters the inside of the partial outer shell part 52, and a groove structure 33g is formed on this extended edge 33. The groove structure 33g is recessed when viewed from above, extends along the boundary between the partial outer shell part 52 and the windshield 32, and reaches the lower edge of the windshield 32. Therefore, even if water enters the saddle-type vehicle 10 through the gap at the boundary between the windshield 32 and the partial outer shell part 52, the water flows through the groove structure 33g and reaches the lower edge of the windshield 32. Since the lower edge of the windshield 32 is located forward of the sensor 40, water that reaches the lower edge of the windshield 32 is likely to drip downward without hitting the sensor 40.

[0058] In this embodiment, the front edge of the meter cover 90 extends below the extended edge 33 and further forward than the extended edge 33. A groove structure 91g is also formed in the front edge of the meter cover 90. The groove structure 91g is formed so as to extend from above the sensor 40 to at least both sides. Therefore, water that overflows the groove structure 33g further flows into the groove structure 91g, and is caused to flow from above the sensor 40 to the outside in the width direction along the groove structure 91g. This also further prevents the sensor 40 from being exposed to water.

[0059] The groove structure may be formed in the partial outer shell portion 52. In this case, the peripheral edge portion of the partial outer shell portion 52 may be recessed into the inside of the edge of the windshield 32, and the groove structure may be formed in the recessed portion.

[0060] Furthermore, at least one of the partial outer shell portion 52 and the windshield 32 may be provided with a long elastic member 95 that extends along the boundary between them and fills the gap between the partial outer shell portion 52 and the windshield 32. For example, sponge, foamed rubber, rubber, etc. may be used as the long elastic member 95. The long elastic member 95 may be interposed between the partial outer shell portion 52 and the meter cover 90. When such a long elastic member 95 is provided, water that attempts to infiltrate from the boundary between the partial outer shell portion 52 and the windshield 32 is blocked by the long elastic member 95. The blocked water flows along the long elastic member 95 in the same way as steam, and can drip off at a position that does not touch the sensor 40.

[0061] The sensor support bracket 44, the window portion 60, and the partial outer shell portion 52 in this embodiment may be understood as a sensor support structure 98 for supporting the sensor 40 on the vehicle.

[0062] With the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and sensor support structure 98 thus configured, the sensor 40 can be protected by the window portion 60 supported by the sensor protection cover 50. Furthermore, when the partial outer shell portion 52 of the sensor protection cover 50 is removed from the constituent parts of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the window portion 60 is also removed from the position covering the sensor 40. In this state, the detection surface of the sensor 40 is exposed to the outside through the opening between the windshield 32 and the front cowl 20. In this state, it is possible to remove fog and dirt from the detection surface 43. It is also possible to remove fog and dirt from the inward-facing surface of the window portion 60.

[0063] Therefore, maintenance of sensor 40 can be performed with a simpler configuration than when the shell portion is movably supported or moved by a drive source. Also, partial shell portion 52 is removed leaving windshield 32, which is the remaining shell portion. Therefore, the task of removing partial shell portion 52 is easier than when the entire windshield is removed, and maintenance of sensor 40 can be easily performed.

[0064] Further, the partial outer shell portion 52 covers at least a part of the window portion 60. In this embodiment, the tube portion 56 covers the periphery of the window portion 60. Therefore, at least a part of the periphery of the sensor 40 can be hidden by the partial outer shell portion 52. This makes it possible to make the mounting structure of the sensor 40 inside the partial outer shell portion 52 less noticeable.

[0065] In addition, since the sensor 40 is provided below the windshield 32 and the outward surface of the partial outer shell portion 52 is adjacent to and connected below the outward surface of the windshield 32, even if the window portion covering the detection surface 43 of the sensor 40 is not integrated with the windshield 32, the sensor 40 can be positioned at a height away from the ground so as to easily detect the external environment in front of the vehicle.

[0066] Furthermore, the tubular portion 56 extends from the opening of the partial outer shell portion 52 toward the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, and the window portion 60 is provided on the inside portion of the tubular portion 56. Therefore, the sensor 40 can be easily hidden inside the partial outer shell portion 52. This makes it possible to make the sensor 40 less noticeable and to more reliably protect it.

[0067] Furthermore, the sensor protection cover 50 is positioned and supported by the sensor support bracket 44. Therefore, the sensor 40 and the sensor protection cover 50 are positioned based on the sensor support bracket 44. This makes it easier to maintain the window portion 60 in a desired positional relationship with the detection surface 43 of the sensor 40, compared to a case in which the sensor protection cover is supported by another part such as the front cowl 20.

[0068] Furthermore, the sensor protection cover 50 is supported by removable screws S, and the sensor protection cover 50 is hooked onto the hook portion 80 at a portion different from the portion fastened by the screws S. Therefore, compared to a case where all of the positioning and support points of the sensor protection cover 50 are fixed by screws, the number of fixing points by the screws S can be reduced, while the sensor protection cover 50 can be firmly and easily supported at a desired position.

[0069] Furthermore, since the groove structure 33g is formed in at least one of the partial outer shell portion 52 and the windshield 32, liquids and the like are prevented from entering through the boundary between the partial outer shell portion 52 and the windshield 32. This prevents the sensor 40 from becoming wet, for example.

[0070] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the outer shell portion is a cover that includes the windshield 32. However, the present sensor support structure is not limited to the case in which the outer shell portion includes the windshield 32, and can also be applied to the case in which the outer shell portion is a cover that includes the front cowl 20, the side cover 170, and the rear cover 174, etc.

[0071] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0072] The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0073] A first aspect is a saddle-type vehicle comprising a sensor that is incorporated into the saddle-type vehicle and detects the external environment of the saddle-type vehicle, a window portion that covers a detection surface of the sensor, and a sensor protection cover that is part of the outer shell of the saddle-type vehicle and includes a partial outer shell portion that supports the window portion, wherein the sensor protection cover is detachable from the constituent parts of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0074] According to this saddle-type vehicle, the sensor can be protected by the window of the sensor protection cover. The window is removable together with the partial outer shell, which allows for simple maintenance of the sensor.

[0075] A second aspect is the saddle-type vehicle according to the first aspect, in which the window portion is transparent and the partial outer shell portion is opaque and covers at least a portion of the window portion when viewed from the front. In this case, the partial outer shell portion covers at least a portion of the window portion, thereby hiding at least a portion of the sensor and making the internal mounting structure and the like less noticeable.

[0076] A third aspect is a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the first or second aspect, in which the sensor is provided below a windshield, and the outward surface of the partial outer shell is adjacent to and continuous with the outward surface of the windshield below the windshield. This allows the sensor to be disposed at a height away from the ground that makes it easy to detect what is ahead, even if a window covering the detection surface of the sensor is not integrated with the windshield.

[0077] A fourth aspect is the saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the partial outer shell portion includes a tubular portion extending from its outward surface toward the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and the window portion is provided on the inside of the tubular portion, making it easy to hide the sensor inside the partial outer shell portion.

[0078] A fifth aspect is the saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a sensor support bracket fixed to the body frame for supporting a sensor, and the sensor protection cover is positioned and supported by the sensor support bracket, thereby making it easier to maintain the position of the sensor protection cover relative to the sensor in a desired positional relationship.

[0079] A sixth aspect is a saddle-type vehicle according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the sensor protection cover is supported by a detachable fastener, and further includes a hook portion that hooks onto a portion of the sensor protection cover different from a portion fastened by the fastener so as to come into contact with the sensor from the opposite side to the sensor. This makes it possible to more firmly and simply support the sensor protection cover.

[0080] A seventh aspect is the saddle-type vehicle according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising an adjacent outer shell part provided next to the outward surface of the partial outer shell part, and at least one of the partial outer shell part and the adjacent outer shell part has a groove structure formed along the boundary between the partial outer shell part and the adjacent outer shell part. This groove structure makes it possible to prevent liquids and the like from entering through the boundary between the partial outer shell part and the adjacent outer shell part.

[0081] The eighth aspect is a sensor support structure that is incorporated into a vehicle and supports a sensor that detects the external environment, comprising a sensor support bracket fixed to a vehicle frame for supporting the sensor, a window portion covering the detection surface of the sensor, and a partial outer shell portion that supports the window portion and is arranged around the window portion to form part of the vehicle outer shell, and further is detachable from the component parts of the vehicle and supported by the sensor support bracket.

[0082] According to this sensor support structure, the sensor can be protected by the window. Furthermore, the window is removed together with the partial outer shell, which allows for simple maintenance of the sensor.

[0083] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10 Saddle-type vehicles 20 Front cowl 30 Outer shell 32 Windshield 33g groove structure 40 Sensors 43 Detection surface 44 Sensor support bracket 50 Sensor protection cover 52 Partial outer shell 54 Partial outer shell body 54a Screw recess 55 Receiver 56 Cylinder part 57 Fastening members 60 Window 70 Additional bracket 72 Screw fastening part 80 Hook 98 Sensor support structure 110 Mainframe 113 Bracket 142 Front horizontal frame

Claims

1. a sensor that is incorporated in a saddle-ride type vehicle and detects an external environment of the saddle-ride type vehicle; a sensor protection cover including a window portion covering a detection surface of the sensor and a partial outer shell portion that is a part of an outer shell of the saddle-ride type vehicle and supports the window portion; a sensor support bracket for supporting the sensor; Equipped with The sensor protection cover is detachable from a component of the saddle-ride type vehicle, In a saddle-type vehicle, the sensor protection cover is positioned and supported by the sensor support bracket so that the window portion is disposed in a fixed positional relationship with the detection surface.

2. 2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, the window portion is transparent; the partial shell portion is opaque and covers at least a portion of the window portion when the window portion is viewed from the front; The sensor includes an imaging element.

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The sensor is provided below the windshield, The outward surface of the partial outer shell portion is adjacent to and continuous with the outward surface of the windshield below the windshield, An opening that opens forward is formed on the outward surface of the partial outer shell portion, the partial outer shell portion includes a tubular portion extending from the opening on the outwardly facing surface of the partial outer shell portion toward a rear side of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The tubular portion is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the rear side of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The window portion is provided in a rear portion of the cylindrical portion, The window portion is transparent and the partial outer shell portion is opaque.

4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, An opening that opens outward is formed on the outer surface of the partial outer shell portion, the partial outer shell portion includes a tubular portion extending from the opening on the outwardly facing surface toward an inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The tubular portion is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The window portion is provided in an inner portion of the cylindrical portion, The window portion is transparent and the partial outer shell portion is opaque.

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The cover is positioned relative to the sensor support bracket via two screw fastening portions provided at an interval in the width direction.

6. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the sensor protective cover is supported by a removable fastener; A hook portion extends from the sensor support bracket toward the partial outer shell portion, The catch portion catches a portion of the sensor protection cover other than a portion fastened by the fastener so as to come into contact with the sensor from an opposite side to the sensor.

7. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Further, an adjacent outer shell portion is provided adjacent to the outer surface of the partial outer shell portion, A groove structure is formed in the adjacent outer shell portion along the boundary of the adjacent outer shell portion, The groove structure is recessed downwardly, A saddle-type vehicle, wherein the groove structure extends along the boundary between the partial outer shell portion and the adjacent outer shell portion, and reaches a lower edge portion of the partial outer shell portion located forward of the sensor.

8. A sensor incorporated in a saddle-ride type vehicle and detecting an external environment of the saddle-ride type vehicle; a sensor protection cover including a window portion covering a detection surface of the sensor and a partial outer shell portion that is a part of an outer shell of the saddle-ride type vehicle and supports the window portion; Equipped with The sensor protection cover is detachable from a component of the saddle-ride type vehicle, An opening that opens outward is formed on the outer surface of the partial outer shell portion, the partial outer shell portion includes a tubular portion extending from the opening on the outwardly facing surface toward an inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The tubular portion is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the inside of the saddle-ride type vehicle, The window portion is provided in a rear portion of the cylindrical portion, The window portion is transparent and the partial outer shell portion is opaque.

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