Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

To provide improved appearance and aerodynamic property in a straddle-type vehicle in which a split part is exposed on the outer surface of a vehicle body cover.SOLUTION: An automatic two-wheeled vehicle 1 includes: a rear side cover 27 covering sides at a vehicle body rear part; and a front side cover 22 covering sides at a vehicle body front part. The rear side cover 27 is split via a rear split line 27c as a boundary extending diagonally rearward in vehicle side view into a rear first cover 27a and a rear second cover 27b. The front side cover 22 is split via a front split line 22c as a boundary extending diagonally rearward in vehicle side view into a front first cover 22a and a front second cover 22b. The rear split line 27c passes above an upper end t1 of a rear wheel 4 in vehicle side view. The front split line 22c overlaps with the rear first cover 27a in vehicle side view. An opening 31 facing toward an outer side in a vehicle width direction is formed in an overlapping portion of the rear first cover 27a with the front split line 22c in vehicle side view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in some saddle-ride type vehicles, the side cover is divided into front and rear parts in order to make the surface of the side cover under the seat appear smaller (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4721280 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned vehicle body cover structure, there is a demand to make the rear portion of the side cover appear even smaller to give a sporty appearance, while also making the surface of the front cover appear smaller. On the other hand, in recent years, research and development contributing to energy efficiency has been widely carried out to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy. In the case of vehicles, in addition to increasing the efficiency of the drive source, technology that contributes to improving aerodynamics is also effective. Therefore, even in the structure of the body cover as described above, a configuration that takes into consideration improving aerodynamics is desired.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to improve the appearance and aerodynamics of a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a dividing portion is exposed on the outer surface of a body cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle body having a rear side cover (27) covering a side of a rear part of a vehicle body and a front side cover (22) covering a side of a front part of the vehicle body, the rear side cover (27) being divided into a rear first cover (27a) and a rear second cover (27b) at a rear dividing line (27c) extending rearwardly and downwardly in a side view of the vehicle, and the front side cover (22) being divided into a front first cover (22a) and a front second cover (22b) at a front dividing line (22c) extending rearwardly and downwardly in a side view of the vehicle. In a side view of the vehicle, an imaginary extension portion of the rear dividing line (27c) passes above an upper end (t1) of the rear wheel (4), in a side view of the vehicle, an imaginary extension portion of the front dividing line (22c) overlaps with one of the rear first cover (27a) and the rear second cover (27b), and an opening (31) facing outward in the vehicle width direction is formed in one of the rear first cover (27a) and the rear second cover (27b) at a portion that overlaps with the imaginary extension portion of the front dividing line (22c) in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the rear side cover and the front side cover have rear parting lines and front parting lines that respectively slope downward toward the rear (i.e. upward toward the front), so that the vehicle can be designed to have a dynamic look when viewed from the side. The rear parting line that slopes downward toward the rear passes above the upper end of the rear wheel, so that the slope is shallower (closer to horizontal) when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the vehicle can have an appearance that gives a sense of speed. Since an opening is formed at a portion of one of the first cover and the second cover that overlaps with the front parting line, the traveling wind that flows along the front parting line is guided to the periphery of the opening of the rear side cover and flows appropriately, so that the wind can be rectified along the opening.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect described above, the opening (31) forms an opening upper edge (31a) that extends downward and rearward in a side view of the vehicle, and the opening upper edge (31a), the rear dividing line (27c), and the front dividing line (22c) are approximately parallel to one another in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the upper edge of the opening and the parting lines of the front and rear side covers are approximately parallel to each other, thereby achieving a continuous, sporty design.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the above-described first aspect, the opening (31) comprises an opening upper edge (31a) extending upward toward the front in a side view of the vehicle, a second opening upper edge (31b) extending downward toward the front from the front end of the opening upper edge (31a), an opening lower edge (31c) extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the opening upper edge (31a), and a second opening lower edge (31d) extending upward toward the front from the front end of the opening lower edge (31c), and the straight line (L2) connecting the front and rear ends (t4, t5) of the opening (31) is longer than the straight line (L1) connecting the top and bottom ends (t2, t3) in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the opening is shaped like a diamond that is long from front to back when viewed from the side of the vehicle, creating a design that gives a sense of speed.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is that in the above-described third aspect, the rear first cover (27a) or the rear second cover (27b) having the opening (31) comprises a cover upper edge (32a) extending upward toward the front in a side view of the vehicle, a second cover upper edge (32b) extending downward toward the front from the front end of the cover upper edge (32a), a cover lower edge (32c) extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the cover upper edge (32a), and a second cover lower edge (32d) extending upward toward the front from the front end of the cover lower edge (32c). According to this configuration, the first cover or the second cover having the opening is rhombus-shaped in the side view of the vehicle, similar to the opening, so that the first cover or the second cover can be designed to have a sense of speed together with the opening. The first cover or the second cover has an appearance like a frame, and the design is light and airy, evoking the image of air flow.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned fourth aspect, further comprising a floor step (6) on which a passenger places their feet, between a front vehicle body to which the front side cover (22) is attached, and a rear vehicle body to which the rear side cover (27) is attached, and floor side covers (25) facing downwardly of the vehicle body are provided below the left and right outer sides of the floor step (6), and the floor side covers (25) are connected from below to the rear first cover (27a) or the rear second cover (27b) having the opening (31). According to this configuration, by connecting the floor side covers on the left and right outer sides of the floor step from below to the first cover or second cover having an opening, the cover with a frame-like appearance and the floor side covers can be integrated to achieve rationalization.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the floor side cover (25) faces outward in the vehicle width direction. With this configuration, the frame-shaped cover and the undercover can form an integrated appearance when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising fastening portions (34a, 34b, 34c) in front of, behind and below the opening (31) for fixing the rear first cover (27a) or the rear second cover (27b) having the opening (31) to a vehicle body. According to this configuration, the frame-shaped cover can be fastened and fixed in a well-balanced manner.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the seventh aspect, wherein the opening (31) is disposed within a region connecting the plurality of fastening portions (34a, 34b, 34c) in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, by providing a plurality of fastening portions so as to surround the opening, the cover having the opening can be fastened and fixed in a balanced manner, and the appearance can be improved.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the rear parting line (27c) and the front parting line (22c) have inclination angles (θ1, θ2) of 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal line when viewed from the side of the vehicle. This configuration can give the vehicle an appearance of speed, compared to a vehicle in which the rear and front parting lines have a large inclination angle with respect to the horizontal line.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a line connecting both ends of the rear dividing line (27c) is defined as a rear dividing reference line (27d), and an extension portion of the rear dividing reference line (27d) is defined as the virtual extension portion. According to this configuration, even if the dividing line is curved in a side view of the vehicle, the arrangement based on the imaginary extended portion of the dividing line can be appropriately determined. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, in a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a dividing portion is exposed on the outer surface of a body cover, it is possible to improve the appearance and aerodynamics. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of a rear portion of the motorcycle body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a top view of the vicinity of a floor step of the motorcycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view taken along the arrow IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions of front, rear, left and right are the same as those in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. In addition, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle and an arrow UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle are shown in appropriate positions in the drawings used in the following description.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a left side view of a scooter-type motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle) 1 as an example of a vehicle, as viewed from the left-right direction (vehicle width direction). The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 3, which is a steering wheel, and a rear wheel 4, which is a drive wheel. The front wheel 3 is supported by a front fork 3a and can be steered by a bar handle 2. The rear wheel 4 is supported by a swing-type power unit 8 and can be driven by the power unit 8. Steering system components including the bar handle 2, the front fork 3a, and the front wheel 3 are steerably supported by a head pipe 10a at the front end of a body frame 10. The front part of the power unit 8 is supported at a front-rear intermediate part (not limited to the center) of the body frame 10 so as to be able to swing up and down. The power unit 8 includes a drive source 8a for running the vehicle, and a transmission device 8b for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive source 8a to the rear wheel 4. The drive source 8a includes at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, for example.

[0020] Between the front wheel 3 and the rear wheel 4, a floor step 6 on which the driver places his / her feet is provided. A front body 11 is provided in front of the floor step 6. A rear body 12 is provided behind the floor step 6. A space K1 above the floor step 6 between the front body 11 and the rear body 12 is used as a straddling space K1 when the driver straddles the vehicle body. A handlebar bar 2 is provided above the front body 11, and the handlebar bar 2 is covered by a handlebar cover 2a. A seat 5 on which a passenger sits is provided above the rear body 12. A foldable side stand 7 capable of supporting the vehicle body in an upright position tilted to the left is provided on the lower left side of the floor step 6.

[0021] The periphery of the body frame 10 of the motorcycle 1 is covered with a body cover 20. The body cover 20 includes a front center cover 21 that covers the front body 11 from the front, front side covers 22 that cover the front body 11 from the left and right sides, and an inner cover 23 that covers the front body 11 from the rear.

[0022] The vehicle body cover 20 also includes a floor cover 24 that covers the floor step 6 from above, and floor side covers 25 that cover the floor step 6 from the left and right sides. The body cover 20 also includes a rear center cover 26 that covers the rear body 12 from the front, and rear side covers 27 that cover the rear body 12 from the left and right sides.

[0023] The front center cover 21 and the front side cover 22 form the outer surface of the front body 11. The rear center cover 26 and the rear side cover 27 form the outer surface of the rear body 12. The upper surface of the floor cover 24 forms a footrest surface 24a of the floor step 6. The footrest surface 24a is flat across the entire width in the vehicle width direction, for example. The floor step 6 may include a center tunnel that rises upward on the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The rear side cover 27 is divided into a front lower rear first cover 27a and a rear upper rear second cover 27b by a rear dividing line 27c that slopes downward to the rear in a vehicle side view. 2 and 3, the rear first cover 27a and the rear second cover 27b form, for example, a flush, continuous outer cover surface. The rear side cover 27 is not limited to a configuration in which the rear first cover 27a and the rear second cover 27b form a flush outer surface. For example, the rear first cover 27a and the rear second cover 27b may have a so-called layered cowl structure in which one is offset from the other in the vehicle width direction and overlaps with each other. In this case, the edge of the cover on the outer side in the vehicle width direction may be the rear division line 27c.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the rear dividing line 27c of the rear side cover 27 is straight in a side view of the vehicle. A straight line along this rear dividing line 27c is defined as the rear dividing reference line 27d. If the rear dividing line 27c is curved in a side view of the vehicle, a straight line connecting the front and rear ends of the rear dividing line 27c in a side view of the vehicle is defined as the rear dividing reference line 27d. The range for determining the front and rear ends of the rear dividing line 27c does not need to include, for example, a portion that is partially reversely inclined near the front and rear ends of the rear dividing line 27c. In the embodiment, a line that extends continuously for more than half of the length of the entire dividing line is defined as the dividing line. A portion of a line that is reversely inclined in a different direction near the front and rear ends is not included.

[0026] The rearward extension (imaginary extension) of the rear division reference line 27d passes above the upper end t1 of the rear wheel 4 in the side view of the vehicle (does not overlap with the rear wheel 4 in the side view of the vehicle). The angle (inclination angle from the horizontal line) θ1 of the rear division reference line 27d in the direction of inclination from the horizontal line to the rear downward (or front upward) in the side view of the vehicle is set to be within 45 degrees. In this way, the rear division reference line 27d and thus the rear division line 27c are based on a horizontal tone by suppressing the inclination angle from the horizontal line in the side view of the vehicle, which contributes to an appearance with a sense of speed. The rear division reference line 27d and thus the rear division line 27c are inclined to the front upward in the side view of the vehicle, which contributes to an appearance with a sense of dynamism. The rear side of the rear division reference line 27d is located upward, which allows the rear second cover 27b to be made smaller. Although the rear first cover 27a is large, the rear first cover 27a has an opening 31, which makes it look smaller than it actually is, resulting in a smart appearance.

[0027] The first rear cover 27a has a diamond-shaped opening 31 in a side view of the vehicle. The opening 31 has an upper opening edge 31a extending downward toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle, a second upper opening edge 31b extending downward toward the front from the front end of the upper opening edge 31a, a lower opening edge 31c extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the upper opening edge 31a, and a second lower opening edge 31d extending upward toward the front from the front end of the lower opening edge 31c. The front end of the second lower opening edge 31d is connected to the front end of the second upper opening edge 31b. In a side view of the vehicle, the angle between the second lower opening edge 31d and the second upper opening edge 31b is an acute angle, and the angle between the lower opening edge 31c and the upper opening edge 31a is also an acute angle. 2, in the opening 31, the straight line L2 connecting the front and rear ends t4, t5 is longer than the straight line L1 connecting the top and bottom ends t2, t3 in the vehicle side view. In other words, the shape of the opening 31 in the vehicle side view is a rhombus in which the front-to-back width is larger than the top-to-bottom width.

[0028] Each edge 31a-31d of the opening 31 is straight in the side view of the vehicle. In particular, a straight line along the opening upper edge 31a is defined as the opening upper edge reference line 31a1 (see FIG. 1). If the opening upper edge 31a is curved in the side view of the vehicle, a straight line connecting the front and rear ends of the opening upper edge 31a in the side view of the vehicle is defined as the opening upper edge reference line 31a1.

[0029] The opening 31 penetrates, for example, the rear first cover 27a in the vehicle width direction. The inside of the opening 31 may be closed by, for example, a separate cover 33 attached thereto. This prevents vehicle components on the inside of the rear first cover 27a in the vehicle width direction from being exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction through the opening 31. The formation of the opening 31 makes the rear first cover 27a appear smaller and lighter, which contributes to improving the appearance.

[0030] The rear first cover 27a has a diamond shape that is generally similar to the opening 31 in a side view of the vehicle. The rear first cover 27a has a cover upper end edge 32a extending downward toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle, a second cover upper end edge 32b extending downward toward the front from the front end of the cover upper end edge 32a, a cover lower end edge 32c extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the cover upper end edge 32a, and a second cover lower end edge 32d extending upward toward the front from a part or a front part of the cover lower end edge 32c. The front end of the second cover lower end edge 32d is connected to the front end of the second cover upper end edge 32b. In a side view of the vehicle, the angle between the second cover lower end edge 32d and the second cover upper end edge 32b is an acute angle, and the angle between the cover lower end edge 32c and the cover upper end edge 32a is also an acute angle. That is, the shape of the rear first cover 27a is also a diamond shape in which the front-to-rear width is larger than the top-to-bottom width. The first rear cover 27a has an appearance resembling a frame that forms a diamond-shaped opening, and has a light and airy design.

[0031] The second cover upper end edge 32b and the second cover lower end edge 32d of the rear first cover 27a are formed by ridges that are substantially parallel to the second opening upper end edge 31b and the second opening lower end edge 31d of the opening 31. An upper inclined surface 32b1 is formed on the inner side of the second cover upper end edge 32b in the vehicle width direction, which extends obliquely toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. A lower inclined surface 32d1 is formed on the inner side of the second cover lower end edge 32d in the vehicle width direction, which extends obliquely toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The front ends of the upper and lower inclined surfaces 32b1 and 32d1 are integrally connected to each other in front of the diamond-shaped front end (top) of the front first cover 22a. The upper and lower inclined surfaces 32b1 and 32d1 are arranged in front of the opening 31 in an acute-angled V-shape that protrudes forward in a vehicle side view.

[0032] The rear end of the floor side cover 25 is integrally connected to the lower end of the rear first cover 27a. The floor side cover 25 has a cover outer surface portion 25a facing outward and downward in the vehicle width direction. The floor side cover 25 has an extension portion 25c extending diagonally upward and rearward from the rear end portion of the cover outer surface portion 25a via a ridge line 25b that is approximately parallel to the footrest surface 24a. The upper end portion of the extension portion 25c is connected from below to the lower end portion (lower end portion (top portion) of the diamond shape) of the rear first cover 27a. The rear first cover 27a and the floor side cover 25 are integrated, for example, by integral molding.

[0033] 2, the integrated part of the rear first cover 27a and the floor side cover 25 is fixed to the vehicle body by a plurality of fastening parts. The plurality of fastening parts include a first fastening part 34a located in front of the opening 31, a second fastening part 34b located behind the opening 31, and a third fastening part 34c located below the opening 31. Each fastening part 34a, 34b, 34c has a large screw exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction, and forms a mechanical design in combination with the rear first cover 27a having a frame-like appearance. In a side view of the vehicle, the opening 31 is substantially entirely disposed in an area R1 connecting the centers of the fastening parts 34a, 34b, 34c, so that the frame-like rear first cover 27a can be fastened and fixed in a balanced manner.

[0034] The floor side cover 25 on the left side of the vehicle body is secured to the floor under frame (not shown) by two claws 25d on the upper edge. Although not shown, the floor side cover 25 on the right side of the vehicle body is secured to the floor under frame by two claws on each of the upper and lower edges. The lower part of the floor side cover 25 on the left side of the vehicle body is cut out to ensure space for placing the side stand 7, and compared to the floor side cover 25 on the right side of the vehicle body, two claws (locking portions) on the lower edge are eliminated.

[0035] 2 to 4, the floor side cover 25 on the left side of the vehicle body is provided with a protruding portion 25e that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower edge of the portion cut out for the side stand 7. The protruding portion 25e has, for example, a fin shape (plate shape) that is long in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and contributes to rectifying the wind generated while traveling around the side stand 7. The protruding portion 25e protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the outer cover surface of the floor side cover 25. The protruding portion 25e is provided only on the left side of the vehicle body, and also functions as a canopy that extends upward around the base of the side stand 7.

[0036] 1 and 5, the front side cover 22 is divided into an upper front first cover 22a and a lower front second cover 22b at a front dividing line 22c that is inclined upward toward the front in a vehicle side view. For example, the front first cover 22a and the front second cover 22b have a so-called layered cowl structure in which one (for example, the front second cover 22b) is offset from the other (for example, the front first cover 22a) in the vehicle width direction and overlaps with each other. In the embodiment, the front second cover 22b is offset outward in the vehicle width direction from the front first cover 22a. In this case, the edge of the cover on the outer side in the vehicle width direction may be the front dividing line 22c. The front second cover 22b is in a state in which it bulges outward in the vehicle width direction in a vehicle front-rear view. The front side cover 22 is not limited to a configuration in which the first front cover 22a and the second front cover 22b are offset from each other in the vehicle width direction. For example, the first front cover 22a and the second front cover 22b may form a continuous, flush outer cover surface.

[0037] The front dividing line 22c of the front side cover 22 is straight in a side view of the vehicle. A straight line along this front dividing line 22c is defined as the front dividing reference line 22d. If the front dividing line 22c is curved in a side view of the vehicle, a straight line connecting the front and rear ends of the front dividing line 22c in a side view of the vehicle is defined as the front dividing reference line 22d. The range for determining the front and rear ends of the front dividing line 22c does not need to include, for example, a portion that is partially reversely inclined near the front and rear ends of the front dividing line 22c. In the embodiment, a line that extends continuously for more than half the length of the entire dividing line is defined as the dividing line. A portion of a line that is reversely inclined in a different direction near the front and rear ends is not included.

[0038] The rearward extension (imaginary extension) of the front dividing reference line 22d passes through a position overlapping with the opening 31 of the rear side cover 27 in a side view of the vehicle. The angle θ2 of the front dividing reference line 22d in the direction of inclination from the horizontal line downward to the rear (or upward to the front) in a side view of the vehicle (inclination angle from the horizontal line) is set to be within 45 degrees. In this way, the front dividing reference line 22d and therefore the front dividing line 22c have a reduced inclination angle from the horizontal line in a side view of the vehicle, which gives them a horizontal tone and contributes to an appearance that gives a sense of speed. The front dividing reference line 22d and therefore the front dividing line 22c are inclined upward to the front in a side view of the vehicle, which contributes to an appearance that gives a sense of dynamism.

[0039] A part of the traveling wind flowing around the front side cover 22 is guided along the front dividing line 22c and flows toward the opening 31 of the rear side cover 27. This traveling wind branches upward and downward due to the upper and lower inclined surfaces 32b1, 32d1 arranged in a V-shape at the front end of the rear side cover 27 (in front of the opening 31), and flows smoothly rearward. This reduces air resistance. In addition, the front dividing line 22c extending in the front-rear direction and the diamond-shaped opening 31 with a reduced vertical width give the appearance of speed.

[0040] The front dividing line 22c of the front side cover 22 and the rear dividing line 27c of the rear side cover 27 are both inclined upward toward the front and are generally parallel to each other (meaning that they do not intersect within the vehicle's front-to-rear width, for example). This allows for a dynamic appearance when viewed from the side of the vehicle. In addition, the opening upper edge 31a (opening upper edge reference line 31a1) of the diamond-shaped opening 31 of the rear side cover 27 is also generally parallel to the rear dividing line 27c (rear dividing reference line 27d) of the rear side cover 27 and the front dividing line 22c (front dividing reference line 22d) of the front side cover 22 (as above). This allows for a unified design with a sense of unity among the lines.

[0041] As described above, the motorcycle 1 in the above embodiment includes the rear side cover 27 that covers the sides of the rear part of the vehicle body and the front side cover 22 that covers the sides of the front part of the vehicle body. The rear side cover 27 is divided into the rear first cover 27a and the rear second cover 27b along the rear dividing line 27c that extends downward to the rear in a side view of the vehicle. The front side cover 22 is divided into the front first cover 22a and the front second cover 22b along the front dividing line 22c that extends downward to the rear in a side view of the vehicle. The imaginary extension of the rear dividing line 27c (or the rear dividing reference line 27d connecting both the front and rear ends of the rear dividing line 27c) passes above the upper end t1 of the rear wheel 4, and in a side view of the vehicle, the imaginary extension of the front dividing line 22c (or the front dividing reference line 22d connecting both the front and rear ends of the front dividing line 22c) overlaps with the rear first cover 27a, and an opening 31 facing outward in the vehicle width direction is formed in the rear first cover 27a at the portion that overlaps with the imaginary extension of the front dividing line 22c (front dividing reference line 22d) in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the rear side cover 27 and the front side cover 22 have the rear parting line 27c and the front parting line 22c, respectively, which are inclined downward toward the rear (i.e., upward toward the front), so that the design has a sense of dynamism when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The rear parting line 27c (rear parting reference line 27d) that is inclined downward toward the rear passes above the upper end t1 of the rear wheel 4, so that the inclination when viewed from the side of the vehicle becomes shallow (close to horizontal), and the appearance of speed can be created. The opening 31 is formed at the portion of the rear first cover 27a that overlaps with the front parting line 22c (front parting reference line 22d), so that the traveling wind that flows along the front parting line 22c is guided around the opening 31 of the rear side cover 27 and flows appropriately, so that the flow can be straightened along the opening 31.

[0042] In the above motorcycle 1, the opening 31 forms an opening upper edge 31a that extends downward to the rear when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the opening upper edge 31a (or the opening upper edge reference line 31a1 connecting both the front and rear ends of the opening upper edge 31a), the rear dividing line 27c (rear dividing reference line 27d), and the front dividing line 22c (front dividing reference line 22d) are approximately parallel to each other. According to this configuration, the opening upper edge 31a and the parting lines 22c, 27c of the front and rear side covers 22, 27 are approximately parallel to each other, so that a continuous, sporty design can be achieved.

[0043] In the above-mentioned motorcycle 1, the opening 31 comprises an opening upper edge 31a extending upward toward the front in a side view of the vehicle, a second opening upper edge 31b extending downward toward the front from the front end of the opening upper edge 31a, an opening lower edge 31c extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the opening upper edge 31a, and a second opening lower edge 31d extending upward toward the front from the front end of the opening lower edge 31c, and in a side view of the vehicle, the straight line L2 connecting the front and rear ends t4, t5 of the opening 31 is longer than the straight line L1 connecting the top and bottom ends t2, t3. According to this configuration, the opening 31 forms a long diamond shape in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle, thereby creating a design that gives a sense of speed.

[0044] In the above-mentioned motorcycle 1, the rear first cover 27a having an opening 31 includes a cover upper edge 32a extending upward toward the front in a side view of the vehicle, a second cover upper edge 32b extending downward toward the front from the front end of the cover upper edge 32a, a cover lower edge 32c extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the cover upper edge 32a, and a second cover lower edge 32d extending upward toward the front from the front end of the cover lower edge 32c. According to this configuration, the rear first cover 27a having the opening 31 is shaped like a diamond in a side view of the vehicle, similar to the opening 31, so that a design that gives a sense of speed can be created together with the opening 31. The rear first cover 27a has an appearance like a frame, and a light design that evokes air flow can be created.

[0045] In the above motorcycle 1, a floor step 6 on which a rider places his / her feet is provided between a front body to which the front side cover 22 is attached and a rear body to which the rear side cover 27 is attached, and floor side covers 25 facing downwardly of the vehicle body are provided below the left and right outer sides of the floor step 6, and the floor side cover 25 is connected from below to a rear first cover 27a having an opening 31. According to this configuration, by connecting the floor side covers 25 on the left and right outer sides of the floor step 6 from below to the rear first cover 27a having the opening 31, the rear first cover 27a, which has a frame-like appearance, and the floor side covers 25 can be integrated to achieve rationalization.

[0046] In the motorcycle 1, the floor side cover 25 faces outward in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the frame-shaped rear first cover 27a and the floor side cover 25 can form an integrated external appearance when seen from the side of the vehicle.

[0047] In the motorcycle 1, fastening portions 34a, 34b, 34c for fixing the rear first cover 27a or the rear second cover 27b having the opening 31 to the vehicle body are provided in front of, behind and below the opening 31. According to this configuration, the frame-shaped rear first cover 27a can be fastened and fixed in a well-balanced manner.

[0048] In the motorcycle 1, the rear dividing reference line 27d and the front dividing reference line 22d have inclination angles θ1, θ2 of 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal line in a side view of the vehicle. This configuration can give the vehicle an appearance of speed, compared to a case in which the rear dividing reference line 27d and the front dividing reference line 22d have a large inclination angle with respect to the horizontal line.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, the cowl structure of the present embodiment may be applied to saddle-ride type vehicles other than motorcycles. The saddle-ride type vehicles include all vehicles on which a driver straddles the vehicle body, and include not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). The cowl structure of the present embodiment may be applied to vehicles that include an electric motor as a prime mover. The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Motorcycles (saddle-type vehicles) 4 Rear Wheel t1 top end 6 Floor Steps 22 Front side cover 22a Front first cover (front first cover) 22b Front second cover (front second cover) 22c Front split line (front split line) 22d Front division reference line (front division reference line) 25 Floor side cover 27 Rear side cover (rear side cover) 27a Rear first cover (rear first cover) 27b Rear second cover (rear second cover) 27c Rear dividing line (rear dividing line) 27d Rear division reference line (rear division reference line) 31 Opening t2, t3 upper and lower ends L1 straight line t4, t5 front and rear ends L2 straight line 31a Upper edge of opening 31a1 Opening top edge reference line 31b Second opening upper edge 31c Lower edge of opening 31d Second opening lower edge 32a Top edge of cover 32b Upper edge of second cover 32b1 Upper slope 32c Bottom edge of cover 32d Lower edge of second cover 32d1 Down slope 34a,34b,34c Fastening section θ1,θ2 Tilt angle

Claims

1. The vehicle has a rear side cover (27) that covers the sides of the rear part of the vehicle body and a front side cover (22) that covers the sides of the front part of the vehicle body, The rear side cover (27) is divided into a first rear cover (27a) and a second rear cover (27b) at a rear dividing line (27c) extending rearward and downward as viewed from the side of the vehicle, The front side cover (22) is divided into a first front cover (22a) and a second front cover (22b) at a front dividing line (22c) extending rearward and downward as viewed from the side of the vehicle, In a side view of the vehicle, the imaginary extension of the rear dividing line (27c) passes above the upper end (t1) of the rear wheel (4), In a side view of the vehicle, an imaginary extension portion of the front dividing line (22c) overlaps one of the rear first cover (27a) and the rear second cover (27b), A saddle-ride type vehicle, wherein an opening (31) facing outward in the vehicle width direction is formed in one of the rear first cover (27a) and the rear second cover (27b) at a portion that overlaps with a virtual extension portion of the front dividing line (22c) in a side view of the vehicle.

2. The opening (31) forms an opening upper edge (31a) that extends downward toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle, 2. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, in a side view of the vehicle, the opening upper edge (31a), the rear dividing line (27c), and the front dividing line (22c) are arranged so as not to intersect with each other within a front-to-rear width of the vehicle.

3. The opening (31) includes an opening upper edge (31a) extending upward toward the front in a side view of the vehicle, a second opening upper edge (31b) extending downward toward the front from a front end of the opening upper edge (31a), an opening lower edge (31c) extending downward toward the front from a rear end of the opening upper edge (31a), and a second opening lower edge (31d) extending upward toward the front from the front end of the opening lower edge (31c), 2. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the opening (31) has a straight line (L2) connecting front and rear ends (t4, t5) longer than a straight line (L1) connecting upper and lower ends (t2, t3) in a side view of the vehicle.

4. 4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the rear first cover (27a) or the rear second cover (27b) having the opening (31) comprises a cover upper edge (32a) extending upward toward the front in a side view of the vehicle, a second cover upper edge (32b) extending downward toward the front from the front end of the cover upper edge (32a), a cover lower edge (32c) extending downward toward the front from the rear end of the cover upper edge (32a), and a second cover lower edge (32d) extending upward toward the front from the front portion of the cover lower edge (32c).

5. A floor step (6) on which a passenger places his / her feet is provided between a front body to which the front side cover (22) is attached and a rear body to which the rear side cover (27) is attached, and floor side covers (25) are provided below the left and right outer sides of the floor step (6), 5. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the floor side cover (25) is connected from below to the rear first cover (27a) or the rear second cover (27b) having the opening (31).

6. 6. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the floor side cover (25) faces outward in a vehicle width direction.

7. 7. A saddle-type vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising fastening portions (34a, 34b, 34c) for fixing the rear first cover (27a) or the rear second cover (27b) having the opening (31) to a vehicle body, in front of, behind and below the opening (31).

8. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the opening (31) is disposed within an area connecting the plurality of fastening portions (34a, 34b, 34c) in a side view of the vehicle.

9. 7. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the rear dividing line (27c) and the front dividing line (22c) have inclination angles (θ1, θ2) of 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal line in a side view of the vehicle.

10. 7. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a line connecting both ends of the rear dividing line (27c) is defined as a rear dividing reference line (27d), and an extension of the rear dividing reference line (27d) is defined as the imaginary extension.

Images