Terminal protection structure for saddle-type vehicles

Abstract

This can protect the terminal portion of the control device, and ultimately contributes to improving energy efficiency. [Solution] The terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle 1 includes a swing support shaft 25 that swingably supports the rear wheels 3 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 1 and an electric motor 50 that drives the rear wheels 3 relative to a body frame 5, a control device 9 that is arranged in front of the swing support shaft 25 and has a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and controls the electric motor 50, a rear fender 70 that covers the rear wheels 3 and is fixed to the body frame 5, and a splash guard 80 that is arranged between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9 and extends rearward from below the terminal portion 63. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is arranged lower than the terminal portion 63 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon or carbon-free society have become more active, and research and development into electrification technologies is being conducted in vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor that drives rear wheels and a motor control unit that controls the electric motor. In this vehicle, the motor control unit is disposed in front of the rear wheels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-15904 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, in the field of electrification technology, it is an issue to effectively protect the terminal portion of the control device from external factors.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application aims to protect the terminal portion of the control device against water splashing from the rear wheels or the front of the vehicle using a protective member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a swing support shaft (25) that swingably supports a rear wheel (3) of a saddle-type vehicle (1) and an electric motor (50) that drives the rear wheel (3) relative to a body frame (5), a control device (9) that is arranged in front of the swing support shaft (25) and has a terminal portion (63) on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and controls the electric motor (50), a rear fender (70, 270) that covers the rear wheel (3) and is fixed to the body frame (5), and a splash guard (80, 280) that is arranged between the rear fender (70, 270) and the control device (9) and extends rearward from below the terminal portion (63), and the lower end of the splash guard (80, 280) is arranged lower than the terminal portion (63) in the vertical direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, compared to a case where the bottom end of the splash guard is positioned above the terminal portion of the control device, even if the control device is placed close to the ground, it is less susceptible to the effects of external factors such as dust and water, and therefore the terminal portion of the control device can be protected.

[0007] (2) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described above in (1), the splash guard (80, 280) may block an imaginary line (J) connecting the axle of the rear wheel (3) and the center of the terminal portion (63) in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the terminal portion of the control device can be protected from the rear wheel bouncing up.

[0008] (3) The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above may further include a hanger member (90, 290) that holds the control device (9), and the splash guard (80, 280) may be supported by the hanger member (90, 290). For example, in order to reduce the number of assembly steps required for electric vehicles, one possible solution is to sub-assemble the electric motor and control device. According to this configuration, the splash guard can be pre-assembled to the hanger member that holds the control device, which allows assembly on a pre-assembly line, thereby contributing to reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0009] (4) The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3) above may further include a storage battery (100) having a battery terminal (103) on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the splash guard (80, 280) may be positioned lower than the battery terminal (103) in the vertical direction of the vehicle. According to this configuration, compared to a case where the splash guard is disposed above the battery terminal, even if the battery terminal is disposed near the ground, the splash guard is less susceptible to external factors such as dust and water. Therefore, the battery terminal can be protected. In addition, the splash guard contributes to preventing water from reaching the battery cable connected to the battery terminal. It can also prevent water from dripping from the battery cable and reaching the terminal of the control device.

[0010] (5) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above, the rear fender (70) may be provided with a fender support portion (72) supported by the body frame (5), a front portion of the splash guard (80) may be supported by the hanger member (90), and a rear portion of the splash guard (80) may cover the front end of the rear fender (70) from above and be supported by the fender support portion (72). According to this configuration, the splash guard can be supported by the hanger member and the fender support portion, and the rear portion of the splash guard can be supported by a support portion separate from the hanger member.

[0011] (6) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above, the hanger member (290) may have a cross pipe (291) on the upper end side of the hanger member (290) and a middle support portion (297) on the central side of the hanger member (290), and the splash guard (280) may be suspended from the cross pipe (291) to the middle support portion (297). According to this configuration, the splash guard can be supported by only the hanger member, which makes it possible to assemble the splash guard on a small assembly line, thereby contributing to reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0012] (7) In the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle described in (6) above, the splash guard (280) covers the cross pipe (291) from above, and a part of the rear fender (270) extends downward beyond the center of the cross pipe (291) when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and then bends upward immediately adjacent to the cross pipe (291) and covers the cross pipe (291) from above together with the splash guard (280). This configuration can more effectively prevent water and the like from entering the control device. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to protect the terminal portion of the control device, which in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a terminal protection structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle in a first embodiment, viewed from the upper left. [Diagram 3] 1 is a top view of a terminal protection structure in a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a terminal protection structure according to a first embodiment, seen from below and rear left. [Diagram 5] 1 is a left side view including a cross section of a terminal protection structure in a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a top view of a terminal protection structure in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a perspective view of a terminal protection structure according to a second embodiment, seen from the lower left. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a left side view including a cross section of a terminal protection structure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control device in the terminal protection structure. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a top view of a control device in the terminal protection structure. [Figure 12] 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of an assembly process for a terminal protection structure. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an example of how the main stand is designed to deal with water splashes. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a water splash prevention member of the main stand. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] 11 is a perspective view illustrating the function of the water splash prevention member. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing water splashing in a comparative example. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lip shape of the front fender. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a front view of the lip shape of the front fender. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rib shape of the undercover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Directions such as front, rear, up, down, left and right in the following description are the same as those in a saddle-type vehicle (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "vehicle") described below. In the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the left and right sides of the vehicle body are shown at appropriate positions. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial" not only mean such arrangements strictly, but also include a state in which they are relatively displaced with a tolerance or an angle or distance that provides the same function.

[0016] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a saddle-type vehicle 1 of the embodiment is a scooter-type two-wheeled electric vehicle having a floor portion 14 (low floor portion) on which a rider (driver) places his / her feet. The saddle-type vehicle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a body frame 5, a body cover 6, a swing unit 8, a storage battery 100, a seat 15, and a control device 9.

[0017] The front wheel 2 is supported by a front fork 10. The front wheel 2 can be steered by a bar handle 13. The rear wheel 3 is supported at the rear end of the swing unit 8. The rear wheel 3 can be driven by an electric motor 50 provided in the swing unit 8. A front end of the swing unit 8 is connected to the body frame 5.

[0018] The handlebars 13, the front forks 10, and the front wheel 2 constitute steering system components. The steering system components are steerably supported at the front end of the body frame 5. The swing unit 8 and the rear wheel 3 are supported at the bottom of the body frame 5 so as to be vertically swingable. The periphery of the body frame 5 is covered by a body cover 6.

[0019] The saddle-type vehicle 1 includes a floor portion 14 that forms a footrest surface on which a driver seated on a seat 15 places his / her feet, a front body FB that is connected to the front of the floor portion 14, and a rear body RB that is connected to the rear of the floor portion 14. A straddle space K is formed above the floor portion 14 to make it easier for a passenger to straddle the vehicle body.

[0020] A seat 15 for a passenger to sit on is supported on the rear body RB. The lower front end of the seat 15 is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge shaft (not shown) that runs along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The seat 15 rotates up and down about the hinge shaft to open and close the upper part of the rear body RB.

[0021] The state in which the seat 15 has its seat surface substantially horizontal and closes the upper part of the rear body RB is referred to as the closed state (see FIG. 1). When the seat 15 is in the closed state, an occupant can sit on the seat 15, and an item storage section (a space for storing the storage battery 100, etc.) below the seat 15 is closed. In this state, the seat 15 can be locked.

[0022] The seat 15 rotates about the hinge shaft, and the seat surface is raised upward to open the upper part of the rear body RB, which is the open state. When the seat 15 is in the open state, the occupant cannot sit on the seat 15, and the item storage section below the seat 15 opens to allow items to be put in and taken out (the storage battery 100, etc. can be attached and detached).

[0023] The body frame 5 is formed by joining together a plurality of types of steel materials by welding or the like. The body frame 5 includes a head pipe 20 located at the front end, a pair of left and right down frames 21 branching off to the left and right from the head pipe 20, extending downward and then extending rearward, and a pair of left and right rear frames 22 extending upward and rearward from rear portions of the left and right down frames 21. A center cross frame 23 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided between the front end portions of the left and right rear frames 22 (between the rear end portions of the left and right down frames 21).

[0024] The body cover 6 covers the periphery of the body frame 5. For example, the body cover 6 may be configured to include a handle cover 30 that covers the periphery of the handlebars 13 except for the left and right grip portions 13a, a front cover 31 that covers the front portion of the body frame 5 from the front, an inner cover 32 that covers the front portion of the body frame 5 from the rear, a floor cover 33 that covers the lower portion of the body frame 5 from above, a rear center cover 34 that covers the rear portion of the body frame 5 from the front, a pair of left and right rear side covers 35 that cover the rear portion of the body frame 5 from the left and right sides, a rear end cover 36 that covers the rear portion of the body frame 5 from the rear, and an undercover 37 that covers the lower portion of the body frame 5 from below.

[0025] The front cover 31 and the inner cover 32 may form a front body cover that forms the outer surface of the front body FB. The front body cover may also serve as a leg shield that covers the front of the driver's legs. The upper surface of the floor cover 33 may form a floor step. The floor step may form a flat upper surface (footrest surface) across the entire width in the vehicle width direction, for example. The floor step may include a center tunnel that protrudes upward on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The rear center cover 34, the left and right rear side covers 35, and the rear end cover 36 may form a rear body cover that forms the outer surface of the rear body RB. The body cover 6, except for the handle cover 30, may be fixedly supported by the body frame 5.

[0026] A main stand 27 is provided in front of the rear wheel 3. The main stand 27 may be attached to the front lower part of the swing unit 8 so as to be able to swing. The main stand 27 includes a base through which a swing shaft (not shown) is inserted, a pair of left and right support legs 28 extending obliquely from the left and right side parts of the base so as to widen outward in the vehicle width direction, and ground plates 29 fixed to the tips of the left and right support legs 28.

[0027] The main stand 27 is swingable about a swing axis. The main stand 27 swings between a storage position (position shown in FIG. 1) in which the left and right support legs 28 extend in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and a use position in which the left and right support legs 28 extend in the up-down direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle. When the main stand 27 is in the storage position, the left and right grounding plates 29 are separated from the ground, allowing the vehicle to run.

[0028] The swing unit 8 includes an electric motor 50 that generates driving force for propelling the saddle riding type vehicle 1, a reduction gear 51 that reduces the output of the electric motor 50, and a unit case 52 that houses the electric motor 50 and the reduction gear 51.

[0029] The electric motor 50 is driven by electric power from the storage battery 100. The electric motor 50 is arranged with its drive shaft aligned in the vehicle width direction. The electric motor 50 includes a rotor that rotates integrally with the drive shaft, and a stator that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotor and is fixed to a unit case 52 (both not shown). The electric motor 50 is driven at a variable speed, for example, by VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) control. The electric motor 50 may be speed-change controlled so as to have a continuously variable transmission. Alternatively, the electric motor 50 may be speed-change controlled so as to have a stepped transmission.

[0030] The driving force generated by the electric motor 50 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 supported by the swing unit 8 to drive the saddle riding type vehicle 1. A lower end of a rear cushion 41 is connected to the rear end of the swing unit 8. The swing unit 8 and the rear cushion 41 form a suspension device (rear suspension) that supports the rear wheel 3.

[0031] The control device 9 includes a PCU 60 (Power Control Unit) that controls the electric motor 50. The PCU 60 includes a PDU (Power Drive Unit) that is a motor driver, an ECU (Electric Control Unit) that controls the PDU, and the like. The PDU includes, for example, an inverter. The inverter converts the current supplied from the storage battery 100 from DC to AC, and then supplies the current to the electric motor 50.

[0032] One end of wiring 65 (e.g., a three-phase cable) connected to the electric motor 50 is connected to the PDU of the PCU 60 (see FIG. 5). In addition, positive and negative battery cables 105 extending from the positive and negative electrodes of the battery main body 101 of the storage battery 100 are connected to the PDU (see FIG. 5). The inverter of the PDU converts the DC current supplied by the storage battery 100 into three-phase AC current and supplies it to the electric motor 50.

[0033] <Storage battery> The storage battery 100 is mounted between the left and right rear frames 22 below the seat 15. A plurality of storage batteries 100 (two in the illustrated example) are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. A grip portion (handle) that can be gripped by an occupant or the like is provided on the upper end side of the storage battery 100. The storage battery 100 is tilted slightly backward in the vertical direction so that the upper end side (handle side) is located at the upper and rear side when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0034] The storage battery 100 is disposed so as to overlap the seat 15 in a plan view. The storage battery 100 is supported by the vehicle body frame 5 via a bracket or the like (not shown). The storage battery 100 includes a battery body 101 and a battery case 102 that covers the battery body 101.

[0035] The battery main body 101 may include, for example, a plurality of unit batteries (not shown). The battery main body 101 may include, for example, only one unit battery. The unit battery may be configured as, for example, a lithium ion battery as a chargeable and dischargeable energy storage.

[0036] Battery cables 105 extend from the positive and negative electrodes of the battery main body 101 (see FIG. 5). Each battery cable 105 is connected to a PDU constituting the PCU 60. A wiring 65 (e.g., a three-phase cable) extends from the PDU (see FIG. 5). The wiring 65 is connected to the electric motor 50.

[0037] The storage battery 100 may be provided symmetrically on the whole with respect to the center of the vehicle width as the axis of symmetry. This allows the storage battery 100, which is a heavy object, to be provided symmetrically on the left and right, thereby suppressing the effect of the vehicle weight on the left and right balance.

[0038] The storage battery 100 may be capable of being charged using a charger outside the vehicle when removed from the vehicle body, for example. The storage battery 100 may be capable of being used independently, for example, as a mobile battery used as a power source for an external device.

[0039] <Terminal protection structure for saddle-type vehicles> Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure for a saddle riding type vehicle in the first embodiment, seen from the upper left. Fig. 3 is a top view of the terminal protection structure in the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure in the first embodiment, seen from the lower left rear. Fig. 5 is a left side view including a cross section of the terminal protection structure in the first embodiment. 1 to 5, the terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle includes a swing support shaft 25 that supports the swing unit 8 so that it can swing relative to the body frame 5, a control device 9 that has a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is arranged in front of the swing support shaft 25, a rear fender 70 that covers the rear wheel 3 and is fixed to the body frame 5, a splash guard 80 that is arranged between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9 and extends rearward from below the terminal portion 63, and a hanger member 90 that holds the control device 9.

[0040] The swing support shaft 25 is disposed in front of and below the rear storage battery 100. The swing support shaft 25 extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The left and right ends of the swing support shaft 25 are supported by the vehicle body frame 5 via hanger members 90, brackets, etc.

[0041] The control device 9 is disposed in front of the swing support shaft 25 via a hanger member 90 etc. An upper portion of the control device 9 overlaps with the swing support shaft 25 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0042] A heat dissipation fin 61 is provided on the rear surface of the control device 9 (specifically, on the rear surface of the control case 62 that houses the PCU 60 and the like). The rear surface of the control device 9 extends in the vertical direction (specifically, at a slight upward and upward angle relative to the vertical direction) in a side view of the vehicle. The heat dissipation fin 61 is formed in a rectangular shape (specifically, a trapezoidal shape with rounded corners) having a long side that is aligned with the control device 9 (slightly upward and upward inclined relative to the vertical direction) in a side view of the vehicle. The heat dissipation fin 61 extends in the vertical direction (specifically, at a slight downward and downward angle relative to the vertical direction) from the upper end of the rear surface of the control device 9 to the lower end of the rear surface of the vehicle in a side view of the vehicle. A plurality of heat dissipation fins 61 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] The rear fender 70 covers an upper portion of the rear wheel 3 from above. The rear fender 70 includes a fender main body 71 that covers the rear wheel, and a fender support portion 72 that is supported by the body frame 5.

[0044] The fender body 71 extends from above in front of the rear wheel 3 to above and behind the rear wheel 3 in a side view of the vehicle. The fender body 71 overlaps the rear wheel 3 when viewed from the top-down direction of the vehicle. A portion of the fender body 71 facing the upper front of the rear wheel 3 bulges out toward the top and front. A portion of the fender body 71 is formed so that its left-right width narrows toward the rear of the vehicle in a top view.

[0045] The fender support portion 72 protrudes upward from the front portion of the fender main body 71. A pair of fender support portions 72 are provided on the left and right sides. The left and right fender support portions 72 are disposed offset from each other in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. At least a portion of the left fender support portion 72 is disposed rearward of the right fender support portion 72. The left and right fender support portions 72 may be disposed at the same position as each other in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. For example, the installation mode of the fender support portions 72 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0046] The hanger member 90 includes a cross pipe 91 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a forward extension portion 92 extending forward from the cross pipe 91, left-right extension portions 93 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) in front of and below the control device 9, upper and lower connecting portions 94 connecting the cross pipe 91 and the left-right extension portions 93, and a rearward extension portion 95 extending rearward from the cross pipe 91.

[0047] The cross pipe 91 is disposed between an upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 and the swing support shaft 25. The cross pipe 91 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The left-right length of the cross pipe 91 is longer than the left-right length (maximum left-right width) of the control device 9.

[0048] A pair of left and right forward extension portions 92 are provided. The left and right forward extension portions 92 are disposed outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the control device 9. The left and right forward extension portions 92 cover an upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the forward extension portion 92 is formed in a U-shape (cross-sectional shape) that opens inward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the extension direction. A rear portion of the forward extension portion 92 is joined to the cross pipe 91 by, for example, welding. A front portion of the forward extension portion 92 is fixed to the rear frame 22 via a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0049] The left and right extending portions 93 are disposed below and in front of the cross pipe 91. The left and right extending portions 93 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the cross pipe 91. The left and right extending portions 93 are disposed parallel to the cross pipe 91. The left and right length of the left and right extending portions 93 is shorter than the left and right length of the cross pipe 91. The left and right extending portions 93 are fixed to the rear frame 22 via fastening members such as bolts and brackets.

[0050] The vertical connecting portion 94 extends downward from the cross pipe 91 in a side view of the vehicle and then extends forward. The vertical connecting portion 94 is formed in a V shape (inverted V shape) that is open downward when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vertical connecting portion 94 branches out to the left and right from a portion connected to the lower center of the left and right of the cross pipe 91, extends so that its left and right width increases as it extends downward, and then curves forward and is connected to the rear portions of the left and right outer ends of the left and right extending portions 93. An upper portion of the vertical connecting portion 94 is joined to the cross pipe 91 by, for example, welding. A lower front portion of the vertical connecting portion 94 is joined to the left and right extending portions 93 by, for example, welding.

[0051] A pair of left and right rear extension portions 95 are provided. The left and right rear extension portions 95 are disposed inward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right front extension portions 92. The left and right rear extension portions 95 are disposed outward in the vehicle width direction from the upper portion of the vertical connecting portion 94 (the portion connected to the cross pipe 91). At least a portion of the rear extension portion 95 is formed in a fan shape whose vertical width increases toward the rear when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The left and right outer end portions of the swing support shaft 25 are supported by the left and right rear extension portions 95, respectively.

[0052] The splash guard 80 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The splash guard 80 is flexible. The splash guard 80 is disposed between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9. The splash guard 80 extends from the rear-lower part of the terminal part 63 of the control device 9 toward the lower rear part of the rear storage battery 100. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the terminal part 63 of the control device 9 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the center of the cross pipe 91 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0053] The splash guard 80 blocks an imaginary line J that connects the axle of the rear wheel 3 and the center of the terminal portion 63 in a side view of the vehicle. The center of the terminal portion 63 corresponds to the center of a terminal fastening portion provided on the control device 9 (specifically, the center of the head of a fastening bolt for fastening the terminal of the wiring 65 to the terminal block). The imaginary line J is inclined upward toward the front with respect to the horizontal plane in a side view of the vehicle. The splash guard 80 extends so as to intersect with the imaginary line J in a side view of the vehicle.

[0054] The splash guard 80 is formed in a sheet shape along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The splash guard 80 includes a guard body 81 that extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a pair of left and right front support parts 82 that support the left and right front parts of the guard body 81, and a pair of left and right rear support parts 83 that support the left and right rear parts of the guard body 81.

[0055] The guard body 81 extends continuously in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to close the gap between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9. The left-right length (maximum left-right width) of the guard body 81 is shorter than the left-right length of the cross pipe 91.

[0056] The left and right front support portions 82 extend downward and forward from the left and right front portions of the guard main body 81. A portion of the left and right front support portions 82 may extend along the outer periphery of the cross pipe 91. The left and right front support portions 82 may have holes formed therein for supporting the front portion of the splash guard 80.

[0057] The left and right rear support parts 83 are provided at the left and right rear parts of the guard main body 81. The left and right rear support parts 83 are provided corresponding to the left and right fender support parts 72. The left and right rear support parts 83 may have holes formed therein for supporting the rear part of the splash guard 80. At least a portion of the left rear support part 83 is disposed rearward of the right rear support part 83. The left and right rear support parts 83 may be disposed at the same position as each other in the vehicle front-rear direction. For example, the installation mode of the rear support parts 83 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0058] The splash guard 80 is supported by a hanger member 90. In this embodiment, a front portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the hanger member 90.

[0059] The hanger member 90 is provided with a pair of left and right support pieces 99 that support a front portion of the splash guard 80. The left and right support pieces 99 protrude rearward and upward from portions of the cross pipe 91 that are outer in the vehicle width direction than the left and right rear extension portions 95. The front portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the cross pipe 91 by inserting the left and right support pieces 99 into holes in the left and right front support portions 82, respectively. The front portion of the splash guard 80 may be supported by the cross pipe 91 with parts of the front support portions 82 aligned along the outer periphery of the rear portion of the cross pipe 91.

[0060] In this embodiment, the rear portion of the splash guard 80 covers the front end of the rear fender 70 from above. The rear portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by fender support parts 72. The rear portion of the splash guard 80 is supported by the front end part of the rear fender 70 by inserting the left and right fender support parts 72 into holes in the left and right rear support parts 83, respectively.

[0061] The storage battery 100 has a battery terminal 103 on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The rear storage battery 100 has the battery terminal 103 at a portion facing the swing support shaft 25 in the front lower part of the battery main body 101. The splash guard 80 is disposed lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the battery terminal 103 of the rear storage battery 100. The portion of the splash guard 80 facing the battery terminal 103 is curved downward.

[0062] The wiring 65 extends rearward and upward from the upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 in a side view of the vehicle, and then curves and extends forward and downward. After that, the wiring 65 extends while curving rearward so as to avoid the swing support shaft 25, and the portion that extends rearward is connected to the swing unit 8 (specifically, the electric motor 50).

[0063] In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with a control device 9 having a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and a swing unit 8 that houses the electric motor 50. The control device 9 and the swing unit 8 are each disposed behind the center cross frame 23 and below the seat 15. This allows the control device 9 and the electric motor 50 to be located as close to each other as possible, which contributes to shortening the wiring 65.

[0064] The wiring 65 between the control device 9 and the electric motor 50 may form a U-shaped flexible portion below the swing support shaft 25 in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction).

[0065] The battery cable 105 is connected to the front lower portions of the pair of front and rear storage batteries 100 (specifically, each battery terminal 103) at a portion that extends while curving upward from the upper portion of the control device 9 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0066] In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with a control device 9 having a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a storage battery 100 having a battery terminal 103 on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The control device 9 and the storage battery 100 are each disposed behind the center cross frame 23, below the seat 15 and in front of the rear wheel 3. This allows the control device 9 and the storage battery 100 to be located as close to each other as possible, which contributes to shortening the battery cable 105.

[0067] In this embodiment, the terminal section 63 of the control device 9 is disposed above the water line H (see FIG. 1). The water line H is set based on the expected water submersion height of the saddle riding type vehicle. For example, the water line H may be set to follow a horizontal plane passing through the axle (the axle of the rear wheel 3). For example, it is preferable to ensure the water submersion height by placing the control case 62 vertically and arranging the terminal block 110 as high as possible above the vehicle.

[0068] It is preferable to make it easier for the airflow to hit the heat dissipation fins 61 of the control case 62 . In this embodiment, a hanger member 90 that holds the control device 9 is provided. The hanger member 90 includes an upper and lower connecting portion 94 formed in an inverted V shape that is open downward when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, at a portion facing the heat dissipation fins 61 of the control case 62. This allows the traveling wind to hit the heat dissipation fins 61 through the space around the upper and lower connecting portion 94. This contributes to improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the control device 9.

[0069] <Action and effect> As described above, the terminal protection structure for the saddle riding type vehicle 1 in the above embodiment includes the swing support shaft 25 that swingably supports the rear wheels 3 of the saddle riding type vehicle 1 and the electric motor 50 that drives the rear wheels 3 relative to the body frame 5, the control device 9 that is arranged in front of the swing support shaft 25 and has a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle and controls the electric motor 50, the rear fender 70 that covers the rear wheels 3 and is fixed to the body frame 5, and the splash guard 80 that is arranged between the rear fender 70 and the control device 9 and extends rearward from below the terminal portion 63. The lower end of the splash guard 80 is arranged lower than the terminal portion 63 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. According to this configuration, compared to a case where the lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed above the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9, even when the control device 9 is disposed near the ground, the splash guard 80 is less susceptible to the effects of external factors such as dust and water. Therefore, the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 can be protected. This in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the splash guard 80 blocks the imaginary line J that connects the axle of the rear wheel 3 and the center of the terminal portion 63 in a side view of the vehicle. According to this configuration, the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 can be protected from the rear wheel 3 bouncing up.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a hanger member 90 that holds the control device 9 is further provided. The splash guard 80 is supported by the hanger member 90. For example, in an electric vehicle, one possible solution is to sub-assemble the electric motor 50 and the control device 9 in order to reduce the number of assembly steps. According to this configuration, the splash guard 80 can be pre-assembled to the hanger member 90 that holds the control device 9. This allows assembly on a pre-assembly line, which contributes to reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the vehicle further includes a storage battery 100 having a battery terminal 103 on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the battery terminal 103 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. According to this configuration, compared to a case where the splash guard 80 is disposed above the battery terminal 103, even if the battery terminal 103 is disposed near the ground, it is less susceptible to external factors such as dust and water. Therefore, the battery terminal 103 can be protected. In addition, the splash guard 80 contributes to preventing water from reaching the battery cable 105 connected to the battery terminal 103. It is also possible to prevent water from dripping from the battery cable 105 and reaching the terminal portion 63 of the control device.

[0073] In the above embodiment, rear fender 70 includes fender support portion 72 that is supported by vehicle body frame 5. A front portion of splash guard 80 is supported by hanger member 90. A rear portion of splash guard 80 covers the front end of rear fender 70 from above, and is supported by fender support portion 72. According to this configuration, the splash guard 80 can be supported by the hanger member 90 and the fender support portion 72. In addition, the rear portion of the splash guard 80 can be supported by a support portion separate from the hanger member 90.

[0074] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the splash guard 80 is supported by the hanger member 90 and the fender support portion 72 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, in the second embodiment, the aspect of the configuration in which the splash guard 280 is supported differs from that of the first embodiment described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a top view of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment seen from the lower left, and Fig. 8 is a left side view including a cross section of the terminal protection structure according to the second embodiment. 6 to 8, the hanger member 290 includes a cross pipe 291 on the upper end side of the hanger member 290, and includes a middle support portion 297 on the central side of the hanger member 290. The splash guard 280 spans from the cross pipe 291 to the middle support portion 297.

[0076] The hanger member 290 includes a cross pipe 291 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a forward extension portion 292 extending forward from the cross pipe 291, a left-right extension portion 293 extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) below and rearward of the control device 9, a pair of left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 connecting the cross pipe 291 and the left and right extending portions 293, a rearward extension portion 295 extending rearward from the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294, a connecting pipe 296 connecting the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 to each other, and a middle support portion 297 extending between the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294.

[0077] The cross pipe 291 is disposed between an upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 and the rear fender 270. The cross pipe 291 is disposed above and rearward of the swing support shaft 25. The cross pipe 291 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The left-right length of the cross pipe 291 is longer than the left-right length of the control device 9.

[0078] A pair of left and right forward extension portions 292 are provided. The left and right forward extension portions 292 are disposed outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the control device 9. The left and right forward extension portions 292 cover an upper portion (terminal portion 63) of the control device 9 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of the forward extension portion 292 is formed in a U-shape (cross-sectional shape) that opens inward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the extension direction. A rear portion of the forward extension portion 292 is joined to the cross pipe 291 by, for example, welding. A front portion of the forward extension portion 292 is fixed to the rear frame 22 via a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0079] The left and right extending portions 293 are disposed below and in front of the cross pipe 291. The left and right extending portions 293 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the cross pipe 291. The left and right extending portions 293 are disposed parallel to the cross pipe 291. The left and right length of the left and right extending portions 293 is shorter than the left and right length of the cross pipe 291. The left and right extending portions 293 are fixed to the rear frame 22 via fastening members such as bolts and brackets.

[0080] The left and right vertical connecting portions 294 extend from the cross pipe 291 in a curved downward and forward direction in a side view of the vehicle. The left and right vertical connecting portions 294 extend obliquely in the up-down direction so as to follow the left and right outer edges of the control device 9. Upper portions of the left and right vertical connecting portions 294 are joined to the cross pipe 291 by, for example, welding. Lower front portions of the left and right vertical connecting portions 294 are joined to the left and right extending portions 293 by, for example, welding.

[0081] A pair of left and right rear extension portions 295 are provided. The left and right rear extension portions 295 are disposed further inward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right front extension portions 292. The left and right rear extension portions 295 are connected to an upper portion of the vertical connecting portion 294 (a portion to which the connecting pipe 296 is connected). At least a portion of the rear extension portion 295 is formed in a curved shape that curves downward and rearward in a side view of the vehicle. The left and right outer end portions of the swing support shaft 25 are supported by the left and right rear extension portions 295, respectively.

[0082] The connecting pipe 296 is disposed between the cross pipe 291 and the left and right extending portions 293. The connecting pipe 296 is disposed lower than the left and right rear extending portions 295. The connecting pipe 296 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the cross pipe 291. The connecting pipe 296 is disposed parallel to the cross pipe 291. The left and right length of the connecting pipe 296 is shorter than the left and right length of the cross pipe 291. The left and right outer ends of the connecting pipe 296 are joined to the left and right upper and lower connecting portions 294 by, for example, welding.

[0083] The middle support part 297 is formed in a crank shape extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The middle support part 297 is configured to include a part formed in a U-shape that opens to the front of the vehicle, a part that supports the front part of the splash guard 280, and a part that extends along the left and right upper and lower connecting parts 294. The parts of the middle support part 297 that extend along the left and right upper and lower connecting parts 294 are joined to the left and right upper and lower connecting parts 294 by, for example, welding.

[0084] The splash guard 280 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The splash guard 280 is flexible. The splash guard 280 is disposed between the rear fender 270 and the control device 9. The splash guard 280 extends from the rear-lower part of the terminal part 63 of the control device 9 toward the rear-lower part of the rear storage battery 100. The lower end of the splash guard 280 is disposed lower than the terminal part 63 of the control device in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0085] The splash guard 280 is formed in a sheet shape along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The splash guard 280 includes a guard body 281 that extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), a pair of left and right front support parts 282 that support the left and right front parts of the guard body 281, and a rear support part 283 that supports the rear part of the guard body 281.

[0086] The guard main body 281 extends continuously in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to close the gap between the rear fender 270 and the control device 9. The left-right length (maximum left-right width) of the guard main body 281 is shorter than the left-right length of the cross pipe 291.

[0087] The left and right front support parts 282 extend downward and forward from the left and right front parts of the guard main body 281. The left and right front support parts 282 may have a length that allows them to be wound around a part of the middle support part 297. For example, the left and right front support parts 282 may be supported by being wound around a part of the middle support part 297.

[0088] The rear support part 283 is provided at the rear of the guard main body 281. The rear support part 283 may have a length that allows it to be wound around a portion of the cross pipe 291. For example, the rear support part 283 may be supported by being wound around a portion of the cross pipe 291.

[0089] Splash guard 280 covers cross pipe 291 from above. A part (front lower part) of rear fender 270 extends downward beyond the center of cross pipe 291 in a side view of the vehicle, then bends upward immediately adjacent to cross pipe 291 and covers cross pipe 291 from above together with splash guard 280.

[0090] The hanger member 290 is provided with a pair of left and right support pieces 299 that support a rear portion of the splash guard 280. The left and right support pieces 299 protrude rearward and downward from portions of the cross pipe 291 that are more inward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right forward extending portions 292. The rear portion of the splash guard 280 is wound around a part of the cross pipe 291, and is supported by the cross pipe 291 by inserting the left and right support pieces 299 into left and right holes in the rear support portion 283, respectively.

[0091] In this embodiment, the splash guard 280 is suspended from the cross pipe 291 to the middle support portion 297. The splash guard 280 is supported by the hanger member 290 with the rear support portion 283 wound around a portion of the cross pipe 291 and the left and right front support portions 282 each wound around a portion of the middle support portion 297.

[0092] Rear fender 270 is provided with a downward extension portion 273 that extends downward from the front portion of the lower surface of rear fender 270, and is provided with a rib 274 that protrudes downward at a position forward of downward extension portion 273.

[0093] The downward extension portion 273 extends downward from a portion of the lower front surface of the rear fender 270 facing the lower rear portion of the rear storage battery 100. The lower end of the downward extension portion 273 is located below the cross pipe 291 and above the swing support shaft 25.

[0094] The rib 274 extends downward from a portion of the lower front surface of the rear fender 270 that is rearward of the cross pipe 291 and forward of the downward extension portion 273. The lower end of the rib 274 is disposed higher than the lower end of the downward extension portion 273. The lower end of the rib 274 is disposed higher than the lower end of the cross pipe 291.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the hanger member 290 includes a cross pipe 291 on the upper end side of the hanger member 290, and includes a middle support portion 297 on the center side of the hanger member 290. The splash guard 280 spans from the cross pipe 291 to the middle support portion 297. According to this configuration, the splash guard 280 can be supported only by the hanger member 290. Therefore, assembly can be performed on a small assembly line, which contributes to reducing the number of manufacturing steps.

[0096] In the second embodiment, the splash guard 280 covers the cross pipe 291 from above. A part of the rear fender 270 extends downward beyond the center of the cross pipe 291 in a side view of the vehicle, and then bends upward immediately adjacent to the cross pipe 291, and covers the cross pipe 291 from above together with the splash guard 280. According to this configuration, water or the like can be prevented from entering the control device 9 more effectively.

[0097] In the second embodiment, rear fender 270 is provided with downward extension portion 273 that extends downward from the front portion of the lower surface of rear fender 270, and is provided with rib 274 that protrudes downward at a position forward of downward extension portion 273. According to this configuration, the two-stage configuration of the downward extension portion 273 and the rib 274 can more effectively prevent water or the like from entering the control device 9 side from the rear of the vehicle.

[0098] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the rear wheel 3 is supported on the rear end of the swing unit 8 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 9, in the third embodiment, the manner of the configuration for supporting the rear wheel 3 differs from that of the first embodiment described above. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a left side view of the saddle riding type vehicle according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the saddle-ride type vehicle includes an in-wheel motor 350 (an example of an electric motor) that drives the rear wheel 3, and a swing arm 306 that supports the in-wheel motor 350.

[0100] The in-wheel motor 350 is disposed inside the rear wheel 3. The in-wheel motor 350 is supported at the rear part of a swing arm 306. The front part of the swing arm 306 is supported by the body frame 5 via a swing support shaft 25 so as to be able to swing up and down. The swing arm 306, together with the in-wheel motor 350 and the rear cushion 41, constitutes a unit swing type rear suspension.

[0101] In the third embodiment, in a configuration including an in-wheel motor 350, the lower end of the splash guard 80 is disposed lower than the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 in the vehicle up-down direction. According to this configuration, in a configuration including the in-wheel motor 350, it is possible to protect the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9, which in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency.

[0102] <An example of a control device in a terminal protection structure> Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the control device 9 in the terminal protection structure. Fig. 11 is a top view of the control device 9 in the terminal protection structure. Referring to Figures 10 and 11 together, the control device 9 may have a terminal portion 63 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and may be configured to include a terminal block 110 on which the terminal portion 63 is provided, and a block cover 120 that covers the terminal block 110 from above.

[0103] The terminal block 110 extends outward in the front-rear direction beyond the control case 62. This makes it possible to eliminate a leak path from the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 to the control case 62, compared to a case in which the terminal block 110 is disposed inward in the front-rear direction beyond the control case 62.

[0104] The base cover 120 is attached to the terminal block 110 by an attachment member 129 such as a resin clip. The base cover 120 is clipped to the terminal block 110. This makes it possible to eliminate bosses for bolting, as compared with the case where the base cover 120 is bolted to the terminal block 110, and also to eliminate a leak path from the terminal portion 63 of the control device 9 to the control case 62.

[0105] The base cover 120 opens backward to expose the multiple terminal parts 63. This allows water to drain more easily after the terminal parts 63 get wet, compared to when the base cover 120 covers the multiple terminal parts 63 without exposing them.

[0106] A plurality of terminals 63 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) on the terminal block 110. Of the plurality of terminals 63, two terminals 63 arranged on the left side are provided corresponding to the positive and negative battery cables. The remaining terminals 63 (three terminals 63 arranged on the right side) are provided corresponding to the three-phase wiring (UVW phases) extending from the electric motor.

[0107] The terminal block 110 includes a base body 111 on which a plurality of terminal portions 63 are provided, and an upright portion 112 that stands upward from the base body 111 .

[0108] The base body 111 is formed in a rectangular shape having a longer side in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) when viewed from above. The left-right length of the base body 111 is shorter than the left-right length of the control device 9. The front-rear length of the base body 111 is longer than the front-rear length of the control device 9 (excluding the heat dissipation fins 61). The front-rear length of the base body 111 is longer than the front-rear length of the control case 62.

[0109] The front portion of the terminal block 110 extends forward so that the front edge of the base body 111 is positioned forward of the front surface of the control case 62. The rear portion of the terminal block 110 extends rear so that the rear edge of the base body 111 is positioned rearward of the rear surface of the control case 62. The rear edge of the base body 111 overlaps with a portion of the multiple heat dissipation fins 61 (a portion forward of the rear ends of the heat dissipation fins 61) in a top view.

[0110] The standing portion 112 includes a front wall portion 113 disposed in front of the multiple terminal portions 63 and extending in the vehicle width direction, and multiple partition wall portions 114 that separate the multiple terminal portions 63 and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0111] The left-right length of the front wall portion 113 is shorter than the left-right length of the base main body 111. The front wall portion 113 extends continuously in the left-right direction so as to be located outside in the left-right direction of the terminal portions 63 which are located outermost in the left-right direction.

[0112] The front-rear length of the partition wall 114 is shorter than the front-rear length of the table body 111. The partition wall 114 extends continuously in the front-rear direction between the rear surface of the front wall 113 and the rear end edge of the table body 111.

[0113] The base cover 120 includes a left covering portion 121 that covers the left side portion of the terminal block 110 (the two terminal portions 63 lined up on the left side among the multiple terminal portions 63) from above, a right covering portion 122 that covers the right side portion of the terminal block 110 (the three terminal portions 63 lined up on the right side) from above, a left mounting piece 123 that extends while bending downward and left from the lower left end portion of the left covering portion 121, a right mounting piece 124 that extends while bending downward and right from the lower right end portion of the right covering portion 122, and a central mounting piece 125 that extends downward from a central portion connecting the left covering portion 121 and the right covering portion 122, then bends and extends rearward.

[0114] The left and right cover parts 121, 122 extend in the front-rear direction so that the vertical length is longer toward the rear. The central attachment piece 125 has a hole that opens in the vertical direction so that an attachment member 129 such as a clip can be inserted. The base body 111 has a hole that opens in the vertical direction so that the attachment member 129 can be inserted. For example, the base cover 120 can be attached to the terminal block 110 by placing the base cover 120 on the base body 111 and inserting the attachment member 129 from above into each of the holes in the central attachment piece 125 and the base body 111.

[0115] <An example of the assembly process for terminal protection structure> FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an assembly process for the terminal protection structure. As shown in FIG. 12, the assembly process of the terminal protection structure may be configured to include a plurality of sub-lines SL1 and SL2.

[0116] For example, the multiple sub-lines SL1, SL2 include a first sub-line SL1 for assembling a mobile power pack (hereinafter referred to as "MPP") assembly, and a second sub-line SL2 for assembling a rear suspension assembly including a swing unit.

[0117] For example, the first sub-line SL1 includes an MPP mounting line for assembling an assembly that mounts and supports an MPP, and an electronic component subassembly line for assembling an assembly of a plurality of electronic components, such as a contactor, a precharger, a down regulator, a junction box, etc.

[0118] The MPP assembly assembled on the first sub-line SL1 and the rear suspension assembly assembled on the second sub-line SL2 are mounted on the vehicle body frame. This allows a portion of the terminal protection structure (excluding the rear fender 70, etc.) to be assembled. With this method, it is only necessary to attach two sub-assemblies to the vehicle body frame, so that the portion of the terminal protection structure can be easily assembled.

[0119] <An example of how to deal with water splashes on the main stand> Fig. 13 is a front view showing an example of a measure against water splashing of the main stand 27. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a water splash prevention member 130 of the main stand 27. Fig. 15 is a top view of the water splash prevention member 130. Fig. 16 is a side view of the water splash prevention member 130. 13 to 16, the main stand 27 may be provided with a water splash prevention member 130 for preventing water splashing.

[0120] When the main stand 27 is in a stored position with the left and right support legs 28 extended in the front-rear direction in a side view of the vehicle (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "stored state"), the left and right ground contact plates 29 are separated from the ground, allowing the vehicle to run. In the stored state, the support legs 28 extend at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle and toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In the stored state, the ground contact plate 29 is formed in a curved shape that widens in the vehicle width direction from the portion connected to the rear end of the support leg 28 beyond the rear end of the support leg 28 and opens upward and forward.

[0121] In the stored state, the water splash prevention member 130 is formed in a shape in which the portion on the ground plate 29 side is cut off when viewed from above. This makes it possible to eliminate the lifting sensation felt by the occupant while the vehicle is traveling, compared to when the water splash prevention member 130 is extended toward the ground plate 29 side.

[0122] In the stored state, the water splash prevention member 130 is composed of an upper surface straightening portion 131 arranged on the upper surface of the support leg 28, and a side straightening portion 132 connected to the outer edge of the upper surface straightening portion 131 in the vehicle width direction and arranged outward from the support leg 28.

[0123] In the stored state, the upper surface straightening portion 131 is formed in a pentagonal shape with one side along the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 in a top view. In the stored state, the outer edge portion in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface straightening portion 131 extends at an incline outward from the support leg 28 so as to be positioned outward in the vehicle width direction as it moves toward the rear in a top view. The portion of the upper surface straightening portion 131 along the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 is joined to the support leg 28 by, for example, welding or the like.

[0124] In the stored state, the side surface straightening portion 132 is formed to have a longitudinal direction in a front-rear direction in a side view and to have a shape that protrudes downward. In the stored state, the side surface straightening portion 132 is formed to include a front lower edge portion that extends at an incline so as to be positioned downward from the front end side toward the rear side in a side view, a rear lower edge portion that extends at an incline toward the rear upper side from the lower end of the front lower edge portion, and a rear end edge portion that extends upward from the rear end of the rear lower edge portion.

[0125] A plurality of through holes are formed in the water splash prevention member 130. The plurality of through holes are formed in each of the upper surface straightening portion 131 and the side surface straightening portion 132. Hereinafter, the through holes formed in the upper surface straightening portion 131 and the through holes formed in the side surface straightening portion 132 are also referred to as the "upper surface holes" and the "side surface holes", respectively.

[0126] The upper surface holes are formed to be arranged in accordance with the outline of the upper surface straightening portion 131. In the stored state, three upper surface holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 when viewed from above. In the stored state, the three upper surface holes extend parallel to one another with respect to the rear end edge (one side facing the ground plate 29) of the upper surface straightening portion 131 when viewed from above. In the stored state, the rearmost hole of the three upper surface holes has the longest longitudinal length. In the stored state, the longitudinal lengths of the three upper surface holes increase in order from the front side to the rear side.

[0127] The side holes are formed in an arrangement that matches the outline of the side air flow straightening portion 132. In the stored state, five side through holes are formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support leg 28 in a side view. In the stored state, the five side holes extend parallel to one another with respect to the rear end edge (one side facing the ground plate 29) of the side air flow straightening portion 132 in a side view. In the stored state, the second hole from the rear among the five side holes has the longest longitudinal length. In the stored state, the longitudinal lengths of the five side holes become shorter in order from the second hole from the rear toward the front and rear.

[0128] Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the function of the water splash prevention member 130. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing water splashing in a comparative example. 18, in the case of the comparative example (without the water splash prevention member 130), there is a high possibility that water will be splashed upward (in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 18) by the grounding plate 29 of the main stand 27. Therefore, there is a risk that water will be splashed toward the back of the rider.

[0129] In contrast, according to the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, by providing the main stand 27 with a water splash prevention member 130, it is possible to prevent water splashing back. In the case of the embodiment, water can be straightened downward and rearward (in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 17) by a part of the water splash prevention member 130 (the front lower edge of the side straightening portion 132). Therefore, the possibility of water being splashed upward is low. According to the embodiment, by straightening the water toward the rear of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent water from splashing back toward the back of the occupant.

[0130] <Example of front fender lip shape> Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the lip shape 140 of the front fender 17. Fig. 20 is a front view of the lip shape 140 of the front fender 17. 19 and 20, the front fender 17 may be formed with a lip shape 140 for separating wind generated by running, etc.

[0131] The front fender 17 is disposed in front of the front fork 10 and includes a front fender body 18 that covers from above an upper portion of the front wheel 2. A portion of the front fender body 18 is formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front-to-rear direction.

[0132] Openings 19 that open in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) are formed on the left and right side portions of the front fender main body 18. The openings 19 are formed in a triangular shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction (specifically, a triangular shape having one side along the left and right front edges of the front fender main body 18 and having rounded corners).

[0133] The lip shape 140 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right side surfaces of the front fender main body 18. The lip shape 140 is formed in a curved shape (C-shape opening upward and rearward) that curves so as to follow the front outer edge of the opening 19 when viewed from the vehicle width direction. The lip shape 140 is formed to include a front inclined portion 141 that extends at an angle along the front lower edge of the opening 19 when viewed from the vehicle width direction, an upper curved portion 142 that connects to the upper end of the front inclined portion 141 and curves along the front upper rounded corner portion of the opening 19, and a lower curved portion 143 that connects to the lower end of the front inclined portion 141 and curves along the lower rounded corner portion of the opening 19.

[0134] In the case of a comparative example (not shown) (without lip shape 140), there is a high possibility that the wind from traveling will enter the opening 19 of the front fender 17. As a result, the steering system may be restricted, and self-steering may not be possible in neutral.

[0135] In contrast, according to the embodiment, the lip shape 140 is formed on the front end side of the opening 19 of the front fender 17, so that the air (traveling wind) can be separated. Therefore, the possibility that the traveling wind will enter the opening 19 of the front fender 17 is low. Therefore, self-steering can be used in neutral.

[0136] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the rib shapes 151, 152 of the undercover 37. FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the undercover 37 may be formed with ribs 151, 152 for separating the traveling wind.

[0137] The rib shapes 151, 152 protrude downward from the rear portion of the undercover 37. A pair of left and right bulging portions 150 that extend in the front-rear direction and bulge downward are formed in the rear portion of the undercover 37. The bulging portions 150 are formed on the left and right outer end sides of the rear portion of the undercover 37. The bulging portions 150 extend along the left and right outer end edges of the rear portion of the undercover 37.

[0138] The rib shapes 151, 152 are formed to include a pair of left and right front rib shapes 151 arranged in front of the left and right bulging portions 150, and a rear rib shape 152 arranged behind the left and right bulging portions 150. The left and right front rib shapes 151 are formed so as to overlap with the left and right bulging portions 150, respectively, when viewed from the front-rear direction. The rear rib shape 152 extends continuously in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) so as to overlap with each of the left and right bulging portions 150 when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0139] In the comparative example (without the rib shapes 151, 152), air (wind caused by running) flows along the undercover 37. Therefore, the passenger feels a strong sense of restraint on the vehicle body while the vehicle is running (especially at the rear of the vehicle), which may impair stability.

[0140] In contrast, according to the embodiment, the rib shapes 151, 152 are formed on the rear part of the lower surface of the undercover 37, and the air (wind caused by running) can be separated by the rib shapes 151, 152. Therefore, the feeling of being restricted at the rear part of the vehicle body is eliminated, which contributes to improving stability.

[0141] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the splash guard is described as blocking the imaginary line connecting the axle of the rear wheel and the center of the terminal portion in a side view of the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the splash guard may be disposed so as to avoid the imaginary line connecting the axle of the rear wheel and the center of the terminal portion in a side view of the vehicle. The arrangement of the splash guard may be changed according to the design specifications.

[0142] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the hanger member for holding the control device is further provided and the splash guard is supported by the hanger member, but this is not limiting. For example, the control device and / or the splash guard may be supported by the vehicle body frame. For example, the splash guard may be supported by a member other than the hanger member. The support mode of the splash guard may be changed according to design specifications.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the vehicle further includes a storage battery having a battery terminal on the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the splash guard is disposed lower than the battery terminal in the vertical direction of the vehicle, but this is not limited to the above. For example, at least a part of the splash guard may be disposed higher than the battery terminal in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The arrangement of the splash guard relative to the battery terminal can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the configuration of the embodiment may be applied to various straddle-type vehicles, not limited to scooter-type motorcycles. Saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles on which a rider 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 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]

[0145] 1 Saddle-type vehicle 3 Rear wheel 5 Body frame 9. Control Device 25 Swing support shaft 50 Electric motor 63 Terminal section 70 Rear fender 72 Fender support 80 Splash Guard 90 Hanger parts 100 Battery 103 Battery terminal 270 Rear fender 290 Hanger parts 291 Cross Pipe 297 Middle support section 350 In-wheel motor (electric motor) J Virtual Line

Claims

1. a swing support shaft (25) that swingably supports a rear wheel (3) of a saddle-ride type vehicle (1) and an electric motor (50) that drives the rear wheel (3) relative to a vehicle body frame (5); a control device (9) that is disposed in front of the swing support shaft (25), has a terminal portion (63) on an upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and controls the electric motor (50); a rear fender (70, 270) that covers the rear wheel (3) and is fixed to the vehicle body frame (5); a splash guard (80, 280) disposed between the rear fender (70, 270) and the control device (9) and extending rearward from below the terminal portion (63), A lower end of the splash guard (80, 280) is disposed lower than the terminal portion (63) in the vehicle up-down direction. Terminal protection structure for saddle-type vehicles.

2. The splash guard (80, 280) blocks an imaginary line (J) connecting the axle of the rear wheel (3) and the center of the terminal portion (63) in a side view of the vehicle. The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The control device further includes a hanger member (90, 290) for holding the control device (9), The splash guard (80, 280) is supported by the hanger member (90, 290). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle further includes a storage battery (100) having a battery terminal (103) on a lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, The splash guard (80, 280) is disposed lower than the battery terminal (103) in the vehicle up-down direction. The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The rear fender (70) includes a fender support portion (72) supported by the vehicle body frame (5), The front portion of the splash guard (80) is supported by the hanger member (90), A rear portion of the splash guard (80) covers the front end of the rear fender (70) from above and is supported by the fender support portion (72). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3.

6. The hanger member (290) includes a cross pipe (291) on the upper end side of the hanger member (290) and a middle support portion (297) on the central side of the hanger member (290), The splash guard (280) is suspended from the cross pipe (291) to the central support portion (297). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3.

7. The splash guard (280) covers the cross pipe (291) from above, A part of the rear fender (270) extends downward from the center of the cross pipe (291) in a side view of the vehicle, and then bends upward immediately adjacent to the cross pipe (291) to cover the cross pipe (291) from above together with the splash guard (280). The terminal protection structure for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 6.

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