Saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

To suppress deterioration of appearance, upgrade riding stability, and upgrade efficiency of air discharge.SOLUTION: A motorcycle includes a front cowl 40 that is disposed ahead of a head pipe in order to cover a front part of a vehicle body, and a meter panel 50 disposed behind the front cowl 40. The front cowl 40 has a step part 61 that forms a channel 60 guiding running wind. An upper edge 53 of the meter panel 50 abuts on or adjoins a rear part of the front cowl 40. A notch 54 is formed in part of an edge 52 of the meter panel 50. At least part of the notch 54 includes an aperture 55 leading to the channel 60. When seen from ahead of the vehicle, the front cowl 40 is superposed on the meter panel 50 as if to cover the meter panel 50. At least part of the aperture 55 is formed at a position where the front cowl 40 and meter panel 50 are superposed on each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a technique of taking in the traveling wind received from the front of the vehicle during traveling into the inside of the front cowl and discharging it from an opening provided in the meter panel. In particular, a vehicle with a large front cowl needs to discharge more traveling wind, and it is necessary to increase the area of the opening provided in the meter panel. In this case, there are problems such as the wiring inside the front cowl being exposed from the opening, resulting in a decrease in design quality, or light leakage of the headlight occurring. Therefore, it is required to efficiently discharge the traveling wind that has flowed into the inside of the front cowl and to improve the problems caused by providing the opening. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type vehicle including a front cowl having an upper surface portion that flows the traveling wind rearward and upward, a meter panel that displays vehicle information toward the driver, and a windshield that covers the front upper portion of the meter panel. A communication port that penetrates to the back surface is formed in a position of the upper surface portion of the front cowl that is covered by the windshield. The communication port is formed below the meter panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a communication port is formed at a position covered by the windshield on the upper surface portion of the front cowl, there is a problem that the appearance is deteriorated because the communication port is easily visible from the front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is desired to be able to improve the handling stability and the efficiency of exhaust air while suppressing the deterioration of the appearance.

[0005] The present application aims to improve the handling stability while suppressing the degradation of the appearance, and to improve the efficiency of the exhaust air, in order to solve the above problems. And, ultimately, it contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system by further improving traffic safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A saddle-type vehicle (1) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a front cowl (40) disposed in front of a head pipe (11) and covering the front part of the vehicle body, and a meter panel (50) disposed behind the front cowl (40). The front cowl (40) includes a stepped portion (61) that forms a flow path (60) for guiding the traveling wind. The upper edge (53) of the meter panel (50) is in contact with or close to the rear part of the front cowl (40). A notch (54) is formed in a part of the edge (52) of the meter panel (50), and at least a part of the notch (54) includes an opening (55) communicating with the flow path (60). The front cowl (40) overlaps the meter panel (50) so as to cover the meter panel (50) when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and at least a part of the opening (55) is formed at a position where the front cowl (40) and the meter panel (50) overlap.

[0007] (2) In the saddle-type vehicle (1) described in (1) above, the front cowl (40) includes a vehicle-width center plane (40a) that faces the front of the vehicle and is disposed at the center in the vehicle-width direction, and a vehicle-width outer surface (40b) that is inclined obliquely outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is disposed outward in the vehicle-width direction from the vehicle-width center plane (40a). The stepped portion (61) may be formed at a connection portion (40c) between the vehicle-width center plane (40a) and the vehicle-width outer surface (40b).

[0008] (3) In the straddle-type vehicle (1) according to (2) above, an edge portion (52) of the meter panel (50) includes a first extending portion (52a) that passes through the step portion (61) and extends such that an extension line intersects the front cowl (40) in a cross-sectional view including the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second extending portion (52b) that bends from a tip end portion of the first extending portion (52a) and extends to a position where it abuts or is close to the front cowl (40). At least a part of the notch (54) may be formed at a position facing an outer surface of the second extending portion (52b).

[0009] (4) In the straddle-type vehicle (1) according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the vehicle further includes a headlight (70), and a gap (71) is formed between a lower edge of the front cowl (40) and an upper edge (53) of the headlight (70). At least a part of the gap (71) may be formed within a vehicle width direction range of the opening (55) when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0010] (5) In the straddle-type vehicle (1) according to (4) above, a space (72) may be formed behind the front cowl (40) so as to communicate the gap (71) and the opening (55).

[0011] (6) In the straddle-type vehicle (1) according to any one of (1) to (5) above, when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction, a vehicle width direction length (W1) of the opening (55) may be substantially the same as a vehicle width direction length (W2) of the flow path (60).

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the saddle-riding type vehicle described in (1) above of the present invention, it includes a front cowl disposed in front of the head pipe and covering the front part of the vehicle body, and a meter panel disposed behind the front cowl. The front cowl is provided with a stepped portion that forms a flow path for guiding the running wind. The upper edge of the meter panel is in contact with or close to the rear part of the front cowl. A notch is formed in a part of the edge of the meter panel, and at least a part of the notch includes an opening communicating with the flow path. The front cowl overlaps the meter panel so as to cover the meter panel when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and at least a part of the opening is formed at a position where the front cowl and the meter panel overlap, thereby achieving the following effects. Since at least a part of the opening is formed at a position where the front cowl and the meter panel overlap, the opening is less visible to the driver, so that a decrease in appearance can be suppressed. In addition, by increasing the area of the notch (including the opening) formed at the edge of the meter panel, the opening area for air venting can be increased, and the handling stability can be improved. In addition, the running wind guided to the flow path can discharge the air inside the front cowl through the opening to the rear of the vehicle, and the efficiency of exhaust ventilation can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to improve the handling stability and the efficiency of exhaust ventilation while suppressing a decrease in appearance. And thus, it further improves traffic safety and contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0013] According to the saddle-riding type vehicle described in (2) above of the present invention, the front cowl includes a vehicle-width center surface that faces the front of the vehicle and is disposed at the center in the vehicle-width direction, and a vehicle-width outer surface that is inclined obliquely outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is disposed outward in the vehicle-width direction from the vehicle-width center surface. The stepped portion is formed at the connection portion between the vehicle-width center surface and the vehicle-width outer surface, thereby achieving the following effects. When the vehicle is going straight or banking, the running wind gathers at the step and is guided backward, so that the efficiency of exhaust ventilation can be further improved.

[0014] According to the straddle-type vehicle described in (3) of the present invention, the edge of the meter panel includes a first extending portion that passes through the stepped portion and extends such that the extension line intersects the front cowl in a cross-sectional view including the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second extending portion that bends from the tip of the first extending portion and extends to a position where it abuts or is close to the front cowl. At least a part of the notch is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion, thereby achieving the following effects. The second extending portion that constitutes the edge of the meter panel portion enters the front side of the front cowl and abuts or is close to the front cowl. Since at least a part (including the opening) of the notch is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion, the opening is less visible to the driver. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in appearance.

[0015] According to the straddle-type vehicle described in (4) of the present invention, further comprising a headlight, a gap is formed between the lower edge of the front cowl and the upper edge of the headlight, and at least a part of the gap is formed within the vehicle width direction range of the opening when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction, thereby achieving the following effects. Since the running wind can be taken in through the gap formed between the lower edge of the front cowl and the upper edge of the headlight and flowed to the opening, the exhaust efficiency can be further improved.

[0016] According to the straddle-type vehicle described in (5) of the present invention, a space is formed behind the front cowl through which the gap and the opening communicate, thereby achieving the following effects. Since the running wind flowing in from the gap can flow through the space formed behind the front cowl to the opening, the exhaust efficiency can be further improved.

[0017] According to the straddle-type vehicle described in (6) of the present invention, when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle width direction length of the opening is substantially the same as the vehicle width direction length of the flow path, thereby achieving the following effects. The running wind guided from the flow path can efficiently discharge the air inside the front cowl from the opening.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a motorcycle is cited as an example of a saddle-riding type vehicle. In the following description, directions such as front, rear, left, and right are the same as those of the vehicle unless otherwise specified. At appropriate positions 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 upper side of the vehicle, and a center line CL of the vehicle body indicating the center position of the vehicle body left and right are shown.

[0020] <Motorcycle> FIG. 1 is a left side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2 and a rear wheel 3, a front fork 4 that supports the front wheel 2, a swing arm 5 that supports the rear wheel 3, a vehicle body frame 6 that supports the front fork 4 and the swing arm 5, an engine 7 (internal combustion engine, prime mover) supported by the vehicle body frame 6, and a vehicle body cover 8.

[0021] The upper portions of a pair of left and right front forks 4 are steerably supported by a head pipe 11 of the vehicle body frame 6 via a steering stem 10. A bar-type handle 12 is attached to the top bridge of the steering stem 10. A front fender 20 is provided between the left and right front forks 4.

[0022] The vehicle body frame 6 includes a head pipe 11, a pair of left and right main frames 15, a pair of left and right pivot frames 16, a pair of left and right down frames 17, and a seat frame 18.

[0023] The head pipe 11 is inclined such that, in a side view of the vehicle, the upper end of the head pipe 11 is located rearward of the vehicle relative to the lower end of the head pipe 11. The main frame 15 is inclined downward and rearward from the upper rear portion of the head pipe 11 in a side view of the vehicle. The rear end portion of the main frame 15 is connected to the upper end portion of the pivot frame 16 at the middle portion in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0024] The pivot frame 16 extends downward from the rear end portion of the main frame 15 in a side view of the vehicle. The down frame 17 extends from the lower rear portion of the head pipe 11 with a steeper inclination and downward and rearward than the main frame 15 in a side view of the vehicle, and then bends and extends downward and rearward. The seat frame 18 is connected to the rear part of the main frame 15. The seat frame 18 slopes upward and rearward from the rear part of the main frame 15 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0025] At the upper and lower center of the pivot frame 16, the front end of the swing arm 5 is supported so as to be vertically swingable. At the rear end of the swing arm 5, the rear wheel 3 is supported.

[0026] The engine 7 is mounted inside the body frame 6. For example, the engine 7 has a crankshaft parallel to the vehicle width direction (left - right direction of the vehicle). Above the engine 7 and between the left and right main frames 15, a fuel tank 30 is provided. Behind the fuel tank 30 and on the seat frame 18, a seat 31 is provided.

[0027] The body cover 8 is provided to cover the components of the motorcycle 1 (such as the body frame 6 and the engine 7, etc.) from the outside. The body cover 8 includes a front cowl 40 disposed in front of the head pipe 11 to cover the front part of the vehicle body, a middle cowl 41 to cover the front part of the vehicle body from the outside in the vehicle width direction, an under cowl 42 to cover the lower part of the vehicle body, and a rear cowl 43 to cover the upper - rear part of the vehicle body.

[0028] Below the front cowl 40, a front lower cowl 45 is provided. The front lower cowl 45 has parts disposed on the upper and lower parts of the headlight 70 integrally formed. The front lower cowl 45 is engaged with each of the meter panel 50, the headlight 70, and the middle cowl 41.

[0029] The middle cowl 41 is provided with a winglet 46. Inside the middle cowl 41 in the vehicle width direction, an inner cover 47 is provided.

[0030] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the upper part of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a view of the meter panel 50 according to the embodiment seen from the upper - rear. Figure 5 is a view of the state where the front cowl 40 is removed in Figure 4. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 together, the motorcycle 1 includes a meter panel 50 disposed behind the front cowl 40. At the center in the vehicle width direction of the meter panel 50, a meter main body 51 for displaying vehicle information toward the driver is provided. On the outer side portions in the vehicle width direction of the meter panel 50, a pair of left and right winkers 35 are provided. On the upper portion of the front cowl 40 (the portion near the meter main body 51), a pair of left and right mirrors 36 are provided. The edge portion 52 of the meter panel 50 extends outward and upward in the vehicle width direction from the portion close to the meter main body 51 in a rear view, and then extends while curving outward and downward in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 5).

[0031] The front cowl 40 includes a stepped portion 61 that forms a flow path 60 for guiding the running wind. The upper edge 53 of the meter panel 50 is in contact with or close to the rear portion of the front cowl 40. A notch 54 is formed in a part of the edge portion 52 of the meter panel 50. At least a part of the notch 54 includes an opening 55 that communicates with the flow path 60. The front cowl 40 overlaps the meter panel 50 so as to cover the meter panel 50 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. At least a part of the opening 55 is formed at a position where the front cowl 40 and the meter panel 50 overlap (see FIG. 4).

[0032] The notch 54 is disposed between the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the top bridge of the steering stem 10 and the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the grip portion 13 of the bar handle 12 in a rear view. The inner surface of the front cowl 40 abuts or is close to the end portion of the meter panel 50 where the notch 54 opens, thereby forming the opening 55. The front cowl 40 overlaps the meter panel 50 so as to cover the opening 55 from the front.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the front lower cowl 45 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stepped portion 61 according to the embodiment as viewed from the upper right. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together, the front cowl 40 includes a vehicle-width center surface 40a that faces the front of the vehicle and is disposed at the center in the vehicle-width direction, and a vehicle-width outer surface 40b that is inclined obliquely outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is disposed outward in the vehicle-width direction from the vehicle-width center surface 40a. The step portion 61 is formed at a connection portion 40c between the vehicle-width center surface 40a and the vehicle-width outer surface 40b.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3 together, a windshield 48 is provided at the upper part of the front cowl 40. The inner edge in the vehicle-width direction of the vehicle-width center surface 40a extends along the lower edge of the windshield 48 in a front view. The inner edge in the vehicle-width direction of the vehicle-width center surface 40a is formed in a V shape in a front view. The inclination angle of the vehicle-width center surface 40a in the vehicle-width direction is smaller than the inclination angle of the vehicle-width outer surface 40b in the vehicle-width direction. The inclination angle of the vehicle-width center surface 40a in the vehicle-width direction corresponds to an acute angle formed by a tangent line of the vehicle-width center surface 40a and a straight line along the vehicle vertical direction. The inclination angle of the vehicle-width outer surface 40b in the vehicle-width direction corresponds to an acute angle formed by a tangent line of the vehicle-width outer surface 40b and a straight line along the vehicle vertical direction.

[0035] The vehicle-width outer surface 40b is connected to both outer ends in the vehicle-width direction of the vehicle-width center surface 40a. The step portion 61 becomes larger in the vehicle-width direction and the vertical direction as it goes toward the rear of the vehicle. The inclination angle of the step portion 61 in the vehicle-width direction is larger than the inclination angle of the vehicle-width outer surface 40b in the vehicle-width direction. The inclination angle of the step portion 61 in the vehicle-width direction corresponds to an acute angle formed by a tangent line of the surface forming the flow path 60 in the step portion 61 and a straight line along the vehicle vertical direction. At least a part of the surface forming the flow path 60 in the step portion 61 has a concave shape that is recessed inward and downward in the vehicle-width direction with respect to the outer surface of the front cowl 40.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a view including the VIII-VIII cross section of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a view including the IX-IX cross section of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a view including the X-X cross section of FIG. 4. Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10 together, the edge portion 52 of the meter panel 50 includes a first extending portion 52a that passes through the stepped portion 61 and extends such that the extension line intersects the front cowl 40 in a cross-sectional view including the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle front-rear direction, and a second extending portion 52b that bends from the tip of the first extending portion 52a and extends to a position in contact with or close to the front cowl 40. At least a part of the notch 54 is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b.

[0037] The extension line L1 of the outer surface of the first extending portion 52a extends so as to intersect the inner surface of the front cowl 40 at an acute angle in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. The extension line L2 of the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b extends obliquely so as to intersect the inner surface of the front cowl 40 at a smaller acute angle (a smaller acute angle than the acute angle formed by the extension line L1 of the outer surface of the first extending portion 52a and the inner surface of the front cowl 40) in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. The distance between the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b and the inner surface of the front cowl 40 decreases as the second extending portion 52b approaches the position in contact with or close to the front cowl 40 (see FIG. 9).

[0038] For example, the notch 54 is formed over the entire height (the entire range in the vertical direction) of the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b. Note that the notch 54 is not limited to the above, and it may be formed at least in part of the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b. For example, the formation mode of the notch 54 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, the motorcycle 1 further includes a headlight 70. A gap 71 is formed between the lower edge of the front cowl 40 and the upper edge of the headlight 70. At least a part of the gap 71 is formed within the vehicle width direction range of the opening 55 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0040] The headlamps 70 are provided in a pair, one on the left and one on the right. The lower edge of the front cowl 40 extends from the center in the vehicle width direction outward and upward in the vehicle width direction in a front view, then bends upward and extends outward and upward in the vehicle width direction, and then bends outward and downward in the vehicle width direction and extends. The upper edge of the headlamp 70 extends from the inner end in the vehicle width direction outward and upward in a front view, and then curves and extends further upward on the outer end side in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 3).

[0041] The gap 71 is formed by providing a space between the mating surfaces of the lens of the headlamp 70 and the front cowl 40. The gap 71 is formed at a position facing the upper part and the outer part in the vehicle width direction of the headlamp 70. The gap 71 is formed from the upper outer side to the outer part of the lens of the headlamp 70. The lens of the headlamp 70 and the front cowl 40 are in contact with each other on the surfaces other than the part where the gap 71 is formed. Note that the headlamp 70 may be a single-eye type or a multi-eye type.

[0042] Referring also to FIG. 8, a space 72 is formed behind the front cowl 40 to allow passage through the gap 71 and the opening 55. The arrow in the figure shows an example of the traveling wind flowing through the space 72.

[0043] The space 72 is formed such that the traveling wind flowing in from the gap 71 flows to the opening 55. The traveling wind flowing in from the gap 71 flows to the opening 55 through the space between the headlamp 70 and the front lower cowl 45. Nothing that obstructs the flow of the traveling wind is arranged from the gap 71 to the opening 55. The support member (for example, a cowl stay) that supports the front cowl 40 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the opening 55.

[0044] Referring also to FIG. 4, when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle-width direction length W1 of the opening 55 is substantially the same as the vehicle-width direction length W2 of the flow path 60. The vehicle-width direction length W1 of the opening 55 corresponds to the maximum vehicle-width direction length of the portion surrounded by the edge of the front cowl 40 and the upper edge 53 of the meter panel 50 at the notch 54 in the rear view of FIG. 4. The vehicle-width direction length W2 of the flow path 60 corresponds to the maximum vehicle-width direction length of the curved surface of the stepped portion 61 (a part of the surface forming the flow path 60 at the stepped portion 61) in the rear view of FIG. 4.

[0045] For example, when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the opening 55 may be formed within the vehicle-width direction range of the flow path 60. For example, the formation mode of the opening 55 can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0046] Referring also to FIG. 10, the rear edge portion of the front cowl 40 is provided with an extension portion 40e that extends so as to be folded inward of the front cowl 40. The edge portion 52 of the meter panel 50 is provided so as to overlap front and rear with respect to the extending direction of the extension portion 40e in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a view including the XI-XI cross section of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a view including the XII-XII cross section of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a view including the XIII-XIII cross section of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13 together, the outer surface of the front cowl 40 is curved upward and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11, the outer surface of the front cowl 40 bends from the outer end of the vehicle-width center plane 40a that curves upward and outward in the vehicle width direction, extends outward and downward in the vehicle width direction, and then bends and extends toward the upper part of the headlight 70. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, the outer surface of the front cowl 40 has the front end of the stepped portion 61 between the outer end (lower end) of the vehicle-width center plane 40a that curves upward and outward in the vehicle width direction and the inner end (upper end) of the vehicle-width outer surface 40b that extends outward and downward in the vehicle width direction. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, the outer surface of the front cowl 40 has a curved surface of a stepped portion 61 that curves inward and downward in the vehicle width direction between the vehicle width center surface 40a and the vehicle width outer surface 40b.

[0049] <Function and effect> As described above, the motorcycle 1 of the above embodiment includes a front cowl 40 disposed in front of the head pipe 11 and covering the front part of the vehicle body, and a meter panel 50 disposed behind the front cowl 40. The front cowl 40 includes a stepped portion 61 that forms a flow path 60 for guiding the running wind. The upper edge 53 of the meter panel 50 is in contact with or close to the rear part of the front cowl 40. A notch 54 is formed in a part of the edge 52 of the meter panel 50. At least a part of the notch 54 includes an opening 55 that communicates with the flow path 60. The front cowl 40 overlaps the meter panel 50 so as to cover the meter panel 50 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. At least a part of the opening 55 is formed at a position where the front cowl 40 and the meter panel 50 overlap. According to this configuration, since at least a part of the opening 55 is formed at a position where the front cowl 40 and the meter panel 50 overlap, the opening 55 is less visible to the driver, so that a decrease in appearance can be suppressed. In addition, by increasing the area of the notch 54 (including the opening 55) formed in the edge 52 of the meter panel 50, the opening area for air venting can be increased, and the handling stability can be improved. In addition, the running wind guided to the flow path 60 can discharge the air inside the front cowl 40 through the opening 55 to the rear of the vehicle, and the efficiency of exhaust air can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to improve the handling stability and the efficiency of exhaust air while suppressing a decrease in appearance. And, as a result, it further improves traffic safety and contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment, the front cowl 40 includes a vehicle-width center surface 40a that faces the front of the vehicle and is disposed at the center in the vehicle-width direction, and a vehicle-width outer surface 40b that is inclined obliquely outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is disposed outward in the vehicle-width direction from the vehicle-width center surface 40a. The stepped portion 61 is formed at a connection portion 40c between the vehicle-width center surface 40a and the vehicle-width outer surface 40b. According to this configuration, when the vehicle is going straight or banking, the running wind gathers at the step and is guided rearward, so that the efficiency of exhaust air can be further improved.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the edge portion 52 of the meter panel 50 includes a first extending portion 52a that passes through the stepped portion 61 and extends such that an extension line intersects the front cowl 40 in a cross-sectional view including the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second extending portion 52b that bends from the tip of the first extending portion 52a and extends to a position where it abuts or is close to the front cowl 40. At least a part of the notch 54 is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b. According to this configuration, the second extending portion 52b that constitutes the edge portion 52 of the meter panel 50 portion enters the front side of the front cowl 40 and abuts or is close to the front cowl 40, and at least a part (including the opening 55) of the notch 54 is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion 52b. Therefore, the opening 55 is less visible to the driver. Accordingly, a decrease in appearance can be further suppressed.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the motorcycle further includes a headlight 70. A gap 71 is formed between the lower edge of the front cowl 40 and the upper edge 53 of the headlight 70. At least a part of the gap 71 is formed within the vehicle-width range of the opening 55 when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction. According to this configuration, the running wind can be taken in through the gap 71 formed between the lower edge of the front cowl 40 and the upper edge 53 of the headlight 70 and flowed to the opening 55, so that the efficiency of exhaust air can be further improved.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a space 72 is formed behind the front cowl 40 so as to communicate with the gap 71 and the opening 55. According to this configuration, since the running wind flowing in from the gap 71 can flow through the space 72 formed behind the front cowl 40 to the opening 55, the exhaust efficiency can be further improved.

[0054] In the above embodiment, when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the vehicle width direction length of the opening 55 is substantially the same as the vehicle width direction length of the flow path 60. According to this configuration, the air inside the front cowl 40 can be efficiently discharged from the opening 55 by the running wind guided from the flow path 60.

[0055] <Modification Example> In the above embodiment, the front cowl includes a vehicle width center surface facing the front of the vehicle and disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction, and a vehicle width outer surface that is inclined obliquely outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and disposed outward in the vehicle width direction from the vehicle width center surface. The step portion has been described by taking an example formed at the connection portion between the vehicle width center surface and the vehicle width outer surface, but is not limited thereto. For example, the step portion may be formed at a portion other than the connection portion between the vehicle width center surface and the vehicle width outer surface. For example, the step portion may be formed at a part (a portion other than the connection portion) of the vehicle width center surface or the vehicle width outer surface. For example, the formation mode of the step portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the edge of the meter panel includes a first extending portion that passes through the step portion and extends such that the extension line intersects the front cowl in a cross-sectional view including the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second extending portion that bends from the tip of the first extending portion and extends to a position where it abuts or is close to the front cowl. The example in which at least a part of the notch is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion has been described, but is not limited thereto. For example, all of the notches may be formed at positions other than the position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion. For example, the notch may be formed at a position facing the outer surface of the first extending portion. For example, the formation mode of the notch can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the motorcycle further includes a headlight, and a gap is formed between the lower edge of the front cowl and the upper edge of the headlight, and at least a part of the gap is formed within the vehicle width direction range of the opening as viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all of the gaps may be formed outside the vehicle width direction range of the opening as viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. For example, the formation mode of the gap can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example in which a space is formed behind the front cowl to communicate with the gap and the opening has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a space for communicating with the gap and the opening may be formed in a portion other than behind the front cowl. For example, the formation mode of the space for communicating with the gap and the opening can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0059] In the above embodiment, an example in which the vehicle width direction length of the opening is substantially the same as the vehicle width direction length of the flow path as viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle width direction length of the opening may be different from the vehicle width direction length of the flow path as viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. For example, the vehicle width direction length of the opening can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0060] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle as an example of a saddle-riding type vehicle has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to saddle-riding type vehicles other than motorcycles. For example, saddle-riding type vehicles include all vehicles on which a driver rides straddling 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). Further, the present invention is applicable not only to motorcycles, but also to four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheel buggies) such as automobiles. Further, the present invention may be applied to a saddle-riding type vehicle including an electric motor in the prime mover. And the configuration in the above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

Explanation of Symbols

[0061] 1 Motorcycle (straddle-type vehicle) 11 Head pipe 40 Front cowl 40a Center plane in vehicle width direction 40b Outer surface in vehicle width direction 40c Connection part 50 Meter panel 52 Edge part 53 Upper edge 54 Notch 55 Opening 60 Flow path 61 Step part 70 Headlight 71 Gap 72 Space W1 Length in vehicle width direction of the opening W2 Length in vehicle width direction of the flow path

Claims

1. A front cowl (40) disposed in front of a head pipe (11) and covering the front part of the vehicle body, and a meter panel (50) disposed behind the front cowl (40), The front cowl (40) includes a step portion (61) that forms a flow path (60) for guiding traveling wind, The upper edge (53) of the meter panel (50) abuts or is close to the rear part of the front cowl (40), A notch (54) is formed in a part of the edge (52) of the meter panel (50), At least a part of the notch (54) includes an opening (55) communicating with the flow path (60), The front cowl (40) overlaps the meter panel (50) so as to cover the meter panel (50) when viewed from the front of the vehicle, At least a part of the opening (55) is formed at a position where the front cowl (40) and the meter panel (50) overlap, A saddle-type vehicle.

2. The front cowl (40) includes a vehicle-width center plane (40a) facing the front of the vehicle and disposed at the center in the vehicle-width direction, and a vehicle-width outer surface (40b) that is inclined obliquely outward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is disposed outward in the vehicle-width direction than the vehicle-width center plane (40a), The step portion (61) is formed at a connection portion (40c) between the vehicle-width center plane (40a) and the vehicle-width outer surface (40b), The saddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1.

3. The edge (52) of the meter panel (50) includes a first extending portion (52a) that passes through the step portion (61) and extends such that an extension line intersects the front cowl (40) in a cross-sectional view including the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second extending portion (52b) that bends from the tip of the first extending portion (52a) and extends to a position where it abuts or is close to the front cowl (40), At least a part of the notch (54) is formed at a position facing the outer surface of the second extending portion (52b). The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a headlight (70), A gap (71) is formed between the lower edge of the front cowl (40) and the upper edge (53) of the headlight (70), At least a part of the gap (71) is formed within the vehicle-width direction range of the opening (55) when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A space (72) is formed behind the front cowl (40) to communicate with the gap (71) and the opening (55). The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 4.

6. When viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, the vehicle-width direction length (W1) of the opening (55) is substantially the same as the vehicle-width direction length (W2) of the flow path (60). The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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