Saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

To reduce the number of components and improve rigidity while contributing to improved design of a side cover.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding type vehicle 10 includes side covers 52L and 52R which extend toward a pivot shaft 22 from the lower side of at least either one of an energy storage portion 29 or a passenger seat 17. The side cover 52L, 52R includes: a first side cover portion 71, 91 that forms the upper part of the side cover 52L, 52R; a second side cover portion 72, 92 that forms the lower part of the side cover 52L, 52R; a narrowing portion 75 that forms a narrowed part between the first side cover portion 71, 91 and the second side cover portion 72, 92; and an internal-side extending wall 76, 77 that extends inwardly in the vehicle widthwise direction from at least either one of the narrowing portion 75 or a portion adjacent to the narrowing portion 75.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In saddle-riding type vehicles, there is known a configuration having a fuel tank that functions as an energy storage unit, or a pivot shaft provided below a passenger seat, and a rear wheel is supported so as to be vertically swingable via a swing member on this pivot shaft. This type of saddle-riding type vehicle is provided with a side cover that covers the periphery of the fuel tank or the passenger seat from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the side cover is formed into a large cover that extends toward the pivot shaft, and this side cover covers at least any one of an air cleaner hose, an air cleaner, and a battery (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the side covers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have simple planar shapes or curved surface shapes, but depending on the vehicle, there may be cases where different side cover shapes are desired, or cases where reduction in the number of parts and improvement in rigidity of a large side cover are desired. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to be advantageous for improving the designability of the side cover, and to reduce the number of parts and improve the rigidity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a saddle-riding type vehicle having a pivot shaft that supports a rear wheel so as to be swingable up and down, below at least one of an energy storage unit and a passenger seat, a side cover extending toward the pivot shaft from below at least one of the energy storage unit and the passenger seat is provided, and the side cover includes a first side cover portion that constitutes an upper portion of the side cover, a second side cover portion that constitutes a lower portion of the side cover, a narrow portion that constitutes a constricted portion between the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion, and an inner extension wall extending inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the narrow portion and a portion adjacent to the narrow portion. Moreover, the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion have a shape that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, and the narrow portion has a shape that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. To provide a saddle-riding type vehicle.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] It is advantageous for improving the design property of the side cover, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts and improve the rigidity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the descriptions of directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are the same as the directions with respect to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. Also, the symbol FR in each figure indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper part of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-riding type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-riding type vehicle 10 is a vehicle including a vehicle body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the vehicle body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports the front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The saddle-riding type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a passenger sits astride the seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11.

[0010] The vehicle body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the vehicle body frame 11, a front frame 19 located behind the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located behind the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 20.

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by the head pipe 18 so as to be steerable left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21 held by the passenger is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The front end portion of the swing arm 16 has the pivot shaft 22 inserted therethrough. The swing arm 16 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15a provided at the rear end portion of the swing arm 16.

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 15 and is supported by the vehicle body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder portion 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to the exhaust port of the cylinder portion 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15.

[0014] Also, the saddle-type vehicle 10 includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which a passenger places their feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the vehicle body frame 11.

[0015] The step 28 is provided in a pair on the left and right below the pivot shaft 22 and is used as a driver's step on which the driver places their feet. The fuel tank 29 is provided in front of the seat 17 and above the power unit 12 and is supported by the main frame 31. The fuel tank 29 is an example of the "energy storage unit" of the present invention. The energy storage unit may be a battery, a fuel cell, or the like. That is, the saddle-riding type vehicle 10 to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to a vehicle using fuel such as gasoline as an energy source, and may be an electric vehicle including a power unit 12 having an electric motor and driven by electric power from an energy storage unit composed of a battery or a fuel cell.

[0016] The driving force transmission member connecting the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15 is an endless chain 12c connecting a drive sprocket 12a and a driven sprocket 12b. The drive sprocket 12a and the driven sprocket 12b are provided on the left side corresponding to one side in the left and right directions of the power unit 12 and the rear wheel 15, and the chain 12c is provided along the left swing arm 16. The drive sprocket 12a is covered from the left side by a chain case 12d. A chain cover 12e that covers the chain 12c from above is attached to the left swing arm 16. Note that the chain 12c is also referred to as a drive chain.

[0017] The front frame 19 includes a single main frame 31 extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 18, a pair of left and right pivot frames 32 provided at the rear lower part of the main frame 31, a single down frame 33 extending downward from the head pipe 18, and a gusset 34 that reinforces the connection portion between the head pipe 18, the main frame 31, and the down frame 33. The pair of left and right pivot frames 32 support the pivot shaft 22 and also support a pair of left and right steps 28 below the pivot shaft 22. Since this pivot frame 32 supports the step 28, it can also be called a step holder.

[0018] The rear frame 20 includes a pair of left and right seat frames 41 extending from the rear part of the main frame 31 to the rear end of the vehicle body, and a pair of left and right rear sub-frames 42 extending from the vertical intermediate part of the left and right pivot frames 32 to the rear end of the seat frame 41. At the lower end of the down frame 33, the front part of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed via a unit bracket 35, and at the lower end of the pivot frame 32, the rear part of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed via a unit bracket 36. Thus, the power unit 12 is supported behind the down frame 33, in front of the pivot frame 32, and below the main frame 31.

[0019] The power unit 12 of the present embodiment is a single-cylinder engine (internal combustion engine) in which a cylinder part 24 stands upright on the upper front part of the crankcase 23. Hereinafter, the power unit 12 will be referred to as the "engine 12". Note that the power unit 12 is not limited to an internal combustion engine and may be an electric motor. When the power unit 12 is configured by an internal combustion engine, it is not limited to a single-cylinder engine, and known engines can be widely applied.

[0020] The straddle-type vehicle 10 includes a body cover 50 that covers each part of the body frame 11. The body cover 50 includes a tank cover 51 that covers the fuel tank 29, a pair of left and right side covers 52L and 52R that cover the sides of the vehicle body, and a rear cover 53 that covers the lower part of the seat 17 from the outer sides in the left-right direction behind the side covers 52L and 52R. Since the side covers 52L and 52R are located at the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, they can also be referred to as center covers.

[0021] Figure 2 is a right side view showing the straddle-type vehicle 10 from the right side, which is the opposite side of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a right side view showing the state where the right side cover 52R is removed together with the surrounding configuration. Further, Figure 4 is a right side view showing the state where the side cover 52R is attached together with the surrounding configuration. Note that in Figure 3, the side cover 52R is shown by a two-dot chain line. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an exhaust device 25 is connected to the front surface of the cylinder part 24 of the engine 12. The exhaust device 25 includes a first exhaust pipe 25a that extends from the front surface of the cylinder part 24 to below the engine 12, a catalytic converter 25b located downstream of the first exhaust pipe 25a, and a muffler 25c located downstream of the catalytic converter 25b. An intake passage 60 is connected to the rear surface of the cylinder part 24. An air cleaner 61 is connected to the opposite end (corresponding to the upstream end) of the cylinder part 24 in the intake passage 60. The air cleaner 61 is disposed in a space below the seat 17 and surrounded by the rear frame 20. Since the air cleaner 61 has a hollow box shape, it is also referred to as an air cleaner case and an air cleaner box.

[0022] The intake passage 60 includes a connecting tube 62 connected to the cylinder part 24, a throttle body 63 connected to the upstream end of the connecting tube 62, and an air cleaner hose 64 connecting the throttle body 63 and the air cleaner 61. The connecting tube 62 and the throttle body 63 are arranged by utilizing the space available front and rear between the cylinder part 24 and the main frame 31. Therefore, the connecting tube 62 and the throttle body 63 can be arranged closer to the center of the vehicle width, suppressing the protrusion toward the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The air cleaner hose 64 is connected to the air cleaner 61 straddling the main frame 31 from the right side. Therefore, the air cleaner hose 64 is a component that protrudes relatively to the right side in the intake passage 60. A resonator 65 for reducing intake noise is provided in the air cleaner hose 64. The resonator 65 is arranged in the space above the air cleaner hose 64 among the spaces available on the right side of the main frame 31.

[0024] Among the spaces available on the right side of the main frame 31, in the space below the air cleaner hose 64 and above the pivot frame 32, a fuse box 66 that constitutes a part of the electrical components of the saddle-type vehicle 10, a reservoir tank 67 and an ABS modulator 68 that constitute a part of the braking device are arranged. The reservoir tank 67 is a component that stores a part of the brake fluid used in the hydraulic path of the rear braking device, and is also referred to as a brake reservoir tank. The ABS modulator 68 is a device that controls the braking force of the braking devices for the front and rear wheels. Note that a known ABS modulator can be widely applied to the ABS modulator 68.

[0025] Next, the right side cover 52R will be described together with the surrounding structure. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the right side cover 52R is formed as a large side cover that extends from below the fuel tank 29 and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22, and covers the air cleaner hose 64, the resonator 65, the fuse box 66, the reservoir tank 67, and the ABS modulator 68 from the right side which is the outside in the vehicle width direction. Since the side cover 52R can suppress the external appearance exposure of these components, these components can be protected from surrounding flying objects such as rainwater and small stones.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a view showing the side cover 52R. Further, FIG. 6 is a view showing the side cover 52R from a plurality of directions, and the reference symbol F indicates the front surface, the reference symbol R indicates the rear surface, the reference symbol U indicates the upper surface, and the reference symbol L indicates the lower surface. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the side cover 52R integrally includes a first side cover portion 71 that constitutes at least a part of the upper portion of the side cover 52R, a second side cover portion 72 that constitutes the lower portion of the side cover 52R, a third side cover portion 73 that constitutes the remaining portion of the upper portion of the side cover 52R, and a fourth side cover portion 74 that protrudes forward from the first side cover portion 71.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first side cover portion 71 covers the air cleaner hose 64, the resonator 65, the fuse box 66, and the reservoir tank 67 from the right side which is the outside in the vehicle width direction. The second side cover portion 72 covers the ABS modulator 68 from the outside in the vehicle width direction by covering the region between the first side cover portion 71 and the pivot frame 32 from the right side which is the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] In this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a first narrow-width portion 75 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72. The first narrow-width portion 75 extends continuously across different outer edges (corresponding to between the front edge LF and the rear edge LB among the outer edges (the front edge LF, the rear edge LB, and the upper edge LU in this configuration) that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R). As a result, an appearance of a cover is obtained in which the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72 are divided with the first narrow-width portion 75 as a boundary, and the design property of the side cover 52R is improved. Also, since the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72 are integrated, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where these cover portions 71, 72 are separated. Further, since an uneven shape composed of these cover portions 71, 72 and the first narrow-width portion 75 is obtained, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be increased as compared with the case of making it a flat plate shape without unevenness.

[0029] In the first side cover portion 71, a first inner extension wall 76 (FIG. 6) that extends inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed along the edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52R. Also, in the second side cover portion 72, a second inner extension wall 77 (FIG. 6) that extends inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed along the edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52R. These first inner extension wall 76 and second inner extension wall 77 constitute inner extension walls that extend inward in the vehicle width direction from both the first narrow-width portion 75 and the portion adjacent to the first narrow-width portion 75. Therefore, these first inner extension wall 76 and second inner extension wall 77 function as reinforcing ribs that reinforce the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72. Also, since the first inner extension wall 76 and the second inner extension wall 77 are connected to each other in a region corresponding to the first narrow-width portion 75, they also function as reinforcing ribs that reinforce the connection portion of each side cover portion 71, 72. That is, since the first inner extension wall 76 and the second inner extension wall 77 function as reinforcing members for reinforcing the side cover 52R, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be further increased. Further, the first inner extension wall 76 and the second inner extension wall 77 also function as guard members for guarding against the entry of surrounding flying objects such as rainwater and small stones into the side cover 52R, and the protective effect of the components covered by the side cover 52R can be further enhanced.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72 are formed in a shape that curves convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, compared with the case where these side cover portions 71, 72 are formed in a straight flat plate shape, the rigidity of the side cover portions 71, 72 themselves can be increased, and the appearance of the curved cover can be obtained, which is also advantageous for improving the designability of each side cover portion 71, 72.

[0031] The third side cover portion 73 covers the air cleaner 61 exposed behind the first side cover portion 71 from the right side which is the outside in the vehicle width direction. A second narrow portion 78 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the third side cover portion 73 and the first side cover portion 71. The second narrow portion 78 is continuous across different outer edges (corresponding to between the upper edge LU and the rear edge LB) among the outer edges constituting the outer shape of the side cover 52R. Thereby, an appearance of a cover is obtained in which the first side cover portion 71 and the third side cover portion 73 are divided with the second narrow portion 78 as a boundary, and the designability of the side cover 52R is improved. Further, since the first side cover portion 71 and the third side cover portion 73 are integral, the number of parts can be reduced compared with the case where these cover portions 71, 73 are separated. Furthermore, since an uneven shape composed of these cover portions 71, 73 and the second narrow portion 78 is obtained, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be increased compared with the case of forming a flat plate shape without unevenness.

[0032] Among the third side cover portions 73, a third inner extension wall 79 (Fig. 6) that extends inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed along the edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52R. Further, the third side cover portion 73 is formed in a shape that curves convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. Since the third inner extension wall 79 functions as a reinforcing rib and the third side cover portion 73 is formed in a convexly curved shape, the rigidity of the third side cover portion 73 can be further increased, and the protective effect of the components covered by the side cover 52R can be further enhanced by the third inner extension wall 79. Also, since the third side cover portion 73 also has a curved cover appearance, it is advantageous for improving the design and rigidity of the third side cover portion 73.

[0033] The fourth side cover portion 74 covers the throttle body 63 exposed in front of the first side cover portion 71 from the right side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A fourth narrow portion 80 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the fourth side cover portion 74 and the first side cover portion 71. The fourth narrow portion 80 is formed in a shape that is continuous along the contour of a V shape that is convex rearward on the side of the first side cover portion 71 when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, and is connected to the same outer edge (corresponding to the front edge LF) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R. Thereby, an appearance of a cover that divides the fourth side cover portion 74 and the first side cover portion 71 with the fourth narrow portion 80 as a boundary is obtained, the design of the side cover 52R is improved, and the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where these cover portions 74, 71 are separated.

[0034] Furthermore, since an uneven shape composed of these cover portions 74, 71 and the fourth narrow portion 80 is obtained, the rigidity of the side cover 52R can be increased compared to the case of a flat shape without unevenness. Since the fourth narrow part 80 is continuous along the contour of a V shape convex rearward in a side view of the vehicle body, the design property of the fourth side cover part 74 is improved, and the fourth narrow part 80 functions as a reinforcing rib, so that the rigidity of the fourth side cover part 74 can be enhanced. Further, the fourth narrow part 80 can impart a decorative effect of a V shape convex rearward to the side cover 52R, which is also advantageous for improving the design property of the side cover 52R.

[0035] Further, the fourth side cover part 74 is formed in a shape that curves convex outward in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, also for the fourth side cover part 74, an appearance of a curved cover can be obtained, which is advantageous for improving the design property and rigidity of the fourth side cover part 74.

[0036] Note that an opening 72k (FIGS. 5 and 6) is provided in the second side cover part 72 at a position covering the reserve tank 67, and the amount of fuel in the reserve tank 67 can be confirmed from outside the second side cover part 72. As shown in FIG. 5, a hole part 52g for fixing the side cover is provided in a part of the side cover 52R. Further, a known locking part for detachably locking the side cover 52R to the vehicle body is provided inside the side cover 52R. The side cover 52R is temporarily fixed to the vehicle body by using the locking part, and the side cover 52R is fixed to the vehicle body by fastening a fastening member from the outside in the vehicle width direction to the vehicle body through the hole part 52g. Note that the fixing structure of the side cover 52R to the vehicle body is not limited to the above configuration, and a known fixing structure can be widely applied.

[0037] Next, the left side cover 52L will be described together with the surrounding configuration. FIG. 7 is a left side view showing the state where the left side cover 52L is removed together with the surrounding configuration. Further, FIG. 8 is a right side view showing the state where the side cover 52L is attached together with the surrounding configuration. Note that the side cover 52L is shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, behind the cylinder portion 24 of the engine 12, a canister 82 that forms part of the fuel vapor emission prevention device and a battery 83 that forms part of the electrical components of the saddle-type vehicle 10 are arranged. The canister 82 and the battery 83 are arranged using the space available on the left side of the intake passage 60 and the main frame 31. In this configuration, the canister 82 is provided above the battery 83 and below the fuel tank 29. The canister 82 adsorbs the evaporated fuel in the fuel tank 29 and discharges it into the intake passage 60, thereby suppressing the discharge of the evaporated fuel to the outside. Also, the battery 83 is arranged below the canister 82 and above the left pivot frame 32, supplies operating power to the electrical components of the saddle-type vehicle 10, and is charged by the generated power of the engine 12.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the side cover 52L is formed as a large side cover that extends from below the fuel tank 29 and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22, and covers the canister 82 and the battery 83 from the left side, which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Since the side cover 52L can suppress the external exposure of these components, these components can be protected from surrounding flying objects such as rainwater and small stones.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a view showing the side cover 52L. Also, FIG. 10 is a view showing the side cover 52L from a plurality of directions, where the symbol F indicates the front, the symbol R indicates the rear, the symbol U indicates the upper surface, and the symbol L indicates the lower surface. In the present embodiment, the shape of the side cover 52L is substantially symmetric about the vehicle width center with respect to the side cover 52R on the opposite side in the vehicle width direction. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, among the shapes of the respective parts of the side cover 52L, the parts that are substantially symmetric about the vehicle width center with the side cover 52R will be described with the same reference numerals. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side cover 52L integrally includes a first side cover portion 91 that constitutes at least a part of the upper portion of the side cover 52L, a second side cover portion 92 that constitutes the lower portion of the side cover 52L, a third side cover portion 93 that constitutes the remaining portion of the upper portion of the side cover 52L, and a fourth side cover portion 94 that protrudes forward from the first side cover portion 91.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first side cover portion 91 covers the canister 82 and the battery 83 from the left side which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The second side cover portion 92 covers the region between the first side cover portion 91 and the pivot frame 32 from the left side which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The third side cover portion 93 covers the region corresponding to the air cleaner 61 exposed behind the first side cover portion 91 from the left side which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The fourth side cover portion 94 covers the region corresponding to the throttle body 63 exposed in front of the first side cover portion 91 from the left side which is the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the shapes of the side cover portions 91 to 94 are substantially bilaterally symmetric with respect to the vehicle width center with the side cover portions 71 to 74 of the side cover 52R on the opposite side in the vehicle width direction. Hereinafter, for easier understanding, among the respective parts of the side cover portions 91 to 94, the parts having the same shape as the respective parts of the side cover portions 71 to 74 of the side cover 52R will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0042] A first narrow-width portion 75 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed between the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92. The first narrow-width portion 75 extends continuously across different outer edges (corresponding to the region between the front edge LF and the rear edge LB) among the outer edges (in this configuration, the front edge LF, the rear edge LB, and the upper edge LU) that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52L. As a result, an appearance of a cover is obtained in which the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92 are divided with the first width narrowing portion 75 as a boundary, the design property of the side cover 52L is improved, and the number of parts can be reduced. Further, since a concavo-convex shape composed of these cover portions 91, 92 and the first width narrowing portion 75 is obtained, the rigidity of the side cover 52L can be increased as compared with the case of forming a flat plate shape without concavo-convexities.

[0043] In the first side cover portion 91, a first inner extension wall 76 (FIG. 9) extending inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed along an edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52L. Further, in the second side cover portion 92, a second inner extension wall 77 (FIG. 9) extending inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed along an edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52L. These first inner extension wall 76 and second inner extension wall 77 function as inner extension walls extending inward in the vehicle width direction from both the first width narrowing portion 75 and a portion adjacent to the first width narrowing portion 75. Therefore, the first inner extension wall 76 and the second inner extension wall 77 function as reinforcing ribs for reinforcing the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92.

[0044] Further, since the first inner extension wall 76 and the second inner extension wall 77 are connected to each other in a region corresponding to the first width narrowing portion 75, they also function as reinforcing ribs for reinforcing the connecting portion of each of the side cover portions 91, 92. Thereby, the first inner extension wall 76 and the second inner extension wall 77 can increase the rigidity of the side cover 52L, guard against the entry of surrounding scattered objects into the side cover 52L, and enhance the protective effect of the components covered by the side cover 52L.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, since the first side cover portion 91 and the second side cover portion 92 are formed in a shape that curves convexly outward in the vehicle width direction, the rigidity of the side cover portions 91, 92 themselves can be increased as compared with the case of forming the side cover portions 91, 92 in a linear flat plate shape, and it is also advantageous for improving the design property of each of the side cover portions 91, 92.

[0046] Between the third side cover portion 93 and the first side cover portion 91, a second width narrowing portion 78 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed. The second width narrowing portion 78 is continuous across different outer edges (corresponding to between the upper edge LU and the rear edge LB) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52R. As a result, an appearance of a cover is obtained in which the first side cover portion 91 and the third side cover portion 93 are divided with the second width narrowing portion 78 as a boundary. The design property of the side cover 52L is improved, and the number of parts can be reduced. Further, since an uneven shape composed of these cover portions 91, 93 and the second width narrowing portion 78 is obtained, the rigidity of the side cover 52L can be increased as compared with the case of having a flat shape without unevenness.

[0047] In the third side cover portion 93, on the edge portion that constitutes the outer edge of the side cover 52L, a third inner extending wall 79 (FIG. 10) that extends inward in the vehicle width direction along this edge portion is integrally formed. Further, the third side cover portion 93 is formed in a shape that curves convexly outward in the vehicle width direction. Since the third inner extending wall 79 functions as a reinforcing rib and the third side cover portion 93 is formed in a convexly curved shape, the rigidity of the third side cover portion 93 can be further increased, and the protection effect of the components covered by the side cover 52L can be further enhanced by the third inner extending wall 79. Further, also for the third side cover portion 93, an appearance of a curved cover is obtained, which is advantageous for improving the design property and rigidity of the third side cover portion 93.

[0048] Between the fourth side cover portion 94 and the first side cover portion 91, a fourth width narrowing portion 80 that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is integrally formed. The fourth width narrowing portion 80 is formed in a shape that is continuous along a V-shaped contour that is convex rearward on the first side cover portion 91 side when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, and is connected to the same outer edge (corresponding to the front edge LF) among the outer edges that constitute the outer shape of the side cover 52L. As a result, an appearance of a cover is obtained in which the fourth side cover portion 94 and the first side cover portion 91 are divided with the fourth width narrowing portion 80 as a boundary. The design property of the side cover 52L is improved, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case of separating these cover portions 94, 91.

[0049] Furthermore, since the concavo-convex shape composed of these cover portions 94, 91 and the fourth narrow portion 80 is obtained, the rigidity of the side cover 52L can be increased as compared with the case of forming a flat plate shape without concavo-convexities. The fourth narrow portion 80 is continuous along a V-shaped contour convex rearward in a side view of the vehicle body. Therefore, the design property of the fourth side cover portion 94 is improved, and the fourth narrow portion 80 functions as a reinforcing rib, so that the rigidity of the fourth side cover portion 94 can be increased. Further, the fourth narrow portion 80 can impart a V-shaped decorative effect convex rearward to the side cover 52L, which is also advantageous for improving the design property of the side cover 52L.

[0050] In addition, the fourth side cover portion 94 is formed in a shape that curves convex outward in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, also for the fourth side cover portion 94, an appearance of a curved cover is obtained, which is advantageous for improving the design property and rigidity of the fourth side cover portion 94.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, a hole portion 52g for fixing the side cover is provided in a part of the side cover 52L. Further, a known locking portion for detachably locking the side cover 52L to the vehicle body is provided inside the side cover 52L. The side cover 52L is temporarily fixed to the vehicle body using the locking portion, and the side cover 52L is fixed to the vehicle body by fastening a fastening member from the outside in the vehicle width direction to the vehicle body through the hole portion 52g. Note that the fixing structure of the side cover 52L to the vehicle body is not limited to the above configuration, and a known fixing structure can be widely applied.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the side cover 52L together with the peripheral configuration from the left rear. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 8, a chain 12c constituting a part of the power transmission member of the saddle-riding type vehicle 10 passes above the swing arm 16 and is exposed around between the drive sprocket 12a (FIG. 8) and the chain case 12d. In this configuration, the second side cover portion 92 located at the lowermost part of the side cover 52L covers the chain 12c exposed between the drive sprocket 12a and the chain case 12d from above, so that the second side cover portion 92 also functions as a chain case.

[0053] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the second side cover portion 92 is positioned at a position close to the vertical direction to function as a chain case with respect to the chain 12c exposed between the drive sprocket 12a and the chain case 12d. In particular, among the second side cover portion 92, the second inner extension wall 77 extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear edge of the cover portion 92 is located close to the chain 12c and extends rearward and upward along the chain 12c above the chain 12c. Thereby, the function of the side cover 52L as a chain case is enhanced. In this configuration, the side cover 52L is formed in a shape protruding rearward from the first narrow portion 75 corresponding to the connecting portion with the first side cover portion 91, so as to expand the area covering the chain 12c rearward and have a configuration that sufficiently covers the chain 12c exposed between the drive sprocket 12a and the chain case 12d.

[0054] As described above, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present embodiment includes side covers 52R and 52L extending from below the fuel tank 29 and the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22. The side covers 52R and 52L include a first side cover portion 71 constituting the upper part of the side covers 52R and 52L, a second side cover portion 72 constituting the lower part of the side covers 52R and 52L, a first narrow portion 75 constituting the constricted portion between the first side cover portion 71 and the second side cover portion 72, and inner extension walls 76 and 77 extending inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the first narrow portion 75 and the portion adjacent to the first narrow portion 75. According to this configuration, the side covers 52R and 52L can be made to have the appearance of a plurality of covers divided with the first width narrowing portion 75 as a boundary, and the number of parts can be reduced. Also, the rigidity of the side covers 52R and 52L can be increased by the concave shape or rib shape formed by the first width narrowing portion 75 and the inner extension walls 76 and 77. These are advantageous for improving the design of the side covers 52R and 52L, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts and improve the rigidity. Also, since the rigidity of the side covers 52R and 52L is improved, it is also advantageous for protecting the parts inside the side covers 52R and 52L.

[0055] Also, the outer edges forming the outer shape of the side covers 52R and 52L have a front edge LF, a rear edge LB, and an upper edge LU, and the first width narrowing portion 75 extends continuously between the front edge LF and the rear edge LB. According to this configuration, since the concave shape formed by the first width narrowing portion 75 extends continuously between different outer edges of the side covers 52R and 52L, it is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side covers 52R and 52L. Although the case where the first width narrowing portion 75 extends continuously between the front edge LF and the rear edge LB has been illustrated, it is not limited to this configuration. When the shape of the side covers 52R and 52L is changed, etc., the first width narrowing portion 75 may extend continuously between any of the outer edges of the front edge LF, the rear edge LB, and the upper edge LU. Also, the first width narrowing portion 75 extends continuously at least in either the vertical or the front-rear direction of the side covers 52R and 52L. According to this configuration, it is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side covers 52R and 52L, and an appearance of a plurality of covers divided vertically or horizontally can be obtained, which is advantageous for improving the design of the side covers 52R and 52L.

[0056] Also, the first side cover portions 71 and 91, and the second side cover portions 72 and 92 have a shape convex outward in the vehicle width direction, and the first width narrowing portion 75 has a shape concave inward in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the side covers 52R and 52L can be formed into a concavo-convex shape, which is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side covers 52R and 52L. Further, the first side cover portion 71 covers, from the outside in the vehicle width direction, an air cleaner hose 64 that forms part of the intake passage 60 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and a reservoir tank 67 that forms part of the braking device. According to this configuration, the influence of surrounding scattered objects (e.g., water ingress) on the air cleaner hose 64 and the reservoir tank 67 can be suppressed, and it becomes easier to take water ingress countermeasures and the like according to each component.

[0057] Further, the first side cover portion 91 covers a battery 83 that forms part of the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and a canister 82 that forms part of the gas emission prevention device. According to this configuration, the influence of surrounding scattered objects (e.g., water ingress) on the battery 83 and the canister 82 can be suppressed, and it becomes easier to take water ingress countermeasures and the like according to the specifications of each component.

[0058] Further, the second side cover portion 72 covers an ABS modulator 68 that forms part of the braking device of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. According to this configuration, the influence of surrounding scattered objects (e.g., water ingress) on the ABS modulator 68 can be suppressed, and it becomes easier to take water ingress countermeasures and the like according to the specifications of the ABS modulator 68.

[0059] Further, the second side cover portion 72 covers, from above, a part of a chain 12c that forms part of the power transmission member of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. According to this configuration, the second side cover portion 72 that forms the lower part of the large side cover 52L can be made to function as a chain case that covers the chain 12c.

[0060] The above-described embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and the configuration of details and the like may be appropriately changed. For example, the shapes and configurations of the side covers 52L and 52R may be appropriately changed. For example, the third side cover portions 73 and 93 and the fourth side cover portions 74 and 92 may not be provided, that is, a configuration having only the first side cover portions 71 and 91 and the second side cover portions 72 and 92 may be used. However, the positions, shapes, and sizes of the first side cover portions 71 and 91 and the second side cover portions 72 and 92 may be appropriately changed.

[0061] Also, the positions of the respective components (for example, the connecting tube 62, the fuse box 66, the reservoir tank 67, the ABS module 68, the canister 82, the battery 83) covered by the side covers 52L and 52R may be appropriately changed. For example, they may be arranged in reverse left and right positions. Also, components different from the illustrated components may be configured to be covered by either of the side covers 52L and 52R.

[0062] Also, when the saddle - riding type vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, the energy storage unit may be arranged at the position of the fuel tank 29 or at other positions. Even in the case of an electric vehicle, at least the seat 17 and the side covers 52L and 52R are in the same or a nearly same position as the above - mentioned saddle - riding type vehicle 10. However, the components covered by the side covers 52L and 52R are components mounted on the electric vehicle, for example, auxiliary batteries, ABS modules, and motor - driving components such as inverters. Also, the pivot shaft 22 may be positioned below at least either the energy storage unit or the seat 17. Also, the side covers 52R and 52L may extend from below at least either the energy storage unit or the seat 17 toward the pivot shaft 22.

[0063] Also, the saddle - riding type vehicles to which the present invention is applicable can widely apply known saddle - riding type vehicles. For example, it may be a scooter - type motorcycle that swingably supports the rear wheel 15 and the power unit 12 on the vehicle body frame 11. Also, the saddle - riding type vehicle is not limited to two - wheeled vehicles, and may be a three - wheeled vehicle, a four - wheeled vehicle, or the like.

[0064] [Configuration Supported by the Above Embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0065] (Configuration 1) In a saddle-type vehicle having a pivot shaft that supports a rear wheel so as to be swingable up and down, below at least one of an energy storage unit and a passenger seat, a side cover extending toward the pivot shaft from below at least one of the energy storage unit and the passenger seat is provided, and the side cover includes a first side cover portion constituting an upper portion of the side cover, a second side cover portion constituting a lower portion of the side cover, a narrow-width portion constituting a constricted portion between the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion, and an inner extension wall extending inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the narrow-width portion and a portion adjacent to the narrow-width portion. A saddle-type vehicle having the above components. According to this configuration, the side cover can have the appearance of a plurality of covers divided with the narrow-width portion as a boundary, and the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, the rigidity of the side cover can be increased by the concave shape or rib shape formed by the narrow-width portion and the inner extension wall. These are advantageous for improving the designability of the side cover, and can reduce the number of parts and improve the rigidity.

[0066] (Configuration 2) The outer edge constituting the outer shape of the side cover has a front edge, a rear edge, and an upper edge, and the narrow-width portion is the saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1 that is continuous across any of the outer edges. According to this configuration, since the concave shape formed by the narrow-width portion is continuous across different outer edges of the side cover, it is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side cover.

[0067] (Configuration 3) The narrow-width portion is the saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 2 that is continuous across at least one of the up-and-down and front-and-back directions of the side cover. According to this configuration, it is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side cover, and an appearance of a plurality of covers divided up and down or left and right can be obtained, which is advantageous for improving the designability of the side cover.

[0068] Configuration 4: The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion are convex outward in the vehicle width direction, and the narrow portion is concave inward in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, since the side cover can be formed into a concavo-convex shape, it is advantageous for improving the rigidity of the side cover.

[0069] Configuration 5: The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first side cover portion covers an air cleaner hose that forms part of the intake passage of the saddle-ride type vehicle and a reservoir tank that forms part of the braking device. According to this configuration, the influence of surrounding flying objects on the air cleaner hose and the reservoir tank can be suppressed, and it becomes easier to take measures against water ingress according to each component.

[0070] Configuration 6: The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first side cover portion covers a battery that forms part of the electrical components of the saddle-ride type vehicle and a canister that forms part of the gas emission prevention device. According to this configuration, the influence of surrounding flying objects on the battery and the canister can be suppressed, and it becomes easier to take measures against water ingress according to the specifications of each component.

[0071] Configuration 7: The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second side cover portion covers an ABS modulator that forms part of the braking device of the saddle-ride type vehicle. According to this configuration, the influence of surrounding flying objects on the ABS modulator can be suppressed, and it becomes easier to take measures against water ingress according to the specifications of the ABS modulator.

[0072] Configuration 8: The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, wherein the second side cover portion covers a part of a chain that forms part of the power transmission member of the saddle-ride type vehicle from above. According to this configuration, the second side cover portion that forms the lower part of the large side cover can function as a chain case that covers the chain.

Explanation of Symbols

[0073] 10 Straddle-type vehicle 11 Vehicle body frame 12 Power unit (engine) 12c Chain (power transmission member) 17 Seat (passenger seat) 22 Pivot shaft 29 Fuel tank 32 Pivot frame (step holder) 52L, 52R Side covers 60 Intake passage 64 Air cleaner hose 66 Fuse box 67 Reservoir tank 68 ABS modulator 71, 91 First side cover part 72, 92 Second side cover part 73, 93 Third side cover part 74, 94 Fourth side cover part 76 First inner extension wall 77 Second inner extension wall 82 Canister 83 Battery

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle having a pivot shaft (22) that supports a rear wheel so as to be swingable vertically, below at least one of an energy storage unit (29) and a passenger seat (17), a side cover (52L, 52R) extending toward the pivot shaft (22) is provided below at least one of the energy storage unit (29) and the passenger seat (17), the side cover (52L, 52R) has a first side cover portion (71, 91) constituting an upper portion of the side cover (52L, 52R), a second side cover portion (72, 92) constituting a lower portion of the side cover (52L, 52R), a narrow portion (75) constituting a constricted portion between the first side cover portion (71, 91) and the second side cover portion (72, 92), and an inner extending wall (76, 77) extending inward in the vehicle width direction from at least one of the narrow portion (75) and a portion adjacent to the narrow portion (75), the first side cover portion (71, 91) and the second side cover portion (72, 92) have a shape convex outward in the vehicle width direction, the narrow portion (75) has a shape concave inward in the vehicle width direction, a saddle-type vehicle.

2. The outer edge constituting the outer shape of the side cover (52L, 52R) has a front edge, a rear edge, and an upper edge, and the narrow portion (75) is continuous across any of the outer edges. The saddle-type vehicle according to Claim 1.

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to Claim 2, wherein the narrow portion (75) is continuous across at least one of the top and bottom and the front and rear of the side cover (52L, 52R).

4. The first side cover portion (71) covers an air cleaner hose (64) constituting a part of an intake passage (60) of the saddle-type vehicle and a reservoir tank (67) constituting a part of a braking device, respectively, according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. The saddle-type vehicle described.

5. The first side cover portion (91) covers a battery (83) constituting a part of an electrical component of the saddle-type vehicle and a canister (82) constituting a part of a gas emission prevention device, respectively, according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. The saddle-type vehicle described.

6. The second side cover portion (72) covers an ABS modulator (68) constituting a part of a braking device of the saddle-type vehicle, according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. The saddle-type vehicle described.

7. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second side cover portion (92) covers a part of a chain (12c) that forms a part of a power transmission member of the saddle-ride type vehicle from above.

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