Saddle-type vehicle and detection structure

Abstract

To provide a saddle-riding type vehicle capable of suppressing reduction in the degree-of-freedom of an outer shape design of the saddle-riding type vehicle while protecting a detection device from a flying object and the like.SOLUTION: A motorcycle includes a radar device 60 and a radar cover 50. The radar device 60 has a signal surface disposed below a vehicle body front end part to transmit a signal to a front area by radio or receive a signal from the front area by radio. The radar device 60 detects the front area. The radar cover 50 covers at least the signal surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application primarily relates to a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a radar device for detecting the road ahead. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle equipped with a radar device that detects what is ahead. The radar device in Patent Document 1 is disposed inside the front cowl, between the windshield and the headlight. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-48554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a detection device such as a radar device is exposed to the outside, it may be hit by flying objects or other objects on the signal surface of the detection device. Covering the detection device with the front cowl can protect the detection device, but accommodating the detection device in the front cowl reduces the freedom of designing the exterior shape of the front cowl. For example, the placement of the detection device increases the exterior shape of the upper part of the front cowl, which may increase rolling resistance and reduce aesthetic appeal. Protecting the detection device with something other than the front cowl may also reduce the freedom of designing the exterior shape.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can protect the detection device from flying objects and the like while minimizing the reduction in freedom of designing the exterior shape of the saddle-type vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present application is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a saddle-type vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the saddle-type vehicle includes a detection device and a cover. The detection device is disposed below the front end of the vehicle body and has a signal surface that wirelessly transmits a signal to a forward area or wirelessly receives a signal from a forward area, thereby detecting the forward area. The cover covers at least the signal surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can protect a detection device from flying objects and the like while suppressing a decrease in the degree of freedom in exterior design. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the headlamp, the cover bracket, the radar cover, and the radar device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the headlamp, the cover bracket, the radar cover, and the radar device. [Figure 6] Cross section AA of Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction of the motorcycle 1 is defined as the direction seen by a rider riding on the motorcycle 1 as a saddle-ride type vehicle. Therefore, the front-rear direction corresponds to the vehicle length direction, and the left-right direction corresponds to the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the vertical direction corresponds to the up-down direction and height direction.

[0011] First, an overview of motorcycle 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a side view of motorcycle 1. Fig. 2 is a front view of motorcycle 1. As shown in Fig. 1, motorcycle 1 includes a body 2, a front wheel 3, and a rear wheel 4.

[0012] The body 2 is the portion of the motorcycle 1 excluding the body 2 and the front wheel 3. The body 2 includes a body frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the motorcycle 1. The body frame 10 has a plurality of sub-frames such as a head pipe and a main frame. The body frame 10 supports the various parts that make up the motorcycle 1.

[0013] The body frame 10 supports an engine 11. The engine 11 is a drive source for propelling the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, the engine 11 is a gasoline engine. Note that another drive source, such as an electric motor for propelling, may be provided instead of or in addition to the gasoline engine. Also, an internal combustion engine other than a gasoline engine may be provided as the drive source. The power generated by the engine 11 is transmitted to the rear wheel 4 via a power transmission unit such as a drive chain. This causes the motorcycle 1 to propel.

[0014] A front fork 12, a steering handle 13, and a front fender 14 are arranged at the front of the vehicle body 2. A pair of front forks 12 are arranged on the left and right sides of the front wheel 3 when viewed from the front. The front wheel 3 is attached to the vehicle body 2 by the front forks 12. The steering handle 13 is connected to the upper end of the front forks 12. When the rider turns the steering handle 13, the front forks 12 turn, allowing the traveling direction of the motorcycle 1 to be changed. The front fender 14 covers part of the side of the front wheel 3 and part of the top surface of the front wheel 3.

[0015] A meter device 15 is disposed in front of the steering wheel 13 and near the center in the vehicle width direction. The meter device 15 can display the engine rotation speed and the vehicle speed. In this embodiment, the meter device 15 can display the detection results obtained by a radar device 60, which will be described later.

[0016] A radiator 16 is disposed above and behind the front wheel 3. A circulating fluid flows inside the radiator 16 and circulates through the vehicle body 2. More specifically, the circulating fluid is cooling water for cooling the inside of the engine 11. Therefore, the circulating fluid circulates between the radiator 16 and the engine 11. The radiator 16 lowers the temperature of the circulating fluid by air-cooling heat dissipation. Air-cooling heat dissipation is the process of lowering the heat of an object by blowing air onto it. In this embodiment, the temperature of the circulating fluid inside the radiator 16 is lowered by blowing air generated as the motorcycle 1 travels onto the radiator 16.

[0017] A fuel tank 17 that stores fuel to be supplied to the engine 11 is disposed behind the steering handlebars 13 and above the engine 11. A seat 18 for a rider to sit on is disposed behind the fuel tank 17. The rider, seated on the seat 18, stabilizes his or her body by placing the fuel tank 17 and the area below it between his or her knees, and shifts his or her center of gravity left and right to perform part of the steering operation or the vehicle body lean operation. Because the rider sits astride the seat 18, the motorcycle 1 is a saddle-ride type vehicle. The motorcycle 1 is also a lean type vehicle in which the motorcycle 1 is leaned to make turns.

[0018] A cowl 20 is disposed on the outer surface of the motorcycle 1. The cowl 20 is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic waves of frequencies used by radar. In this embodiment, the cowl 20 is made of resin. The cowl 20 is provided for the purposes of reducing the air resistance of the motorcycle 1, protecting the various components of the motorcycle 1, and improving the appearance, etc.

[0019] The cowl 20 includes side cowls 21 and a front cowl 22. The side cowls 21 are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides of the cowl 20 at the front and lower part of the motorcycle 1, and are primarily arranged on the sides of the motorcycle 1. The front cowl 22 is arranged at the front and upper part of the cowl 20, and are primarily arranged in front of the motorcycle 1. The front part of the motorcycle 1 refers to the part forward of the center of the motorcycle 1 in the vehicle length direction, for example, the part forward of the seat 18.

[0020] The front cowl 22 has, for example, a streamlined or bullet-shaped shape. The front end of the front cowl 22 is located at the center in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the front cowl 22 is located above the top of the front wheel 3 and below the handlebars of the steering handlebars 13. The front cowl 22 has a portion that slopes smoothly from the front end without any steps. Therefore, the outer shape of the front end of the front cowl 22 is smaller than the outer shapes of the middle portion and the rear end of the front cowl 22. In other words, the front cowl 22 has a shape that gradually widens in the vertical and width directions as it approaches the rear from the front end. The surface of the front cowl 22 is primarily curved to reduce air resistance, but may also include some linear shapes. In this embodiment, the front portion of the vehicle body 2 is primarily composed of the front cowl 22 and components attached to the front cowl 22. Therefore, the above description of the shape of the front end of the front cowl 22 can be interpreted as a description of the shape of the front end of the vehicle body 2.

[0021] Next, the radiator air intake 19 and the front cowl 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, a radiator air intake 19 is formed in the front of the motorcycle 1. The air taken in through the radiator air intake 19 hits the radiator 16. The radiator air intake 19 is a space below the front cowl 22. More specifically, the radiator air intake 19 is a space sandwiched between the left and right side cowls 21 in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, an engine intake port 22a, a dummy hole 22b, a lamp hole 22c, and a radar hole 22d are formed in the front portion of the front cowl 22.

[0024] The engine intake port 22a takes in the running wind into the vehicle body 2. Specifically, the engine intake port 22a takes in the running wind to be supplied to the engine 11. For this reason, a mesh-like member that prevents foreign matter from entering is arranged in the engine intake port 22a. The running wind taken in through the engine intake port 22a is supplied to the engine 11. This makes it possible to increase the intake pressure of the engine 11. Note that the structure that supplies the running wind to the engine 11 can also be omitted.

[0025] Dummy hole 22b is located on the opposite side of engine intake port 22a across the center position in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front. Dummy hole 22b is a hole that balances the appearance of engine intake port 22a and makes the appearance of motorcycle 1 more symmetrical. Dummy hole 22b is closed by cover bracket 40, which will be described later. Note that dummy hole 22b may be omitted.

[0026] A headlamp 30 is attached to the lamp hole 22c. The headlamp 30 is always on at least while the motorcycle 1 is traveling, and illuminates the area ahead of the motorcycle 1. In this embodiment, the headlamp 30 is arranged so as to overlap with the center position in the vehicle width direction. However, the headlamp 30 may be of a multi-lamp type. Specifically, the headlamp 30 may be arranged in a vertical line at the center position in the vehicle width direction, or may be arranged in a pair on the left and right sides of the center position in the vehicle width direction. When the headlamp 30 is of a multi-lamp type, lamp holes 22c corresponding to the number and positions of the headlamp 30 are formed in the front cowl 22.

[0027] In this embodiment, the headlamp 30 is disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction. The headlamp 30 is disposed above the front end position of the front cowl 22. An inclined surface is formed on the outer lens of the headlamp 30 so as to guide the impinging wind upward and rearward.

[0028] In this embodiment, the radar hole 22d is positioned vertically aligned with the lamp hole 22c, specifically below the lamp hole 22c. A cover bracket 40 is attached to the radar hole 22d. A radar cover 50 is attached to the cover bracket 40. The radar hole 22d is closed by the cover bracket 40 and the radar cover 50. A radar device 60 is disposed at a position overlapping with the radar cover 50 in a front view. The radar device 60 is disposed at a position overlapping with the center position in the vehicle width direction. The radar device 60 is disposed below the front end position of the front cowl 22. The radar device 60 is disposed forward of the engine air intake 22a adjacent to it in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] The radar device 60 transmits electromagnetic waves, such as infrared, millimeter waves, or microwaves, forward and receives and analyzes the electromagnetic waves reflected by an object. The electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the radar device 60 correspond to signals. The radar device 60 detects the direction and distance to an object present in the area ahead of the motorcycle 1. For example, the detection results of the radar device 60 are output to a control device that controls the motorcycle 1. Based on the presence or absence of an object ahead and the distance to the object, the control device may display information about the object to the rider on the meter device 15, reduce engine output to help prevent a collision with the object, or activate the brakes. Note that the processing based on the detection results of the radar device 60 is an example. Furthermore, the processing of displaying the detection results of the radar device 60 on the meter device 15 may be omitted, or vehicle control based on the detection results of the radar device 60 may be omitted. Details of the cover bracket 40, the radar cover 50, and the radar device 60 will be described later. The radar cover 50 and the radar device 60 are combined to form a detection structure 100 .

[0030] The position of the radar hole 22d in this embodiment, i.e., the position of the radar device 60, is an example and can be changed. For example, the radar device 60 may be disposed at a position that does not overlap with the center position in the vehicle width direction, i.e., at a position offset in one direction in the vehicle width direction from the center position in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] Next, the mounting mechanism 70 of the radar device 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting mechanism 70 of the radar device 60.

[0032] The radar device 60 is attached to the vehicle body frame 10 via an attachment mechanism 70. The attachment mechanism 70 is disposed in the front part of the vehicle body 2, specifically inside the front cowl 22. The attachment mechanism 70 includes a bifurcated frame 71, a front frame 72, a suspension frame 73, a radar stay 74, and a radar bracket 75.

[0033] The bifurcated frame 71 comprises a pair of left and right rod-shaped frames arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction. The bifurcated frame 71 is connected to the body frame 10 directly or via another member. In this embodiment, the bifurcated frame 71 is connected to the head pipe, but it may be connected to another part.

[0034] The front frame 72 is a rod-shaped frame. The front frame 72 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the front frame 72 is the same as the vehicle width direction. A pair of bifurcated frames 71 on the left and right are connected to the front frame 72.

[0035] The hanging frame 73 is a rod-like frame having a substantially U-shape, and includes a pair of left and right straight portions 73a and a curved portion 73b. One end of each of the pair of left and right straight portions is connected to the front frame 72. The other end of each of the pair of left and right straight portions is connected to the curved portion.

[0036] The radar stay 74 is a member for mounting the radar device 60. The radar stay 74 is connected to the curved portion 73b of the suspension frame 73. A radar bracket 75 is attached to the radar stay 74 with fasteners such as screws. The radar bracket 75 has mounting holes and the like formed therein to which the radar device 60 can be mounted. The radar device 60 is attached to the radar bracket 75 with fasteners such as screws. In this way, the radar device 60 is supported by a metal frame connected to the body frame 10.

[0037] Next, the headlamp 30, the cover bracket 40, the radar cover 50, and the radar device 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a side view of the headlamp 30, the cover bracket 40, the radar cover 50, and the radar device 60. Fig. 5 is a front view of the headlamp 30, the cover bracket 40, the radar cover 50, and the radar device 60. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 5.

[0038] The headlamp 30 of this embodiment is a projector-type lamp and includes a housing 31, a light source 32, and a lens 33. The housing 31 includes a structure for attaching the headlamp 30 to the vehicle body frame 10. The light source 32 is disposed inside the housing 31. The light source 32 is a light-emitting diode (LED). The lens 33 includes a projector lens and a protective lens that serves as an outer lens. The projector lens refracts light emitted from the light source 32, thereby irradiating the light to a predetermined irradiation range. The protective lens is disposed outside the projector lens, specifically in front of it, and protects the projector lens, light source 32, etc. from water, soil, etc.

[0039] The light sources 32 of the headlamps 30 are not limited to light-emitting diodes, but may also be incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, or HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lamps. However, by using light-emitting diodes as the light sources 32, the light sources 32 can be made smaller than incandescent bulbs, thereby increasing the amount of free space available within the front cowl 22. Furthermore, because light-emitting diodes generate little heat, even heat-sensitive components can be placed relatively close to each other, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the layout of electrical components within the front cowl 22.

[0040] Furthermore, because the headlamp 30 is a projector-type lamp, a reflector is not required, as compared to a reflector headlamp, and the headlamp 30 can be made smaller. This further increases the free space inside the front cowl 22. Note that the headlamp 30 is not limited to a projector headlamp. The headlamp 30 may be, for example, a reflector headlamp configured such that multiple reflectors are arranged behind a light source and light reflected by the reflectors is irradiated forward.

[0041] Furthermore, since the headlamp 30 of this embodiment is a single-lamp type headlamp that is disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to increase the free space at the vehicle width direction end portion within the front cowl 22 compared to a multi-lamp type headlamp. This free space can be utilized to arrange, for example, a duct that supplies air taken in through the engine intake port 22a to the engine 11.

[0042] The cover bracket 40 is a member for attaching the radar cover 50 to the front cowl 22. In other words, the radar cover 50 is attached to the front cowl 22 via the cover bracket 40. The cover bracket 40 is a plate-shaped member that includes irregularities, bends, etc. The cover bracket 40 includes a first fixing portion 41, a second fixing portion 42, a cover fitting hole 43, and a closing portion 44.

[0043] The first fixing portion 41 and the second fixing portion 42 are portions for fixing the cover bracket 40. The first fixing portion 41 and the second fixing portion 42 include fixing holes for fixing the cover bracket 40. The first fixing portion 41 is a portion for fixing the cover bracket 40 to the front cowl 22. Specifically, the cover bracket 40 is fixed to the front cowl 22 by aligning a hole in the front cowl 22 with a fixing hole in the first fixing portion 41 and inserting a fixing tool therein. The second fixing portion 42 is a portion for fixing the cover bracket 40 to the housing 31 of the headlamp 30. Specifically, the cover bracket 40 is fixed to the housing 31 by aligning a hole in the housing 31 with a fixing hole in the second fixing portion 42 and inserting a fixing tool therein. Note that the cover bracket 40 and the headlamp 30 may be fixed together to the front cowl 22 using the second fixing portion 42.

[0044] The cover fitting hole 43 is a portion for attaching the radar cover 50. The cover fitting hole 43 is a through-hole having a shape corresponding to the radar cover 50, and the radar cover 50 is attached so as to close the cover fitting hole 43. The attachment structure of the radar cover 50 will be described later.

[0045] The closing portion 44 is a portion that closes the above-mentioned dummy hole 22b. The closing portion 44 has a shape that corresponds to the dummy hole 22b. By fixing the cover bracket 40 to the front cowl 22, the positions of the closing portion 44 and the dummy hole 22b match. Providing the cover bracket 40 with the closing portion 44 reduces the number of parts. However, the closing portion 44 is not an essential component of the cover bracket 40. In other words, a closing member that closes the lamp hole 22c may be disposed as a member separate from the cover bracket 40.

[0046] The radar device 60 includes a main body 61 and an adjustment unit 62. The main body 61 has a rectangular parallelepiped case and a module for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves housed in the case. In this specification, the rectangular parallelepiped shape is sufficient as long as it is substantially rectangular, and each face is not required to be a strict rectangle.

[0047] The radar device 60 emits electromagnetic waves from the front surface of the main body 61. Therefore, the front surface of the main body 61 is the signal surface 61a. Strictly speaking, the radar device 60 transmits electromagnetic waves from a portion of the front surface of the main body 61, for example, the center portion. Therefore, strictly speaking, a portion of the front surface of the main body 61 is the signal surface 61a. Furthermore, the reflected waves are received by the signal surface 61a. The adjustment unit 62 is a mechanism that adjusts the direction in which the electromagnetic waves are transmitted. Specifically, the adjustment unit 62 can adjust the mounting orientation of the radar device 60 relative to the radar bracket 75.

[0048] The radar cover 50 is a member that covers the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60. Covering the signal surface 61a means that the radar cover 50 is positioned in front of the signal surface 61a and overlaps the entire signal surface 61a when viewed from the front.

[0049] The radar cover 50 is made of a transparent material that transmits electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the radar device 60. The material of the radar cover 50 is, for example, ABS resin, but other resins may also be used. Furthermore, to minimize the effect of the radar cover 50 on electromagnetic waves, the thickness of the radar cover 50 is minimized when moving in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis, and is constant in this embodiment. The radar cover 50 is formed into a curved shape that protrudes forward in the vehicle width direction, preventing it from becoming a linearly bent shape. This minimizes variations in the transmission and reception conditions of electromagnetic waves within each irradiation range of the radar device 60, allowing the radar device 60 to properly transmit and receive electromagnetic waves through the radar cover 50. Furthermore, the radar device 60 emits electromagnetic waves that spread in the vertical and lateral directions, and electromagnetic waves within a predetermined irradiation range are used for forward detection. In this embodiment, the positions and shapes of the radar cover 50 and the radar device 60 are determined so that all electromagnetic waves within the predetermined irradiation range pass through the radar cover 50. Specifically, the radar cover 50 and the radar device 60 are disposed with a gap between them in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the area of ​​the radar cover 50 in a front view is larger than the area of ​​the signal surface 61a. The area in a front view specifically refers to the projected area. More specifically, the widthwise and vertical dimensions of the radar cover 50 are determined so that the outer edge of the area irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the radar device 60 passes through the radar cover 50.

[0050] Therefore, materials of components other than the radar cover 50, such as the front cowl 22 and the cover bracket 40, may be selected without considering their effect on electromagnetic waves. For example, the material of the cover bracket 40 may be different from the material of the front cowl 22 or the material of the cover bracket 40. Furthermore, the thickness of the front cowl 22 or the cover bracket 40 may not be constant. Furthermore, the thickness of the front cowl 22 or the cover bracket 40 may be different from the thickness of the radar cover 50. For example, the radar cover 50 may be thinner than the front cowl 22. Furthermore, the minimum radius of curvature of the radar cover 50 may be larger than the minimum radius of curvature of the front cowl 22. The radar cover 50 may be formed of a material that is more electromagnetically transparent than the front cowl 22.

[0051] The radar cover 50 includes a cover portion 51 and a fixing portion 52. The cover portion 51 is a portion that covers the signal surface 61a. The cover portion 51 of this embodiment has a polygonal shape when viewed from the front. However, the shape of the cover portion 51 when viewed from the front is not limited to a polygonal shape. The fixing portion 52 is connected to the lower portion of the cover portion 51. When viewed from the front, the fixing portion 52 is a portion that is longer in the vehicle width direction than the lower end of the cover portion 51. In addition, the fixing portion 52 is a portion that protrudes slightly forward.

[0052] The radar cover 50 includes a protrusion 51a and a fixing hole 52a as portions for attaching the radar cover 50 to the cover bracket 40. The protrusion 51a is a protrusion that protrudes further upward from the upper end of the cover portion 51. The fixing hole 52a is a through-hole that penetrates the fixing portion 52 in a substantially vertical direction.

[0053] When attaching the radar cover 50, the worker fits the radar cover 50 into the cover fitting hole 43 of the cover bracket 40. At this time, the protrusion 51a of the radar cover 50 fits into the groove on the upper contour of the cover fitting hole 43. The worker then aligns the fixing hole 52a with the hole on the cover bracket 40 and inserts a fixing tool to attach the radar cover 50 to the cover bracket 40. In this way, the radar cover 50 is attached to the front cowl 22 via the cover bracket 40.

[0054] Furthermore, by removing the fasteners, the radar cover 50 can be removed from the cover bracket 40. In other words, the radar cover 50 is detachable from the cover bracket 40, or in other words, the radar cover 50 is detachable from the front cowl 22.

[0055] That is, the radar cover 50 is attached to the front cowl 22, which corresponds to the first attachment portion, while the radar device 60 is attached to the attachment mechanism 70, which corresponds to the second attachment portion. Naturally, the front cowl 22 and the attachment mechanism 70 are different members. Therefore, the radar cover 50 and the radar device 60 can be removed separately. As a result, when removing the radar cover 50 for cleaning or replacement, for example, there is no need to remove the radar device 60. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the radar cover 50, the orientation of the radar device 60 is less likely to shift. In particular, when the radar device 60 has the adjustment unit 62 as in this embodiment, there is basically no need to readjust the orientation of the radar device 60 when attaching or detaching the radar cover 50.

[0056] In this embodiment, the radar cover 50 is attached to the front cowl 22 via a cover bracket 40. In this specification, even if the radar cover 50 is attached to the front cowl 22 via another member, the radar cover 50 is considered to be attached to the front cowl 22. Furthermore, the radar cover 50 may be attached directly to the front cowl 22.

[0057] Next, the inclined surface of the radar cover 50 will be described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the radar cover 50 has a downwardly inclined surface. The downwardly inclined surface is a surface that is inclined so that the rear end position is further away from the front end position. In other words, the downwardly inclined surface is a surface that is inclined so that it approaches the bottom as it approaches the rear. In this embodiment, the entire outer surface of the cover portion 51 is a downwardly inclined surface, but only a portion of the outer surface of the cover portion 51 may be a downwardly inclined surface.

[0059] The inclination angle of the lower inclined surface may be constant or may vary. Alternatively, the inclination angle of the lower inclined surface may vary gradually, i.e., the lower inclined surface may be curved. In this specification, the inclination of the lower inclined surface is a concept that includes curvature. The inclination of the vehicle width inclined surface described below is also a concept that includes curvature. When the inclined surface is curved, it is preferable that the radius of curvature of the central portion in the vehicle width direction is larger than the radius of curvature of the outer portions in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] Because the radar cover 50 has a downwardly inclined surface, the traveling wind, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4, hits the downwardly inclined surface and is smoothly guided diagonally downward and rearward. This reduces air resistance. Furthermore, a portion of the traveling wind guided by the downwardly inclined surface flows rearward between the bottom of the front cowl 22 and the front fender 14, and is guided to the radiator 16. This increases the amount of traveling wind guided to the radiator 16, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the radiator 16. Therefore, the downwardly inclined surface corresponds to a guide surface that guides the traveling wind to the radiator air intake 19, which is one of the air intakes.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 , the radar cover 50 has a widthwise inclined surface. The widthwise inclined surface is a surface that is inclined so that the rear end position is spaced further outward in the vehicle width direction than the front end position. In other words, the widthwise inclined surface is a surface that is inclined so that the closer it is to the rear, the closer it is to the outside in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the entire outer surface of the radar cover 50 is the widthwise inclined surface, but only a portion of the outer surface of the radar cover 50 may be the widthwise inclined surface.

[0062] Because the radar cover 50 has a vehicle width inclined surface, the traveling wind shown by the arrows in FIG. 6 hits the vehicle width inclined surface, and is smoothly guided outward in the vehicle width direction. This reduces air resistance. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the heightwise position of the radar cover 50 and the heightwise position of the engine air intake 22a overlap. Therefore, a portion of the traveling wind guided to one side in the vehicle width direction by the vehicle width inclined surface is guided to the engine air intake 22a. This increases the amount of air taken in by the engine 11. Therefore, the vehicle width inclined surface corresponds to a guide surface that guides the traveling wind to the engine air intake 22a, which is one of the air intakes.

[0063] In this embodiment, the widthwise inclined surfaces are located on the left and right sides and are curved. In other words, the widthwise inclined surfaces are arc-shaped surfaces. This allows the traveling wind to be smoothly guided outward in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the widthwise inclined surfaces of the radar cover 50, the front surface of the cover bracket 40, and the front surface of the front cowl 22 are connected without any steps. Specifically, the cover bracket 40 has a protrusion that bulges forward, and the radar cover 50 and the front cowl 22 are arranged to sandwich the protrusion. Furthermore, being connected without any steps means that the heights of the surfaces at the boundaries between the components are more or less the same and there are no large steps.

[0064] The radar cover 50, the cover bracket 40, and the front cowl 22 are connected without any steps, which allows for even smoother guidance of the wind generated during travel. Note that, instead of the configuration of this embodiment, only the radar cover 50 and the cover bracket 40 may be connected without any steps, or only the cover bracket 40 and the front cowl 22 may be connected without any steps. Furthermore, if the cover bracket 40 is not provided or if the cover bracket 40 does not appear on the front surface of the vehicle body 2, the radar cover 50 and the front cowl 22 may be connected without any steps.

[0065] Next, the positional relationship between the radar cover 50 and the headlamp 30 will be described.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 4, the front end of the vehicle body 2 has a shape that protrudes forward, in other words, a tapered shape. The headlamp 30 is housed in an upper space at the front end of the front cowl 22 of the vehicle body 2. The radar cover 50 is housed in a lower space at the front end of the front cowl 22 of the vehicle body 2. In other words, the headlamp 30 and the radar cover 50 form a shape that protrudes forward. The headlamp 30 has a downwardly inclined surface similar to that of the radar cover 50, and therefore, traveling wind that hits the headlamp 30 can be guided upward, reducing air resistance.

[0067] Furthermore, the front end of the headlamp 30 is located forward of the front end of the radar cover 50. Therefore, rainwater that splashes on the headlamp 30 flows along the headlamp 30 and is likely to fall downward from the front end of the headlamp 30. In other words, rainwater is less likely to splash on the radar cover 50. Note that the front-to-rear positions of the front ends of the headlamp 30 and the radar cover 50 may coincide with each other.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60 is located rearward of the front surface of the headlamp 30. This allows the front end of the vehicle body 2 to be smaller, compared to a configuration in which the front and rear positions of the front surface of the headlamp 30 and the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60 are aligned, thereby reducing air resistance. Furthermore, it is preferable to position the headlamp 30 and the radar device 60 as far forward as possible so that light or electromagnetic waves do not interfere with other components. Therefore, the radar device 60 is positioned relatively forward, specifically, so that the signal surface 61a is located forward of the rear surface of the housing 31 of the headlamp 30. This makes it less likely that electromagnetic waves spreading in the vertical direction will interfere with the headlamp 30.

[0069] As described above, the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment includes the radar device 60 and the radar cover 50. The radar device 60 is disposed below the front end of the vehicle body 2. The radar device 60 has a signal surface 61a that wirelessly transmits signals to a forward area or wirelessly receives signals from a forward area, thereby detecting the area ahead. The radar cover 50 covers at least the signal surface 61a.

[0070] This eliminates the need to dispose the radar device 60 in an area above the front end of the front cowl 22, thereby reducing design constraints for forming the cowl's outer shape from the front end to the upper end. In other words, the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment can minimize a reduction in the degree of freedom in its outer shape design. For example, the outer shape in the upward and widthwise directions from the front end to the rear can be made more streamlined, making it easier to achieve a shape that reduces air resistance during riding. Furthermore, by reducing the bulge in the slope from the front end of the front cowl 22 to the upper end of the front cowl 22, the outer shape of the front cowl 22 can be made more compact and can be easily formed into a shape that suits the rider's preferences. Furthermore, a space for disposing the radar device 60 is formed behind and below the front end of the front cowl 22. The outer shape of the area behind the front end of the front cowl 22 has a smaller impact on the rider's preferences than the outer shape of the area above the front end of the front cowl 22, making it less impactful on the rider's preferences.

[0071] In addition, a radar cover 50 is provided in front of the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60. This prevents rainwater, mud, and other debris scattered from the road surface or wheels from directly adhering to the signal surface 61a. Since workers do not touch the signal surface when removing debris, misalignment of the signal surface relative to the vehicle body is prevented. In addition, the amount of rainwater adhering to or flowing over the signal surface 61a can be reduced compared to a surface above the front end of the front cowl 22.

[0072] Furthermore, since the radar cover 50 covers the signal surface 61a, it is possible to prevent flying objects such as pebbles that approach the vehicle body from the front as the vehicle is traveling from hitting the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60, thereby protecting the radar device 60 from flying objects.

[0073] In the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment, the radar cover 50 has a downwardly inclined surface that is inclined so that the rear end position is spaced downward from the front end position.

[0074] As a result, the traveling wind received by the front end of the radar cover 50 is guided diagonally downward and rearward along the downward inclined surface, thereby reducing air resistance compared to when the radar cover 50 is vertical in the front-to-rear direction. As described above, the radar cover 50 may be inclined downward as a whole, as in this embodiment, or may be inclined only partially in the up-down direction. For example, the rear end portion of the radar cover 50 may be inclined. As described above, the radar cover 50 may be inclined linearly or curvedly. Alternatively, the radar cover 50 may be in a stepped shape.

[0075] In the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment, the radar cover 50 has a widthwise inclined surface that is inclined so that the rear end position is spaced outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the front end position.

[0076] As a result, the traveling wind received by the front end of the radar cover 50 is guided rearward and outward in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle width inclined surface, thereby reducing air resistance compared to a radar cover 50 formed vertically in the front-to-rear direction. As described above, the radar cover 50 may be inclined entirely as in this embodiment, or may be inclined only partially in the vehicle width direction. For example, the outer portion of the radar cover 50 in the vehicle width direction may be inclined. The radar cover 50 may be inclined linearly, inclined curvedly, or in a stepped shape.

[0077] The body 2 of the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment has an engine air intake 22a and a radiator air intake 19 adjacent to the radar cover 50, which allow air to be taken into the interior of the body 2. The radar cover 50 has guide surfaces for guiding the airflow generated by running to the engine air intake 22a and the radiator air intake 19.

[0078] In this embodiment, the inclined surface described above functions as a part of the guide surface. Specifically, the downward inclined surface of the radar cover 50, which inclines downward as it advances rearward, guides the traveling wind that strikes the radar cover 50 toward the radiator 16 located below the radar cover 50. Furthermore, the vehicle width inclined surface of the radar cover 50, which inclines rearward as it advances outward in the vehicle width direction, guides the traveling wind that strikes the radar cover 50 toward the engine intake duct located to the left of the radar cover 50.

[0079] As a result, the wind generated by the vehicle traveling and received by the radar cover 50 is guided to the engine air intake port 22a, thereby increasing the amount of air taken in and improving the intake efficiency of the engine 11. Furthermore, the wind generated by the vehicle traveling and received by the radar cover 50 is guided to the radiator air intake port 19, thereby improving the cooling effect of the radiator 16.

[0080] The vehicle body 2 of the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a headlamp 30 as a protrusion that protrudes above the radar cover 50 and forward beyond the front end of the radar cover 50.

[0081] As a result, rainwater that hits the upper surface of the headlamp 30 as a protrusion and flows forward along the upper surface of the headlamp 30 is likely to fall downward from the front end of the headlamp 30 without running down the radar cover 50. Therefore, rainwater flowing along the vehicle body 2 is less likely to flow onto the radar cover 50.

[0082] The motorcycle 1 of this embodiment includes a front cowl 22 that forms the front part of the vehicle body 2. The radar cover 50 is detachable from the front cowl 22.

[0083] This allows the radar cover 50 to be removed without removing the front cowl 22. Therefore, the radar cover 50 can be easily cleaned on its own. Alternatively, the radar cover 50 can be easily replaced. For example, if mud, insects, or the like adheres to the radar cover 50, the radar cover 50 can be cleaned while it is removed from the radar cover 50, making cleaning the radar cover 50 easy. Also, the radar cover 50 may be scratched by the collision of a pebble or the like, reducing its electromagnetic wave transmittance. In this embodiment, the reduced transmittance of the radar cover 50 can be restored by replacing only the radar cover 50.

[0084] The motorcycle 1 of this embodiment includes a front cowl 22 and an attachment mechanism 70. A radar cover 50 can be attached to the front cowl 22. A radar device 60 can be attached to the attachment mechanism 70. The front cowl 22 and the attachment mechanism 70 are different members.

[0085] This reduces the effect that attachment and detachment of the radar cover 50 has on the mounting position of the radar device 60. In particular, in this embodiment, the suspension frame 73 and radar stays 74, to which the radar device 60 is attached, are members closer to the body frame 10 than the front cowl 22, to which the radar cover 50 is attached. Therefore, the mounting position of the radar device 60 is more likely to be stable. Furthermore, because the suspension frame 73 and the radar stays 74 are made of metal, they have higher rigidity than the front cowl 22, which is made of resin. From this perspective as well, the mounting position of the radar device 60 is more likely to be stable.

[0086] In the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment, the radar cover 50 is made of a different material from the front cowl 22 or has a different thickness from the front cowl 22.

[0087] This allows the radar cover 50 to be made of a material or with a thickness appropriate for the required function. Specifically, the radar cover 50 is made of a material that is more transparent to electromagnetic waves transmitted and received from the radar device 60 than the front cowl 22. Specifically, the radar cover 50 is made thin or made of a material that is more transparent to electromagnetic waves. By separating the structure and materials required for the front cowl 22 from the structure and materials required for the radar cover 50 in this way, the degree of freedom in material selection can be increased compared to when a single structure and material is used that has the functions of both the front cowl and the radar cover.

[0088] The motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a headlamp 30 that is disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction and illuminates the area ahead. The radar device 60 is disposed below the headlamp 30.

[0089] As a result, the headlamps 30 are disposed relatively high in the front region of the vehicle body 2, and the radar device 60 is disposed relatively low. In other words, the front region of the vehicle body 2 can be effectively utilized, and the radar device 60 and the headlamps 30 can be disposed relatively far forward. Furthermore, by disposing both the radar device 60 and the headlamps 30 in the center in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to provide space at the ends in the vehicle width direction.

[0090] In the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment, the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60 is disposed behind the front surface of the headlamp 30.

[0091] For example, in a conventional motorcycle without a radar cover, if the front of the headlamp and the signal face of the radar device are positioned at the same front-to-rear position, the front end of the vehicle body tends to be large due to the constraint that the inclination angle of the signal face cannot be large. As a result, air resistance increases when the motorcycle is traveling. In contrast, the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the radar cover 50, so it is possible to position the signal face 61a behind the front of the headlamp 30. Because the front of the radar cover 50 is not subject to or has only minor constraints such as the signal face 61a, the size of the front end of the vehicle body 2 can be reduced. As a result, air resistance when the motorcycle 1 is traveling can be reduced.

[0092] The preferred embodiment of the present application has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the cover bracket 40 and the radar cover 50 are separate bodies, but they may be integrated. Also, the front cowl 22 may have the function of the cover bracket 40 or the radar cover 50 in the above embodiment.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the signal surface 61a of the radar device 60 is disposed substantially vertically, but it may be disposed with an inclination forward or backward.

[0095] The detection device is not limited to the radar device 60. For example, a sonar device that detects what is ahead by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves can be used as the detection device. In this case, the transmitted and received ultrasonic waves correspond to the signal. Also, a camera that captures what is ahead can be used as the detection device. In this case, visible light that is external light such as sunlight reflected by an object corresponds to the signal. Also, the signal surface 61a may only transmit or receive signals. When the detection device is a camera, the signal surface 61a only receives signals. When the transmitting device that transmits signals and the receiving device that receives signals are separate devices, the signal surface of the transmitting device only transmits signals.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the running wind taken in by the intake port is guided to the engine 11 or the radiator 16. Alternatively, the running wind may be guided to another heat-generating component. Examples of the other heat-generating component include a component disposed inside the cowl 20, such as a regulator or a motor radiator.

[0097] The cowl 20 is not an essential component, and part or all of it may be omitted. For example, the radar cover 50 of this embodiment may also be provided on a naked motorcycle. In a naked motorcycle 1, for example, the headlamp unit corresponds to the front end of the vehicle body. The radar device 60 is disposed below the headlamp unit, and by disposing the radar cover 50 that covers this radar device 60, at least part of the effect of this embodiment can be achieved.

[0098] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle 1 has been described as an example of a saddle-riding vehicle, but similar techniques may be applied to other saddle-riding vehicles. Examples of other saddle-riding vehicles include vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel, vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, and vehicles with two front wheels and two rear wheels. An example of a four-wheeled vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that is primarily designed to travel on unpaved ground. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Motorcycles (saddle-type vehicles) 10 Body frame 20 Cowl 21 Side cowl 22 Front cowl 30 Headlamp 40 Cover bracket 50 Radar Cover 60 Radar equipment

Claims

1. a detection device that is disposed below the front end of the vehicle body and transmits electromagnetic waves forward, receives and analyzes the electromagnetic waves reflected by an object, and thereby detects what is ahead; a cover that covers at least the signal surface; Equipped with The vehicle body has an intake port located below the cover for taking in airflow from the vehicle body during travel, The cover has a guide surface for guiding the airflow from the vehicle while it is traveling to the intake port, The cover is separate from the front cowl, the guide surface is inclined so as to move away rearward as it approaches a lower end position of the cover from an upper end position, the detection device and the cover are disposed at a position overlapping with a center position of the vehicle body in a vehicle width direction, an outer surface of a cover portion of the cover that covers the signal surface is an inclined surface that approaches downward toward the rear, A straddle-type vehicle, wherein the entire outer surface of the cover is a surface that curves so as to approach the outside in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the rear.

2. 2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, The detection device is disposed at a position overlapping with the center position of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, an upper end of the cover is located lower than the front end position of the front cowl; A saddle-type vehicle, wherein a front end of the front cowl or headlamp is located forward of a front end of the cover.

3. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The detection device is disposed at a position overlapping with the center position of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, A headlamp is disposed in an upper space of the accommodation space of the front cowl, the upper space being above the front end of the front cowl, The cover is disposed in a lower space of the accommodation space of the front cowl that is below the front end of the front cowl, The cover has a thickness thinner than that of the front cowl.

4. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The detection device is disposed at a position overlapping with the center position of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, The center portion of the cover in the vehicle width direction has a curved surface shape that protrudes forward, The guide surface is curved, and the radius of curvature of a central portion in the vehicle width direction is larger than the radius of curvature of an outer portion in the vehicle width direction.

5. 5. A saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, The vehicle body has a protrusion that is located above the cover and protrudes forward beyond the front end of the cover, A saddle-type vehicle, characterized in that the front end of a front cowl or a headlamp is located forward of the front end of the cover.

6. 6. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a front cowl that forms a front portion of the vehicle body and to which the cover is attached; an attachment mechanism to which the detection device is attached and which is separate from the front cowl; Equipped with The cover is detachable from the front cowl.

7. 7. A saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, Equipped with headlamps positioned in the center of the vehicle width direction to illuminate the front, The straddle-type vehicle is characterized in that the detection device is disposed below the headlamp.

8. 8. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, A straddle-type vehicle, wherein the signal surface of the detection device is disposed rearward of the front surface of the headlamp.

9. a detection device that is disposed below the front end of the vehicle body and has a signal surface that wirelessly transmits a signal to a forward area or wirelessly receives a signal from a forward area, and detects what is ahead; a cover that covers at least the signal surface; Equipped with The detection device is disposed at a position overlapping with the center position of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, The cover is separate from the front cowl, The center portion of the cover in the vehicle width direction has a curved surface shape that protrudes forward, The cover has a thickness thinner than that of the front cowl.

10. a detection device that is disposed below the front end of the vehicle body of the saddle-ride type vehicle and overlaps with the center position of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, and detects what is ahead by transmitting electromagnetic waves forward and receiving and analyzing the electromagnetic waves reflected by an object on a signal surface; a cover that covers at least the signal surface; Equipped with The cover has a guide surface for guiding wind generated when the vehicle is running. The guide surface guides the traveling wind to an intake port, which is an opening formed in the vehicle body and is located below the cover to take in traveling wind into the interior of the vehicle body, The cover is separate from the front cowl, the guide surface is inclined so as to move away rearward as it approaches a lower end position of the cover from an upper end position, The cover is disposed at a position overlapping with the center position of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, an outer surface of a cover portion of the cover that covers the signal surface is an inclined downward surface that is inclined downward toward the rear, A detection structure characterized in that the entire outer surface of the cover is a surface that curves so as to approach the outside in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the rear.

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