Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

To ensure attachment rigidity of a lower cover while upgrading an industrial design and taking measures against scattering pebbles during riding, suppress an increase in the size of the lower cover, and make it easy to introduce travel wind to a connection body.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding vehicle includes a connection body (12) that connects a down frame (33) with a pivot frame (32) and a lower cover stay bolt (90). The lower cover (54) includes a center lower cover (60) and right and left side lower covers (70 and 80). The lower cover stay bolt (90) includes a frame fastening part (92) and a pair of left and right connection body fastening parts (97 and 98). A concave shape (90a) of the lower cover stay bolt (90) and a concave shape (54a) of the lower cover (54) form an orifice shape (S1) in a body front view. The frame fastening part (92) is disposed above the connection body fastening parts (97 and 98).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a conventional saddle-ride type vehicle, a lower cover covering a connector connecting the down frame and the pivot frame is supported on a backbone frame in which the down frame and the pivot frame are spaced apart (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, an engine is supported on the down frame and the pivot frame as a connector, and an undercowl corresponding to the lower cover is supported on the lower end of the down frame. The undercowl in Patent Document 1 has left and right side portions and a connecting portion that connects the left and right side portions at the front, the connecting portion being fixed to the lower end of the down frame by brackets, and the side portions being fixed to the bottom of the engine via stays. The upper end of the connecting portion of the undercowl in Patent Document 1 is located above the bottom of the engine in a front view. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5455509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While it is desirable to provide a lower cover in a saddle-ride type vehicle to improve the vehicle's design and to protect it from stones flying in the air while the vehicle is in motion, it is also desirable to ensure the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, to prevent the lower cover from becoming too large, and to guide the wind toward the connecting body. In particular, when the connecting body is prone to becoming hot, it is desirable to sufficiently guide the wind toward the connecting body. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a saddle-type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame, which has the ability to improve design and provide measures against flying stones and the like while driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, preventing the lower cover from becoming larger, and making it easier to guide the wind while driving to the connecting body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A saddle-ride type vehicle has a backbone frame having a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe, a down frame extending downward from the head pipe, and a pivot frame extending downward from the rear end of the main frame, to which a lower cover is attached, the vehicle comprising: a connector connecting the down frame and the pivot frame; and a lower cover stay connecting the lower cover to a vehicle body, the lower cover having a center lower cover, a right side lower cover, and a left side lower cover, the lower cover stay having a frame fastening portion fastened to the down frame and a pair of left and right connector fastening portions fastened to the connector, the lower cover stay having a concave shape recessed upward in a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay having a concave shape recessed downward, the concave shape of the lower cover stay and the concave shape of the lower cover form a closed opening shape in a front view of the vehicle body, the frame fastening portion being provided above the connector fastening portion, The center lower cover is located rearward of the front edges of the side lower covers in a side view of the vehicle body, and the front surface of the center portion in the vehicle width direction is inclined upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body, and the center lower cover is formed to become narrower as it progresses toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the left and right side lower covers are inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as they progress toward the bottom of the vehicle body. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In a saddle-type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame, it is possible to improve the design and take measures against flying stones and the like while driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, preventing the lower cover from becoming larger, and making it easier to guide the wind while driving to the connecting body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body frame according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the peripheral portion of the power unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the peripheral portion of the power unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the peripheral portion of the power unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lower cover and a lower cover stay according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a lower cover and a lower cover stay according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower cover and the lower cover stay according to the embodiment, as viewed from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the body frame 11, a front frame 19 located rearward of the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located rearward of 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 a rear frame 20 .

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

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

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

[0014] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 also 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 rider 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 body frame 11.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body frame 11 according to the embodiment. The front frame 19 of this embodiment comprises a main frame 31 extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 18, a pivot frame 32 extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 31, a down frame 33 extending downward from a position on the head pipe 18 below the front end of the main frame 31, and a gusset 34 that reinforces the connection between the head pipe 18, the main frame 31, and the down frame 33.

[0016] The rear frame 20 comprises a pair of left and right seat frames 41 extending from the rear of the main frame 31 to the rear end of the vehicle body, a pair of left and right rear subframes 42 extending from the vertical middle of the left and right pivot frames 32 to the rear ends of the seat frames 41, a rear front cross member 43 connecting the front ends of the pair of left and right seat frames 41 in the left-right direction, a rear rear cross member 44 connecting the rear ends of the pair of left and right seat frames 41 in the left-right direction, and a seat engagement portion 45 formed between the rear front cross member 43 and the rear rear cross member 44.

[0017] A unit bracket 35 is formed at the lower end of the down frame 33. The unit bracket 35 is in the shape of a bent plate with an open rear end. The power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 35. More specifically, the front end of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 35 by a shaft-shaped fastener extending in the vehicle width direction. A unit bracket 36 (see FIG. 1) is formed at the lower end of the pivot frame 32. The power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 36. More specifically, the rear end of the crankcase 23 of the power unit 12 is fixed to the unit bracket 36 by a shaft-shaped fastener extending in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the body frame 11, the down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32 are connected by the power unit 12, which is an example of a rigid member. The down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32 are connected via the power unit 12, and the body frame 11 of this embodiment is a backbone frame.

[0018] 1, a body cover 50 is supported on 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 center covers 52 that are provided below the tank cover 51 and cover the outside of the body in the left-right direction, a pair of left and right rear covers 53 that are located behind the center cover 52 and cover the area below the seat 17 from the outside in the left-right direction, and a lower cover 54 that is disposed below and spaced apart from the center cover 52 and covers the front end of the power unit 12 from the front.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a front view of the peripheral portion of power unit 12 according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a left side view of the peripheral portion of power unit 12 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the peripheral portion of power unit 12 according to the embodiment. The power unit 12 in this embodiment is an engine. Hereinafter, the power unit 12 will be referred to as the engine. The crankcase 23 of the engine 12 has a structure split into left and right halves. The crankcase 23 has a left case 23L and a right case 23R (see FIG. 5). The left case 23L and the right case 23R are connected in the left-right direction to form the crankcase 23.

[0020] A cylinder section 24 extending forward and upward is provided in the front portion of the crankcase 23. The cylinder section 24 includes, in order from the crankcase 23 side, a cylinder 24a, a cylinder head 24b, and a cylinder head cover 24c. The cylinder section 24 extends upward with the cylinder axis of the cylinder section 24 tilted slightly forward in a side view of the vehicle. The cylinder section 24 extends upward behind the down frame 33 and along the down frame 33. The engine 12 of this embodiment is a single-cylinder engine with a single cylinder section 24.

[0021] An exhaust device 25 is connected to the upper front surface of the cylinder portion 24. The exhaust device 25 includes a first exhaust pipe 25a. The first exhaust pipe 25a extends forward from the right portion (one side portion in the vehicle width direction) of the front surface of the cylinder portion 24. After extending forward from the front surface of the cylinder portion 24, the first exhaust pipe 25a extends forward beyond the down frame 33, then curves and extends downward toward the rear and lower side. At this time, the first exhaust pipe 25a extends downward while curving to the right of the down frame 33 in a front view of the vehicle body. The first exhaust pipe 25a then curves rearward along the front surface of the crankcase 23 while overlapping the unit bracket 35 of the down frame 33 in a side view of the vehicle body. Below the crankcase 23, the first exhaust pipe 25a extends rearward along the bottom surface portion 12a of the crankcase 23.

[0022] A catalyzer 25b is connected to the rear end of the first exhaust pipe 25a. The catalyzer 25b is cylindrical and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The catalyzer 25b is located in the center of the vehicle width direction. A box-shaped pre-muffler 25c is connected to the rear end of the catalyzer 25b. A second exhaust pipe 25d, which extends rearward and upward to the right, is connected to the pre-muffler 25c. A muffler 25e is connected to the rear end of the second exhaust pipe 25d. The muffler 25e is located to the right of the rear wheel 15. The first exhaust pipe 25a, the catalyzer 25b, the pre-muffler 25c, the second exhaust pipe 25d, and the muffler 25e constitute the exhaust device 25 of the present embodiment.

[0023] A shift pedal 39 is pivotally supported around the left step 28. The pivoting operation of the shift pedal 39 is transmitted to a transmission (not shown) in the crankcase 23 via a shift rod 38 extending forward from the shift pedal 39.

[0024] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 according to the embodiment as viewed from the rear. The lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body, such as the body frame 11 and the power unit 12, via a lower cover stay 90. The lower cover 54 has a center lower cover 60, a side lower cover 70 disposed on the right side of the center lower cover 60, and a side lower cover 80 disposed on the left side of the center lower cover 60.

[0025] The center lower cover 60 has a front cover portion 61 that is approximately trapezoidal when viewed from the front, an extending cover portion 62 formed on the right side of the front cover portion 61, and an extending cover portion 63 formed on the left side of the front cover portion 61. The front cover portion 61 is a curved plate-like portion with a central portion recessed rearward (see Figure 7). When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the front cover portion 61 is formed so that its left-right width narrows as it extends downward. The front cover portion 61 slopes upward as it extends toward the rear of the vehicle body. A horizontal hole 61a is formed in the front cover portion 61, penetrating in the thickness direction. The horizontal hole 61a extends in the left-right direction. A plate-like fixing portion 61b bent rearward is formed at the lower end of the front cover portion 61 (see Figure 5). A fixing hole is formed in the fixing portion 61b, through which a bolt (fastening member) is inserted.

[0026] The left and right extending cover portions 62, 63 extend upward beyond the front cover portion 61. The upper ends of the extending cover portions 62, 63 are bent rearward. Cover fastening portions 62a, 63a that penetrate in the vehicle width direction are formed at the upper ends of the extending cover portions 62, 63. Fixing holes through which bolts are inserted are formed in the cover fastening portions 62a, 63a. In the center lower cover 60, a recessed cutout portion 60a is formed by the upper edge of the front cover portion 61 and the inner edges of the extension cover portions 62 and 63 in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 3).

[0027] The right side lower cover 70 extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 6, the side lower cover 70 is generally container-shaped with a shallow bottom that is recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the side lower cover 70 has a side cover portion 71 that is thick in the vehicle width direction, and a wall-shaped outer periphery cover portion 72 that is formed on the outer periphery of the side cover portion 71 and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] The side cover portion 71 is formed so that its vertical width narrows as it extends rearward. Specifically, the side cover portion 71 has a generally rectangular front portion 71a that is longer in the vertical direction than the right extension cover portion 62 of the center lower cover 60, a generally trapezoidal middle portion 71b that extends from the rear end of the front portion 71a and narrows in vertical width as it extends rearward, and a rear portion 71c that extends rearward from the rear end of the middle portion 71b. In a front view of the vehicle body, the side cover portions 71 are inclined along the center lower cover 60. In a front view of the vehicle body, the side cover portions 71 are curved inward in the vehicle width direction as they extend downward.

[0029] The outer peripheral cover portion 72 has a front wall portion 72a formed along the front edge of the side cover portion 71, an upper wall portion 72b formed along the upper edge of the side cover portion 71, a lower wall portion 72c formed along the lower edge of the side cover portion 71, and a rear wall portion 72d formed along the rear edge of the side cover portion 71. An upper portion of the front wall portion 72a extends upwardly and outwardly of the front forks 14 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6 , a claw-shaped clamping portion 73 is formed on the front wall portion 72a on the inner surface of the side lower cover 70. The clamping portion 73 extends inward in the vehicle width direction along the front wall portion 72a. A predetermined gap is formed between the clamping portion 73 and the inner surface of the front wall portion 72a. The right-side extension cover portion 62 of the center lower cover 60 is clamped between the clamping portion 73 and the front wall portion 72a. The clamping portion 73 abuts against the rear surface of the extension cover portion 62. As a result, the side lower cover 70 is connected to the center lower cover 60 such that the front wall portion 72a of the outer periphery cover portion 72 covers the center lower cover 60 from the front side (outside).

[0031] A boss portion 74 is formed above the clamping portion 73. The boss portion 74 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the front portion 71a of the side cover portion 71. A fastening hole is formed in the boss portion 74. The right cover fastening portion 62a of the center lower cover 60 is fastened to the boss portion 74.

[0032] A cover stay portion 75 is formed below the clamping portion 73, extending inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the inner surface of the front portion 71a of the side cover portion 71. The cover stay portion 75 is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the vertical direction. In a plan view, the cover stay portion 75 overlaps the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60. A through hole penetrating the cover stay portion 75 in the vertical direction is formed. For example, a clip nut (a fastened member) is attached to the portion of the cover stay portion 75 where the through hole is formed.

[0033] A rib portion 76 extending in the vertical direction is formed behind the boss portion 74 and the cover stay portion 75. The rib portion 76 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 71b of the side cover portion 71. The upper end of the rib portion 76 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall portion 72b. The lower end of the rib portion 76 is connected to the inner surface of the lower wall portion 72c. An insertion portion 77 protruding in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 71b is formed in the vertical center of the rib portion 76. An insertion hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the insertion portion 77. A lower cover stay 90 can be inserted into the insertion portion 77. An exhaust pipe avoidance portion 78, which is cut outward in the vehicle width direction, is formed below the rib portion 76. The exhaust pipe avoidance portion 78 is formed in the lower wall portion 72c.

[0034] A stay fastening portion 79 is formed behind the rib portion 76, protruding cylindrically from the inner surface of the rear portion 71c of the side cover portion 71. A bolt insertion hole is formed in the stay fastening portion 79. A lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the stay fastening portion 79.

[0035] The left side lower cover 80 is formed to correspond to the right side lower cover 70. In particular, the left side lower cover 80 has a shorter length to the rear than the right side lower cover 70. This prevents interference with the shift rod 38 (see FIG. 5). In other words, the left side lower cover 80 is formed in a generally symmetrical shape to the right side lower cover 70.

[0036] More specifically, the left side lower cover 80 extends in the front-to-rear direction. The side lower cover 80 is generally container-shaped with a shallow bottom that is recessed outward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the side lower cover 80 has a side cover portion 81 that is thick in the vehicle width direction, and a wall-shaped outer periphery cover portion 82 that is formed on the outer periphery of the side cover portion 81 and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The side cover portion 81 is formed so that its vertical width narrows as it extends rearward. In detail, the side cover portion 81 has a generally rectangular front portion 81a that is longer in the vertical direction than the left extending cover portion 63 of the center lower cover 60, a generally trapezoidal middle portion 81b that extends from the rear end of the front portion 81a and narrows in vertical width as it extends rearward, and a rear portion 81c that extends rearward from the rear end of the middle portion 81b. In a front view of the vehicle body, the side cover portion 81 is inclined along the center lower cover 60. In a front view of the vehicle body, the side cover portion 81 is curved inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends downward.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the outer cover portion 82 has a front wall portion 82a formed along the front edge of the side cover portion 81, an upper wall portion 82b formed along the upper edge of the side cover portion 81, a lower wall portion 82c formed along the lower edge of the side cover portion 81, and a rear wall portion 82d formed along the rear edge of the side cover portion 81. An upper portion of the front wall portion 82a extends upward and outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the front forks 14 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body (see FIG. 3).

[0039] Here, the cutout portion 60a of the center lower cover 60, the inner edge of the front wall portion 72a of the right side lower cover 70, and the inner edge of the front wall portion 82a of the right side lower cover 80 form a downwardly recessed recessed shape 54a in the lower cover 54 (see FIG. 3).

[0040] On the inner surface of the side lower cover 80, a claw-shaped clamping portion (not shown) is formed in the front wall portion 82a. This clamping portion extends inward in the vehicle width direction along the front wall portion 82a. A predetermined gap is formed between this clamping portion and the inner surface of the front wall portion 82a. The left extension cover portion 63 of the center lower cover 60 is clamped between this clamping portion and the front wall portion 82a. This clamping portion abuts against the rear surface of the extension cover portion 63. In this way, the side lower cover 80 is connected to the center lower cover 60 such that the front wall portion 82a of the outer periphery cover portion 82 covers the center lower cover 60 from the front side (outside).

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, a boss portion 84 is formed above the clamping portion. The boss portion 84 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the front portion 81a of the side cover portion 81. A fastening hole is formed in the boss portion 84. The left cover fastening portion 63a of the center lower cover 60 is fastened to the boss portion 84.

[0042] Below the clamping portion, a cover stay portion 85 is formed, which extends inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the inner surface of the front portion 81a of the side cover portion 81. The cover stay portion 85 is plate-shaped and has a thickness in the vertical direction. In a plan view, the cover stay portion 85 overlaps the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60. A through hole that penetrates the cover stay portion 85 in the vertical direction is formed. The cover stay portion 85 is clamped between the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60 and the cover stay portion 75 of the right side lower cover 70.

[0043] A rib portion 86 extending in the vertical direction is formed behind the boss portion 84 and the cover stay portion 85. The rib portion 86 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 81b of the side cover portion 81. The upper end of the rib portion 86 is connected to the inner surface of the upper wall portion 82b. The lower end of the rib portion 86 is connected to the inner surface of the lower wall portion 82c. An insertion portion 87 protruding in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the middle portion 81b is formed in the vertical center of the rib portion 86. An insertion hole penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the insertion portion 87. A lower cover stay 90 can be inserted into the insertion portion 87.

[0044] A stay fastening portion 89 is formed behind the rib portion 86, protruding cylindrically from the inner surface of the rear portion 81c of the side cover portion 81. A bolt insertion hole is formed in the stay fastening portion 89. A lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the stay fastening portion 89.

[0045] The lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body via a lower cover stay 90. The lower cover stay 90 is a single metal member. The lower cover stay 90 has a rod portion 91 that is approximately C-shaped in plan view. Specifically, the rod portion 91 has a front end portion 91a extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction), front end inclined portions 91b, 91c that incline rearward as they extend outward in the left-right direction from both left and right sides of the front end portion 91a, extending portions 91d, 91e that extend rearward from the left and right outer ends of the front end inclined portions 91b, 91c, and bent portions 91f, 91g that bend inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear ends of the extending portions 91d, 91e. The right bent portion 91f and the left bent portion 91g are spaced apart.

[0046] In a side view of the vehicle body, the front end 91a is located at the highest position compared to other parts of the rod portion 91. The front end inclined portions 91b and 91c incline downward as they extend rearward. The extending portions 91d and 91e have a gentle incline that inclines upward as they extend rearward. The bent portions 91f and 91g incline gently downward as they extend inward in the vehicle width direction. In a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay 90 has a front end portion 91a, a left front end inclined portion 91b, and a right front end inclined portion 91c, which form an upwardly recessed concave shape 90a (see FIG. 3).

[0047] The front end portion 91a is formed with a flat plate-shaped frame fastening portion 92 that protrudes forward. The frame fastening portion 92 has a thickness in the vertical direction. A fixing hole is formed in the frame fastening portion 92, and a bolt is inserted through the fixing hole from below. Insertion rods 93, 94 extending linearly forward are supported at the lower front ends of the extension portions 91d, 91e. The insertion rods 93, 94 extend along the extension portions 91d, 91e. The right insertion rod 93 is inserted into the insertion portion 77 of the right side lower cover 70. The left insertion rod 94 is inserted into the insertion portion 87 of the left side lower cover 80. The insertion rods 93, 94 pass through the insertion portions 77, 87 and protrude forward.

[0048] A cover fastening portion 95 is provided at the rear end of the right extension portion 91d. The cover fastening portion 95 is provided on the outer side of the extension portion 91d in the vehicle width direction. A fastening hole is formed in the cover fastening portion 95, into which a bolt is fastened from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A cover fastening portion 96 is provided at the rear of the left extension portion 91e. The cover fastening portion 96 is provided on the outer side of the extension portion 91e in the vehicle width direction. A fastening hole is formed in the cover fastening portion 96, into which a bolt is fastened from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The left cover fastening portion 95 is formed further forward than the right cover fastening portion 96 .

[0049] The inner ends of the left and right bent portions 91f, 91g are formed with flat unit fastening portions (connector fastening portions) 97, 98 having a thickness in the vertical direction. A bolt can be inserted into the unit fastening portions 97, 98 from below.

[0050] Next, an example of how to attach the lower cover 54 to the vehicle body will be described. The lower cover 54 is pre-assembled. In this embodiment, first, the left side lower cover 80 is attached to the center lower cover 60. That is, the left edge of the center lower cover 60 is sandwiched between the front wall portion 82a and the sandwiching portion 83, and the side lower cover 80 is positioned relative to the center lower cover 60. Then, a bolt is inserted into the cover fastening portion 63a on the left side of the center lower cover 60 from the inside in the vehicle width direction and fastened to the boss portion 84 of the side lower cover 80. At this time, the cover stay portion 85 of the side lower cover 80 overlaps above the fixing portion 61b.

[0051] Once the left side lower cover 80 is attached to the center lower cover 60, the right side lower cover 70 is attached to the center lower cover 60. That is, the right edge of the side lower cover 60 is sandwiched between the front wall portion 72a and the sandwiching portion 73, and the side lower cover 70 is positioned relative to the center lower cover 60. Then, a bolt is inserted into the cover fastening portion 62a on the right side of the center lower cover 60 from the inside in the vehicle width direction and fastened to the boss portion 74 of the side lower cover 70. At this time, the cover stay portion 75 of the side lower cover 70 overlaps above the cover stay portion 85 of the right side lower cover 80.

[0052] In this state, a bolt is inserted from below into the fixing portion 61b of the center lower cover 60. This bolt is fastened to the fastened member of the upper cover stay portion 75. As a result, the fixing portion 61b, cover stay portion 85, and cover stay portion 75 are fastened together. Therefore, in the lower cover 54, the center lower cover 60, side lower cover 70, and side lower cover 80 are assembled together. In other words, the lower cover 54 is in an assembled state.

[0053] Meanwhile, the lower cover stay 90 is attached to the vehicle body in advance. The lower cover stay 90 is disposed along the bottom surface 12a of the power unit 12. The lower cover stay 90 is disposed between the bottom surface 12a of the engine 12 and the first exhaust pipe 25a in the up-down direction. The lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the down frame 33 and the engine 12 at the frame fastening portion 92 and the unit fastening portions 97 and 98 .

[0054] That is, the frame fastening portion 92 of the lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the lower end portion of the down frame 33. In detail, a bolt is inserted into the frame fastening portion 92 from below, and the frame fastening portion 92 is fastened to the lower surface of the unit bracket 35 at the lower end portion of the down frame 33.

[0055] A right unit fastening portion 97 of the lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. In detail, a bolt is inserted into the right unit fastening portion 97 from below, and the right unit fastening portion 97 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the right case 23R of the crankcase 23. A left unit fastening portion 98 of the lower cover stay 90 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. In detail, a bolt is inserted from below into the left unit fastening portion 98, and the left unit fastening portion 98 is fastened to the bottom surface portion 12a of the left case 23L of the crankcase 23.

[0056] Once the lower cover stay 90 is attached to the vehicle body, the lower cover 54 is assembled to the lower cover stay 90 by moving the lower cover 54 from the front to the rear of the first exhaust pipe 25a. That is, the lower cover 54 is assembled so that the insertion rods 93, 94 of the lower cover stay 90 are inserted into the insertion portions 77, 87 of the lower cover 54. By inserting the insertion rods 93, 94 into the insertion portions 77, 87, the lower cover 54 is temporarily fastened to the lower cover stay 90. Then, bolts are inserted from the outside in the vehicle width direction into each of the stay fastening portions 79, 89 at the rear end portion of the lower cover 54, and are fastened to the cover fastening portions 95, 96 of the lower cover stay 90, respectively. In this way, the lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body.

[0057] Here, the recessed shape 54a of the lower cover 54 and the recessed shape 90a of the lower cover stay 90 form a substantially hexagonal closed opening shape S1 in a front view of the vehicle body (see FIG. 3). A bottom surface portion 12a of the engine 12 is located inside the opening shape S1.

[0058] In addition, in a side view of the vehicle body, the center lower cover 60 overlaps with and is hidden by the side lower covers 70, 80 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the center lower cover 60 is located rearward of the front wall portions 72a, 82a of the side lower covers 70, 80. In the center lower cover 60, the front cover portion 61 slopes upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body.

[0059] Furthermore, the lower cover 54 has a length in the front-to-rear direction that does not reach the step 28. Therefore, the lower cover 54 of this embodiment is compact, allowing for greater flexibility in the layout around the step 28. In particular, in the lower cover 54 of this embodiment, the left side lower cover 80 is formed shorter than the right side lower cover 70, and the left side lower cover 80 does not interfere with the shift rod 38. Therefore, the lower cover 54 of this embodiment makes it easier to further increase the flexibility in the layout around the step 28.

[0060] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is moving, the traveling wind flows from the front. Therefore, the traveling wind that flows on the left and right sides of the front wheel 13 and the front fork 14 reaches the lower cover 54. In the lower cover 54, the center lower cover 60 is located rearward of the front wall portions 72a, 82a of the side lower covers 70, 80, and the front cover portion 61, which is the central portion of the center lower cover 60 in the vehicle width direction, is recessed rearward in a plan view and slopes upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body in a side view of the vehicle body. Therefore, the traveling wind that reaches the center lower cover 60 is prevented from diffusing outward in the vehicle width direction by the side lower covers 70, 80, and is thereby likely to flow above the cutout portions 60a.

[0061] At this time, the traveling wind that has passed through the cutout portion 60a easily passes inside the opening shape S1 formed by the recessed shape 54a of the lower cover 54 and the recessed shape 90a of the lower cover stay 90. Because the bottom surface portion 12a is located inside the opening shape S1 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the traveling wind easily flows rearward along the bottom surface portion 12a of the power unit 12. Therefore, the traveling wind easily flows quickly along the bottom surface portion 12a of the engine 12, and a large amount of traveling wind easily cools the engine 12.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower cover 54 is fixed to the lower cover stay 90 at the middle portions 71b, 81b where the insertion portions 77, 87 are formed and at the rear portions 71c, 81c where the stay fastening portions 79, 89 are formed. Therefore, the rigidity of the portion forward of the insertion portions 77, 87 is likely to be maintained solely by cover parts such as the center lower cover 60 and the front portions 71a, 81a of the side lower covers 70, 80. Therefore, the portion forward of the insertion portions 77, 87 of the lower cover 54 is likely to deform moderately. Therefore, the lower cover 54 is able to easily deflect the force of wind, flying stones, and the like that strikes it from the front by deformation.

[0063] As described above, in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 of this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the lower cover 54 is attached to the vehicle body frame 11 having the main frame 31 extending rearward from the head pipe 18, the down frame 33 extending downward from the head pipe 18, and the pivot frame 32 extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 31. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 includes the connector 12 that connects the down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32, and the lower cover stay 90 that connects the lower cover 54 and the vehicle body. The lower cover 54 includes the center lower cover 60 and the right The vehicle has a side lower cover 70 and a left side lower cover 80, and the lower cover stay 90 has a frame fastening portion 92 that is fastened to the down frame 33 and a pair of left and right unit fastening portions 97, 98 that are fastened to the connecting body 12, and when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay 90 has a concave shape 90a that is concave upward, and the lower cover 54 has a concave shape 54a that is concave downward, the concave shape 90a of the lower cover stay 90 and the concave shape 54a of the lower cover 54 form a closed opening shape S1 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body, and the frame fastening portion 92 is located above the unit fastening portions 97, 98.

[0064] According to this configuration, since the lower cover 54 is provided, measures can be taken to prevent flying stones and the like while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling. In addition, the opening shape S1 formed by the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90 can improve the design of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 provided with the lower cover 54. Furthermore, since the lower cover 54 is fixed to the down frame 33 and the connecting body 12 via the lower cover stay 90, the mounting rigidity of the lower cover 54 can be ensured compared to when the lower cover 54 is fixed only to the down frame 33. In addition, the size of the lower cover 54 can be prevented from increasing compared to when the lower cover 54 is attached so as to straddle the down frame 33 and the pivot frame 32. Furthermore, the opening shape S1 formed by the lower cover stay 90 and the lower cover 54 can easily guide traveling wind to the connecting body 12. Therefore, with the above configuration, in a saddle-type vehicle 10 in which a lower cover 54 is attached to the body frame 11, which is the backbone frame, it is possible to improve the design and take measures against flying stones and the like while driving, while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover 54, preventing the lower cover 54 from becoming larger, and making it easier to guide the wind while driving to the connecting body 12.

[0065] In this embodiment, the bottom surface portion 12a of the connector 12 is located inside the opening shape S1 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, the traveling wind can be sent to the bottom surface portion 12a of the connecting body 12 through the opening shape S1 and can flow along the bottom surface portion 12a, thereby allowing the connecting body 12 to be cooled efficiently.

[0066] In this embodiment, the connecting body 12 is a power unit 12. According to this configuration, the lower cover 54 can easily guide the wind generated by running to the power unit 12, and the power unit 12, which is prone to generating heat, can be effectively cooled.

[0067] In this embodiment, the power unit 12 is an engine 12. According to this configuration, the first exhaust pipe 25a can be passed through the closed opening shape S1 portion, which can lead to an improvement in the feasibility of the layout of the engine 12.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the center lower cover 60 is located rearward of the front wall portions 72a, 82a that form the front edges of the side lower covers 70, 80 when viewed from the side of the vehicle body, and the front cover portion 61 in the center of the vehicle width direction of the center lower cover 60 slopes upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body, and the center lower cover 60 is formed to become narrower as it progresses toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the left and right side lower covers 70, 80 slope inward in the vehicle width direction as they progress toward the bottom of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, the wind generated by running can be easily guided to the opening shape S1 formed by the lower cover 54 and the lower cover stay 90, so that the connector 12 can be cooled more effectively.

[0069] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is exemplified as a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 having an engine 12 as an internal combustion engine, but is not limited thereto. For example, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be a vehicle without an engine 12, i.e., an electric vehicle. Thus, in the above embodiment, the engine 12 is exemplified as a power unit that drives the vehicle body, but the power unit may be a power unit equipped with an electric motor for driving. Furthermore, while a power unit is exemplified as an example of a connecting body, for example, in an electric saddle-ride type vehicle that employs an in-wheel motor, the connecting body may be a battery case that houses a battery. That is, a battery case may be fixed to the lower end of the down frame 33 and the lower end of the pivot frame 32, and the lower end of the down frame 33 and the lower end of the pivot frame 32 may be connected via the battery case. In this case, the lower cover 54 can guide traveling air toward the battery, which is a heat-generating component within the battery case, thereby cooling the battery.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 15 has been used as an example of the saddle-ride vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a three-wheel saddle-ride vehicle having two front or two rear wheels, or a saddle-ride vehicle having four or more wheels.

[0072] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0073] (Configuration 1) A saddle-ride type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame having a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe, a down frame extending downward from the head pipe, and a pivot frame extending downward from the rear end of the main frame, the saddle-ride type vehicle comprising: a connector connecting the down frame and the pivot frame; and a lower cover stay connecting the lower cover to a vehicle body, the lower cover having a center lower cover, a right side lower cover, and a left side lower cover, the lower cover stay having a frame fastening portion fastened to the down frame and a pair of left and right connector fastening portions fastened to the connector, the lower cover stay having a concave shape recessed upward in a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay having a concave shape recessed downward, the concave shape of the lower cover stay and the concave shape of the lower cover form a closed opening shape in a front view of the vehicle body, and the frame fastening portion is provided above the connector fastening portion. According to this configuration, since a lower cover is provided, measures can be taken to prevent flying stones and the like while the vehicle is in motion. Furthermore, the opening shape formed by the lower cover and the lower cover stay can improve the design of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with the lower cover. Furthermore, since the lower cover is fixed to the down frame and the connecting body via the lower cover stay, the mounting rigidity of the lower cover can be ensured compared to when the lower cover is fixed only to the down frame. Furthermore, the size of the lower cover can be reduced compared to when the lower cover is attached so as to straddle the down frame and the pivot frame. Furthermore, the opening shape formed by the lower cover stay and the lower cover can easily guide the wind toward the connecting body while the vehicle is in motion. Therefore, according to the above configuration, in a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a lower cover is attached to a backbone frame, it is possible to improve the design and prevent flying stones and the like while ensuring the mounting rigidity of the lower cover, while also reducing the size of the lower cover and making it easier to guide the wind toward the connecting body.

[0074] (Configuration 2) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to Configuration 1, wherein the bottom surface of the connector is located inside the opening shape when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, the airflow can be directed to the bottom surface of the connecting body through the opening, and can flow along the bottom surface, thereby efficiently cooling the connecting body.

[0075] (Configuration 3) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the connecting member is a power unit. According to this configuration, the lower cover can easily guide the wind generated by running to the power unit, thereby effectively cooling the power unit, which is prone to generating heat.

[0076] (Configuration 4) The saddle-ride type vehicle according to Configuration 3, wherein the power unit is an internal combustion engine. According to this configuration, the exhaust pipe can be passed through the closed opening-shaped portion, which can lead to an improvement in the feasibility of the layout of the internal combustion engine.

[0077] (Configuration 5) A saddle-ride type vehicle described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the center lower cover is located rearward of the front edge of the side lower cover in a side view of the vehicle body, the front surface of the center part in the vehicle width direction is inclined upward as it progresses toward the rear of the vehicle body, the center lower cover is formed to become narrower as it progresses toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the left and right side lower covers are inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as they progress toward the bottom of the vehicle body. According to this configuration, it is easier to guide the airflow into the closed opening formed by the lower cover and the lower cover stay, so that the connecting body can be cooled more effectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Saddle-type vehicle 11 Body frame (backbone frame, body) 12 Engine (power unit, internal combustion engine, connecting body, body) 18 Head pipe 12a Bottom part 31 Mainframe 32 Pivot Frame 33 Down Frame 54 Lower cover 54a concave shape 60 Center lower cover 61 Front cover part (front) 70 Side lower cover 72a Front wall (leading edge) 80 Side lower cover 82a Front wall (leading edge) 90 Lower cover stay 90a concave shape 92 Frame fastening part 97 Unit fastening part (connector fastening part) 98 Unit fastening part (connector fastening part) S1 opening shape

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type vehicle in which a lower cover (54) is attached to a backbone frame (11) having a main frame (31) extending rearward from a head pipe (18), a down frame (33) extending downward from the head pipe (18), and a pivot frame (32) extending downward from the rear end of the main frame (31), a connector (12) that connects the down frame (33) and the pivot frame (32); a lower cover stay (90) that connects the lower cover (54) and the vehicle body (11, 12); The lower cover (54) has a center lower cover (60), a right side lower cover (70), and a left side lower cover (80), The lower cover stay (90) has a frame fastening portion (92) fastened to the down frame (33) and a pair of left and right connector fastening portions (97, 98) fastened to the connector (12), In a front view of the vehicle body, the lower cover stay (90) forms a concave shape (90a) that is concave upward, and the lower cover (54) forms a concave shape (54a) that is concave downward, and the concave shape (90a) of the lower cover stay (90) and the concave shape (54a) of the lower cover (54) form a closed opening shape (S1) in a front view of the vehicle body, The frame fastening portion (92) is provided above the connecting body fastening portions (97, 98), The center lower cover (60) is located rearward of the front edges (72a, 82a) of the side lower covers (70, 80) in a side view of the vehicle body, The center lower cover (60) has a front surface (61) at the center in the vehicle width direction that slopes upward as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle body, The center lower cover (60) is formed so as to become narrower as it goes downwards on the vehicle body, The left and right side lower covers (70, 80) are inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as they move downward in the vehicle body. A saddle-type vehicle characterized by:

2. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the bottom surface (12a) of the connector (12) is located inside the opening shape (S1).

2. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The connecting body (12) is a power unit (12).

3. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The power unit (12) is an internal combustion engine (12).

4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 3.

5. The engine fastening portion (97, 98), which is the connecting body fastening portion (97, 98), is provided at the rear end of the lower cover stay (90).

5. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 4.

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