Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a saddle-ride vehicle (1) comprising a device connecting portion (41) to which an external electric device can be electrically connected, the saddle-ride vehicle (1) further comprising a steering handle (15) which is disposed forwardly of an occupant and rotates about a handle rotational axis (C2) in conjunction with a steering wheel (2). The steering handle (15) comprises a pair of left and right handlebar portions (15a1) each including a grip portion (15a) to be gripped by the occupant. A master cylinder holder (20) that supports a master cylinder (19) is fixed on the inside in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the pair of left and right handlebar portions (15a1). The device connecting portion (41) is fixed to the master cylinder holder (20) and is disposed behind the master cylinder (19) in a position overlapping the master cylinder (19), which is on the same side for left and right, in a front-rear view of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-riding type vehicle. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-205661 filed in Japan on December 22, 2022, and incorporates its content herein.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a charging structure for a motorcycle, there is one provided with a USB charger capable of charging an external electrical device on the back side (front side of the vehicle, opposite side to the driver) of a meter unit arranged in front of the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above prior art, the terminal connection port (USB port) of the USB charger is also arranged on the back side of the meter unit. The USB charger is arranged in front of the steering handle together with the meter unit and is separated from the driver, so there are problems in terms of usability. Also, the USB charger is fixed to the back of the meter unit using locking claws and fastening bosses formed on the back of the meter unit. However, if an electrical component such as a USB charger is to be arranged close to the driver, a separate mounting structure may be required, and the structure may become complicated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-riding type vehicle in which a device connection part can be arranged in a position close to the driver with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a means of solving the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A saddle-type vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle (1) equipped with an equipment connection part (41) to which external electrical equipment can be electrically connected, and is equipped with a steering handle (15) positioned in front of the occupant and rotating around a steering pivot axis (C2) in conjunction with a steering wheel (2), the steering handle (15) is equipped with a pair of left and right handlebar parts (15a1) including a grip part (15a) to be grasped by the occupant, a master cylinder holder (20) supporting a master cylinder (19) is fixed to the inside of at least one of the pair of left and right handlebar parts (15a1) in the vehicle width direction, the equipment connection part (41) has an opening (43) for inserting and removing connection terminals of the external electrical equipment and is fixed to the master cylinder holder (20), and the opening (43) is positioned to be facing downward behind the master cylinder (19) in a position that overlaps with the master cylinder (19) on the same side when viewed in the front and rear direction of the vehicle. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above of the present invention, the equipment connection part, which can electrically connect to external electrical equipment, is fixed to the master cylinder holder located on the inside of the steering handle in the vehicle width direction, and is positioned behind the master cylinder. This makes it possible to bring the equipment connection part closer to the occupant compared to when the equipment connection part is positioned in front of the steering handle. As a result, the equipment connection part is easier for the occupant to operate, and a simple mounting structure for the equipment connection part can be provided by utilizing the structure of the master cylinder holder. Furthermore, by fixing the equipment connection part to the master cylinder holder which is located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the grip part, it is easier to position the equipment connection part inward in the vehicle width direction, and the equipment connection part can be positioned in a way that does not interfere with steering operation. Furthermore, by positioning the equipment connection point behind the master cylinder and overlapping it with the master cylinder when viewed from the front and rear, foreign objects and raindrops from the front are less likely to hit the equipment connection point, thus suppressing disturbances reaching the equipment connection point. Here, "electrically connected" is not limited to a configuration in which terminals are in direct contact with each other, but may also include non-contact configurations such as bringing coils close together to utilize electromagnetic induction. Furthermore, by having the opening for inserting and removing the connection terminals (external terminals) of external electrical equipment in the equipment connection section open towards the bottom of the vehicle, it is possible to prevent rainwater and other liquids from entering the opening and improve the waterproofness of the equipment connection section.

[0007] (2) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above, a right master cylinder holder (20) supporting a brake master cylinder (19) that generates brake fluid pressure is fixed to the inside of the right handlebar portion (15a1) in the vehicle width direction, and the equipment connection portion (41) is fixed to the right master cylinder holder (20) and may be positioned behind the brake master cylinder (19) in a position that overlaps with the brake master cylinder (19) when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (2) above of the present invention, in a saddle-type vehicle in which the brake master cylinder is located on the right handlebar, the equipment connection part is fixed to the right master cylinder holder and located behind the brake master cylinder, making it easier for the rider to operate the equipment connection part and providing a simple mounting structure for the equipment connection part. Furthermore, by fixing the equipment connection point to the right master cylinder holder, which is located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the right grip section, the equipment connection point can be positioned in a way that is less likely to interfere with steering operation. Furthermore, by positioning the equipment connection point behind the brake master cylinder and overlapping it with the brake master cylinder when viewed in the front-to-back direction, it is possible to suppress disturbances from reaching the equipment connection point. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a brake master cylinder or clutch master cylinder on the inside of the left handlebar in the vehicle width direction, the equipment connection part may be fixed to a left master cylinder holder fixed to the left handlebar.

[0008] (3) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the equipment connection part (41) may be located on the opposite side of the steering handle (15) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle from the master cylinder (19) on the same side on both the left and right sides. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above of the present invention, the equipment connection part is positioned on the opposite side of the master cylinder from the steering wheel in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. When the equipment connection part is fixed to the steering wheel, the equipment connection part and the master cylinder are distributed front to back, and the weights of the master cylinder and the equipment connection part can be supported in a balanced manner.

[0010] (5) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the equipment connection portion (41) is supported by the support bracket (60), and the equipment connection portion (41) may be positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the fastening portion (24) for fixing the support bracket (60) to the steering handle (15). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (5) above of the present invention, the equipment connection portion is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the fastening portion that secures the support bracket to the steering handle, so that the equipment connection portion is not positioned outward in the vehicle width direction from the fastening portion of the support bracket, thereby preventing the equipment connection portion from interfering with gripping the handle or operating the handle switches.

[0011] (6) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (5) above, the wiring (49b) extending from the equipment connection part (41) may curve outward in the vehicle width direction and extend forward below the fastening part (24), and may also curve inward in the vehicle width direction in front of the fastening part (24). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (6) above of the present invention, the wiring extending from the equipment connection part curves outward in the vehicle width direction and extends forward below the fastening part, making the wiring less noticeable when the occupant looks down. The wiring folds back inward in the vehicle width direction in front of the fastening part, which helps to prevent it from interfering with the operation of the grips or handle switches located outside the vehicle width direction of the fastening part.

[0012] (7) In the saddle-riding type vehicle according to the above (1) or (2), the device connection part (41) is arranged behind the steering handle (15), and the device connection part (41) and the steering handle (15) may be arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. According to the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention described in the above (7), since the device connection part is arranged behind the steering handle and is arranged so as to overlap the steering handle when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction, the device connection part can be protected from foreign objects and raindrops from the front of the vehicle.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a saddle-riding type vehicle in which a device connection part can be arranged in a simple structure at a position close to the driver

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a left side view of a motorcycle in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the periphery of the right handlebar part of the above motorcycle. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the state where the fixing structure of the USB charger is disassembled with respect to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a rear view of the periphery of the right handlebar part of the above motorcycle viewed from the axial direction of the fastening bolt. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the periphery of the right handlebar part of the above motorcycle. [Figure 6] It is a front view of the periphery of the right handlebar part of the above motorcycle. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the charger assembly. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of the charger assembly viewed from the thickness direction of the USB charger.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions such as front, rear, left, and right are the same as those in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. In the drawings used in the following description, arrows FR indicating the front of the vehicle, LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the vehicle body in the left-right direction are shown at appropriate positions.

[0016] <Vehicle as a whole> FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1 which is an example of a saddle-riding type vehicle. The motorcycle 1 of the present embodiment includes a front wheel 2 which is a steering wheel, a rear wheel 3 which is a driving wheel, a front fork 4 that supports the front wheel 2, a swing arm 6 that supports the rear wheel 3, a vehicle body frame 5 that supports the front fork 4 and the swing arm 6, a rear cushion 7 that extends between the swing arm 6 and a seat frame (rear frame) 5a at the rear of the vehicle body frame 5, and an engine (internal combustion engine, prime mover) 8 supported by the vehicle body frame 5.

[0017] The front forks 4 are provided in a pair on the left and right. The upper portions of the left and right front forks 4 are rotatably (steerably) supported by a head pipe 5b at the front end of the vehicle body frame 5 via a steering stem 10. The steering stem 10 includes a top bridge 11 and a bottom bridge 12 that connect the upper portions of the left and right front forks 4 to each other, and also includes a stem pipe (not shown) inserted into the head pipe 5b. The stem pipe is a shaft member coaxial with the head pipe 5b.

[0018] A steering handle (bar handle) 15 extending in the vehicle width direction is attached on the top bridge 11. In the figure, reference numeral 16 denotes a fuel tank disposed behind the steering handle 15 and supported by the vehicle body frame 5, and reference numeral 17 denotes a seat disposed behind the fuel tank 16 and supported by the seat frame 5a.

[0019] The head pipe 5b has a steering axis (rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as the steering axis) C1 that is tilted backward with respect to the vertical. The wheel-side components, including the front wheel 2 and the left and right front forks 4, rotate around the steering axis C1. In this embodiment, the handle-side components, including the steering handle 15 and the handle support members (handle holder 10a and top bridge 11, etc.), rotate around the handle rotation axis (handle rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as the handle rotation axis) C2. In this embodiment, the steering axis C1 and the handle rotation axis C2 are coaxial, and the wheel-side components and the handle-side components rotate integrally.

[0020] The steering stem 10 supports a headlight 30 and a pair of front turn signals 31 via a light stay (not shown). For example, the top bridge 11 further supports a meter unit 33. The headlight 30, the pair of front turn signals 31, and the meter unit 33 are rotatable together with the steering handle 15.

[0021] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the steering wheel 15 comprises a pair of left and right handlebar sections 15a1 including a grip section 15a that the driver holds, a pair of left and right hanging sections 15b extending downward from the inner ends of the left and right handlebar sections 15a1 in the vehicle width direction, and a straight section 15c that spans between the lower ends of the left and right hanging sections 15b. The straight section 15c extends horizontally along the vehicle width direction. The straight section 15c is fixed to the upper surface of the top bridge 11 via a handlebar holder 10a.

[0022] A brake lever 18, operated by the driver, is positioned in front of the right grip portion 15a. The base of the brake lever 18 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is rotatably supported by a lever support portion 19a provided on the brake master cylinder 19. The brake master cylinder 19 generates brake fluid pressure in response to the operation of the brake lever 18. The brake master cylinder 19 is positioned at a distance in front of the curved portion 15b1, extending from the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the right handlebar portion 15a1 to the upper end of the hanging portion 15b. The brake master cylinder 19 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the length direction of the right handlebar portion 15a1.

[0023] A lever support portion 19a is integrally provided on the front side of the outer end of the brake master cylinder 19 in the vehicle width direction. A right master cylinder holder (right lever holder) 20 is provided on the rear side of the outer end of the brake master cylinder 19 in the vehicle width direction, for fixing the brake master cylinder 19 (and lever support portion 19a) to the right handlebar portion 15a1. A reservoir tank 19b for storing brake fluid is integrally provided above the brake master cylinder 19. "Inner side in the vehicle width direction" refers to the side closer to the left-right center CL of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and "outer side in the vehicle width direction" refers to the side further from the left-right center CL of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] <USBチャージャー> Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a USB charger (charging device) 40 that integrates a transformer (DC-DC converter, adapter) 45 and a USB socket (device connection part) 41 to enable charging of external electrical devices. The USB charger 40 is an example of a power supply component that enables power to be supplied to external electrical devices such as smartphones by connecting them via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector.

[0025] External electrical devices that can be connected to the USB charger 40 include small, lightweight, and portable mobile devices. Examples of mobile devices include smartphones, tablet devices, and small laptop computers. The USB charger 40 is equipped with at least one voltage conversion element. The USB charger 40 converts the 12V voltage from the battery to a 5V voltage for USB use using a transformer 45, and can supply the 5V voltage to external electrical devices via a USB connector.

[0026] The left and right handlebar sections 15a1 extend linearly outward in the vehicle width direction from the curved section 15b1 at the upper end of the hanging section 15b. In this embodiment, the left and right handlebar sections 15a1 are inclined so that they are located further rearward as they move outward in the vehicle width direction. An accelerator sleeve 34 is rotatably mounted on the grip portion 15a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the right handlebar portion 15a1. On the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the right handlebar portion 15a1 (inside the accelerator sleeve 34, towards the base), the right switch box 35 and the right master cylinder holder 20 are fixed in order from the accelerator sleeve 34 side. An accelerator pulley (not shown) that rotates integrally with the accelerator sleeve 34 is housed on the right side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the right switch box 35. Reference numeral 34a in the figure indicates the accelerator cable extending from the front side of the right switch box 35.

[0027] The right master cylinder holder 20 is divided into front and rear sections 21a and 21b in the radial direction of the handlebar section 15a1. The front and rear sections 21a and 21b each form a recess (not shown) that forms a semicircular inner surface when viewed from the axial direction of the handlebar section 15a1. The inner surface of each recess is formed to match the outer surface of the handlebar section 15a1 of the steering handle 15, which is made of a cylindrical steel pipe.

[0028] The handlebar section 15a1 is clamped and secured by the front and rear split sections 21a and 21b by the recesses of the front and rear split sections 21a and 21b, and by tightening the pair of upper and lower fastening bolts 25 located above and below the recesses. The fastening bolts 25 are arranged axially, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the handlebar portion 15a1 when viewed from above. The front split body 21a is provided with front fastening portions 23a on the top and bottom, which have nut holes into which the fastening bolts 25 are screwed. The rear split body 21b is provided with rear fastening portions 23b on the top and bottom, which have through holes into which the underside of the fastening bolts 25 are inserted. The holder fastening portion 24 is formed by the corresponding front and rear fastening portions 23a and 23b.

[0029] The USB charger 40 is positioned at a distance behind the right handlebar portion 15a1, extending from the inner side in the vehicle width direction to the curved portion 15b1 at the upper end of the hanging portion 15b, with a gap between them. In other words, the USB charger 40 and the brake master cylinder 19 are positioned front to back, with a portion of the steering wheel 15 in between. The USB charger 40 is positioned to the right (inward in the vehicle width direction) of the right master cylinder holder 20. The USB charger 40 is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20 via a support bracket 60. The USB charger 40 is positioned so that the driver is seated in the seat 17 facing forward and looking down in front of the vehicle.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, the support bracket 60 is formed, for example, by bending a flat steel plate. The support bracket 60 includes, for example, a substantially vertical plate-shaped base portion 61. The base portion 61 is inclined to align with the axial direction of the handlebar portion 15a1 when viewed from above. The right side of the base portion 61 is the base end portion 61a which is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20. The left side of the base portion 61 is the tip portion 62a to which the USB charger 40 is fixed. The base end portion 61a has a bifurcated shape with branches extending upwards and downwards, and each branched end has a bolt insertion hole 61b corresponding to the upper and lower fastening bolts 25.

[0031] The USB charger 40 is connected to the power supply line of the vehicle's main harness via a wire 49b extending from the transformer 45. The USB charger 40 is connected to the vehicle's 12V battery (not shown), which is the vehicle's power source, via a main switch or the like. A wiring outlet 49 for pulling the wire 49b downward is provided on the front right side of the lower part of the transformer 45. The wiring outlet 49 has a wiring outlet 49a that opens downward. The wire 49b pulled out from the wiring outlet 49a curves to the right (outward in the vehicle width direction) and forward near the lower end of the transformer 45, extends forward below the right master cylinder holder 20, and then curves again below the right master cylinder holder 20 and folds back inward in the vehicle width direction. After that, the wire 49b extends inward and downward in the vehicle width direction along the steering wheel 15 and is connected to the power supply line of the vehicle's main harness. The lower end of the support bracket 60, which is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20, has a lower end flange 61c that bends forward and extends, preventing the wiring 49b from making contact with its edge.

[0032] The USB charger 40 enables the charging of external electrical devices using battery power. The USB socket 41 of the USB charger 40, together with the USB terminal at the end of the charging cord of the external electrical device, constitutes a USB connector.

[0033] The USB socket (device connection section) 41 of the embodiment is equipped with at least a power terminal, but does not necessarily have a data communication terminal. If a device that communicates with the control device of the motorcycle 1 is installed instead of the USB charger 40, the device will be equipped with a USB socket 41 having a data communication terminal and will be connected to the data communication line on the vehicle side. The device connection section does not have to be integrated with a functional section such as a transformer 45. The specifications of the device connection section are not limited to the bus standard for connecting USB, but various interface standards can be adopted according to the required specifications.

[0034] The USB charger 40 is positioned to the right of the center CL of the vehicle body and further inward in the vehicle width direction than the handle switch on the right handlebar section 15a1. The USB charger 40 is positioned to the left (inward in the vehicle width direction) of the left end (inward end in the vehicle width direction) of the right master cylinder holder 20.

[0035] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the USB charger 40 of the embodiment has a charger body that integrates a transformer 45 and a USB socket 41, which is covered with a cover 50 made of, for example, resin, to form a charger assembly 40A. The charger assembly 40A is attached to the tip 62a of the support bracket 60, and the base end 61a of the support bracket 60 is attached to the right master cylinder holder 20. The charger assembly 40A is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20 via the support bracket 60 and is positioned to the left rear of the right master cylinder holder 20.

[0036] The USB socket 41 has a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape with reduced width (thickness) in the front-to-back direction. The transformer 45 is located to the right of the USB socket 41 and has a similar flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is longer and lower than the USB socket 41. The USB socket 41 and the transformer 45 are integrated together to form an L-shaped charger body when viewed in the front-to-back direction. The charger body has a flattened shape with reduced width (thickness) in the front-to-back direction overall. The flat parts of the charger body (USB charger 40) in the front-to-back direction in the thickness direction are inclined with respect to the vehicle width direction, thereby reducing the effect of airflow while driving (see Figure 5).

[0037] A socket opening (charging port) 43 is formed on the lower end surface of the socket case 42 that forms the exterior of the USB socket 41, allowing the USB terminal of an external electrical device to be plugged in from below. Inside the transformer case 46 that forms the exterior of the transformer 45, a circuit board (not shown) including a voltage conversion element is housed.

[0038] Referring to Figures 4, 7, and 8, the upper front of the transformer case 46 is provided with a gate-shaped receiving portion 47 into which the locking claw 63 of the support bracket 60 can be inserted vertically. The locking claw 63 is located at the front of the tip 62a of the support bracket 60 and has a hook-like shape that rises rearward from the tip 62a and then bends downward. By inserting the locking claw 63 into the receiving portion 47, the upper part of the transformer 45 and thus the charger body is locked to the upper part of the tip 62a of the support bracket 60.

[0039] A plate-shaped stay portion 48 is provided at the lower end of the transformer case 46, intersecting in the front-rear direction. A through hole 48a is formed in the center of the stay portion 48, penetrating in the front-rear direction. The underside of a tapping screw 64b is inserted through the through hole 48a from the rear, and this tapping screw 64b is screwed into and tightened onto a clip nut 64a attached to the lower end fixing portion 64 of the support bracket 60. As a result, the rear end of the transformer 45 and thus the charger body is fastened to the lower end of the tip portion 62a of the support bracket 60.

[0040] The lower end fixing portion 64 is provided at the lower end of the tip portion 62a of the support bracket 60, and has a crank-like shape that rises rearward from the tip portion 62a and then bends downward. The tightening of the tapping screw 64b and clip nut 64a restricts the movement of the transformer 45 relative to the support bracket 60, at least in the vertical direction. This prevents the receiving portion 47 from disengaging from the locking claw 63 of the support bracket 60, maintaining the upper part of the transformer 45 and thus the charger body in a locked state to the support bracket 60, thereby holding (fixing) the entire charger body to the support bracket 60.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 8, a cover 50 covering the charger body covers the charger body so as to partially expose it. The cover 50 exposes (projects) the stay portion 48 to the outside of the cover, for example, at the lower end of the charger body. The cover 50 is, for example, at the left side of the charger body, and a portion covering the socket opening 43 is formed as an openable and closable lid portion 54. The lid portion 54 is rotatable about a hinge shaft 53 extending in the vertical direction on the front side of the socket opening 43 and on the left side in the left - right direction (outside in the vehicle width direction). Referring to FIG. 7, when the lid portion 54 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 about the hinge shaft 53, the socket opening 43 is exposed to the outside of the cover. In this state, a USB terminal of an external electrical device can be connected to the socket opening 43. In FIG. 7, the lid portion 54 in the open state is shown by a solid line, and the lid portion 54 in the closed state is shown by a two - dotted chain line.

[0042] <Fixing and Arrangement of USB Charger> Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixing structure of the USB charger 40 will be described. For fixing the USB charger 40, the upper and lower holder fastening portions 24 and the fastening bolts 25 in the right master cylinder holder 20 are used. That is, the base end portion 61a located on the right side of the support bracket 60 and branched vertically is jointly fastened and fixed at the upper and lower holder fastening portions 24 of the right master cylinder holder 20. By forming the base end portion 61a into a bifurcated shape that branches vertically, it is possible to avoid the raised shape between the upper and lower rear fastening portions 23b in the rear split body 21b, and to arrange the flush - shaped upper and lower branched end portions of the base end portion 61a on the seating surfaces of the upper and lower rear fastening portions 23b.

[0043] Instead of the configuration in which the base end portion 61a has the above - described bifurcated shape, a collar may be arranged on the seating surfaces of the upper and lower rear fastening portions 23b, and the rear end (seating surface) of the collar may be provided at a height that avoids the raised shape between the upper and lower rear fastening portions 23b. In this case, the base end portion 61a can be fixed by joint tightening with the upper and lower holder fastening portions 24 without branching it vertically. Reference numeral 25a in the figure indicates a washer disposed between the head of the upper and lower fastening bolt 25 and the base end portion 61a. For example, when supporting a handle cover or the like in front of the grip portion 15a, it is conceivable to fasten the support stay 36 together with one of the upper and lower holder fastening portions 24. In that case, the seat height can be adjusted by the presence or absence of the upper and lower washers 25a. In the example shown in the figure, one end of the support stay 36 is fastened together with the upper part of the base portion 61a, and the middle part of the support stay 36 is fastened together with the mirror stay 37.

[0044] Refer to Figure 4 for an explanation of the arrangement of the USB charger 40. Figure 4 is a rear view taken from the axial direction of the fastening bolt 25, but it will be used as a reference when explaining the configuration as seen from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The USB charger 40 is positioned in a location that appropriately overlaps with the area extending from the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the right handlebar portion 15a1 to the curved portion 15b1 at the upper end of the hanging portion 15b, when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. The USB charger 40 is located behind the steering wheel 15, making it less likely to be hit by foreign objects or raindrops from the front of the vehicle due to the steering wheel 15. The USB charger 40 is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20, which is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the right grip portion 15a, so as not to interfere with the driver's steering operation.

[0045] The USB charger 40 is positioned offset inward in the vehicle width direction from the right master cylinder holder 20 to which it is fixed, thus ensuring that it is positioned far away from the right grip area 15a. The USB socket 41 of the USB charger 40 is located to its left (inward in the vehicle width direction), so the wiring 49b of the external electrical device connected to the USB socket 41 is also far away from the right grip area 15a, thus minimizing the impact on steering operation.

[0046] The USB charger 40 is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction, within the limits not exceeding the hanging portion 15b of the steering wheel 15, so as not to affect the placement of other optional parts between the left and right hanging portions 15b, and is also unlikely to obstruct the driver's view when viewing the meter unit 33. Since the USB charger 40 does not need to be visible while driving, it is preferable to position it in a way that is inconspicuous to the driver.

[0047] The insertion and removal direction (insertion / removal direction, arrow F1 direction in the figure) of the external terminals in the USB socket 41 is arranged to align with the vertical direction. The USB socket 41 has its socket opening 43 facing downwards, which prevents rainwater and other liquids from entering the socket opening 43 from above.

[0048] The direction in which the wiring 49b of the USB charger 40 is routed is parallel to and in the same direction as the opening of the socket opening 43. In this case, since the external wiring connected to the USB socket 41 and the wiring 49b of the USB charger 40 are routed in the same direction, the complexity of the wiring around the USB charger 40 is reduced. For example, if the direction in which the wiring 49b is routed is opposite to the direction of the socket opening 43, the wiring 49b will be routed away from the external wiring. In particular, if the socket opening 43 faces downward, the wiring 49b will be routed upward, making the wiring 49b more visible and susceptible to external disturbances.

[0049] In this embodiment, the wiring 49b is routed in the same direction as the socket opening 43, and the routed wiring 49b extends forward from the lower side of the right master cylinder holder 20. The wiring 49b curves outward in the vehicle width direction to avoid the fastening portion at the lower end of the transformer case 46 and passes below the right master cylinder holder 20. Below the right master cylinder holder 20, the wiring 49b curves inward in the vehicle width direction and is routed along the steering wheel 15.

[0050] Since the wiring 49b is routed in the vehicle width direction on the opposite side of the socket opening 43, the wiring 49b is not positioned around the socket opening 43, and the wiring 49b is less likely to interfere with the attachment and detachment of external terminals. In addition, the wiring 49b can be connected to the main harness while keeping it inconspicuous. For example, when molding the socket case 42 and the transformer case 46 as a single unit, if the molding direction of the wiring outlet 49a and the socket opening 43 is the same, it becomes easier to form the wiring outlet 49a and the socket opening 43 simultaneously.

[0051] The fastening portion between the stay portion 48 of the transformer case 46 and the support bracket 60 is located below the transformer case 46, making the fastening members (tapping screws 64b and clip nuts 64a) less conspicuous and preventing rainwater from splashing onto them from above.

[0052] As described above, the motorcycle 1 in the above embodiment is equipped with an equipment connection part (USB socket 41) to which external electrical equipment can be electrically connected, and a steering handle 15 positioned in front of the rider and rotating around a handle pivot axis C2 in conjunction with the steering wheel (front wheel 2). The steering handle 15 is equipped with a pair of left and right handlebars 15a1 including a grip portion 15a that the rider holds, and a right master cylinder holder 20 supporting the brake master cylinder 19 is fixed to the inside in the vehicle width direction of the right handlebar 15a1 of the left and right handlebars 15a1, and the equipment connection part is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20 and is positioned behind the brake master cylinder 19 in a position that overlaps with the brake master cylinder 19 when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, the equipment connection section, which can electrically connect to external electrical equipment, is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20 located on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the right handlebar portion 15a1 of the steering wheel 15, and is positioned behind the brake master cylinder 19. This makes it possible to bring the equipment connection section closer to the occupant compared to when it is positioned in front of the steering wheel 15. As a result, the equipment connection section becomes easier for the occupant to operate, and a simple mounting structure for the equipment connection section can be provided by utilizing the structure of the right master cylinder holder 20. Furthermore, since the equipment connection part is fixed to the right master cylinder holder 20 which is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the right grip part 15a, it is easier to position the equipment connection part inward in the vehicle width direction, and the equipment connection part can be positioned in a way that does not interfere with steering operation. Furthermore, by positioning the equipment connection part behind the brake master cylinder 19 and overlapping with the brake master cylinder 19 when viewed in the front-rear direction, foreign objects and raindrops from the front are less likely to come into contact with the equipment connection part, thereby suppressing disturbances reaching the equipment connection part.

[0053] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the equipment connection part is characterized in that it is located on the opposite side of the steering handle 15 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle from the brake master cylinder 19. With this configuration, the equipment connection section is positioned on the opposite side of the brake master cylinder 19, flanking the steering wheel 15 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This ensures that when the equipment connection section is fixed to the steering wheel 15, the equipment connection section and the brake master cylinder 19 are distributed front to back, allowing for balanced support of the weights of the brake master cylinder 19 and the equipment connection section.

[0054] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the equipment connection section has an opening (socket opening 43) for inserting and removing the connection terminals of the external electrical equipment, and the opening is characterized in that it faces downward. With this configuration, the opening for inserting and removing the connection terminals (external terminals) of external electrical equipment at the equipment connection section opens downwards towards the vehicle, thereby preventing rainwater and other elements from entering the opening and improving the waterproofness of the equipment connection section.

[0055] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the equipment connection portion is supported by a support bracket 60, and the equipment connection portion is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the fastening portion (holder fastening portion 24) for fixing the support bracket 60 to the steering handle 15. With this configuration, the equipment connection portion is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the fastening portion that secures the support bracket 60 to the steering handle 15. As a result, the equipment connection portion is not positioned outward in the vehicle width direction from the fastening portion of the support bracket 60, preventing it from interfering with gripping the grip portion 15a or operating the steering switch.

[0056] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the wiring 49b extending from the equipment connection part is characterized in that it curves outward in the vehicle width direction and extends forward below the fastening part, and then curves inward in the vehicle width direction in front of the fastening part. With this configuration, the wiring 49b extending from the equipment connection part curves outward in the vehicle width direction and extends forward of the vehicle below the fastening part, making the wiring 49b less noticeable when the occupant looks down. The wiring 49b folds back inward in the vehicle width direction in front of the fastening part, which helps to prevent it from interfering with the operation of the grip part 15a or the handle switch, which are located outside the fastening part in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the equipment connection part is positioned behind the steering handle 15, and the equipment connection part and the steering handle 15 are positioned so that they overlap each other when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, the equipment connection section is positioned behind the steering wheel 15 and is positioned so as to overlap with the steering wheel 15 when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle, thereby protecting the equipment connection section from foreign objects and raindrops from the front of the vehicle.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the mounting structure of the USB charger 40 in this embodiment may be applied to saddle-type vehicles other than motorcycles. The above-mentioned saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver straddles the vehicle, and include not only motorcycles (including mopeds and scooters), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as ATVs). It may also be applied to vehicles with electric motors as their power source. It may also be applied to vehicles other than saddle-type vehicles (passenger cars, buses, trucks, etc.). The configuration in the above embodiment is just one example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1. Motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle) 2. Front wheels (steering wheels) 15 Steering wheel 15a Grip section 15a1 Handlebar section 19. Brake Master Cylinder (Master Cylinder) 20 Right Master Cylinder Holder (Master Cylinder Holder) 24 Holder fastening part (fastening part) 40 USB chargers (charging devices) 41 USB socket (device connection port) 43 Socket opening (opening) 49b Wiring 60 Support bracket C2 Handle rotation axis

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle (1) equipped with an equipment connection section (41) that can electrically connect external electrical equipment, It is equipped with a steering wheel (15) positioned in front of the occupants and rotating around a steering wheel pivot axis (C2) in conjunction with the steering wheel (2), The steering handle (15) comprises a pair of left and right handlebars (15a1) including a grip portion (15a) that the occupant grasps, A master cylinder holder (20) supporting the master cylinder (19) is fixed to the inner side in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the pair of left and right handlebar portions (15a1). The equipment connection portion (41) has an opening (43) for inserting and removing the connection terminals of the external electrical equipment, and is fixed to the master cylinder holder (20), and the opening (43) is positioned to overlap with the master cylinders (19) on the same side when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is located behind the master cylinders (19) and opens downward, characterized in that the saddle-type vehicle is provided for.

2. A right master cylinder holder (20) supporting the brake master cylinder (19) that generates brake fluid pressure is fixed to the inside of the right handlebar portion (15a1) in the vehicle width direction. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment connection portion (41) is fixed to the right master cylinder holder (20) and is positioned to overlap with the brake master cylinder (19) and to be located behind the brake master cylinder (19) when viewed in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the equipment connection portion (41) is located on the opposite side of the steering handle (15) in the vehicle's longitudinal direction from the master cylinder (19) on the left and right sides.

4. (delete)

5. The aforementioned equipment connection portion (41) is supported by a support bracket (60), The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the equipment connection portion (41) is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction than the fastening portion (24) for fixing the support bracket (60) to the steering handle (15).

6. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the wiring (49b) extending from the equipment connection part (41) curves outward in the vehicle width direction and extends forward below the fastening part (24), and then curves inward in the vehicle width direction in front of the fastening part (24).

7. The equipment connection part (41) is located behind the steering handle (15), The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the equipment connection part (41) and the steering handle (15) are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

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