Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A saddle-ride vehicle (1) comprises a device connection unit (41) to which an external electric device can be electrically connected. The saddle-ride vehicle (1) comprises: a handlebar support member (11) which is disposed in front of a rider and pivots around a handlebar pivot axis (C2) in conjunction with a steering wheel (2); a steering handlebar (15) disposed over the handlebar support member (11); and a handlebar holder (20) which supports the steering handlebar (15) on the handlebar support member (11) in an integrally pivotable manner. The device connection unit (41) is fixed to the handlebar holder (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-riding type vehicle. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-205667 filed in Japan on December 22, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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 away from the driver, so there is a problem in terms of usability. In addition, the USB charger is fixed to the back side of the meter unit by using locking claws and fastening bosses formed on the back side of the meter unit. However, if an electrical component such as a USB charger is to be arranged at a position 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 simple structure at a position close to the driver.

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, comprising: a handle support member (11) positioned in front of the occupant and rotating around a handle pivot axis (C2) in conjunction with the steering wheel (2); a steering handle (15) positioned above the handle support member (11); a handle holder (20) that integrally supports the steering handle (15) on the handle support member (11) by fastening bolts (25); and a support bracket fixed to the handle holder (20) and supporting the equipment connection part (41) The support bracket (60) comprises a base portion (61), and the support bracket (60) is fastened together with a fastening bolt (25) via a collar (27) at a holder fastening portion (24) for fixing the steering handle (15) to the handle holder (20) on the vehicle center side of the base portion (61), and the support bracket (60) supports the equipment connection portion (41) on the side of the base portion (61) that is spaced away from the vehicle center, so that the equipment connection portion (41) is positioned offset outward in the vehicle width direction of the handle holder (20). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above of the present invention, the equipment connection part, which can electrically connect external electrical equipment, is fixed to the steering wheel holder together with the steering wheel above the steering support member. This makes it possible to bring the equipment connection part closer to the occupant compared to the case where the equipment connection part is located in front of the steering wheel. As a result, it becomes easier for the occupant to operate the equipment connection part, and it becomes possible to provide a simple mounting structure for the equipment connection part by utilizing the structure of the steering wheel holder. 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.

[0007] Furthermore, since the support bracket for the equipment connection is fastened together with the holder fastening part of the handle holder, a dedicated fixing part for attaching the equipment connection is not required, allowing the equipment connection to be fixed with a simple structure.

[0008] (2) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above, the operating unit (38) operated by the occupant is located in front of the handle holder (20), and the equipment connection unit (41) may be positioned offset outward in the vehicle width direction from the operating unit (38) of the handle holder (20). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (2) above of the present invention, the equipment connection part is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the handle holder, so that the equipment connection part does not get in the way when the occupant reaches for the control part, thereby improving the operability of the control part.

[0009] (3) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (2) above, the equipment connection part (41) may be positioned offset to the left side of the handle holder (20). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above of the present invention, the equipment connection section is positioned to the left of the vehicle than the steering wheel holder, thereby providing the same ease of use as a right-hand drive passenger car. This is because, in the case of a right-hand drive passenger car, the center console is located to the left of the driver, and electrical components, including the equipment connection section, are often positioned to the left of the driver.

[0010] (4) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above, the equipment connection part (41) has an opening (43) for inserting and removing the connection terminals of the external electrical equipment, and the opening (43) may be open facing the rear. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (4) above of the present invention, the opening for inserting and removing the connection terminals (external terminals) of external electrical equipment in the equipment connection section opens towards the rear of the vehicle, so that the opening opens towards the occupant, making the equipment connection section easier to use. In addition, compared to the case where the opening of the equipment connection section opens towards the front of the vehicle, the intrusion of wind, foreign objects, raindrops, etc. can be suppressed.

[0011] (5) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (4) above, the wiring (49b) extending from the equipment connection part (41) may extend to the rear and then fold back to the front. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (5) above of the present invention, the wiring extending from the equipment connection part extends to the rear and then folds back to the front, making it less likely for the wiring to get in the way when inserting or removing external terminals from the equipment connection part. Furthermore, since the wiring extending from the equipment connection part and the external wiring extending from the external terminals extend in the same direction, the complexity of the wiring around the equipment connection part can be reduced.

[0012] (6) The saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above further comprises fastening members (64a, 64b) for fastening the equipment connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60), and at least one of the equipment connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60) may be provided with cover portions (48b, 64c) that cover the area around the fastening members (64a, 64b). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (6) above of the present invention, the area around the fastening member that fastens the equipment connection part and the support bracket is covered by the cover part, thereby making the fastening member less conspicuous and improving the appearance, as well as suppressing disturbances to reach the fastening member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle in which equipment connection parts can be positioned close to the driver with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the top bridge area of ​​the above motorcycle. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the USB charger's mounting structure disassembled. [Figure 4] This is a view from arrow IV in Figure 1, and is a top view taken from the direction of the steering axis. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the charger assembly. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the charger assembly as seen from the thickness direction of the USB charger.

Mode 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. Also, at appropriate positions in the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the vehicle body left and right are shown.

[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 drive wheel, a front fork 4 for supporting the front wheel 2, a swing arm 6 for supporting the rear wheel 3, a vehicle body frame 5 for supporting the front fork 4 and the swing arm 6, a rear cushion 7 extending between the swing arm 6 and a seat frame (rear frame) 5a at the rear part 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 parts 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 for connecting the upper parts of the left and right front forks 4 to each other, and 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 mounted on the top bridge 11. Reference numeral 16 denotes a fuel tank located behind the steering handle 15 and supported by the vehicle frame 5, and reference numeral 17 denotes a seat located 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 handle support members (handle holder 20 and top bridge 11, etc.), rotate around a rotation axis (handle rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as the handle rotation axis) C2 that is coaxial with the steering axis C1. In this embodiment, a single stem pipe is provided as a common axial member for the steering axis C1 and the handle rotation axis C2.

[0020] For example, if the steering shaft C1 and the handle rotation shaft C2 are arranged on separate axes, each of the steering shaft C1 and the handle rotation shaft C2 may be provided with an independent shaft member. Also, the handle-side component and the wheel-side component may be linked via a link or the like. For example, the left and right front forks 4 extend parallel to the steering axis C1, but the configuration is not limited to this; they may also extend at an angle to the steering axis C1.

[0021] Referring to Figure 4, the upper ends of the left and right front forks 4 are held (fixed) to the clamp portions 11a on both the left and right sides of the top bridge 11. The top bridge 11 has a plate-like overall shape with its thickness direction aligned with the steering axis C1 (steering axis direction). When viewing the top bridge 11 from the above thickness direction, the triangular portion enclosed by the left and right clamp portions 11a and the stem pipe fixing portion 11b located in the center CL of the left and right sides of the vehicle body is called the bridge body portion 11c.

[0022] For example, in a configuration where the upper ends of the left and right front forks 4 are fixed to the bottom bridge 12 (the upper parts of the left and right front forks 4 end at the height of the bottom bridge 12), a separate holder support member (not shown) is provided at the upper end of the stem pipe instead of the top bridge 11. The holder support member is included in the handle support member together with the handle holder 20.

[0023] The steering stem 10 supports a headlight 30 and a pair of left and right front turn signals 31 via a light stay (not shown). For example, the top bridge 11 further supports a meter unit 33 and a main switch 38. The headlight 30, the pair of left and right front turn signals 31, the meter unit 33, and the main switch 38 are rotatable together with the steering handle 15.

[0024] The meter unit 33 is positioned above the headlight 30 and in front of the top bridge 11. The meter unit 33 has a circular display surface 34 positioned in the center in the vehicle width direction. The meter unit 33 is positioned so that the normal direction of the display surface 34 faces the driver's head position (i.e., diagonally upward and backward). The normal direction of the display surface 34 is positioned with a shallower incline (closer to horizontal) than the steering axis direction. In Figure 1, arrow S1 indicates the line of sight from the driver's head position. Figure 4 is a top view of the area around the top bridge 11 as seen from the steering axis direction, but is used as a reference when explaining the configuration as seen from the driver's head position.

[0025] The display surface 34 is inclined upwards from the upper surface (upper surface of the bridge body portion 11c) 11d in the thickness direction of the top bridge 11. The display surface 34 is equipped with a display unit such as a vehicle speedometer and various indicator lamps. The meter unit 33 includes a circular meter case 35 that forms the display surface 34. A roughly trapezoidal operating section 36 is provided protruding from the lower left of the meter case 35 when viewed from the direction normal to the display surface 34. The operating section 36 has an operating surface 36a that is roughly parallel to the display surface 34. Multiple push buttons 36b for switching the display on the display surface 34 are arranged on the operating surface 36a.

[0026] A projection 11e is provided on the front side of the center of the top bridge 11 in the vehicle width direction. The projection 11e protrudes forward from the front edge of the bridge body 11c, which spans between the left and right clamp portions 11a. The projection 11e is integrally formed from the same material as the bridge body 11c, for example. The projection 11e forms a projection upper surface that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 11d of the bridge body 11c. The projection 11e is located behind the meter unit 33. The projection 11e is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the steering axis direction. A through hole is formed in the center of the projection 11e in the vehicle width direction, passing through the projection 11e in the steering axis direction. The through hole is circular when viewed from the steering axis direction. The upper end of the main switch 38 is located inside the through hole.

[0027] The main switch 38 includes a key cylinder operated by, for example, a physical key (mechanical key) 38a. The key cylinder is positioned axially along the steering axis, with its circular upper end positioned inside the through hole. A key insertion hole (not shown) opens upward at the upper end of the key cylinder. By inserting the physical key 38a into this key insertion hole and rotating it, various power sources such as the ignition switch are turned on and off, and various locks such as the steering lock are locked and unlocked. The main switch 38 is not limited to a configuration that is operated by inserting the physical key 38a; it may also be a switch that can be operated or activated without using the physical key 38a by ID authentication of a smart key (FOB key) carried by the occupant.

[0028] Referring also to Figure 2, the steering wheel 15 comprises a pair of left and right grip portions 15a that the driver grasps, a pair of left and right hanging portions 15b that extend downward from the inner ends of the left and right grip portions 15a in the vehicle width direction, and a straight portion 15c that spans between the lower ends of the left and right hanging portions 15b. The straight portion 15c extends horizontally along the vehicle width direction. The straight portion 15c is fixed to the upper surface 11d side of the top bridge 11 via the steering wheel holder 20.

[0029] The steering wheel holder 20 comprises a pair of left and right holder body sections 21 spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each holder body section 21 is divided into upper and lower sections 21a and 21b in the steering axis direction. The upper and lower sections 21a and 21b each form a recess (not shown) that forms a semicircular inner surface when viewed from the vehicle width direction. The inner surface of each recess is formed to match the outer surface of the straight section 15c of the steering wheel 15, which is made of a cylindrical steel pipe.

[0030] The holder fastening portion 15c is clamped and fixed by the upper and lower parts 21a and 21b by clamping the holding position of the straight portion 15c in the recesses of the upper and lower parts 21a and 21b, and tightening a pair of front and rear fastening bolts 25 located in front of and behind the recesses. The fastening bolts 25 are arranged, for example, along the axial direction of the steering axis. The front and rear of the upper part 21a are provided with upper fastening portions 23a having through holes for inserting the underside of the fastening bolts 25. The front and rear of the lower part 21b are provided with lower fastening portions (not shown) having nut holes for screwing in the fastening bolts 25. The holder fastening portion 24 is formed by the corresponding upper fastening portions 23a and lower fastening portions.

[0031] The left and right upper sections 21a are integrally connected via a mounting section 26. The mounting section 26 is integrally formed from the same material as the left and right upper sections 21a, for example. The left and right lower sections 21b (and thus the handle holder 20) are mounted to the top bridge 11 via, for example, rubber bushings.

[0032] <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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The USB charger 40 is positioned to the upper left of the handle holder 20 and is secured to the handle 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.

[0035] Referring also to Figure 3, the support bracket 60 is formed, for example, by bending a flat steel plate. The support bracket 60 comprises a base portion 61 positioned along the upper surface 11d of the top bridge 11, and an upright portion 62 that rises upward from the left edge of the base portion 61. The right side of the base portion 61 is the base end portion 61a which is fixed to the handle holder 20, and the upright portion 62 is the tip portion 62a to which the USB charger 40 is fixed.

[0036] 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 38, etc. A wiring outlet 49 is provided at the lower right rear of the transformer 45 for pulling the wire 49b out towards the rear. The wiring outlet 49 has a wiring outlet 49a that opens towards the rear. The wire 49b pulled out from the wiring outlet 49a curves downward near the rear end of the transformer 45, then curves forward, and folds back forward below the transformer 45. After that, the wire 49b extends downward in front of the top bridge 11 and is connected to the power supply line of the vehicle's main harness.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The USB charger 40 is positioned above the top surface of the handle holder 20. Referring also to Figure 4, the USB charger 40 is positioned to the left of the vehicle's left-right center CL and offset to the left of the left end of the handle holder 20.

[0040] 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 handle holder 20. The charger assembly 40A is fixed to the handle holder 20 via the support bracket 60 and is positioned to the upper left of the handle holder 20.

[0041] The USB socket 41 has a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape with reduced width (thickness) in the left-right direction. The transformer 45 is positioned below the USB socket 41 and has a similar flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape, extending further back 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 from the side. The charger body has an overall flattened shape with reduced width (thickness) in the left-right direction.

[0042] A socket opening (charging port) 43 is formed on the rear end surface of the socket case 42 that forms the exterior of the USB socket 41, opening towards the rear of the vehicle, allowing the USB terminal of an external electrical device to be plugged in from the rear of the vehicle. 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.

[0043] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, a gate-shaped receiving portion 47 is provided on the left side of the front of the transformer case 46 (the side facing outward in the vehicle width direction), into which the locking claw 63 of the support bracket 60 can be inserted in the front-rear direction. 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 to the right from the tip 62a and then bends backward. By inserting the locking claw 63 into the receiving portion 47, the front of the transformer 45 and thus the charger body are locked to the front of the tip 62a of the support bracket 60.

[0044] A plate-shaped stay portion 48 is provided at the rear end of the transformer case 46, intersecting in the left-right direction. A through hole 48a is formed in the center of the stay portion 48, penetrating in the left-right direction. The underside of a tapping screw 64b is inserted through the through hole 48a from the right side (inward in the vehicle width direction), and this tapping screw 64b is screwed into and tightened onto a clip nut 64a attached to the rear 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 rear end of the tip portion 62a of the support bracket 60.

[0045] The rear end fixing portion 64 is provided at the rear end of the tip portion 62a of the support bracket 60, and has a crank-like shape that rises to the right from the tip portion 62a and then bends backward. By fastening the tapping screw 64b and the clip nut 64a, at least the forward and backward movement of the transformer 45 relative to the support bracket 60 is restricted. As a result, the receiving portion 47 is restricted from detaching from the locking claw 63 of the support bracket 60, and the front portion of the transformer 45, and thus the charger body, remains locked to the support bracket 60, and the entire charger body is held (fixed) by the support bracket 60.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the 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 outside the cover, for example, at the rear end portion of the charger body. The cover 50 forms a lid portion 54 that can open and close the portion covering the socket opening 43, for example, at the upper portion of the charger body. The lid portion 54 is rotatable about a hinge shaft 53 that extends in the vertical direction, for example, on the left side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the socket opening 43. Referring to FIG. 5, when the lid portion 54 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 about the hinge shaft 53, the socket opening 43 is exposed outside the cover. In this state, a USB terminal of an external electrical device can be connected to the socket opening 43. In FIG. 5, 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-dot chain line.

[0047] <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, a pair of front and rear holder fastening portions 24 and fastening bolts 25 provided on the left side of the holder main body portion 21 of the handle holder 20 are used. That is, the planar base end portion 61a located on the right side of the support bracket 60 is jointly fastened and fixed at the holder fastening portion 24 on the left side of the handle holder 20. A pair of front and rear bolt insertion holes 61b corresponding to the front and rear fastening bolts 25 are formed in the base end portion 61a of the support bracket 60.

[0048] The upper fastening portion 23a of the upper divided body 21a has a counterbore 23a1 formed therein that causes the head of the fastening bolt 25 to sink in, making it difficult for the base end portion 61a of the support bracket 60 to reach the seating surface of the upper fastening portion 23a. In this embodiment, a collar 27 is placed on the upper fastening portion 23a and the fastening bolt 25 is extended, allowing the planar base end portion 61a of the support bracket 60 to be placed on the upper end (seat surface) of the collar 27. This allows the support bracket 60 to be fixed by fastening together with the holder fastening portion 24 without the need to provide a separate structure for fixing the support bracket 60. Reference numeral 28 in the figure indicates a cap that closes the hexagonal hole of the fastening bolt 25.

[0049] Refer to Figure 4 for an explanation of the arrangement of the USB charger 40. The USB charger 40 is positioned offset to the left in the vehicle width direction, so that its entirety is located to the left of the vehicle width center CL. The USB charger 40 is positioned so that its entirety is located to the left in the vehicle width direction (so that it does not overlap with the main switch 38, which is located at the vehicle width center CL). As a result, even if the USB charger 40 is positioned above the top bridge 11, the USB charger 40 is less likely to interfere with the operation of the main switch 38.

[0050] For example, if the main switch 38 is positioned offset from the center CL on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, it is conceivable to position the USB charger 40 at the center CL on the left and right sides of the vehicle body. However, since the USB charger 40 does not need to be visible while driving, it is preferable to position it in a location that is not conspicuous to the driver (the center CL on the left and right sides of the vehicle body).

[0051] In particular, shifting the USB charger 40 to the left side in the vehicle width direction may have the following effects: In other words, when charging external electrical devices such as smartphones in a right-hand drive passenger car, it is common to connect the external electrical devices to the USB port located on the center console to the left of the driver's seat. Therefore, by offsetting the USB charger 40 to the left in the vehicle width direction, it is possible to obtain the same operational feel as when charging external devices in a passenger car.

[0052] The insertion and removal direction (insertion / removal direction, arrow F1 direction in the figure) of the external terminals in the USB socket 41 is inclined downwards to the rear with respect to the horizontal front-to-back direction, so as to follow the upper surface 11d of the top bridge 11 which is inclined downwards to the rear. The USB socket 41 has its socket opening 43 facing backwards. This prevents the wind from directly hitting the socket opening 43 while driving, thereby suppressing the generation of wind noise and the intrusion of foreign objects and raindrops. In addition, since the insertion / removal direction F1 has a vertical component and the socket opening 43 is configured to open downwards, it is suppressed that rainwater etc. from above enter the socket opening 43.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In this embodiment, the wiring 49b is routed in the same direction as the socket opening 43, and the routed wiring 49b is folded back from the lower side of the transformer case 46 toward the front and extended toward the main harness. As a result, 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. Furthermore, the wiring 49b can be connected to the main harness while minimizing its visibility. 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.

[0055] At the fastening portion between the stay portion 48 of the transformer case 46 and the support bracket 60, the stay portion 48 and the support bracket 60 each have a canopy portion (cover portion) 48b, 64c formed thereon that covers the fastening members (tapping screws 64b and clip nuts 64a) from above. This makes the fastening members less conspicuous when viewed from the driver around the fastening portion and prevents rainwater from splashing onto them from above. The canopy portion may be provided on only one of the stay portion 48 and the support bracket 60, and the cover portion (canopy portion) is not limited to covering the fastening members from above, but may also be provided to cover the fastening members from the front or rear direction, for example.

[0056] As described above, the motorcycle 1 in the above embodiment is characterized by comprising: an equipment connection part (USB socket 41) to which external electrical equipment can be electrically connected; a handle support member (top bridge 11) positioned in front of the rider and rotating around the handle pivot axis C2 in conjunction with the steering wheel (front wheel 2); a steering handle 15 positioned above the top bridge 11; and a handle holder 20 that integrally supports the steering handle 15 on the top bridge 11 so as to be rotatable, with the USB socket 41 fixed to the handle holder 20. With this configuration, the USB socket 41, which can electrically connect to external electrical devices, is fixed to the handle holder 20 together with the steering handle 15 above the top bridge 11. This allows the USB socket 41 to be brought closer to the occupant compared to when it is positioned in front of the top bridge 11. As a result, the USB socket 41 is easier for the occupant to operate, and a simple mounting structure for the USB socket 41 can be provided by utilizing the structure of the handle holder 20.

[0057] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the USB socket 41 is supported by a support bracket 60, and the support bracket 60 is fastened together with the handle holder 20 by a holder fastening portion 24 for fixing the steering handle 15. With this configuration, the support bracket 60 of the USB socket 41 is fastened together with the holder fastening portion 24 of the handle holder 20, eliminating the need for a dedicated fixing portion for mounting the USB socket 41, and allowing the USB socket 41 to be fixed with a simple structure.

[0058] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the operating unit (main switch 38) operated by the rider is located in front of the handle holder 20, and the USB socket 41 is positioned offset to the outside in the vehicle width direction of the handle holder 20. With this configuration, the USB socket 41 is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the handle holder 20, so that the USB socket 41 does not get in the way when the occupant reaches for the main switch 38, thereby improving the operability of the main switch 38. Other operating parts besides the main switch 38 include, for example, the operating parts for electrical equipment such as the meter unit 33 and car navigation system, and the operating parts for vehicle body components such as the cowling and storage boxes.

[0059] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the USB socket 41 is characterized in that it is positioned offset to the left side of the handle holder 20. With this configuration, the USB socket 41 is positioned to the left of the steering wheel holder 20, providing the same ease of use as a right-hand drive passenger car. This is because, in a right-hand drive passenger car, the center console is located to the left of the driver, and electrical components, including the USB socket 41, are often positioned and used to the left of the driver.

[0060] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the USB socket 41 has an opening (socket opening 43) for inserting and removing the connection terminals of the external electrical device, and the socket opening 43 is characterized in that it is open facing the rear. With this configuration, the socket opening 43 for inserting and removing the connection terminals (external terminals) of external electrical devices in the USB socket 41 opens towards the rear of the vehicle, so the socket opening 43 opens towards the occupants, making the USB socket 41 easier to use. In addition, compared to when the socket opening 43 of the USB socket 41 opens towards the front of the vehicle, the intrusion of wind, foreign objects, raindrops, etc. can be suppressed.

[0061] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the wiring 49b extending from the USB socket 41 is characterized in that it extends to the rear and then folds back to the front. With this configuration, the wiring 49b extending from the USB socket 41 extends towards the rear of the vehicle and then folds back towards the front of the vehicle, making it less likely for the wiring 49b to get in the way when plugging or unplugging external terminals into or out of the USB socket 41. In addition, since the wiring 49b extending from the USB socket 41 and the external wiring extending from the external terminal extend in the same direction, the complexity of the wiring around the USB socket 41 can be reduced.

[0062] The above-described motorcycle 1 is characterized in that it is equipped with fastening members (tapping screws 64b, clip nuts 64a) for fastening the USB socket 41 and the support bracket 60, and each of the USB socket 41 and the support bracket 60 is equipped with cover portions (overhang portions 48b, 64c) that cover the area around the fastening members. With this configuration, the fastening members that connect the USB socket 41 and the support bracket 60 are covered by the overhang portions 48b and 64c, which makes the fastening members less conspicuous and improves their appearance, while also suppressing disturbances from reaching the fastening members.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the mounting structure of the USB charger 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]

[0064] 1. Motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle) 2. Front wheels (steering wheels) 11. Top bridge (handle support member) 15 Steering wheel 20 Handle Holder 24 Holder fastening section 38 Main switch (operating unit) 40 USB chargers (charging devices) 41 USB socket (device connection port) 43 Socket opening (opening) 45 Transformer 48b, 64c Canopy (cover) 49b Wiring 60 Support bracket 64a Clip nut (fastening component) 64b Tapping screw (fastening component) 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, A steering wheel support member (11) is positioned in front of the occupant and rotates around the steering wheel pivot axis (C2) in conjunction with the steering wheel (2), A steering handle (15) is positioned above the handle support member (11), A handle holder (20) is provided on the handle support member (11) so as to allow integral rotation of the steering handle (15) by fastening bolts (25), The device comprises a support bracket (60) fixed to the handle holder (20) and supporting the equipment connection part (41), The support bracket (60) includes a base portion (61), The support bracket (60) is fastened together with the fastening bolt (25) via a collar (27) at the holder fastening portion (24) for fixing the steering handle (15) to the handle holder (20) on the vehicle center side of the base portion (61). The support bracket (60) supports the equipment connection portion (41) on the side of the base portion (61) that is spaced apart from the vehicle center, thereby the equipment connection portion (41) is positioned offset to the outside in the vehicle width direction of the handle holder (20), characterized in that it is a saddle-type vehicle.

2. (delete)

3. An operating unit (38) for the occupant to operate is positioned in front of the handle holder (20). The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment connection portion (41) is positioned offset outward in the vehicle width direction from the operating portion (38) of the handle holder (20).

4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the equipment connection portion (41) is positioned offset to the left side of the handle holder (20) of the vehicle.

5. The equipment connection portion (41) has an opening (43) for inserting and removing the connection terminals of the external electrical equipment, The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (43) is open facing the rear.

6. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the wiring (49b) extending from the equipment connection part (41) extends to the rear and then folds back to extend to the front.

7. The device further includes fastening members (64a, 64b) for fastening the equipment connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60), The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the equipment connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60) is provided with a cover portion (48b, 64c) that covers the periphery of the fastening member (64a, 64b).

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