Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The present invention allows people to easily recognize a vehicle even if there is an obstacle to the side of the vehicle.　In a saddled vehicle having a lighting device (41), the lighting device (41) emits predetermined light from which a higher brightness than the headlight light of the vehicle can be obtained at a predetermined position away from the vehicle, the predetermined light being emitted from a position forward of the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Some vehicles have an auxiliary lamp in the headlight unit that illuminates an area other than the illumination area of the headlight. For example, in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, a large-deflection angle lamp, a medium-deflection angle lamp, and a large-diffusion lamp are arranged in this order from the center side to the outside of the vehicle, and the large-diffusion lamp is configured to illuminate the side front, side, and further side rear areas of the vicinity of the vehicle itself, making it easier for the driver to confirm pedestrians, bicycles, etc. present near the vehicle itself.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Even if there are obstacles to the side of the vehicle, it becomes easier for others to recognize the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the light unit with the front cover removed, viewed from the front. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a left side view of the housing. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the shape of the first opening. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows other examples of the shape of the first opening. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a pair of left and right light-emitting sections, along with their surrounding configuration, as viewed from above the vehicle. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a driving situation with multiple vehicles, viewed from above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a view of the vehicle from above, along with other vehicles. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a view of the vehicle from above, along with other vehicles. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a situation where pedestrians are present on both the left and right sides in front of a moving saddle-type vehicle. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a pair of left and right light-emitting units of another embodiment, along with the surrounding configuration, as viewed from above the vehicle. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle that comprises a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports the front wheel 13 in a steerable manner, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for the rider. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which the occupant sits straddling a seat 17. The seat 17 is located above the rear of the vehicle frame 11.

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

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by a head pipe 18 so that it can be steered left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a located at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21, which is held by the rider, is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

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

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

[0014] Also, the saddle-type vehicle 10 includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which the 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 vehicle body frame 11.

[0015] The saddle-type vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body cover 30 that covers the vehicle body. The vehicle body cover 30 includes a front cover 31 that covers the front portion of the vehicle body from the front and the left and right sides, and an inner cover 32 that covers the front frame 19 from above. The front cover 31 has a cover shape that expands in the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction as it goes rearward, and is formed in a bilaterally symmetric shape with respect to the vehicle width center. A light unit 41 is attached to the front cover 31.

[0016] The light unit 41 is a unit that constitutes part of the lighting system of the saddle-type vehicle 10, and is also called a headlight unit. The light unit 41 has a front cover 42 that covers the front. The front of the front cover 42 is formed in a shape that is continuous with the front of the front cover 31, that is, it is formed in a sloping shape that becomes more rearward as it moves away from the center of the vehicle width to the left and right and up and down. The front cover 42 includes an outer lens. The light unit 41 is located in front of the front-rear center of the saddle-type vehicle 10, and more specifically, it is located in front of the steering handlebars 21a and the vehicle frame 11.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the light unit 41 with the front cover 42 removed, viewed from the front. In Figure 2, the symbol LC indicates the center of the vehicle width. As shown in Figure 2, the light unit 41 has a housing 43 (also called a casing) that extends outward to the left and right with respect to the vehicle width center LC. This housing 43 has a pair of left and right low-beam illuminating sections 51, a pair of left and right high-beam illuminating sections 52, and a pair of left and right light illuminating sections 53. The area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 2 schematically shows the area from which each illuminating section 51 to 53 emits light. Emitting light means that light comes out of the vehicle body.

[0018] The light unit 41, including the housing 43 and the respective illumination sections 51-53, is symmetrical with respect to the vehicle width center LC. The components constituting the low beam illumination section 51, the high beam illumination section 52, and the light illumination section 53 are housed in the housing 43.

[0019] The left and right low-beam illumination units 51 are provided with a gap between them. Each low-beam illumination unit 51 includes a low-beam light source 51a and a low-beam reflector 51b that reflects the light from the low-beam light source 51a to become a low beam. The low-beam light source 51a is a known light source such as an LED and emits visible light. The low-beam reflector 51b is formed as a reflector that diffusely reflects the light from the low-beam light source 51a toward the front of the vehicle, thereby realizing the forward illumination required for low beams (so-called passing headlights).

[0020] Figure 3 is a left side view of the housing 43, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing 43. As shown in Figure 3, the left and right pair of high-beam illumination units 52 are provided on the left and right outer sides and towards the rear of the left and right pair of low-beam illumination units 51. Each high-beam illumination unit 52, as shown in Figure 2, includes a high-beam light source 52a and a high-beam reflector 52b that reflects the light from the high-beam light source 52a to become a high beam. The high-beam light source 52a is a known light source such as an LED and emits visible light. The high-beam reflector 52b is formed as a reflector that diffusely reflects the light from the high-beam light source 52a toward the front of the vehicle, realizing the forward illumination required for high beams (so-called driving headlights).

[0021] The housing 43 integrally includes a ceiling portion 43T (see Figures 3 and 4) that extends forward of the reflectors 51b and 52b above the low-beam reflector 51b and the high-beam reflector 52b. The ceiling portion 43T has a low-beam opening 51c (see Figure 4) that opens toward the low-beam reflector 51b and a high-beam opening 52c (see Figure 4) that opens toward the high-beam reflector 52b.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the low-beam light source 51a is located above the low-beam aperture 51c (corresponding to the opposite side of the low-beam reflector 51b relative to the low-beam aperture 51c). Of the light from the low-beam light source 51a, the light that passes through the low-beam aperture 51c is reflected by the low-beam reflector 51b. The high-beam light source 52a is located above the high-beam opening 52c (corresponding to the opposite side of the high-beam reflector 52b relative to the high-beam opening 52c). Of the light from the high-beam light source 52a, the light that passes through the high-beam opening 52c is reflected by the high-beam reflector 52b. The low-beam opening 51c and the high-beam opening 52c adjust the amount of light incident on each reflector 51b and 52b.

[0023] A partition wall 43W is provided between the low-beam reflector 51b and the high-beam reflector 52b, and this partition wall 43W separates the low-beam irradiation section 51 from the high-beam irradiation section 52. This partition wall 43W restricts the light from the low-beam light source 51a from entering the high-beam reflector 52b, and also restricts the light from the high-beam light source 52a from entering the low-beam reflector 51b.

[0024] The pair of left and right light-emitting sections 53 are the parts that emit light LA ​​and LB to improve the visibility of the saddle-type vehicle 10 to others outside the vehicle. By employing light with a small divergence angle, such as parallel light or quasi-parallel light, these lights LA and LB are able to obtain higher brightness at a predetermined position away from the saddle-type vehicle 10 than the low-beam and high-beam headlights, which are generally diffuse light. This ensures that the identifiable light LA ​​and LB is distinguishable from the headlights. Therefore, others positioned in the direction from which the light LA ​​and LB are emitted can easily recognize the light LA ​​and LB, making others outside the vehicle aware of the presence of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Here, the predetermined position is the position in the direction from which the lights LA and LB are irradiated, and can also be described as a position farther than the headlight light or a position away from the irradiation range of the headlight light. The predetermined position includes the positions P1 and P2 of the other vehicle 111 (Figures 9 and 10), which will be described later, with reference to the saddle-type vehicle 10. Lights LA and LB correspond to the "predetermined light" of the present invention, and hereafter, when lights LA and LB are specifically distinguished, they will be referred to as the first light LA ​​and the second light LB, respectively.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the left and right pair of light irradiating units 53 are provided on the left and right inner, outer, and front sides of the left and right pair of low beam irradiating units 51. Each light irradiating unit 53 includes a first light source 53a, a first reflector 53b that reflects the light from the first light source 53a to become a first light LA, and a second reflector 53c that reflects the light from the first light source 53a to become a second light LB. The first light source 53a is a known light source such as an LED and emits visible light. The first light source 53a is the light source located furthest inward in the vehicle width direction, as well as furthest forward and downward among the multiple light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a of the light unit 41. These light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a are located in front of the handlebars 21a and the vehicle frame 11. These light sources 1a, 52a, and 53a are not limited to point light sources, but may also be planar light sources that emit planar light by densely arranging multiple light-emitting elements. Planar light sources are, for example, COB (Chips on Board) type or SMD (Surface Mount Device) type LEDs.

[0026] The first reflector 53b and the second reflector 53c are positioned in front of and below the multiple light sources 51a, 52a, 53a and the other reflectors 51b, 52b, and are supported by the housing 43. Therefore, they are positioned in front of and between the left and right headlight light sources, which consist of the low beam light source 51a and the high beam light source 52a. As shown in Figure 2, the ceiling portion 43T of the housing 43 has a first opening 53d that opens vertically below the first light source 53a and above the first reflector 53b and the second reflector 53c. As shown in Figure 3, the first opening 53d is located behind the light emitting section 53, which includes the first reflector 53b and the second reflector 53c. Of the light from the first light source 53a, the light that passes through the first aperture 53d is reflected by the first reflector 53b and the second reflector 53c.

[0027] In this configuration, the first aperture 53d limits the light entering the light unit 41 from the first light source 53a. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the shape of the first opening 53d, and corresponds to section AA in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the first opening 53d is formed as a trapezoidal through-hole in a side cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken by cutting along a plane extending in the axial direction of the first opening 53d). One of the front and rear inner surfaces of the first opening 53d, inner surface 53d1 (the front inner surface in this embodiment), is formed as a plane extending in the vertical direction, while the other inner surface 53d2 (the rear inner surface in this embodiment) is formed as an inclined surface that is oblique to the vertical direction, narrowing the opening of the first opening 53d as it moves away from the first light source 53a.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the direct light from the first light source 53a that is directed toward each reflector 53b, 53c passes through the first aperture 53d and enters each reflector 53b, 53c, and is reflected by each reflector 53b, 53c. In contrast, some of the light incident on the inner surface 53d1 extending vertically from the first light source 53a is reflected by that inner surface 53d1 and incident on the other inner surface 53d2. The other inner surface 53d2 reflects the light reflected by the other inner surface 53 upward. The other inner surface 53d2 also reflects the light incident on from the first light source 53a upward. In this way, the situation in which light that does not incident on either the first reflector 53b or the second reflector 53c enters the light unit 41 is suppressed.

[0029] Figure 6 schematically shows another example of the shape of the first opening 53d. Figure 6 corresponds to section AA in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, by narrowing the first opening 53d to a small-diameter through-hole 53d3 through which direct light from the first light source 53a that is directed toward each reflector 53b, 53c passes, the situation in which light that does not enter either the first reflector 53b or the second reflector 53c enters the light unit 41 is suppressed. Furthermore, by making the hole on the first light source 53a side of the first opening 53d a large-diameter through hole 53d4 connected to the small-diameter through hole 53d3, the inner surface of the large-diameter through hole 53d4 is used to efficiently reflect the light incident from the first light source 53a out of the light unit 41.

[0030] The first reflector 53b is formed as a reflector that illuminates light from the first light source 53a in a predetermined direction. This direction is set to a direction suitable for improving the visibility of the saddle-type vehicle 10 from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, the irradiation angle range of the first light LA ​​can be changed by moving the first reflector 53b closer to or further away from the first light source 53a. By changing the irradiation angle range, it is also possible to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the first light LA ​​that has a brightness above a predetermined level.

[0031] For example, if the goal is to make the first light LA ​​perceived by others for only a short time, or if the priority is to make the first light LA ​​perceived by others at a distance, it is preferable to set the position of the first reflector 53b, etc., to narrow the illumination angle range. Conversely, if the priority is to make the light LA ​​perceived by others located over a relatively wide area or by others nearby, it is preferable to set the position of the first reflector 53b, etc., to widen the illumination angle range. The illumination angle range may also be changed by changing the shape of the first reflector 53b.

[0032] Furthermore, when the first reflector 53b makes the first light LA ​​parallel, the first reflector 53b can be, for example, a reflecting mirror in which a region of the rotating paraboloid with the position of the first light source 53a as the focal point is formed on the reflective surface, capable of irradiating light LA ​​of a predetermined width in a desired direction. Furthermore, to make the first light LA ​​quasi-parallel light, for example, the reflective surface of the first reflector 53b can be made to approximate a paraboloid of revolution. Quasi-parallel light is divergent light that is close to parallel light. Because quasi-parallel light has a small divergence angle, it can illuminate with a certain level of brightness or higher over relatively long distances, similar to parallel light.

[0033] The second reflector 53c is formed as a reflector that illuminates the light from the first light source 53a in a predetermined direction. This direction is set to face another person (the person being illuminated) to improve the visibility of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Similar to the case of the first reflector 53b, by adjusting the position or changing the shape of the second reflector 53c, it is possible to change the irradiation angle range of the second light LB, increase or decrease the cross-sectional area of ​​the second light LB (corresponding to a cross-sectional area having a brightness of a predetermined level or higher (for example, an illuminance or brightness that can be perceived by others)), or make the second light LB parallel light, quasi-parallel light, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, Figure 2 illustrates a case where there is only one first light source 53a for the optical LA and LB, but it is also possible to provide a light source for each of the optical LA and LB. When a light source is provided for each of the optical LA and LB, the brightness and illuminance of the optical LA and LB can be easily changed.

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a pair of left and right light-emitting sections 53 along with their surrounding configuration in a top view of the vehicle. In Figure 7, the light unit 41 is shown as the left headlight light-emitting section 41L, consisting of the left low-beam emitting section 51 and the high-beam emitting section 52, and the right headlight light-emitting section 41R, consisting of the right low-beam emitting section 51 and the high-beam emitting section 52. As shown in Figure 7, the front surface of the light unit 41, which includes a pair of left and right headlight light-emitting sections 41L and 41R, has a sloping shape that narrows in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the front of the vehicle.

[0036] Next, I will explain optical LA and LB. As described above, light LA ​​and LB are lights that produce a higher brightness than diffuse light, such as headlight light, in the direction from which each light LA ​​and LB is irradiated. We will explain the light LA ​​and LB in relation to driving conditions. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a driving situation with multiple vehicles, viewed from above. Figure 8 shows an intersection (also called a crossroads) 100 where two roads intersect, along with its surroundings. The road containing lane 101A on which the other vehicle 111 (hereinafter referred to as "other vehicle 111") travels is labeled "first road 101," and the road intersecting first road 101 is labeled "second road 102."

[0037] As an example of the saddle-type vehicle 10 in this embodiment, vehicles 10A and 10B, consisting of motorcycles located at intersection 100, are shown. Vehicle 10A is located on the second road 102 and is about to turn left into lane 101A of the first road 101 (the lane in which other vehicles 111 are traveling). Vehicle 10B is located on the opposite lane (also called the opposing road) 101B of lane 101A in which other vehicles 111 are traveling and is about to make a U-turn at intersection 100 or turn right into the second road 102. Reference numeral 105 in Figure 8 indicates the stop line in which vehicle 10A stops.

[0038] Figure 9 is a view of vehicle 10A together with other vehicles 111 from above. As shown in Figure 9, the vehicle 10A irradiates light LA ​​and LB in the directions corresponding to angles θ1 and θ2, respectively, which are on the front side of the vehicle. Angle θ1 is the direction in which the first light LA ​​is shone toward the driver of the other vehicle 111 when the other vehicle 111 is at position P1 on lane 101A, and Figure 9 illustrates the case where it is to the front and side of the vehicle with respect to vehicle 10A. Angle θ2 is the direction in which the second light LB is shone toward the driver of the other vehicle 111 when the other vehicle 111 is at position P2 on lane 101A, and Figure 8 illustrates the case where it is to the front and side of the vehicle with respect to vehicle 10A. The other vehicle 111 is a vehicle that may become a vehicle following vehicle 10A after vehicle 10A has turned left. As shown in Figure 9, position P2 is closer to the vehicle 10A in the vehicle width direction than position P1.

[0039] Positions P1 and P2 are set based on simulations and experiments to positions suitable for other vehicles 111 to avoid contact with vehicle 10A. For example, positions P1 and P2 are set to positions where other vehicles 111 can avoid vehicle 10A without contact, or where they can stop. Also, position P1 is the position of other vehicles 111 before reaching position P2. If position P1 is defined as the distance d1 from vehicle 10A, and position P2 is defined as the distance d2 from vehicle 10A, then distance d1 > distance d2.

[0040] By illuminating the vehicle 10A with lights LA and LB in the directions of angles θ1 and θ2, the first light LA ​​is directed toward position P1 and the second light LB is directed toward position P2. This allows the lights LA and LB to be directed toward the driver of another vehicle 111 that may be following, thereby making the driver of the other vehicle 111 aware of the presence of vehicle 10A. Furthermore, since the light LA ​​and LB are emitted from in front of the steering handlebar 21a (see Figure 1), the light LA ​​and LB are not obstructed by occupants positioned behind the handlebar 21a, i.e., occupants of the vehicle 10A.

[0041] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the lights LA and LB can be perceived by the drivers of other vehicles 111 at different positions P1 and P2, allowing the lights LA and LB to be recognized by the drivers of other vehicles 111 at time intervals. This makes it possible to cause the drivers of other vehicles 111 to perceive flashing lights through the lights LA and LB, making it easier for the drivers of other vehicles 111 to recognize vehicle 10A. In this configuration, as shown in Figure 3, the light irradiation unit 53 that emits light LA ​​and LB is located towards the front of the vehicle 10A. Since vehicle 10A is a moving vehicle, there are usually no obstacles in front of it, but as illustrated in Figure 9, there may be obstacles 200 to the side of vehicle 10A. In Figure 9, obstacle 200 is assumed to represent another saddle-type vehicle located to the right of vehicle 10A. However, obstacle 200 is not limited to vehicles; it could also be a wall or plants located to the left of vehicle 10A, and depending on the road and surrounding environment, an obstacle may be located to the right of vehicle 10A.

[0042] In this configuration, since the light LA ​​and LB are emitted from a position closer to the front of vehicle 10A, even if obstacles 200 are present on the left and right sides of vehicle 10A, as illustrated in Figure 9, the light LA ​​and LB are not obstructed by the obstacles 200 on the sides of vehicle 10A, making it easier to illuminate the vehicle. Even if the obstacle 200 is positioned to obstruct the light LA, the light LB is emitted in front of the light LA, so it is not obstructed by the obstacle 200, making it easier to illuminate the vehicle. Furthermore, compared to the case where the light LA ​​and LB are emitted from a position closer to the rear of vehicle 10A, it is possible to emit the light LA ​​and LB from a position closer to other vehicles 111. In other words, due to the positional relationship between the vehicle 10A and the obstacle 200 located to its side, the lights LA and LB are less likely to be obstructed by the obstacle 200. As a result, even if the obstacle 200 is present, the lights LA and LB make it easier to alert the driver of the other vehicle 111 to the presence of vehicle 10A.

[0043] Figure 10 shows vehicle 10B together with other vehicles 111, viewed from above. As shown in Figure 10, the vehicle 10B irradiates light LA ​​and LB in the directions corresponding to angles θ3 and θ4, respectively, which are on the front side of the vehicle. Angle θ3 is the direction in which the first light LA ​​is shone toward the driver of the other vehicle 111 when the other vehicle 111 is at position P1 on lane 101A. Angle θ4 is the direction in which the second light LB is shone toward the driver of the other vehicle 111 when the other vehicle 111 is at position P2 on lane 101A. The other vehicle 111 is an oncoming vehicle of vehicle 10B. As shown in Figure 10, position P2 corresponds to a position closer to the vehicle 10A in the longitudinal direction than position P1.

[0044] Positions P1 and P2 are set based on simulations and experiments to positions suitable for other vehicle 111 to avoid contact with vehicle 10B. For example, positions P1 and P2 are set to positions where other vehicle 111 can avoid vehicle 10B without contact, or where it can stop. As in Figure 9, position P1 is the position of other vehicle 111 before it reaches position P2. If position P1 is defined as the distance d1 from vehicle 10B, and position P2 is defined as the distance d2 from vehicle 10B, then distance d1 > distance d2.

[0045] Therefore, when vehicle 10B irradiates light LA ​​and LB in the directions of angles θ3 and θ4, the first light LA ​​is directed toward position P1 and the second light LB is directed toward position P2. This allows light LA ​​and LB to be directed toward the driver of the oncoming vehicle 111, making the driver of the other vehicle 111 aware of the presence of vehicle 10A. Furthermore, since the light beams LA and LB are emitted from in front of the steering handlebar 21a (see Figure 1), the light beams LA and LB are not obstructed by occupants positioned behind the handlebar 21a, i.e., occupants of the vehicle 10B.

[0046] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the lights LA and LB can be perceived by the drivers of other vehicles 111 at different positions P1 and P2, allowing the lights LA and LB to be recognized by the drivers of other vehicles 111 at time intervals. This allows the lights LA and LB to cause the drivers of other vehicles 111 to perceive flashing lights, thereby increasing their awareness of the presence of vehicle 10A. Furthermore, in this configuration, as shown in Figure 3, the light emitting unit 53 that emits light LA ​​and LB is located towards the front of the vehicle 10B. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, even if there is an obstacle 201 (for example, a wall or plants) that blocks the light to the side of the vehicle 10B, the light LA ​​and LB can be emitted more easily without being blocked by the obstacle 201, and the light LA ​​and LB can be emitted from a position closer to other vehicles 111. In other words, due to the positional relationship between the position of the vehicle 10B and the obstacle 201 located to the side of the vehicle, the light LA ​​and LB are less likely to be blocked by the obstacle 201. As a result, the light LA ​​and LB can more easily alert the drivers of other vehicles 111 to the presence of the vehicle 10B.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first light LA ​​reaches the driver of another vehicle 111 that is relatively far away from the vehicle 10A and 10B, while the second light LB reaches the driver of another vehicle 111 that is relatively close. Therefore, the first light LA ​​can be described as "light reaching far from the vehicle," and the second light LB can be described as "light reaching near the vehicle." In addition, the second light LB reaches closer to the center of the vehicle width of vehicles 10A and 10B than the first light LA. Furthermore, if position P1 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is referred to as the "first position," then position P2 can be described as "a second position that is closer to the vehicle in the longitudinal or width direction than the first position, relative to the vehicle itself, which is a saddle-type vehicle 10."

[0048] Figure 11 shows a situation where pedestrians M1 are located to the left and right in front of a moving saddle-type vehicle 10. It is assumed that pedestrians M1 are facing the road 107 on which the saddle-type vehicle 10 is traveling. As shown in Figure 11, the light emitting unit 53 emits light LA ​​and LB toward the front and sides of the vehicle, thereby making pedestrians M1 located to the left and right in front of vehicle 1 more aware of the presence of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Therefore, not only the occupants of other vehicles 111 but also pedestrians M1 around the saddle-type vehicle 10 will be more likely to recognize it.

[0049] Figure 11 schematically shows the central visual field (MC) and peripheral visual field (MS) of a person (pedestrian M1). The central visual field (MC) is the range of vision that can be seen without moving the eyeballs, while the peripheral visual field (MS) is the range of vision outside the central visual field (MC). As a characteristic of human vision, it is known that the central visual field (MC) allows for clear discrimination of the shapes of surrounding objects, but the reaction to the movement of those objects tends to be relatively delayed. Conversely, it is known that the peripheral visual field (MS) does not allow for clear discrimination of the shapes of surrounding objects, but the reaction to the movement of those objects tends to be relatively fast. In this configuration, when the saddle-type vehicle 10 and pedestrian M1 are arranged as shown in Figure 11, the saddle-type vehicle 10 can illuminate the pedestrian M1's peripheral field of vision MS with light LA ​​and LB. This is expected to make the pedestrian M1 more recognizable to the saddle-type vehicle 10.

[0050] As explained above, the light unit 41 constituting the lighting device emits predetermined lights, LA and LB, which are lights that have a higher brightness than the headlights of the vehicle at predetermined positions P1 and P2, which are positions spaced apart from the vehicle, which is a saddle-type vehicle 10. The lights LA and LB are emitted from a position forward of the vehicle's center in the longitudinal direction. Since the vehicle emits lights LA and LB at positions P1 and P2, which are located away from the vehicle, and which have a higher brightness than the vehicle's headlights, other people at positions P1 and P2 will be more likely to perceive the lights LA and LB. Moreover, since the lights LA and LB are emitted from a position in front of the vehicle's center in the longitudinal direction, the positional relationship between the vehicle's position and obstacles to its sides (obstacles 200 and 201 as shown in Figures 9 and 10) means that the lights LA and LB are less likely to be obstructed by the obstacles. Therefore, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of the obstacles with lights LA and LB. In addition, the lights can be emitted from a position closer to other people at positions P1 and P2, which are located away in the direction of travel. Consequently, even if there are obstacles to the side of the vehicle, the lights LA and LB make it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has a steering handlebar 21a, and the lights LA and LB are emitted from a position in front of the handlebar 21a. Since the lights LA and LB are emitted from a position in front of the handlebar 21a, they are not obstructed by the occupant positioned behind the handlebar 21a, i.e., the occupant of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Because the lights LA and LB are not obstructed by the occupant, it becomes easier for others at positions P1 and P2 to perceive the lights LA and LB, making it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle 10. Moreover, since the lights LA and LB are emitted from a position in front of the handlebar 21a, the positional relationship between the position of the saddle-type vehicle 10 and obstacles located to its sides makes it difficult for the lights LA and LB to be obstructed by obstacles. Therefore, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of obstacles with the lights LA and LB. Consequently, even if there are obstacles to the side of the handlebar 21a, the lights LA and LB make it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has a so-called frame-mounted structure in which the light unit 41 is supported on the vehicle frame 11. However, the light unit 41 may also be supported on the steering system, such as the front fork 14, so that the light unit 41 changes direction left or right in response to the steering of the handlebars 21, thus adopting a so-called handlebar-mounted structure. When a handle-mount structure is used, the direction of the lights LA and LB changes in accordance with the movement and steering angle of the handle 21, so it is expected that the lights LA and LB will be projected in a direction that is more easily noticed by others.

[0053] Furthermore, by combining a configuration in which the lights LA and LB are emitted from in front of the steering handlebar 21a and the vehicle frame 11 with the handlebar mounting structure of the light unit 41, it is possible to increase the likelihood of illuminating the lights LA and LB in a direction that is not obstructed by obstacles, and to emit the lights LA and LB from a position closer to others, which is expected to make it easier for others to recognize the vehicle 10A.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the light unit 41 comprises a plurality of light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a first reflector 53b and a second reflector 53c that reflect light from any of the light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a so that it becomes the aforementioned light LA ​​and LB. These reflectors 53b and 53c are positioned in front of the light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a. Since the first reflector 53b and the second reflector 53c are positioned in front of the multiple light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a of the light unit 41, the lights LA and LB can be emitted from in front of the light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a. As a result, the lights LA and LB are less likely to be obstructed by obstacles due to the positional relationship between the position of the saddle-type vehicle 10 and any obstacles located to its sides. Therefore, even if there are obstacles to the sides of the light sources 51a, 52a, and 53a, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of the obstacles with the lights LA and LB, making it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle 10 by the lights LA and LB.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the light unit 41 has left and right headlight light sources consisting of a low beam light source 51a and a high beam light source 52a. The front of the light unit 41 has a sloping shape that narrows in the vehicle width direction towards the front of the vehicle, and the reflectors 53b and 53c are positioned in front of the headlight light sources and between the left and right headlight light sources. The front of the light unit 41 has a sloping shape that narrows in the vehicle width direction towards the front of the vehicle, and the reflectors 53b and 53c are positioned in front of the left and right headlight light sources, so that the reflectors 53b and 53c can emit light LA ​​and LB from in front of the headlight light emitting sections 41L and 41R. Due to the positional relationship between the position of the saddle-type vehicle 10 and obstacles located to the sides of the vehicle, the light LA ​​and LB are less likely to be obstructed by obstacles. Therefore, even if there are obstacles to the sides of the headlight light sources, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of the obstacles with light LA ​​and LB, making it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle 10. In addition, the space between the left and right headlight light sources can be used to position the reflectors 53b and 53c in front of the headlight light sources.

[0056] [Other embodiments] The saddle-type vehicle 10 according to another embodiment has the same configuration as the above embodiment, except that it has a cover 45 that covers the area between the left and right headlight light-emitting sections 41L and 41R from the front. The following describes the differences from the above embodiment, and components that are the same as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment are omitted. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a pair of left and right light-emitting units 53 together with the surrounding configuration in a top view of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 12, there is a cover 45 that covers the space between the left and right headlight light-emitting sections 41L and 41R from the front. This cover 45 may be part of the front cover 42 that covers the front of the housing 43, or it may be a different cover from the front cover 42. The saddle-type vehicle 10 has a configuration in which a pair of left and right light-emitting sections 53 are located between a pair of left and right headlight light-emitting sections 41L and 41R. More specifically, it has a configuration in which a plurality of reflectors 53b and 53c are located between a pair of left and right headlight light-emitting sections 41L and 41R. The cover 45 makes it difficult to see each reflector 53b and 53c from the front of the vehicle.

[0057] This cover 45 can be described as a cover that covers a part of the light unit 41 consisting of a lamp, and a cover that covers the space between the so-called twin-lens type headlights 41L and 41R, which have a pair of left and right headlight light-emitting sections 41L and 41R. At least a part of this cover 45 is located in front of each reflector 53b and 53c, and overlaps with each reflector 53b and 53c when viewed from the front of the vehicle, making each reflector 53b and 53c difficult to see from outside the vehicle, which is advantageous for improving appearance.

[0058] Thus, the saddle-type vehicle 10 according to another embodiment has a cover 45 that covers a part of the light unit 41, and a part of the cover 45 is located in front of the reflectors 53b and 53c and overlaps with the reflectors 53b and 53c when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This makes it possible to make each reflector 53b and 53c difficult to see from outside the vehicle by using the cover 45, which is advantageous for improving appearance. The cover 45 may also be an extension provided on the light unit 41.

[0059] The embodiments described above are merely examples of one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied at will without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the present invention was applied to a so-called twin-lens type saddle-type vehicle 10 having a pair of left and right headlight light-emitting units 41L, 41R. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the present invention may also be applied to a so-called single-lens type saddle-type vehicle having one headlight light-emitting unit.

[0060] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the headlight illumination section 41M of a single-lens type saddle-type vehicle, along with its surrounding configuration, as viewed from the front of the vehicle. In the example shown in Figure 13, light-emitting sections 53, including reflectors 53b and 53c, are positioned on the left and right sides of the headlight light-emitting section 41M, respectively, and light LA ​​and LB are emitted from the area of ​​the light-emitting sections 53. Furthermore, the headlight light-emitting section 41M is configured to have a pair of left and right covers 45 that cover a part of the light unit 41. In this case, the pair of left and right light-emitting sections 53 are positioned behind the pair of left and right covers 45, and overlap with each cover 45 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. This makes it difficult to see each reflector 53b and 53c from outside the vehicle by the pair of left and right covers 45, which is advantageous for improving appearance.

[0061] The position of the light-emitting section 53 may be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be placed outside the light unit 41. However, from the viewpoint of preventing obstruction by side obstacles, the position of the light-emitting section 53 is preferably within a range in which the light LA ​​and LB can be emitted from in front of the front-rear center of the vehicle, and from the viewpoint of preventing obstruction by the occupant and side obstacles, it is preferably in front of the handlebars 21a and the vehicle frame 11.

[0062] Furthermore, the first light source 53a for optical LA and LB is not limited to one, but may be multiple. Also, although the case in which the first light source 53a is a dedicated light source for optical LA and LB has been described, it is not limited to this, and any of the light sources of the saddle-type vehicle 10 may be used as the first light source 53a. Furthermore, the shape, position, number, etc., of each part of the light unit 41, including the reflectors 53b and 53c, may be changed as appropriate.

[0063] Furthermore, the direction of illumination of light LA ​​and LB is not limited to the front and sides of the vehicle, but can be any direction that is suitable for occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians to recognize vehicle 10. Furthermore, although the case in which the light irradiation unit 53 irradiates two lights LA and LB to the front and side of the vehicle has been described, it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to irradiate one or more lights.

[0064] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicles to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to motorcycles, but may also be applied to various saddle-type vehicles such as three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.

[0065] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0066] (Configuration 1) A saddle-type vehicle having a lighting device, wherein the lighting device emits a predetermined light at a predetermined position spaced apart from the vehicle, which has a higher brightness than the vehicle's headlights, and the predetermined light is emitted from a position forward of the vehicle's center in the front-rear direction. A predetermined light is emitted at a predetermined position away from the vehicle, with a brightness higher than the vehicle's headlights, making it easier for others at that position to perceive the predetermined light. Furthermore, since the predetermined light is emitted from a position forward of the vehicle's center in the longitudinal direction, the predetermined light is less likely to be obstructed by obstacles due to the positional relationship between the vehicle (a saddle-type vehicle) and obstacles located to its sides. Therefore, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of obstacles with the predetermined light. Consequently, even if there are obstacles to the side of the vehicle, the predetermined light makes it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle.

[0067] (Configuration 2) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1, wherein the saddle-type vehicle has a steering handlebar, and the predetermined light is emitted from a position in front of the handlebar. Since the designated light is emitted from a position in front of the handlebars, it is not obstructed by the occupant positioned behind the handlebars, i.e., the occupant of a saddle-type vehicle. Because the designated light is not obstructed by the occupant, it becomes easier for others in the designated position to perceive the light, making it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle. Furthermore, because the designated light is emitted from a position in front of the handlebars, the designated light is less likely to be obstructed by obstacles due to the positional relationship between the vehicle's position (a saddle-type vehicle) and obstacles located to its sides. Therefore, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of obstacles with the designated light. Consequently, even if there are obstacles to the sides of the handlebars, the designated light makes it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle.

[0068] (Configuration 3) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the lighting device comprises a plurality of light sources arranged offset in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a reflector that reflects light from any of the plurality of light sources to become the predetermined light, and the reflector is positioned in front of the plurality of light sources. Since the reflector is positioned in front of the multiple light sources of the lighting device, the predetermined light can be emitted from in front of the multiple light sources. As a result, the predetermined light is less likely to be blocked by obstacles due to the positional relationship between the vehicle, which is a saddle-type vehicle, and any obstacles located to its sides. Therefore, even if there are obstacles to the sides of the multiple light sources, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of the obstacles with the predetermined light, making it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle.

[0069] (Configuration 4) A saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 3, having a cover that covers a part of the lamp, wherein a part of the cover is located in front of the reflector and overlaps with the reflector when viewed from the front of the vehicle. A portion of the cover that covers a part of the aforementioned light fixture is located in front of the reflector and overlaps with the reflector when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Therefore, the cover can be used to make the reflector difficult to see from outside the vehicle, which is advantageous for improving the appearance.

[0070] (Configuration 5) The saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 3 or 4, wherein the lighting device has left and right headlight light sources, the front of the lighting device has a sloping shape that narrows in the vehicle width direction as it goes towards the front of the vehicle, and the reflector is positioned in front of the headlight light sources and between the left and right headlight light sources. The front of the aforementioned lighter has a sloping shape that narrows in the vehicle width direction towards the front of the vehicle, and the reflector is positioned in front of the left and right headlight light sources and between the left and right headlight light sources, so that the reflector can emit a predetermined light from in front of the left and right headlight light sources. Due to the positional relationship between the position of the vehicle, which is a saddle-type vehicle, and obstacles present to the sides of the vehicle, the predetermined light is less likely to be blocked by obstacles. Therefore, even if there is an obstacle to the side of the headlight light source, it becomes easier to illuminate the area in front of the obstacle with the predetermined light, making it easier for others to recognize the saddle-type vehicle. In addition, the space between the left and right headlight light sources can be used to position the reflector in front of the headlight light sources. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10. Saddle-type vehicles 10A, 10B Vehicles (Saddle-type vehicles) 11. Body frame 21 Handle 21a Handlebars 41 Light Unit (Lighting Device) 41L, 41R Headlight light illumination area 45 Cover 51 Low beam irradiation area 51a Light source for low beam (light source for headlights) 52 High beam illumination section 52a High beam light source (headlight light source) 53 Light-irradiating section 53a 1st light source 53b First reflector 53c Second reflector 111 Other vehicles 200,201 Obstacles LA,LB Light (specified light) LC vehicle width center P1 position (1st position) P2 position (second position)

Claims

1. In a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a light device (41), The lamp (41) emits a predetermined light at a predetermined position spaced apart from the vehicle, which is brighter than the headlights of the vehicle. The aforementioned predetermined light is emitted from a position forward of the vehicle's longitudinal center, The aforementioned lighting device (41) comprises a plurality of light sources (51a, 52a, 53a) arranged offset from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The system includes reflectors (53b, 53c) that reflect light from any of the plurality of light sources (51a, 52a, 53a) so that it becomes the predetermined light, The plurality of light sources (51a, 52a, 53a) include the left and right headlight light sources (51a, 52a), The front of the aforementioned light (41) has a sloping shape that narrows in the vehicle width direction as it moves towards the front of the vehicle. The reflectors (53b, 53c) are positioned in front of the plurality of light sources (51a, 52a, 53a), including the headlight light sources (51a, 52a), and between the left and right headlight light sources (51a, 52a), in a saddle-type vehicle.

2. The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle has a steering handlebar (21a), The predetermined light is emitted from a position in front of the handlebar (21a). A saddle-type vehicle as described in claim 1.

3. The lamp (41) has a cover (45) that covers a part of it. A portion of the cover (45) is located in front of the reflectors (53b, 53c) and overlaps with the reflectors (53b, 53c) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

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5. (delete)

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