Saddle-ride 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

Saddle-type vehicle

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

[0002] Conventionally, a charging structure for a motorcycle includes a USB charger that can charge external electrical devices on the back side (the front side of the vehicle, the side opposite the driver) of a meter unit located in front of the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-154804

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, the USB charger's terminal connection port (USB port) is also located on the back side of the meter unit. The USB charger, along with the meter unit, is located forward of the steering wheel, away from the driver, creating usability issues. Furthermore, the USB charger is secured to the back side of the meter unit using a locking claw and fastening bosses formed on the back side of the meter unit. However, placing an electrical component such as a USB charger closer to the driver may require a separate mounting structure, potentially complicating the structure.

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

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A saddle-ride type vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is a saddle-ride type vehicle (1) having an equipment connection part (41) capable of electrically connecting an external electrical device, the saddle-ride type vehicle (1) including: a handlebar support member (11) disposed in front of an occupant and rotating about a handlebar rotation axis (C2) in conjunction with a steering wheel (2); a steering handlebar (15) disposed above the handlebar support member (11); and a handlebar holder (20) supporting the steering handlebar (15) on the handlebar support member (11) so that the steering handlebar (15) can rotate integrally with the steering handlebar, the equipment connection part (41) being fixed to the handlebar holder (20). According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) above of the present invention, the equipment connection part capable of electrically connecting an external electrical device is fixed to the handlebar holder together with the steering handlebar above the handlebar support member, thereby making it possible to bring the equipment connection part closer to the occupant compared to when the equipment connection part is disposed in front of the steering handlebar. This makes it easier for the occupant to operate the device connector, and also makes it possible to provide a simple mounting structure for the device connector by utilizing the structure of the handlebar holder. Here, the above-mentioned "electrical connection" is not limited to a configuration in which terminals are in direct contact with each other, but may also include a non-contact configuration in which, for example, coils are brought close to each other and electromagnetic induction is used.

[0007] (2) In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) above, the device connection portion (41) may be supported by a support bracket (60), and the support bracket (60) may be fastened together with a holder fastening portion (24) for fastening the steering handle (15) to the handle holder (20). According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (2) above of the present invention, the support bracket of the device connection portion is fastened together with the holder fastening portion of the handle holder, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated fastening portion for attaching the device connection portion and allowing the device connection portion to be fixed with a simple structure.

[0008] (3) In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, an operating unit (38) operated by the occupant may be disposed in front of the handle holder (20), and the device connection unit (41) may be disposed offset to the outside in the vehicle width direction of the handle holder (20). According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (3) above of the present invention, by disposing the device connection unit on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the handle holder, the device connection unit does not get in the way when the occupant reaches for the operating unit, thereby improving the operability of the operating unit.

[0009] (4) In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (3) above, the device connection portion (41) may be arranged offset to the left side of the handlebar holder (20) of the vehicle. According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (4) above of the present invention, by arranging the device connection portion on the left side of the handlebar holder, it is possible to obtain the same usability as a right-hand drive vehicle. That is, in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, the center console is located to the left of the driver, and electrical components including the device connection portion are often arranged to the left of the driver for use.

[0010] (5) In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the device connection portion (41) may have an opening (43) for inserting and detaching the connection terminal of the external electrical device, and the opening (43) may open toward the rear. According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (5) above, the opening in the device connection portion for inserting and detaching the connection terminal (external terminal) of the external electrical device opens toward the rear of the vehicle, so that the opening opens toward the occupant, making the device connection portion easier to use. Furthermore, compared to when the opening of the device connection portion opens toward the front of the vehicle, the intrusion of traveling wind, foreign objects, raindrops, etc. can be suppressed.

[0011] (6) In the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (5) above, the wiring (49b) extending from the device connection portion (41) may extend rearward and then fold back forward. According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (6) above, the wiring extending from the device connection portion extends rearward and then folds back forward, making it possible to prevent the wiring from getting in the way when inserting or removing an external terminal into or from the device connection portion. Furthermore, because the wiring extending from the device connection portion and the external wiring extending from the external terminal extend in the same direction, it is possible to reduce the clutter of wiring around the device connection portion.

[0012] (7) The saddle-ride type vehicle described in (2) above may further include fastening members (64a, 64b) that fasten the device connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60), and at least one of the device connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60) may include a cover portion (48b, 64c) that covers the periphery of the fastening members (64a, 64b). According to the saddle-ride type vehicle described in (7) above of the present invention, the periphery of the fastening members that fasten the device connection portion and the support bracket is covered with the cover portion, making the fastening members less noticeable and improving the appearance, and preventing external disturbances from reaching the fastening members.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, a saddle-ride type vehicle can be provided in which an equipment connection section can be arranged in a position close to the driver with a simple structure.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the periphery of a top bridge of the motorcycle; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which a fixing structure of a USB charger is disassembled compared to Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a top view taken along arrow IV in Fig. 1, as viewed from the steering axis direction; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a charger assembly; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the charger assembly as viewed from the thickness direction of the USB charger;

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of front, rear, left, right, etc. are the same as the directions in the vehicle described below. In addition, 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 top of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the left and right sides of the vehicle body are shown in appropriate positions.

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

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

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

[0019] The head pipe 5b has a steering axis (rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as the steering axis) C1 that is tilted rearward relative to the vertical direction. Wheel-side components including the front wheel 2 and left and right front forks 4 rotate around the steering axis C1. In the embodiment, handle-side components including the steering handle 15 and handle support members (such as the handle holder 20 and the top bridge 11) rotate around a rotation axis C2 (handle rotation axis, hereinafter referred to as the handle rotation axis) that is coaxial with the steering axis C1. In the embodiment, a single stem pipe is provided as a shaft member common to the steering axis C1 and the handle rotation axis C2.

[0020] For example, if the steering axis C1 and the handlebar rotation axis C2 are arranged on different axes, each of the steering axis C1 and the handlebar rotation axis C2 may be provided with an independent shaft member. Also, the handlebar side component and the wheel side component may be connected via a link or the like. For example, while the left and right front forks 4 extend parallel to the steering axis C1, this is not limiting and the left and right front forks 4 may extend at an angle relative to the steering axis C1.

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

[0022] For example, in a configuration in which 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 terminate 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, together with the handlebar holder 20, is included in the handlebar support member.

[0023] A headlight 30 and a pair of left and right front blinkers 31 are supported on the steering stem 10 via light stays (not shown). For example, a meter unit 33 and a main switch 38 are also supported on the top bridge 11. The headlight 30, the pair of left and right front blinkers 31, the meter unit 33, and the main switch 38 are rotatable together with the steering handlebars 15.

[0024] The meter unit 33 is disposed above the headlights 30 and in front of the top bridge 11. The meter unit 33 has a circular display surface 34 disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction. The meter unit 33 is disposed so that the normal direction of the display surface 34 faces the driver's head position (i.e., faces diagonally upward and rearward). The normal direction of the display surface 34 is disposed so that it is inclined more gently (closer to horizontal) than the steering axis direction. The arrow S1 in FIG. 1 indicates the line of sight as seen from the driver's head position. FIG. 4 is a top view of the area around the top bridge 11 as seen from the steering axis direction, and will be used as a reference when describing the configuration as seen from the driver's head position.

[0025] The display surface 34 is inclined upward toward the front relative to the upper surface 11d (upper surface of the bridge main body 11c) of the top bridge 11 in the thickness direction. A display unit such as a speedometer and various indicator lamps are arranged on the display surface 34. The meter unit 33 includes a circular meter case 35 that forms the display surface 34. A substantially trapezoidal operating unit 36 ​​protrudes from the lower left of the meter case 35 when viewed from the normal direction of the display surface 34. The operating unit 36 ​​has an operating surface 36a that is substantially parallel to the display surface 34. A plurality of push buttons 36b for switching the display on the display surface 34 are arranged on the operating surface 36a.

[0026] A protrusion 11e is provided on the front side of the center of the top bridge 11 in the vehicle width direction. The protrusion 11e protrudes forward beyond the front edge of the bridge main body 11c that spans between the left and right clamp portions 11a. The protrusion 11e is, for example, integrally formed from the same material as the bridge main body 11c. The protrusion 11e forms a protruding upper surface that is approximately parallel to the upper surface 11d of the bridge main body 11c. The protrusion 11e is located behind the meter unit 33. The protrusion 11e is formed in an approximately trapezoidal shape when viewed from the steering axis direction. A through-hole that penetrates the protrusion 11e in the steering axis direction is formed in the center of the protrusion 11e in the vehicle width 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 arranged with its axis aligned with the steering axis, and its circular upper end is located inside a 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 turning 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 in which it is operated by inserting the physical key 38a, but may also be a switch that can be operated or enabled without using the physical key 38a by authenticating the ID of a smart key (FOB key) carried by the occupant.

[0028] 2, the steering handle 15 includes a pair of left and right grip portions 15a that are gripped by the driver, 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 of the top bridge 11 via a handle holder 20.

[0029] The handle holder 20 includes a pair of left and right holder main bodies 21 spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each holder main body 21 is divided into upper and lower halves 21a, 21b in the steering axis direction. Each of the upper and lower halves 21a, 21b has a recess (not shown) that forms a semicircular inner circumferential surface when viewed in the vehicle width direction. The inner circumferential surface of each recess is formed to match the outer circumferential surface of the straight portion 15c of the steering handle 15, which is made of a circular steel pipe.

[0030] The linear portion 15c is clamped and fixed between the upper and lower halves 21a, 21b by sandwiching the holding position of the linear portion 15c between the recesses of the upper and lower halves 21a, 21b and tightening a pair of front and rear fastening bolts 25 arranged in front and rear of the recesses. The fastening bolts 25 are arranged axially along, for example, the steering axis direction. Upper fastening portions 23a having insertion holes through which the fastening bolts 25 are inserted are provided at the front and rear of the upper halves 21a. Lower fastening portions (not shown) having nut holes into which the fastening bolts 25 are threaded are provided at the front and rear of the lower halves 21b. The corresponding upper fastening portions 23a and lower fastening portions form a holder fastening portion 24.

[0031] The left and right upper halves 21a are connected together via a bridge portion 26. The bridge portion 26 is integrally formed with the left and right upper halves 21a from the same material, for example. The left and right lower halves 21b (and thus the handlebar holder 20) are mounted to the top bridge 11 via, for example, rubber bushings.

[0032] 2 and 3, motorcycle 1 is equipped with USB charger (charging device) 40, which is capable of charging an external electrical device by integrating a transformer (DC-DC converter, adapter) 45 and a USB socket (device connection portion) 41. USB charger 40 is an example of a power supply component that can supply power to an external electrical device such as a smartphone by connecting it via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector.

[0033] An example of an external electrical device that can be connected to the USB charger 40 is a small, lightweight, and portable mobile device. Examples of mobile devices include smartphones, tablet devices, and small laptops. The USB charger 40 includes at least one voltage conversion element. The USB charger 40 converts 12V from the battery to 5V for USB using a transformer 45, and can supply the 5V to the external electrical device via the USB connector.

[0034] The USB charger 40 is disposed on the upper left side of the handle holder 20 and is fixed to the handle holder 20 via a support bracket 60. The USB charger 40 is disposed in a position where the driver can look down in front of the driver when seated on the seat 17 facing the front of the vehicle.

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

[0036] The USB charger 40 is connected to the power supply line of the main harness on the vehicle body side via a wire 49b extending from the transformer 45. The USB charger 40 is connected to a 12V battery (not shown), which is an on-board power source, via the main switch 38 or the like. A wire lead-out portion 49 for leading the wire 49b rearward is provided at the lower right of the rear of the transformer 45. The wire lead-out portion 49 has a wire lead-out port 49a that opens rearward. The wire 49b led out from the wire lead-out port 49a curves downward near the rear end of the transformer 45, then curves forward, and returns forward below the transformer 45. The wire 49b then extends downward in front of the top bridge 11 and is connected to the power supply line of the main harness on the vehicle body side.

[0037] The USB charger 40 is capable of charging an external electrical device using the power of the battery. The USB socket 41 of the USB charger 40, together with a USB terminal provided at the tip of a charging cord on the external electrical device side, constitutes a USB connector.

[0038] The USB socket (device connection unit) 41 of the embodiment includes at least a power terminal, but may not include a data communication terminal. If a device that communicates with a control device or the like of the motorcycle 1 is installed instead of the USB charger 40, the device will include the USB socket 41 with a data communication terminal and will be connected to a data communication line on the vehicle body. The device connection unit does not need to be integrated with a functional unit such as the transformer 45. The specifications of the device connection unit are not limited to a bus standard for connecting USB, and various interface standards can be adopted depending on the required specifications.

[0039] The USB charger 40 is disposed above the upper surface of the handle holder 20. Referring also to Figure 4, the USB charger 40 is disposed to the left of the vehicle left-right center CL and is shifted to the left of the left end of the handle holder 20.

[0040] 2 and 3, the USB charger 40 of this embodiment has a charger body, in which the transformer 45 and the USB socket 41 are integrated, covered with a resin cover 50, for example, to form a charger assembly 40A. The charger assembly 40A is attached to a tip end 62a of a support bracket 60, and a 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 above and to the left of the handle holder 20.

[0041] The USB socket 41 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped appearance with a limited width (thickness) in the left-right direction. The transformer 45 is disposed below the USB socket 41 and has the same flat rectangular parallelepiped appearance as the USB socket 41, but is formed longer rearward than the USB socket 41. The USB socket 41 and the transformer 45 are integrated with each other to form a charger body that is L-shaped in a side view. The charger body has a flat shape with a limited width (thickness) in the left-right direction as a whole.

[0042] A socket opening (charging port) 43 that opens toward the rear of the vehicle is formed on the rear end surface of a socket case 42 that forms the exterior of the USB socket 41, allowing a USB terminal of an external electrical device to be inserted from the rear of the vehicle. A circuit board (not shown) including a voltage conversion element is housed inside a transformer case 46 that forms the exterior of the transformer 45.

[0043] 4 and 6 , a gate-shaped receiver 47 is provided on the left side surface (the outer side surface in the vehicle width direction) of the front portion of the transformer case 46, into which a locking claw 63 of the support bracket 60 can be inserted in the front-rear direction. The locking claw 63 is provided in front of the tip 62a of the support bracket 60 and has a hook-like shape that rises from the tip 62a to the right and then bends and extends rearward. By inserting the locking claw 63 into the receiver 47, the front portion of the transformer 45, and therefore the charger main body, is locked to the front portion of the tip 62a of the support bracket 60.

[0044] A plate-shaped stay portion 48 that intersects the left-right direction is provided at the rear end of the transformer case 46. A through-hole 48a is formed in the center of the stay portion 48, passing through it in the left-right direction. The underside of a tapping screw 64b is inserted into the through-hole 48a from the right side (the inner side in the vehicle width direction), and the tapping screw 64b is threadedly engaged with and tightened into a clip nut 64a attached to a rear end fixing portion 64 of the support bracket 60. This fastens the transformer 45, and therefore the rear end of the charger main body, to the rear end of the front end 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 shape that rises from the tip portion 62a to the right and then bends rearward and extends. Fastening the tapping screw 64b and the clip nut 64a restricts movement of the transformer 45 relative to the support bracket 60, at least in the front-to-rear direction. This prevents the receiving portion 47 from coming off the locking claw 63 of the support bracket 60, maintaining the state in which the transformer 45 and therefore the front portion of the charger main body are locked to the support bracket 60, and therefore the entire charger main body is held (fixed) to the support bracket 60.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 5, and 6, the cover 50 that covers the charger body partially exposes the charger body. The cover 50 exposes (protrudes) the stay portion 48, for example, at the rear end of the charger body. The cover 50 has an openable lid portion 54, for example, at the top of the charger body, covering the socket opening 43. The lid portion 54 is rotatable around a hinge shaft 53 that extends vertically, for example, on the left side (outside the vehicle width direction) of the socket opening 43. Referring to Figure 5, by rotating the lid portion 54 around the hinge shaft 53 in the direction of arrow R1, 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 Figure 5, the open state of the lid portion 54 is indicated by a solid line, and the closed state of the lid portion 54 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0047] <Fixing and positioning of USB charger> The fixing structure of the USB charger 40 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The USB charger 40 is fixed using a pair of front and rear holder fastening portions 24 and fastening bolts 25 on the holder main body 21 on the left side of the handle holder 20. That is, the flat base end 61a located on the right side of the support bracket 60 is fastened together with 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 61a of the support bracket 60.

[0048] The upper fastening portion 23a of the upper half 21a is formed with a counterbore 23a1 into which the head of the fastening bolt 25 is recessed, making it difficult for the base end 61a of the support bracket 60 to reach the seating surface of the upper fastening portion 23a. In this embodiment, a collar 27 is disposed on the upper fastening portion 23a and the fastening bolt 25 is extended, allowing the flat base end 61a of the support bracket 60 to be disposed on the upper end (seat) of the collar 27. This allows the support bracket 60 to be fixed by co-tightening with the holder fastening portion 24 without the need for a separate structure for fixing the support bracket 60. Reference numeral 28 in the figure denotes a cap that closes the hexagonal hole of the fastening bolt 25.

[0049] The location of the USB charger 40 will be described with reference to Figure 4 as well. The USB charger 40 is positioned offset to the left in the vehicle width direction so that the entirety is located to the left of the vehicle body center CL in the vehicle width direction. The USB charger 40 is positioned so that the entirety is located to the left in the vehicle width direction (so as not to overlap in the vehicle width direction) with the main switch 38, which is located at the vehicle body center CL in the vehicle width direction. This means that even if the USB charger 40 is positioned above the top bridge 11, the USB charger 40 is unlikely 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 of the vehicle, it is possible to position the USB charger 40 in the center CL of the vehicle. 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 of the vehicle).

[0051] In particular, the following effect can be expected from shifting the USB charger 40 to the left in the vehicle width direction. That is, when charging an external electrical device such as a smartphone in a right-hand drive passenger vehicle, it is common to connect the external electrical device to a USB port located in the center console on the left side 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 an external device in a passenger vehicle.

[0052] The insertion / removal direction of the external terminal in the USB socket 41 (insertion / removal direction, direction of arrow F1 in the figure) is tilted downward toward the rear with respect to the horizontal front-to-rear direction so as to follow the upper surface 11d of the top bridge 11, which is tilted downward toward the rear. The USB socket 41 has a socket opening 43 facing rearward. This prevents the socket opening 43 from being directly exposed to the wind while riding, thereby reducing the generation of wind noise and the intrusion of foreign objects and raindrops. Furthermore, because the insertion / removal direction F1 has a vertical component and the socket opening 43 is configured to open downward, rainwater and the like are prevented from intruding into the socket opening 43 from above.

[0053] The direction in which the wiring 49b of the USB charger 40 is pulled out is parallel to and in the same direction as the opening direction of the socket opening 43. In this case, the external wiring connected to the USB socket 41 and the wiring 49b of the USB charger 40 are pulled out in the same direction, which reduces the clutter of wiring around the USB charger 40. For example, if the direction in which the wiring 49b is pulled out is opposite the opening direction of the socket opening 43, the wiring 49b will be pulled out on the side opposite the external wiring. In particular, if the socket opening 43 faces downward, the wiring 49b will be pulled out upward, making the wiring 49b noticeable and susceptible to external disturbances.

[0054] In this embodiment, the wiring 49b is pulled out in the same direction as the socket opening 43, and the pulled out wiring 49b is folded back from the lower side of the transformer case 46 toward the front and extended toward the main harness. This prevents the wiring 49b from being disposed around the socket opening 43, making it less likely that the wiring 49b will interfere with the attachment and detachment of external terminals. Furthermore, the wiring 49b can be connected to the main harness while remaining less conspicuous. For example, when the socket case 42 and the transformer case 46 are integrally molded, if the wiring outlet 49a and the socket opening 43 are removed in the same direction, it is 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, each of the stay portion 48 and the support bracket 60 is formed with a visor portion (cover portion) 48b, 64c that covers the fastening members (tapping screw 64b and clip nut 64a) from above. This makes the fastening members less noticeable when viewed by the driver and prevents rainwater and the like from splashing on them from above. The visor portion may be provided on only one of the stay portion 48 and the support bracket 60. Furthermore, the visor portion is not limited to a cover portion (visor portion) that covers the fastening members from above, and a cover portion that covers the fastening members from the front and rear directions, for example, may be provided.

[0056] As described above, the motorcycle 1 in the above embodiment includes a device connection portion (USB socket 41) capable of electrically connecting an external electrical device, a handlebar support member (top bridge 11) disposed in front of the rider and rotating about the handlebar rotation axis C2 in conjunction with the steered wheel (front wheel 2), a steering handlebar 15 disposed above the top bridge 11, and a handlebar holder 20 supporting the steering handlebar 15 on the top bridge 11 so that the steering handlebar 15 can rotate integrally therewith, and is characterized in that the USB socket 41 is fixed to the handlebar holder 20. According to this configuration, the USB socket 41 capable of electrically connecting an external electrical device is fixed to the handlebar holder 20 together with the steering handlebar 15 above the top bridge 11, thereby enabling the USB socket 41 to be closer to the rider than when the USB socket 41 is disposed in front of the top bridge 11. This makes it easier for the rider to operate the USB socket 41, and also enables a simple mounting structure for the USB socket 41 to be provided by utilizing the structure of the handlebar holder 20.

[0057] In the motorcycle 1, the USB socket 41 is supported by a support bracket 60, and the support bracket 60 is fastened together with the holder fastening portion 24 for fastening the steering handlebar 15 to the handlebar holder 20. According to this configuration, the support bracket 60 of the USB socket 41 is fastened together with the holder fastening portion 24 of the handlebar holder 20, so that a dedicated fastening portion for attaching the USB socket 41 is not required, and the USB socket 41 can be fixed with a simple structure.

[0058] The motorcycle 1 is characterized in that an operation unit (main switch 38) operated by the rider is disposed in front of the handlebar holder 20, and the USB socket 41 is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction of the handlebar holder 20. With this configuration, by disposing the USB socket 41 outward in the vehicle width direction from the handlebar holder 20, the USB socket 41 does not get in the way when the rider reaches for the main switch 38, thereby improving the operability of the main switch 38. Examples of operation units other than the main switch 38 include operation units of electrical equipment such as the meter unit 33 and a car navigation system, and operation units of vehicle body parts such as a cowling and an item storage box.

[0059] In the motorcycle 1, the USB socket 41 is disposed offset to the left side of the vehicle relative to the handlebar holder 20. With this configuration, the USB socket 41 is disposed to the left of the vehicle relative to the handlebar holder 20, thereby providing the same usability as a right-hand drive vehicle. This is because, in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, the center console is located to the left of the driver, and electrical components including the USB socket 41 are often disposed and used on the left side of the driver.

[0060] In the motorcycle 1, the USB socket 41 has an opening (socket opening 43) through which the connection terminal of the external electrical device is inserted and removed, and the socket opening 43 is open toward the rear. With this configuration, the socket opening 43, through which the connection terminal (external terminal) of the external electrical device in the USB socket 41 is inserted and removed, opens toward the rear of the vehicle, so that the socket opening 43 opens toward the rider, making the USB socket 41 easier to use. Furthermore, compared to when the socket opening 43 of the USB socket 41 opens toward the front of the vehicle, the intrusion of wind, foreign objects, raindrops, etc. can be suppressed.

[0061] In the motorcycle 1, the wire 49b extending from the USB socket 41 extends rearward and then bends back toward the front. With this configuration, the wire 49b extending from the USB socket 41 extends toward the rear of the vehicle and then bends back toward the front of the vehicle, which makes it possible to prevent the wire 49b from getting in the way when inserting or removing an external terminal into or from the USB socket 41. Furthermore, because the wire 49b extending from the USB socket 41 and the external wires extending from the external terminals extend in the same direction, it is possible to reduce the complexity of the wiring around the USB socket 41.

[0062] The motorcycle 1 is characterized in that it includes fastening members (tapping screw 64b, clip nut 64a) that fasten the USB socket 41 and the support bracket 60, and that the USB socket 41 and the support bracket 60 are each provided with a cover portion (eaves 48b, 64c) that covers the periphery of the fastening members. According to this configuration, the periphery of the fastening members that fasten the USB socket 41 and the support bracket 60 is covered by the eaves 48b, 64c, making the fastening members less noticeable, improving the appearance, and suppressing external disturbances from reaching the fastening members.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the USB charger mounting structure of the present embodiment may be applied to saddle-ride vehicles other than motorcycles. Saddle-ride vehicles include all vehicles on which a driver straddles the vehicle body, including not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles 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 four-wheeled buggies). The present invention may also be applied to vehicles that include an electric motor as a prime mover. The present invention may also be applied to vehicles other than saddle-ride vehicles (such as passenger cars, buses, and trucks). The configurations of the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, such as replacing components of the embodiments with known components.

[0064] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle) 2 Front wheel (steering wheel) 11 Top bridge (handle support member) 15 Steering handle 20 Handle holder 24 Holder fastening portion 38 Main switch (operation portion) 40 USB charger (charging device) 41 USB socket (device connection portion) 43 Socket opening (opening portion) 45 Transformer 48b, 64c Eaves portion (cover portion) 49b Wiring 60 Support bracket 64a Clip nut (fastening member) 64b Tapping screw (fastening member) C2 Handle rotation shaft

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle (1) including an equipment connection portion (41) capable of electrically connecting an external electric device, A handle support member (11) disposed in front of an occupant and rotatable about a handle rotation shaft (C2) in conjunction with the steering wheel (2); A steering handle (15) disposed above the handle support member (11); a handle holder (20) that supports the steering handle (15) on the handle support member (11) by a fastening bolt (25) so as to be integrally rotatable with the steering handle; a support bracket (60) fixed to the handle holder (20) and supporting the device connection portion (41), The support bracket (60) comprises a base portion (61); The support bracket (60) is fastened together with the fastening bolt (25) via a collar (27) at a holder fastening portion (24) for fastening 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 away from the center of the vehicle, thereby displacing the equipment connection portion (41) outward in the vehicle width direction from the handle holder (20).

2. (delete)

3. An operating section (38) that is operated by the occupant is disposed in front of the handle holder (20), 2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the device connection portion (41) is disposed outwardly of the handle holder (20) in the vehicle width direction relative to the operation portion (38).

4. 4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the device connection portion (41) is arranged offset to the left side of the handle holder (20) on the vehicle body.

5. The device connection portion (41) has an opening (43) for inserting and removing a connection terminal of the external electrical device, 2. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the opening (43) is open toward the rear.

6. 6. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the wiring (49b) extending from the device connection portion (41) extends rearward and then turns back and extends forward.

7. The device further includes fastening members (64a, 64b) for fastening the device connection portion (41) and the support bracket (60), 2. 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).